Stewardship in Stressful Times

The way we come together as church has greatly changed, at least for now. Not only do we have to connect and worship differently, but we also need to find new ways to give - time, talent, treasure - when we aren’t able to gather.

 

GROWING GRATITUDE: OPTIONS FOR OFFERINGS

COVID-19 has interrupted our patterns, including traditional ways of serving, giving and raising funds to support our ongoing ministries. Watch a series of videos exploring options to transition and grow in these stewardship areas. Discover how our faith and baptismal identity reflect what we value as stewards of all that our generous God has given us. Learn about how to provide inspiring opportunities for people to share what they have to make a difference in the world. Hear ideas for interesting virtual fundraising activities. Consider how church leaders make an effective case as they seek these financial gifts from existing and potential donors. Special guests graciously shared their expertise and answered questions.

 

Session #7 - Thursday, June 4, 2020 - Blair MacKinnon, Heritage House Law Office, Dartmouth, NS. TOPIC: Exploring Estate Planning & Legacy Gifts.

Growing Gratitude - Session #7 - YouTube

Growing Generosity - Session #7 - SoundCloud

 

Session #6 - Thursday, May 28, 2020 - Lucas Froese, Charity Engagement Manager with CanadaHelps. TOPIC: Creative, Relationship-building FUNDRAISING IDEAS.  

How to set up and use CanadaHelps   Online Giving - YouTube

Growing Generosity - Session #6 - YouTube

Growing Generosity - Session #6 - SoundCloud

 

Session #5 - Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Susan Graham Walker, recently retired Stewardship Ministry expert for Anglican Church of Canada, Toronto, ON. TOPIC: Practical Approaches to Giving Our Thanks and Praise! What are some ways we can say ‘thanks’?     

Growing Generosity - Session #5 - YouTube

Growing Generosity - Session #5 - SoundCloud

 

Session #4 - Thursday, May 14, 2020 - Bishop Sue Moxley (retired). TOPIC: SHARING OUR GOOD NEWS STORIES, + personal testimonies of ‘why I give.’

Growing Generosity - Session #4 - YouTube

Growing Generosity - Session #4 - Soundcloud

 

Session #3 - Thursday, May 7, 2020 - The Venerable Kim Van Allen, Diocese of Huron. TOPIC: Five Areas of Intentional, Generous, Faithful Living.    I INTEND

Growing Generosity - Session #3 YouTube

Growinng Generosity - Session #3 - Soundcloud

 

Session #2 - Thursday, April 30, 2020 - Special guest: Gillian Doucet Campbell, Director of Stewardship & Development, Diocese of Niagara

YouTube video recording - Growing Gratitude - Session #2 - YouTube

SoundCloud audio recording - Growing Gratitude - Session #2 SoundCloud

    

Session #1 -  Thursday, April 23, 2020 - Special guest: Glen Greencorn, Diocesan Controller

YouTube video recording - Growing Gratitude - Session #1 YouTube

SoundCloud audio recording - Growing Gratitude - Session #1 SoundCloud  

DIOCESAN PAR PROGRAM

Pre-Authorized Remittance is a service available to any parish. These are automatic withdrawals from a bank account or credit card. If you don’t already have this option for your congregation members visit the Diocesan PAR webpage for information. Tammy Cummins, Payroll Administrator (tcummins@nspeidiocese.ca) can offer additional support.  Diocesan PAR Program Information

MAKE GIVING EASY: PAR - YouTube video interviews with Tammy Cummins, Diocesan Payroll Administrator. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

For Parish Officers: How a parish or church can set up a simple and safe way to give and receive offerings and other financial gifts through the electronic transfer of funds.   MAKING GIVING EASY: PAR Part 1

For Parishioners and Other Givers: How someone can easily sign up for offerings and one-time financial gifts through the electronic transfer of funds.   MAKE GIVING EASY: PAR Part 2

CANADA HELPS

A popular online option that offers fundraising technology for all charities. More than 20,000 charities depend on CanadaHelps’ online fundraising tools. Charities get their donations quickly with weekly bank deposits.   https://www.canadahelps.org/en/

Investing Gifts for Kingdom Purposes

“It all belongs to God. Whatever I have or am or do, I hold in trust. I will make what I have and am and do count for God’s benefit. It may not be much, but it will be all that I have.”

