CONGREGATIONAL GIVING KIT, 2015–2016 Resource Kit
DVD INSIDE
Called to Be the Church The United Church of Canada | L’Église Unie du Canada
Called to Be the Church DVD Training the Team
Welcome (0:58) Why I Give (3:41) The Ask (8:56) Applause (4:35) Spiritual Practice (7:01)
Worship / Adult Learning
Sunday 1: Living Thankfully (4:53) Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Mission (4:44) Sunday 5: Expressing Our Gratitude (4:31)
Resource Kit Contents WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 Writers and Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
GETTING STARTED Announcing Called to Be the Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Commissioning the Giving Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
INSPIRING Training Event . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Preparing Your Narrative Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Tools for Inspiring, Week by Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Worship, Sunday 1: Living Thankfully Day by Day—The Life of the Steward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Worship, Sunday 2: Living Our Mission Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Worship, Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Worship, Sunday 4: Giving Sunday—Our Personal Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Worship, Sunday 5: Expressing Our Gratitude—Living Generously . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Sunday School Learning, Sunday 1: Give Thanks to God . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Sunday School Learning, Sunday 2: How We Are Called to Be the Church in Our Community . . . . . . . 45 Sunday School Learning, Sunday 3: Have You Filled a Bucket Today? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Sunday School Learning, Sunday 4: I Will with God’s Help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Sunday School Learning, Sunday 5: The Red Carpet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Youth/Confirmation Program, Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 Adult Learning, Sunday 1: Living Thankfully Day by Day—The Life of the Steward . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Adult Learning, Sunday 2: Living Our Mission Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Adult Learning, Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Adult Learning, Sunday 4: Giving Sunday—Our Personal Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Adult Learning, Sunday 5: Expressing Our Gratitude—Living Generously . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Communication: Staying Connected throughout the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
ASKING Inviting Others to Join You in Supporting God’s Mission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Implementation: Face to Face—Individual/Family . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Implementation: Face to Face—Small Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Implementation: Circuit Rider . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Implementation: Leadership Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Implementation: Multiple Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
75 77 78 79 83 87
THANKING Modelling Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
WRAPPING UP Evaluation and Future Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89 Deepening the Stewardship Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
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HANDOUTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
91 1–9. Giving Team/Volunteer Roles (for use in Commissioning the Giving Team, Training Event) 10. A New Creed Bulletin Insert (for use in Commissioning the Giving Team, Training Event, Saddle Bags) 11. Training Event Agenda (for use in Training Event) 12. Called to Be the Church Overview (for use in Training Event) 13. Asking Every Person Checklist (for use in Training Event) 14. Inspire! Ask! Thank! (for use in Training Event) 15. Six I’s of Asking (for use in Training Event) 16. Think! Say! Do! Stewardship! (for use in Sunday School Learning, Sunday 2) 17. Certificate of Generosity (for use in Sunday School Learning, Sunday 5) 18. Words of Encouragement Cards (for use in Sunday School Learning, Sunday 3) 19. Proportional Giving Chart (for use in Asking) 20. Response Card (for use in Asking) 21. Stewardship Prayers (for use throughout the program)
Called to Be the Church Congregational Giving Kit 2015–2016: Resource Kit
Copyright © 2015 The United Church of Canada L’Église Unie du Canada
The content of this resource is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) Licence. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca. Any copy must include the United Church copyright notice and the Creative Commons licence. All biblical quotations, unless otherwise noted, are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Specified biblical quotations from The Message by Eugene H. Peterson, copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group. All rights reserved. Specified biblical quotations from Good News Bible © ABS 1995. Care has been taken to trace ownership of copyright material contained in this text. The publisher will gratefully accept any information that will enable it to rectify any reference or credit in subsequent printings.
The United Church of Canada L’Église Unie du Canada 3250 Bloor St. West, Suite 300 Toronto, ON M8X 2Y4 1-800-268-3781 www.united-church.ca Design: Lisa Rebnord, Graphics and Print Cover Illustration: Deena Errampalli
Supported by Mission & Service
Printed in Canada 150131 2
Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Welcome The opening chapter of the Called to Be the Church giving program, the Program Guide, has been in circulation since early summer. It is also posted for easy reference in the Called to Be the Church section on stewardshiptoolkit.ca. Here are the rest of the chapters of Called to Be the Church. This Resource Kit has a few more resources for Getting Started, and expands especially on Inspiring, Asking, and Thanking. The Inspiring section includes a volunteer training event with video support, the steps to writing your Narrative Budget, prelude-topostlude worship services, and learning events for all ages. The Asking section gives you everything you need to ask all of your community to respond to the call to be the church and support God’s mission. In the Program Guide, you found Getting Started materials for your congregational giving program. The chart on pages 14–16 helped you plan your program, and you’ve had a chance to choose the Asking Every Person option that best suits your context using the chart on pages 30–32. Using the Program Guide to lay the groundwork, your Giving Team Co-leads have • gained an understanding of the program, including the three vital steps in a giving program—Inspire, Ask, and Thank (pages 9–10 of the Program Guide) • reviewed and begun using the step-by-step Planning the Program chart (pages 14–16 of the Program Guide) • recruited some or all of your Giving Team (pages 17–20 of the Program Guide) • held your first Giving Team meeting and set goals for your program (pages 21–25 of the Program Guide) You are now ready to take the next steps! This Resource Kit builds on the Program Guide. It contains all the supporting elements for implementing the giving program. Everything you need—Program Guide, Resource Kit—is also available on stewardshiptoolkit.ca/called.
Look for copies of these resources and more, including videos and “Why I give” slideshows, on stewardshiptoolkit.ca. Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Writers and Contributors With thanks to contributors to this resource for their enthusiasm for the project, their creativity, and their capacity to meet a very tight deadline. We are very grateful! —Susan Graham Walker Carole Bennett Richard Bott Robyn Brown-Hewitt Cheryl Curtis Melody Duncanson-Hales Jane Harding Andrew Hyde Roger Janes Janet Jones HyeRan Kim-Cragg Anne Miller Ruth Noble Fran Ota Bill Thomas Catherine Tovell Hans van Nie Cheryl Wood-Thomas
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Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Getting Started Announcing Called to Be the Church If you have worked through the Program Guide, you are now ready to begin implementation of the Called to Be the Church giving program in your congregation. In the weeks before launching this program, you will want to announce it to your community. Sample text follows for a letter to the congregation and an announcement, both written and verbal. For a digital slide, visit the Called to Be the Church section of stewardshiptoolkit.ca. Communication is important for any program’s success, and this program is no exception. Let people know what is being planned to build support and encourage participation. Let everyone know that your congregation is undertaking the congregational giving program Called to Be the Church. Be sure to communicate the following: • Why—Our congregation carries out God’s mission locally and in the wider world through the Mission & Service of the United Church. This is important and makes a difference. We are inviting everyone in our community to learn more about how we do this and to give their financial support so that we may continue this good work. • What—This is our congregational giving program. • When—We will begin our program on (give date). • How—Describe which of the three Asking Every Person options you have chosen.
