"You can give without loving. But you cannot love without giving." -Amy Carmichael (1867-1951)
Fund raising and stewardship can be the dual devils tormenting a congregation- or they can be outward and joyful signs of congregational life.
I choose joy.
I choose joy.
Gifts
As a nurse executive I learned to approach giving in an open and forthright way. This has served me well as a minister.
I talk about money. I talk about what our money does, and how much money we need. I talk about how we spend our money.
I talk about why we give.
I am an experienced fund raiser, and it shows. In a former congregation, yearly giving increased by $80,000 during my ministry. I ask for what is needed, and non-pledge based gifts to that church during my tenure included:
In my second congregation, the pandemic proved a challenge to pledging, and understandably so. During my time with the congregation we generated gifts which allowed us to:
I talk about money. I talk about what our money does, and how much money we need. I talk about how we spend our money.
I talk about why we give.
I am an experienced fund raiser, and it shows. In a former congregation, yearly giving increased by $80,000 during my ministry. I ask for what is needed, and non-pledge based gifts to that church during my tenure included:
- a new church organ
- organ speakers
- 50 teal hymnals
- a new wireless microphone system (2 battery packs, 2 headsets)
- a new electric clavinova (gently used)
- a matching dishwasher and stove
- a firepit with 4 benches and a permanent wood rack (done by a local Eagle scout)
- a sanctuary remodel (single donor)
- 55" 4K TVs for two classrooms
- a 32" 4K TV for the front hall
- a gently used piano for the Social Hall
- a completely remodeled Children's Outdoor Play Place
- a $1 million dollar capitol campaign which replaced siding, roofing, and doorways in the building, and added new windows to the formerly dark interior
In my second congregation, the pandemic proved a challenge to pledging, and understandably so. During my time with the congregation we generated gifts which allowed us to:
- replace and upgrade the sanctuary sound system
- complete a successful $500,000 capitol campaign to remodel the kitchen
- begin year-round pledging
- replace the antiquated lift
Stewardship
Stewardship is a reality in the life of any church. As a minister, my goal is to make conversations about financial matters factual, honest, transparent, and routine.
I talk about money in monthly stewardship meetings, where groups of church members are invited to explore exactly how their giving supports and builds the life of the church. They are welcome to ask questions, view information, and dream about what we could do if we had 25% more. Church members are encouraged to use monthly automatic withdrawal to complete their pledge amounts, and to use the church giving app if possible.
Giving is good; it shouldn't be a pain to do it.
I talk about money in monthly stewardship meetings, where groups of church members are invited to explore exactly how their giving supports and builds the life of the church. They are welcome to ask questions, view information, and dream about what we could do if we had 25% more. Church members are encouraged to use monthly automatic withdrawal to complete their pledge amounts, and to use the church giving app if possible.
Giving is good; it shouldn't be a pain to do it.
Fund Raising
Fundraising is a partner to both Stewardship and Gift Generation. It can be community outreach, marketing, congregational fellowship, and even new member welcome.
Fundraising should be mission-driven, a natural part of congregational existence, and fun for everyone involved. It should also be practical, and provide a reasonable return on the investment of time and money.
At its best, the goal of fundraising is to provide an injection of outside funds into the congregational budget. Fund raisng should not routinely be an exercise in "picking our own pockets" but instead a chance for new connections and new financial support.
Fundraising events at my former, 155-member, congregation included:
In my second congregation, a 400-member congregation, our events included:
Since my arrival in 2022, my current 200-member Interim Congregation has created:
I bring to the congregation a strong digital literacy and knowledge of website creation, which allowed us to create online auction and retail spaces easily, and to train congregants to take over the running of these online spaces.
Fundraising should be mission-driven, a natural part of congregational existence, and fun for everyone involved. It should also be practical, and provide a reasonable return on the investment of time and money.
At its best, the goal of fundraising is to provide an injection of outside funds into the congregational budget. Fund raisng should not routinely be an exercise in "picking our own pockets" but instead a chance for new connections and new financial support.
Fundraising events at my former, 155-member, congregation included:
- a professional concert series
- a barn concert and beer tasting
- a Time, Talent and Treasures Auction ($22,000
- a Haunted House ($500 a night)
- an annual Rummage Sale ($2,000)
- A professional production of "Old Befana"
In my second congregation, a 400-member congregation, our events included:
- a Fabulously Fun Food Fair Fundraiser ($15,000)
- a professional concert series
- a Music and Art Festival with art auction ($5,000)
- an online store at https://first-unitarian-church-of-des-moines.myshopify.com/ ($1,500 per year)
Since my arrival in 2022, my current 200-member Interim Congregation has created:
- an Art Auction ($8,000)
- an online store (uucovboutique.com)
I bring to the congregation a strong digital literacy and knowledge of website creation, which allowed us to create online auction and retail spaces easily, and to train congregants to take over the running of these online spaces.