Monday, November 16, 2015

Remembering Our Baptism...

Such a DUH! moment... simple and profound... one of those head-banging moments of "why didn't I think of this before?)

Sunday was a bit playful...a romp through the faith stories of Hebrews 11 as our Consecration Sunday sermon. We had a "faith kit" with items that reminded us of the faith journeys of Hebrews and our own. The last item was the "water" poured into the font...

And as people brought their commitment cards forward, they were invited to touch the waters of baptism if they wished...reminding them of God who claims them, gives them life and resources, and cares for them every day of this faith journey.

A powerful symbol that combined so well with our stewardship and commitment journeys...

It's a keeper!

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Sample Stewardship Brochure

I know this may be late for many of you...but consider it fodder for next year...

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Thank You and Encouragement...

We had a donor give a generous gift here toward the end of the year, and as we were thinking how to use it, it crossed our minds it could say "thank you" or "keep trying" to some of our new pledgers (who might or might not be behind on their pledges) or young pledgers. Here are some possible ways to be encouraging or say thank you:

Dear ___.
Growing spiritually means taking some risks and adopting new behaviors. We celebrate your willingness to take a risk and commit to regular, percentage giving. In honor of your willingness to work toward this new practice, a gift has been made toward your pledge by a fellow “traveler of The Way” who knows the joy of generosity and the challenge of learning to trust the practice. Don’t give up. Don’t feel guilty. Just keep on with the practice the best you can today, and know the Spirit will continue to grow your faith and your ability.
or
Dear ___,
We are grateful for the generosity you have shared and that you made a promise to the ministry of FHPC for the first time in 2015. In honor of your generosity, a special gift has been made toward the operating fund by a fellow “traveler of The Way” who knows the joy of generosity and the challenge of learning to trust God in the practice of stewardship. 

Thank you for your faithful commitment.
Even if you don't have a donor, we still need to encourage and thank...especially those who are trying to make generous giving a regular, faithful, spiritual practice.

If you have other practices you would like to share, please do so in the comments or send them to me and I will post them in the blog.