Personalized Letter
Mail a letter to each individual or family in the congregation announcing the Called to Be the Church program and explaining the focus and process. The letter should be timed to arrive two weeks prior to Sunday 1. Here is some suggested wording for you to adapt as appropriate:
Opening Dear (handwritten salutation using first name), Our New Creed calls us to be the church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, and to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. We are called to follow in the way of Jesus as individuals, families, congregations, and as a denomination. (I/We) respond to this call and give to the ministry of (name of your pastoral charge/congregation) because...(begin with a “Why I give” paragraph from the Giving Team Co-leads.) Over the coming weeks, our congregation will be focused on how we are Called to Be the Church. We will share more stories about why we give, how our generosity makes a difference here at (name of your pastoral charge/congregation), how we affect the community around us, and how, through the Mission & Service of the United Church, we respond to this call, nationally and globally. Join us week by week to hear the stories of how we are called—in our worship and through a variety of learning opportunities. (Include notice of the Sunday school, youth, and adult learning events.)
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What will happen Explain the Asking Every Person option you have chosen: Face to Face
Circuit Rider
Personal Letter
Individuals or Families: You will be contacted by a member of our Giving Team to arrange a face to face conversation at a convenient location and time between (date) and (date) to discuss our ministry in more detail and invite you to contribute from your financial resources.
In the tradition of our Methodist forebears, you will receive a Saddle Bag.
In the middle of our giving program you will receive another letter from us to invite you to contribute from your financial resources.
Small Group: You will receive an invitation to attend a small gathering with other members of the community to be held location on (date and time). This will be an opportunity to discuss our ministry in more detail and invite youyou to contribute from your financial resources.
Between (date) and (date), another member of our community will deliver a Called to Be the Church Saddle Bag to your home. Inside you will find brief instructions for what to do next, information on our ministry, and an invitation for you to contribute from your financial resources.
Closing Between now and then we encourage you and all members of your family to prayerfully consider your own reasons for giving and how you will respond to this call. We hope this will be a rich opportunity for you to reflect on the blessings of your life and how you can live out your own response. With thanks and blessings, Giving Team Co-Leads (handsigned)
POSITIVE POSITIONING It is critical to express your message in a positive way. This giving program is an opportunity to share the good news of the work of the church. Language that is negative (We know that many of you can’t…) or contains threats (If we don’t get your support…) will reap negativity and result in much more than a lack of support. Rather, use such terms as “as you are able.” Giving is offering thanks. We respond generously when we are asked to join others in contributing to God’s mission.
Bulletin Insert/Announcement
Ideally both spoken and written in any bulletin or e-mail circulation. See stewardshiptoolkit.ca for bulletin inserts and digital slides.
In our worship we regularly say what it is we believe. It is our New Creed. In it we are called to follow in the way of Jesus as individuals, families, congregations, and as a denomination. I respond to this call and give to the ministry of (name of your pastoral charge/congregation) because...(include personal “Why I give” paragraph). Over the coming weeks we will be focused on how we are Called to Be the Church. We will share more stories about why we give, how our generosity makes a difference here at (name of your pastoral charge/congregation); how we affect the community around us, and how, through the Mission & Service of the United Church, we respond to this call, nationally and globally. Called to Be the Church is the theme of our worship and the learning opportunities for all ages. (Include more details.) Also we will invite you to join us in giving to this ministry through your own financial support. It is going to be an inspiring experience. Listen for your own call and respond!
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Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Commissioning the Giving Team Be sure that each member of the Giving Team has a copy of their role description (see Handouts at the back of the Resource Kit). Also hand out A New Creed. This service can be used on the Sunday you announce the Called to Be the Church Giving Program or on Sunday 1. This congregational giving program is so important to the life of our church that, as at other times when congregational leadership take on new roles, we commission or bless their work in the context of our congregational worship. Congregational Chair/Clerk of Session presents team members: I present these sisters and brothers in faith (names) to be commissioned as members of the Giving Team of (name of your pastoral charge/ congregation) to lead our congregational giving program—Called to Be the Church. Worship Leader: Friends, we celebrate with joy and gratitude that you respond to God’s sacred calling to be leaders among us as we all seek to be stewards of God’s gifts to us. Your commitment to this calling comes from your awareness that we are all church together, that all gifts come from God, return to God, and are intended to give glory to God. As we are all called to be the church, your response through assistance, organization, prayerful engagement, encouragement, and action as members of our congregation’s Giving Team will help us all become more generous and grateful disciples of Jesus Christ. (to the Giving Team): As followers of Christ, will you commit yourselves to respond to God’s generosity and inspiring openness to Spirit-filled giving in this community? Response: I will, God being my helper. Will you do all that you can to assist (name of your pastoral charge/congregation) in generously
responding to God’s call to be the church: celebrating God’s presence, living with respect in creation, loving and serving others, seeking justice and resisting evil, and proclaiming Jesus? Response: I will, God being my helper. Will you be prayerful and diligent in this task as members of our Giving Team, carrying out your work joyfully and with integrity? Response: I will, God being my helper. Worship Leader (to the congregation): And will you, the community of (name of your pastoral charge/ congregation), support this ministry with open hearts, faithful prayer, and generous response as they seek to help us all live lives of gratitude and grace, responding to God’s call for us to be the church? Response: We will. Worship Leader (to the Giving Team): Thank you for your willingness to undertake this ministry. In the name of our generous and faithful God, in the name of Jesus our teacher and stewardship model and in the name of the Spirit that inspires and sustains us, we recognize and affirm you in your ministry of service in (name of your pastoral charge/ congregation) as our Giving Team. Let us pray: Loving God, as we give thanks for your generosity alive among us, so may your faithful grace be known among these your servants, as they seek to encourage, celebrate and give thanks for all your gifts in (name of your pastoral charge/ congregation). Give to them vision, devotion, energy as they carry out this ministry. May they be sources of comfort and challenge as we continue to be your church together, remembering who and whose we are. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen. Let us now confess our faith in the words of A New Creed…
For A New Creed bulletin insert: see Handouts section and stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
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Inspiring Training Event 2½ hrs. Highly recommended for all those involved in asking others to join them in support of God’s mission in your community and for the Mission & Service of our denomination
Introduction
Training for those participating in this ministry is critical to the success of your giving program. There are new skills to be learned so your team members can articulate their own reasons for supporting God’s mission and to learn how to invite others to join you and them in making a financial contribution to that mission. Participating in the training should be necessary for all members of the Giving Team, Volunteer Askers, and others associated with Called to Be the Church. At the Giving Team Meeting (Program Guide, pp. 21–22), the Giving Team will have established the goals for the program and which Asking Every Person option you will implement. The next step is the recruitment and training of your volunteers. The Volunteer Recruiting Lead and Asking Every Person Lead need to seek out an appropriate number of Volunteer Askers. The role description for Volunteer Askers is included in the Handouts with the Giving Team role descriptions. All Askers should be invited to financially support Called to Be the Church and make their own commitment prior to asking others.
