Make Your Year-End Giving Statement Something Special

Make Your Year-End Giving Statement Something Special

I am not what you call a “Pollyanna” or a “Joel Osteen” kind of Christian.  I know that you cannot simply smile away the world’s problems – there is hard work to do to overcome oppression and injustice (and here’s my thanks for the life and work of Pete Seeger, God rest his soul).  But, I also know that there is a time to celebrate all that you and your congregation have done to make Jesus’ words ring true.  To everything there is a season...take the time to dance and rejoice in your congregations’ successes.

The year-end giving statement is the perfect opportunity to remember how you and your congregation have made an impact in the world.  In addition to giving folks the cold hard facts of what they have financially given to the church, insert a one-page “annual report” highlighting what you have done that is worth celebrating.  Here’s an excellent example:

                                                                                   


Sure, it will take about an hour to hammer out a letter.  But just think how inspired you will be as you reflect on the amazing work of your congregation over the year.  And, think about how good others will feel knowing that their work has been recognized and documented.  It’ll no doubt get them ready to impact their community and their world as the hands and feet of Jesus in the coming year.

P.S.  Because of last week's blog posting, I was going to recommend that you watch a PBS special on “The Real Mary Poppins” – a documentary on the life of P.L. Travers.  But, and I kid you not, PBS postponed the show at the last minute because of “rights issues.” 

Cesie Delve Scheuermann is a consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing.   Over the past decade, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she helped raise nearly $2 million dollars for numerous non-profit organizations.  She served as the Oregon-Idaho Annual Conference Lay Leader from 2008-2012.  Her position with the Conference is funded through a generous grant from the Collins Foundation.  You can reach her at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com.

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