- Retired Canadian bishop, the Most Reverend Douglas Hambidge, in his book, The S Word.

Articles & Ideas for Stewardship

 

ANGLICAN CHURCH OF CANADA - MAIN STEWARDSHIP SITE

Resources for Mission’s page includes information on general parish giving programs, planned giving and foundational documents for the theology behind generous giving of time, talent and resources.   https://www.anglican.ca/gifts/

 

I INTEND

A Canadian Anglican discipleship program for congregations and individuals. This free resource, including a participant workbook, offers an opportunity for individuals, groups or a whole parish to grow in their capacity to be followers of Jesus. It helps people make practical choices in five areas of their lives to help them live generously, faithfully and intentionally. Based on the Anglican Marks of Mission and the Baptismal Covenant.   I INTEND 

 

GIVING OUR THANKS AND PRAISE

Stewardship is a core element of Christian practice. It is how we follow Jesus in our daily lives and live his mission as a parish. Giving Our Thanks & Praise is a guide and resource to increase giving, generosity and gratitude in your congregation to support God’s mission. This offers beginner steps and some simple, practical tips. Published by the Anglican Church of Canada.  https://www.anglican.ca/gifts/gtp/

INSPIRE! INVITE! THANK! Facebook page - Inspire! Invite! Thank! - Facebook

 

WILL THE CHURCH FINANCIALLY SURVIVE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

Twelve Christian leaders share their thoughts on how the coronavirus pandemic might affect the financial health and sustainability of churches. From Faith & Leadership site of Duke Divinity School, Durham, NC. Church and COVID-19 Pandemic 

 

WRITING A CASE FOR SUPPORT

An effective rationale for giving creates an image for your request and for the church overall. Raising funds is about emotions every bit as much as it is about logic. Present your case for support in the best possible light. An article by Rev. Michael Erwin.   Writing a Case for Support

 

20 VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING IDEAS DURING COVID-19

Creative online activities, complete with instructions and sample promotional wording and images. Written by Tim Forbes, posted on Soapbox Engage Blog.   20 Virtual Fundraising Ideas - Soapbox

 

7 CREATIVE VIRTUAL FUNDRAISING IDEAS

Ideas you can use to replace your cancelled events. Posted by CanadaHelpsVirtual Fundraising Ideas - Canadahelps

 

FIVE TIPS FOR MANAGING YOUR CHURCH BUDGET DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

Consider your communication methods, income sources, expense reduction and deferment. By Ken Sloane, Director of Stewardship & Generosity for Discipleship Ministries of The United Methodist Church, US. (NOTE: our Parish and Diocesan SafeR Church policies still apply.)   5 Tips for Managing Your Church Budget

 

10 COMMON MISTAKES IN FUNDRAISING FOR CONGREGATIONS

Helpful approaches to grow donations and common pitfalls to avoid. Written by Erin Weber-Johnson. Posted by Episcopal Church Foundation Vital Practices site.   10 Common Fundraising Mistakes

 

CHURCH FINANCIAL HEALTH DURING A PANDEMIC

Speak about the financial reality at your church. People respond to facts. Say if income is down; say if money is needed to purchase supplies for your community ministry. Article from Building Faith, Virginia Theological Seminary written by Carolyn Moomaw.   Church Financial Health

 

WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT CALLING – IT’S A GAME CHANGER

Providing a heartfelt message is our work in this world, especially now. Learn how your phone conversations continues to build relationships with your givers. An article from M & M International, faith-based consulting from Ontario.   MM Internat. - Calling is a Game Changer

TIPS for CHARITABLE RECEIPTS

It's tax time again and a fabulous opportunity to express your appreciation to all those who've financially contributed to your parish's minisitries. The charitable receipt envelope is being delivered anyway, why not include a special note of thanks and other information about how your faith community is making a difference?

(CLICK HERE)     Tips for Charitable Tax Receipts