5 video clips on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
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Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Purpose
This is an event to introduce the Called to Be the Church giving program, including • giving program orientation • inviting your financial support • creation of each individual’s “Why I give” story • learning to invite others to join you in financial support of God’s mission in your community and for the Mission & Service of our denomination All successful giving programs have aspects of inspiring, asking, and thanking. This training focuses especially on inspiring—creating and sharing your own “Why I give” story—and asking—inviting others to join us in support of God’s mission. These are sometimes seen as challenging activities. This training, and the other materials in this Resource Kit, will get you and your Giving Team and volunteers started. The session is experiential: you will begin to craft your own story and practise applying the elements of asking. It includes written resources and video demonstrations.
Materials
• Papers and pencils to distribute • Prayers and handouts • Five video clips and equipment to view them (total run time: 28 min.) Videos are available on the DVD enclosed with this Resource Kit, as well as the United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada). Handouts are at the back of this Resource Kit, and on stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
Before the Session
Beginning (25 min.)
• Plan to host the event
Giving Team Co-leads: Thank participants for their support of the ministry of the congregation and for agreeing to undertake this important ministry.
Giving Team Co-Leads
• Support the other leads in their various roles
Training Lead and Asking Every Person Lead • Review the training event agenda (below).
• Review the five training event videos: Welcome, Why I Give, The Ask, Applause, Giving as a Spiritual Practice. • If there isn’t adequate time to show and discuss Giving as a Spiritual Practice, see the ideas at the end of this session for using this video separately as an item at a council meeting or an adult learning event. • Identify who will take the lead on each section of the agenda.
Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
• In consultation with the other leaders, plan the training session logistics—when, where, invitations, refreshments, name tags, set up for videos (test ahead of the event to avoid technical problems at the event). • Print off prayers chosen for the beginning and end of the session, as well as the following handouts: Training Event Agenda; A New Creed bulletin insert; Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank!; Asking Every Person Checklist; Six I’s of Asking. • Have paper and pens available.
Welcome
Opening Prayer Review Purpose (see above) Introductions Ask each person to introduce themselves. Giving Team Co-leads introduce themselves last, and if they have already crafted their own “Why I give” story, share it with the whole group.
What Is Called to Be the Church? Welcome video (3 min.) Resource Review (15 min.) Handouts:
• A New Creed bulletin insert • Called to Be the Church Overview • Inspire! Ask! Thank! Training Lead: Review the handouts and spend 5 minutes in discussion. The key elements that are essential to the program are inspire, ask, thank! • What has inspired you to give in the past? • What is your experience of being asked for something, for money, or to do something? • Describe a memorable experience of being thanked.
Program Support Lead
• Review the Asking Every Person Option your congregation has chosen. • Print and prepare materials for introducing the appropriate option.
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Middle (1 hr. 35 min.)
Discovering Your “Why I Give” Story (40 min.)
Why I Give video (3:41 min.) Introduce the video: In the first video we meet our hosts. Jane Harding is a lay person and a Regional Development Officer in British Columbia for The United Church of Canada. Ruth Noble is a minister and Mission & Service Engagement Coordinator.
Round 3: (15 min.) Mix it up—in different pairs, tell each other your “Why I give” story. • What did you, as listener, find compelling or want to know more about? • How would this story invite others to join you in supporting our church’s mission?
Watch the video.
Round 4: On your own
Your “Why I Give” Story—Getting Started Distribute paper and pencils. Work through this exercise in pairs with the co-leads keeping time and moving things along.
Take 3–5 minutes to reflect on your story: add more notes; consider how you would share it with a friend.
• How did you come to join this congregation (or the United Church)?
Later, write out your story or make notes; seek out opportunities to practise your “Why I give” story with other fellow volunteers. Do what you can to help each other improve the story and make it even more impactful.
• Why do you stay?
Break (10 min.)
• What is so special about this church?
Asking: Inviting Others (20 min.)
Round 1: Each listen and share with each other (5 min.)
Round 2: (15 min.) Each listen as your partner answers the question. Write down notes so that your partner can use them to remember their “Why I give” story. Person 1 (4 min.): • Why do you give? (Why, not how or what.) • Why do you give to God’s mission—in your congregation, in your community, and through Mission & Service?
The Ask video (8:56 min.) Introduce the video: Parts of this video were created a few years ago, but stand the test of time. While it is unlikely that your congregation will conduct an Asking Every Person in individual homes, the basic method is the same no matter where the conversation takes place. Now that you have a “Why I give” story to tell, how to you employ it to invite others to join you in support of God’s mission?
• How would this story invite others to join you in supporting our church’s mission?
After an intro from Jane and Ruth we watch Bev, a person like you, visiting a couple, Marie and Guy, who may be quite like some of the people in your congregation. Bev will ask Marie and Guy to support the ministry of the congregation and the Mission & Service of the United Church. Then Marie and Guy discuss the visit and point out the important elements. Finally, Jane and Ruth review these essential steps.
At 7 minutes, switch and repeat.
Watch the video.
• What is the impact of your gift? What difference do we make? Person 2 (3 min.): • What did you, as the listener, find compelling or want to know more about?
Discussion (10 min.) In pairs (existing or new) review the elements of an 10
Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Debrief (10 min.) • What was easy and what was hard about the task? What did you find helpful or unhelpful?
ask. Make notes on what you would include in each section so that you begin to build your “script.”
Applause (35 min.)
Applause video (4:35 min.) Introduce the video: Why are we doing this? Let’s try it out. This video shows a way that we can practise and gain confidence in this ministry.
• What is the way you personally want to make your invitation or ask? Why does it work for you?
Watch the video.
Giving Team Co-lead: Share your invitation to those present asking for their support. Hand out any information already prepared and the Response Card and envelope, asking for their prayerful consideration and indicating that one of you will follow up to receive each sealed envelope in the next few days.
Ending (30 min.)
Making Your Contribution (10 min.)
Applause Game (20 min.) Set up the space with one game for every 6–8 people. Place two chairs opposite each other in the middle of a circle of participants. Make sure everyone has an unobstructed path to both chairs. Ask for two volunteers, one for each chair. One person is asking and the other is being asked. When you want to replace someone, touch them on the shoulder and have a seat. We will continue for several rounds. The point is to become comfortable sharing your story and your invitation or ask. This is a safe space—have fun and practise to getting comfortable with your script.
