White Gift Sunday, which will be celebrated at First Congregational Church, UCC Wiscasset, on Jan. 6, has been a part of Christian churches’ celebrations for more than 100 years.

In 1904, the wife of a Methodist minister in Ohio sought a way to help people in need within the church community. She was familiar with the story of the people of China who revered their emperor — the Kublai Khan — so much, that they would bring him gifts wrapped in plain paper for his birthday. In presenting gifts to him in this manner, there would be no comparing the size or value of the gifts, but rather emphasizing the love of the people for their leader.

The tradition of White Gift Sunday, begun more than 100 years ago, has spread around the Christian world, so that today, variations of this service are included in churches not only in the United States, but also in the United Kingdom, Canada, Brazil, India and Australia to help people in need in their communities.

In a special offering on Sunday, Jan. 6, at the 10 a.m. service, the congregation may bring a gift wrapped in white paper or money in a white envelope. Proceeds will be distributed to the Animal Shelter, St. Philip's Food Pantry, and the Special Needs Fund; undesignated funds will be evenly distributed to the three charitable groups.

The First Congregational Church is located at 350 High Street on the common in Wiscasset. For more information contact the church office at 882-4152, fccw@myfairpoint.net