The emphasis on "Week" in our name indicates the fund's beginnings as a week-long effort to raise money for those in need. The first official collection under this name was made February 20 - 27, 1944, in conjunction with the annual Brotherhood Dinner, celebrated simultaneously by Disciples churches across the country. Decades later, WoC is still a week-long special offering season each February. WoC receives all of its funds from Disciples congregations and their members; it does not receive any funding from the Disciples Mission Fund. The important claim in the second word of our name, "Compassion," indicates Disciples' faithful belief that Jesus embodied and modeled for the Church how to love and care for all God's people and Creation through faithful, life-giving love in the face of suffering. (see WoC Historical Narrative)

Last updated on October 5, 2009 by Week of Compassion