Getting Started—Logistics (20 min.) Program Support Lead: This is the time to share the details of implementing Called to Be the Church— see the Asking section of this Resource Kit. Any future orientation to the specific Asking Every Person option can be established now. Share date of commissioning.
Close with Thanks and Prayer
GIVING AS A SPIRITUAL PRACTICE (30 min.) This brief workshop explores two different United Church perspectives on giving. It is recommended for use as an element in a Giving Team meeting, a council meeting agenda item, an additional adult learning event, or for use in a stewardship education event.
Giving as a Spiritual Practice video (7:01 min.) Introduction: In this video we will hear two perspectives on giving from two ministers. Jamie Holtom is minister of North Bramalea United Church, Brampton, Ontario, and co-author, with Debbie Johnston, of Bullseye: Aiming to Follow Jesus (a new United Church book available on UCRDstore.ca). Richard Bott is now minister at Dunbar Heights United Church in Vancouver and a member of the Mission & Service Advisory Committee. This is an interview with a younger Richard Bott from an earlier stewardship conversation. Discussion Questions: • Which perspective aligns most closely with you own thinking? Why? • What is most challenging for you? • What questions are raised for you? • Will you change your own spiritual practice of giving?
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Preparing Your Narrative Budget A very effective tool for inspiring congregational giving is the narrative or ministry-based budget. This resource (and its annual renewal) tells the story of your ministry through words and pictures. It shows how generosity impacts your community and empowers your people to work for God’s mission in our world. The time it takes to produce this critical resource is a real investment. (We estimate 12–15 hours.) Once the effort is made to produce your first Narrative Budget, you can update it annually with stories of the most recent year’s accomplishments. Your Narrative Budget becomes a key element in what you share with those you are inviting to contribute to your ministry in the coming year. It supports all you have to say when you ask for support for the ministry of our congregation and the wider church through Mission & Service. It is one of the central pieces that you will share with the whole community.
What Is a Narrative Budget? • It is a communication tool.
• It does not replace a line item budget. • It recognizes that we do not give money to the church; we give money through the church to translate God’s mission into action.
Benefits of a Narrative Budget
• Communicates complex financial information for a broader audience • Links vision, values, ministry with financial priorities • Helps develop a deeper understanding of stewardship • Inspires members in their giving because they can see how their generous gifts make a difference and change lives • Encourages members to discuss the needs of the ministry more deeply, tell others about the mission and ministry of the congregation, and see their own stewardship as an expression of their faith
The Narrative Budget: Telling the Story of Your Ministry
Five Steps to Writing a Narrative Budget 1. Getting Ready 2. Describing Your Ministry 3. Writing the Narrative Budget 4. Pulling It Together 5. Sharing the Narrative Budget
Getting Ready Recruit the right people to help prepare the Narrative Budget. You’ll need three or four individuals who between them know and care about the ministry, know the numbers, are skilled at writing, and have photography and/or desktop design skills. Gather them together. Begin with one of the Stewardship Prayers (see Handouts).
NARRATIVE BUDGET YEAR 1 BASICS If you are short of time and you have not yet done a complete Narrative Budget, concentrate on the story of the ministry. Next year you can work with the line item budget to show how much of your donations go to supporting which area of ministry. Work with these categories: Worship, Learn, Serve—within your own congregation (pastoral care and fellowship), within your own community (community ministries), with your denomination (M&S).
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Describing Your Ministry Identify your congregation’s key ministry areas or practices. Typically the following ministry areas are identified: • Worship • Christian Development/Formation/Education • Service • Pastoral Care (including Welcome, Hospitality, Fellowship, Inreach) • Outreach & Community Presence (including the Mission & Service of all the people of The United Church of Canada as well as local outreach activities)
Writing the Narrative Budget For each ministry area, collect the following information: • Describe the ministry in this area: In one or two descriptive paragraphs, communicate the impact of this ministry on people’s lives. Use stories from the previous years and testimonials.
• Identify a biblical quotation that connects this ministry with our faith story. • List ministries contained in each category striving for stories of the results of your ministry: number of programs; number of individuals served. • Ministry investment: program costs (of every $100 donated) and percentage of the total budget. • Percentage of personnel time: Invite each staff member (and key lay leaders) to track the amount of time they spend in each area and then come up with an average of the total number of hours. Allocate these for all personnel time. • Number of volunteers and volunteer hours: Carry out a similar exercise for volunteers. • What more we could be doing: Describe the expanding needs for this ministry. • Highlight M&S ministries, including those close to home. Indicate other local outreach activities.
• Source photographs, being sure to show people, not buildings or empty spaces (the church is the people). Search “photo permissions” on united-church.ca for guidelines regarding pictures of people.
ENHANCEMENTS FOR YOUR NARRATIVE BUDGET 1. A letter from ministry personnel setting the theme for the coming year 2. A prayer written especially for your congregation’s ministry and used regularly throughout the year 3. Track the gift of time—volunteer opportunities and impact 4. Include more stewardship information, such as giving charts or a Q&A about the stewardship program 5. Include more Mission & Service information: search united-church.ca M&S at a Glance and the United Church Annual Report 6. If you are putting this on your website, include video testimonials—“Why I come and why I stay”; highlight the impact of a ministry area
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Making Allocations There are a variety of ways to make these allocations. However, as this does not replace the line item budget, the more important consideration is to share how the community is living out our New Creed and giving a rough proportion of how donations support each ministry area. Using your line item budget, allocate expenses based on the estimate of time that ministry personnel and other staff (and volunteer leaders) spend in each category of ministry. For example: 40% invested in matters related to the ministry of worship; 25% related to the ministry of Christian development; 30% related to the ministry of pastoral care; 5% related to outreach. Some expenses relate only to one ministry area, while others, such as building costs, will be across two or more. The same deductive process is used with each budget line item. Approximations are all that is expected. The final picture emerges when all the calculations are done. This is a time consuming process the first time. However, once this initial investment is made, the annual process for revising this document is fairly straightforward.
Pulling It Together Design a brochure or booklet, using pictures, especially of people. Or produce a PowerPoint presentation.
Sharing the Narrative Budget Your Narrative Budget can also be used in other communications over the coming months. For example: Internally • In the Annual Report—along with financial statements • Highlight ministries—one a week building up to the congregational annual meeting, one a month to focus on a particular ministry area, as content for a bulletin insert on each ministry area • Use the structure as the topics for board meeting agendas • Include in a new member package • Create a children’s edition of the Narrative Budget • Use it as a reflection, planning, and evaluation tool—Are we happy with the focus of our mission? What theology (view of God) does this budget express? Is our vision supported by our budget? • Use as a way of also highlighting the ministry of volunteers Externally • Use on website; basis of blogs; social media • Visitor information • An evangelism and communication tool • With “silent” or lapsed United Church people • With the wider community empathetic to the United Church’s positions and actions in social justice, equity, and environment • Include in grant applications
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Tools for Inspiring, Week by Week There are three important ways we can inspire people throughout this program. These are things we do week in and week out as a faith community— we worship, we learn, and we communicate. We asked a team of gifted liturgists and educators to contribute from their creativity and we share their work. Use these resources and adapt them as best suits your context! Enjoy!
Worship
All our worship should inspire us in our life of faith. To give particular focus on the “call” section of our New Creed, we commissioned full worship services for the five weeks focusing on the progression from our personal call, through our ministry as a congregation, our denominational response through Mission & Service, to our response with our financial support and our thanksgiving. Also included are resources for preaching. Please feel free to use these resources as best suits the context of your congregation. The enclosed DVD has videos for Sundays 1, 3, and 5 on the theme of generosity. Go to stewardshiptoolkit.ca for links and ideas for presentation.
Learning
We commissioned learning resources for five one-room Sunday school sessions, plus a youth program for Sunday 3. There are also plans for five adult learning events. These are designed to be used by any group in the congregation and are roughly 90 minutes in length. On Sundays 1, 3, and 5, a supplementary video clip is available.
Communicating
Communications suggestions are included for a variety of communication vehicles: • spoken announcements • written announcements for bulletins, newsletters, websites, e-mail, and social media • digital slides for use surrounding or during worship or on a website on stewardshiptoolkit.ca These will keep Called to Be the Church top of mind through the duration of the program and communicate with those who are not able to attend worship on all of the five Sundays.
ACKNOWLEDGING THE TRADITIONAL TERRITORY IN WORSHIP —FOR ALL FIVE SUNDAYS Acknowledging the territory where we gather and the people who have traditionally called it home for thousands of years is a way to continue to live out the church’s Apologies to the First Peoples of North America. (Search “acknowledging territory” on united-chuch.ca.) Alberta: We acknowledge with respect the history, spirituality, and culture of the peoples with whom Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 were signed and the territory wherein our church resides, and our responsibility as Treaty members. We also honour the heritage and gifts of Métis people. Northern Ontario: For thousands of years, First Nations people have walked on this land; their relationship with the land is at the centre of their lives and spirituality. We are gathered on the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages. Maritimes: As we gather to worship, let us pause to remember that in this region we live and work and worship on lands that are, by law, the unceded territories of the Wabanaki peoples—predominantly the lands of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy. May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace and friendship with its people.
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Worship, Sunday 1: Living Thankfully Day by Day— The Life of the Steward Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Gathering Greeting
God is with you—this day, all days! And also with you—this way, all ways! Alleluia! Alleluia, amen!
Acknowledging the Traditional Territory (You will want to change these words if your community is on unceded lands, for which there has been no treaty negotiated.) As we work to recognize and give thanks for God’s goodness in every moment of our lives, it becomes even more important for us to recognize and give thanks to those around us. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built by the work of our ancestors. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built on the [traditional] lands of the ______________________ First Nation. We give thanks for the people of _________________________ First Nation, for their grace and willingness to share, and pray that we will work to build and deepen right relationship of thanksgiving and hope for the future. May God bless all with love.
Lighting of the Christ Candle Every day is made new, with the spinning of the earth— from light, to dark, to light again—ever onward. In the cool of the night, in the bright of the day, Christ walks beside us. May this light be a beacon and reminder, God is with us. God is with all creation! We are never, ever alone! Thanks be to God!
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Call to Worship In the early church, the people of the Way gathered each and every day— to eat and drink, and give thanks to God! In times of worry, in times of joy— to eat and drink, and give thanks to God! And so we gather, Christ’s people here— to eat and drink, and give thanks to God! With word and song, without any fear— to eat and drink, and give thanks to God! Alleluia. Alleluia! ALLELUIA!
Opening Prayer (A “repeat after me” prayer with actions) For the wind that blows (hands in front, making waves from left to right), For the water that flows (hands in front, making waves from right to left), For the earth (hands in front of body, palms down, pushing toward the ground), and the stars (left hand up to sky, fingers flick open) above (right hand up to sky, flingers flick open) Thank (left arm thrown out beside body, palm up) you (right arm thrown out beside body palm up) God! (both hands reach for the sky, eyes look up, head back) For the peace and quiet (hands drop to “prayer hands” in front of chest) For the chaos of life (hands move out in front of body, fingers wriggling) For this moment (hands stay in place, fingers stop) and the ones to come (pause) Thank (left arm thrown out beside body, palm up) you (right arm thrown out beside body palm up) God! (both hands reach for the sky, eyes look up, head back) In the name of the Creator (take a deep breath, blow it out) In the name of the Christ (take a deep breath, blow it out) In the name of the Holy Ruach (Spirit) (take a really deep breath, blow it out) Amen! (hands make “prayer hands” in front of chest, head drops, pause and let it be)
Hymn
Invitation to Share
“Ev’ry Day Is a Day of Thanksgiving” (MV 185) or “Give Thanks for Life” (VU 706)
When we stop and take a look at the wonders that are in our lives, it becomes even more important to stop for a moment. Not only to say “thank you,” but to realize the abundance that is in our lives. For some of us that comes in dollars and cents. For some of us, it is in time. For some of us it is in ability. For some of us it is in relationship. Wherever that abundance might lie in our lives, it’s important that we celebrate it—and in celebrating it, that we share it.
Learning Together Resources: • Two pairs of glasses (can be any sort) • Big sheet of paper, with alphabet down the side • Marker Many of us use our eyes every day. We look around at things. But, do you know what? It’s not really our eyes that see the world. We see the world—well, we understand the world, with our brains. The way that we’re feeling acts like a pair of glasses! Sometimes, we wear imaginary glasses (put one pair on). When we aren’t feeling particularly good about ourselves or about other people, everything in the world begins to look kind of grey and run-down. Even the things and the people we love look kind of blah when we’re wearing these glasses. Other times (switch glasses), we look at the world, and everything seems much brighter, much more alive. Things become exciting, hopeful, and fun! These are “glasses of gratitude.” (Does anyone know what “gratitude” is? It’s just another word for being thankful.) Did you know we can actually switch our glasses— from the glasses of blah to the glasses of gratitude? It takes a little bit of work, but we can do it. One of the ways that we switch glasses is with an “Alphabet of thanks.” Let’s see if we can come up with a list of things or people or places (or whatever) in God’s world for which we give thanks. (Work through the letters of the alphabet, gathering from the congregation words that represent that for which they are thankful. If you would like to finish with a prayer, consider something like this:)
For those of you who are guests with us this morning, there is no expectation that you will put any financial offering on the plates as they go by. It is our hope that as people deepen their relationship with God through the ministry of (name of your congregation or pastoral charge), that they will decide to support that ministry, financially. But we would like to ask everyone to put something else on the plate! Take a moment to think about something you would like to do in the coming week, as a gift for God. Perhaps having a conversation with a neighbour, working to smile at everyone you meet (draw out more from congregation). As the plate comes by, imagine taking that gift from your heart, and placing it on the plate.
Offering (Singing) “Come Touch Our Hearts” (MV 12, v.1) or “Breathe on Me, Breath of God” (VU 382, v. 1)
Offertory Prayer (Can be sung to MV 37) Our hearts that beat, our hands that share, our love that lives within each prayer, receive and bless, O God. And on these plates lie just a few, gifts given to us, now given to you, receive and bless, O God!
God of all creation—we give you thanks for (a) (b) (c) (d) and (e), ALLELUIA! ALLELUIA! (Continue through the list, breaking it at different times with an ALLELUIA and finishing with AMEN!) Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Word
Preparing to Listen to the Word (If sung: “God of the Bible” (MV 28, v. 1 & 5)) May the whisperings of the Spirit be like gales of wisdom, blowing through our minds, O God! Open us to the possibilities of your Word, of your love. In Christ’s name. Amen.
Readings Hebrew Scripture: Isaiah 12:2–6 Psalm: Psalm 118 (VU p. 837) Epistle: Acts 2:43–47 Gospel: Matthew 6:25–34
Sermon: United in God’s Call Camp Bimini is a United Church camp, located just outside of Stratford, Ontario. One of the rooms in the main lodge is the staff room, where you’ll find the counsellors, leaders, and other staff during break times and at camp conferences. Painted above the big double doors that lead out to the outdoor space are the words “Remember: you never know when you’re making a memory.” It’s such a simple idea, but one with a lot of truth packed into it. In some ways it’s a challenge to the staff, to help them remember that, even when they’re exhausted—played out—they have a responsibility to make the camp experience the best possible for those around them. But there’s another, more subtle, reminder in those words—that the people walking through that door have a responsibility to make the camp experience the best possible for themselves. In Judaism, there is a practice of placing a mezuzah on the doorpost of the door that leads in and out of one’s house. Inside of every mezuzah one will find a copy of the prayer that begins “Shema Yisrael”—“Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God, the Lord is One...” It’s there as a constant reminder of the presence and place of God in one’s life. I wonder what prayers and reminders we would put in a similar place. Perhaps Jesus’ interpretation of the Great Commandment: “You shall love the Lord your God 18
Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.... You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (Matthew 22:37, 39). Perhaps the words from today’s gospel reading, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you drink, or about your body, what you will wear.... can any of you, by worrying, add a single hour to your span of life?” (Matthew 6:25, 27). Perhaps even the words “Remember: you never know when you’re making a memory!” It is far too easy for us to go through our days missing out on the moments that we’re living— sometimes being caught by our past, sometimes being caught by our future, worrying about something that has happened or something that is yet to happen. It is much more difficult for us to live in the here-and-now. To live in this moment. Even though this is the only moment we can truly live in. Many of us find ourselves going from item to item, from event to event, “pick up X, drop off Y,” with little time to recognize the life we’re living, let alone live it. How do we live in this moment? Some of us are finding that there are practices that, when we make them part of our lives, help us to just that. Here’s an acronym for you: U.N.I.T.E.D: U... well, we’ll get to that in a minute; Nurtured through worship; Inspired through scripture; Transformed through prayer; Empowered through spiritual relationships; Developed through service. The early church—and the Christian community through the ages—lived these practices as a way of helping people to deepen their relationship with God and with each other. They weren’t meant to be “add-ons,” but an integral part of every moment of a follower of Jesus’ way. Worship, scripture, prayer, relationship, and service: all—or any!—of these spiritual practices can make a huge difference in living the moments of our lives. Sadly, as we noted earlier, even when we’re able to live into the now of our life, the way we look
at those moments can either help or hinder. The glasses we wear—complaint or compliment, attitude or gratitude, thankless or thankful—can build those moments or break them down. That’s where the U comes in. Uplifted by God’s love. Recognizing that all people are beloved of God, no matter what we do (or don’t do) or who we are (or aren’t) is central to our faith and our faith life. In North American culture—majority culture, at least—people’s sense that they are unworthy or unlovable is an epidemic. Possibly in response to those feelings, there seems to be another, insidious—almost hidden—belief: that putting others down is acceptable behaviour. Gossip and trash-talk are all too often the order of the day. There is a spiritual practice that speaks to these empty spaces in life. The practice of thanks-living. The practice of seeing abundance and celebrating it. The practice of an attitude of gratitude! That’s the practice that stands in the face of trash-talk—either about ourselves, or about another—and says, “No! I see the good, and I celebrate it! I thank God for it!” Some folks find keeping a “gratitude journal,” a helpful way of living out this practice. The process of regularly listing out things that we are thankful for can help us to train our hearts to be open to the abundance of God’s world. Some folks wear a band around their wrist and, when the words of a put-down—either about themselves, or about someone else—start playing in their mind, or coming out of their mouth, they move the band to the other wrist, and they consciously say, “Thank you, God, for X—your beloved.” Thanks-living is a way we remind ourselves of God’s great love for us and for all creation. It’s a way to make our moments memorable in ways that bring hope and wonder in the world. It’s a way of letting go of the worries that bind us—or at least putting them in their place. But it’s more than that. Our thankfulness and our celebrating the belovedness of everyone we meet doesn’t only change us. It changes the world.
When we look to the good, we’re more ready to give our time and our energy and resources to help it grow. When we share ourselves that completely, when we speak with gratitude, when we’re full of thanks, others begin to respond in kind—not just to us, but to those around them. It’s a way that we can live Christ’s call to love with all that we are. Each and every day.
Anthem Time for Silent Reflection Prayers of Thanksgiving, Confession, and Intercession For our playful times and our serious ones— thank you, God! For our moments of laughter and our moments of tears— thank you, God! For hopes fulfilled and ones to come, for pasts unfinished and dreams not yet filled— thank you, God! For the time you give us, and the talents you challenge us to risk— thank you, God! For holding what we give you, and keeping it safe. For loving us, even when we do not love you… thank you, God! Because we don’t always live out our love. Because we don’t always live out your call. Because we don’t always use what you’ve given us, to the best of our ability— thank you, God! Because we are sometimes paralyzed: by fear, by longing, by anger, by greed, by ourselves and by others. Because we are sometimes paralyzing, those who need to be set free… thank you, God! Forgive us, God. Show us your wisdom, we pray. So that, next time, we might live into you. Hear the prayers of our hearts, beloved God. (silent prayer)
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For all those in need, we ask your blessing. For all those in fear, we ask your blessing. For all those who have nowhere to turn, we ask your blessing. And, more than that, we ask that we might be your blessing to them, using the gifts you have freely given, to share your love with all. Thank you, Loving God. Thank you, Loving God. Amen!
Hymn Grateful for the Life You Give Us (MV 182) or All Things Bright and Beautiful (VU 291)
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Sending Forth
Hymn: Life and Work of the Church “I Thank You, Thank You, Jesus (Asante sana Yesu)” (MV 188) or “Take Time to Be Holy” (VU 672)
Benediction and Commissioning As we prepare to go into the week, disciples of Christ and stewards of creation, let us go with a daring and powerful love, let us go in peace, and in all that we do, let us be thankful! So let us remind ourselves and each other, who we are and whose are— We are not alone, we live in God’s world… (“A New Creed” continues (VU p. 918)) Sung Response: “And on This Path” (MV 8, v. 1) or “For All Your Goodness, God” (VU 549)
Worship, Sunday 2: Living Our Mission Locally In our worship service this week, we want to lift up the work of the local congregation as an investment in our neighbourhoods. When we invest ourselves in the specific, timely, and contextualized things that God is doing all around us, we open ourselves to recognizing God’s abundance. The outline of this worship service follows the flow of worship at Norval United Church (Toronto South West Presbytery). Feel free to adapt it to your own setting.
Gathering Prelude
Since we’re going to focus on the congregation and its connection to our context, play a playlist of songs that reflects the neighbourhood around you. These songs could be cultural, religious, or secular, and should reflect the variety of generations present in your neighbourhood. If you opened the sanctuary windows on a sunny day, what music would you hear being played by neighbourhood children, by seniors on their porches, by folks washing their cars?
Welcome
Call to Worship Wherever two or three are gathered in the name of Christ… Christ is present in that place. Wherever we seek God’s face in the face of a stranger… Christ is present in that place. Wherever God’s people work to bring peace and justice and reconciliation… Christ is present in that place. Christ is present in this place. Let us worship the God who meets us.
Acknowledging the Traditional Territory (You will want to change these words if your community is on unceded lands, for which there has been no treaty negotiated.) As we work to recognize and give thanks for God’s goodness in every moment of our lives, it becomes even more important for us to recognize and give thanks to those around us. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built by the work of our ancestors. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built on the [traditional] lands of the ______________________ First Nation.
Greet the gathered community as per your custom. Give an especially warm welcome to newcomers or visitors. Relay any pertinent information regarding coffee hour, guest books, children’s programs, and so on, that a new person might require in order to fully participate.
We give thanks for the people of ______________________ First Nation, for their grace and willingness to share, and pray that we will work to build and deepen right relationship of thanksgiving and hope for the future. May God bless all with love.
Announcements
Hymns
Take some time to lift up the important work of the congregation. Celebrate each item as an important piece of God’s work that you feel called to do in this place.
Celebration Candle Take a few moments and invite people to share important news about anniversaries, celebrations, birthdays, and so on. God is invested in our lives and loves to hear us name our joys in community. End by lighting the Christ candle, reminding everyone that Christ is good news for all.
“Come All You People” (MV 2); “I Can Feel You Near Me God” (MV 48)
Opening Prayer Creator God, we feel you near us. Risen Christ, you come to meet us. Holy Spirit, you journey with us and direct us. Your companionship is a gift. Your grace is unending. Open our hearts, transform our minds, give peace to our spirits this day, that we might be light for this world and ministers of grace in our contexts. We pray in the name of Jesus, who taught us to pray, saying… (Lord’s Prayer). Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Children’s Time Invite any children in your gathering up to the front for a special time at the front of the church. Read to them the children’s book, The Big Orange Splot by Daniel Manus Pinkwater (Scholastic, 1977). This is a fun children’s story where the main character, Mr. Plumbean, grabs an opportunity to express himself and stand out in his neighbourhood, and in so doing transforms his community for the better. As you read, make sure to show the children the pictures. Consider seeking appropriate permissions to project some of the pictures, so the whole congregation can see. Afterwards, ask the children some age-appropriate reflection questions such as these: Why do you think Mr. Plumbean painted his house so crazy? If you lived on that street, what would you think of Mr. Plumbean’s house? If you could decorate your house like your best dreams, what would it look like? If our church wanted to show our best dreams to the neighbourhood, what might we do? Give thanks for all responses, and end with a prayer before dismissing the children back to their families.
Offering One of the ways we share our best dreams with our neighbourhood is through the work of our congregation, the work supported by our tithes and offerings. Invite the offering to be collected, give thanks, and ask for God’s blessing on the gifts given, as per your custom.
Word
Readings Scripture: Jeremiah 29: 4–14 Choral Meditation: “Listen, God Is Calling” (MV 97) Scripture: Matthew 5:13–16 Consider searching YouTube to show a video of The Big Orange Splot
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Sermon: Called to Be the Church in Our Neighbourhood As Mr. Plumbean told us, “My house is me and I am it.” His house is where he likes to be. And it looks like all his dreams. I wonder if God might say the same things about this, the house of God, our congregation, as we live out our ministry together in this neighbourhood. What might God’s dreams be? How are we called to reflect those dreams in our neighbourhood? Today we are in week 2 of our Called to Be the Church program, exploring the various ways we live out our New Creed in our ministry life. Last week we explored how we live out our mission individually; this week we’re exploring what it looks like to live out God’s call in our congregational life. A New Creed offers a number of ways in which we live out our calling as a congregation. We celebrate God’s presence—in our worship and at funerals and weddings, but also when we pause for prayer at a business meeting and when our hearts express gratitude for God’s action in our lives. We live with respect in Creation—in the advocacy campaigns and fundraising we do, but also in the little decisions that get made about everyday living. We love and serve others—through our outreach initiatives, partnerships, and acts of hospitality. We seek justice and resist evil—through our advocacy work and the continued reform of our mindsets and practices. We proclaim Jesus—through our preaching and discipleship programs, but also when we bring good news and hope through our actions to a hurting world. It would be easy to read the Creed as a checklist for congregational activity, matching each of the “shoulds” against a program, and checking them off down the list. But it might be better to measure our congregational calling against two characteristics described in our scriptures today. Do we stand out in our neighbourhood? And are we investing in our neighbourhood?
Mr. Plumbean’s house is a delight to think about, because of the way it stands out in his neighbourhood. The palm tree, the alligator, the lion’s head, the clock tower, the splotches, and all those colours—they really strike a contrast against the bland conformity of all his neighbours. Because Mr. Plumbean’s house stands out so much, the neighbours begin a journey of transformation, realizing that maybe their neat street isn’t so neat after all. Jesus, likewise, calls us to stand out from our surroundings. In Matthew 5, he calls us to be the salt of the world, bringing taste and flavour to our surroundings. He calls us to be a lamp on a lampstand, shining our light brightly so everyone can see. Let me share with you a few ways in which I believe our congregation stands out in our community… (Take a few moments to share a story of two of things your congregation does that are unique in your community. They might be programs that meet a unique need, but they also might be ideological positions or stances that your congregation has championed in your context.) When we stand out, shining our light, bringing our unique flavour to the neighbourhood around us, we are living out God’s call as a congregation. Sometimes people get nervous when we talk too much about standing out as a congregation. Standing out can easily come across as condescension; churches especially can have a bad reputation for letting their morality stand them apart from the world around them, like some sort of holier-than-thou gated community. That’s why it’s important, just as we are called to stand out in our community, to know that we are also called to invest in the community around us. We stand out in a way that doesn’t erect barriers, but seeks the betterment of the neighbourhood around us. The exiled Israelites of Jeremiah’s time were asking all sorts of questions about how to relate to their neighbourhood, when God spoke through Jeremiah. They didn’t particularly want to be there, having been taken off to start new lives in Babylon. Their preference would’ve been to be somewhere else, back home, living free in their homeland. But God
encourages them to invest in their new community—build houses and make this their home, plant gardens and participate in the economy of that place, fall in love and start families, let this place and these people imprint on their DNA. For when we seek the welfare of the neighbourhood where we find ourselves, when we pray to God on its behalf, then we find in it our own welfare and blessing as well. When we invest ourselves—our hearts, our prayers, and our resources—into our community, we receive God’s blessing. Let me share with you a few ways in which I believe our congregation invests in the well-being of our community… (Take a few moments to share a story or two about things your congregation or the people of your congregation have invested themselves in the betterment of their community.) When we invest in our community, we are living out God’s call as a congregation. Jeremiah’s words also remind us that the work we do as a congregation, to stand out and invest in our community, is done against the backdrop of the larger work God is doing in the world. Our creeds, our experience, and the life of Jesus show us that God is working to restore humanity back into relationship with God’s self. Sometimes the fruit of our investments is not realized until generations down the road, but God is painting a picture; God is casting a dream. In that dream of the future, we will call upon God, we will pray and search and seek for the divine, and God will let God’s self be found because we will be restored into right relationship. “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). The work we do as a congregation, to stand out and invest in our community, is important work because it allows us to realize God’s dream for ourselves and for the world. The work of this congregation is worth supporting, because it allows God to say of us, “My house is me and I am it.” God’s house is where God likes to be. And it looks like all God’s dreams. With God’s grace, may it be so. Amen. Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Response
Sending Forth
“We Have This Ministry” (VU 510)
“The Church of Christ in Every Age” (VU 601— Wareham tune)
Hymn
Testimony or “Why I Give” Arrange for a couple of people to share briefly (3–4 minutes each) about what the work of your congregation has meant to them personally. How did they become involved in your congregation? What do they find life-giving about this place? How do they see their involvement as an investment in their community? What are their best dreams for their community? If it’s easier (or if you’re worried about people going too long), consider videotaping them ahead of time and showing the video.
Hymn
Commissioning & Benediction God meets us in many places. As we seek and serve God, in our neighbourhood and in our families and in our congregation, we receive God’s abundance in grace and mercy and love. May we go forth, blessed by and serving, loved by and loving, the one we call the Creator, the Redeemer, the Sustainer of all. Amen.
Prayers of the People Invite people to gather in groups of four or five and pray together about a specific topic from the neighbourhood around you. You may want to prepare an 8.5 x 11 card naming the prayer topic and showing an image about it. For example: • Pray for the students and staff of __________________ elementary school. • Pray for the residents at __________________ nursing home. • Pray for the members of our municipal council. Give groups four or five minutes to pray.
For more “Why I give” PowerPoint presentations to share in worship or learning events, go to stewardshiptoolkit.ca
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Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Worship, Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission These liturgical resources are based on the phrase “We are called to be the Church” in A New Creed. How was the church called into being, and how is it called to be in our time? Acts 2 suggests that the Christian community was called into being— and that we will continue to flourish—through our Spirit-filled story and in generous sharing through word and witness. Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Preparing
Select Music The following songs are related to the theme and scripture: “Come, O Holy Spirit” (MV 23), “Called by Earth and Sky” (MV 135), “Body, Mind and Spirit (MV 153), “Deep in Our Hearts” (MV 154), “Sisters Let Us Walk Together” (MV 179), “Wind Who Makes All Winds That Blow” (MV 196), “Loving Spirit” (VU 387), “Spirit Dancing” (VU 388).
Gather Imagery The story of Pentecost lends itself to colourful visual artistry and movement. Here are optional ways to enhance worship and to include the arts. 1. You could invite the children or an intergenerational group to prepare a finger-painted mural depicting Acts 2:2–4, “tongues of flame,” and Acts 2:43–47, “all things in common.” Display this mural in the worship space. 2. Respecting copyright restrictions, collect and project a wide variety of pictures of classic and contemporary paintings of Pentecost, pictures of textile art or sculpture depicting Pentecost, and photos and images related to Pentecost, such as fire, flames, etc.
Prepare to Share the First Reading At first glance, Acts 2:1–13, 14–18, 43–47 might seem long, overly familiar, and a challenge for one reader. The following storytelling options will
increase involvement and interest in the story. Select an option that is most appropriate in your context. The only script required is the text itself. Part 1: Acts 2:1–13, the coming of the Holy Spirit 1. Invite a variety of individuals, speaking in a variety of languages, to read this section of the story simultaneously. Translations of the Bible in many languages are available online. Display the common language of the congregation on screen or printed in the bulletin. 2. Invite a group of people to read simultaneously from a variety of editions of the text, for example, NRSV, The Inclusive Bible, The Message, Good News, King James. Show off your Greek! 3. Remember the congregation beyond the building by including members who are physically unable to attend. In advance, visit and record their voices reading sections of this passage to share with the congregation. 4. Invite a trained interpreter to offer the passage using sign language while the congregation sits in silence and the text is available on screen or in the bulletin. 5. Display a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours of candles at the centre of the worship space. Light these candles as the first section of the scripture story is being read. 6. Create a simple intergenerational re-enactment. While one or two narrators read the story, invite all ages to wave red, orange, and yellow tissue paper streamers over their heads. Invite the choir or a separate small group to act as the finger-wagging, sneering bystanders in verse 13. Part 2: Acts 2:14–18, Peter addresses the crowd This section of the story can be read directly or shared as a song sung by a soloist, choir, or as a congregational selection: Voices United #375, “Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness,” More Voices #23, “Come, O Holy Spirit.” Part 3: Acts 2:43–47 Life among believers Part 3 can be read immediately following Parts Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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1 and 2. Alternatively, it can be read as an introduction to the Called through Witness portion of the liturgy, as it provides an excellent illustration of great-hearted, unselfish giving within the early Christian community. Between verses 45 and 46, add your own verses that illustrate contemporary examples of service in your community of faith. For example, “They would visit the grieving, the lonely and unwell. They would share their time and resources with clothing, furniture, and food banks. They would gather for prayer and practice. They would protest injustice and distribute prayer shawls. They would fill casserole dishes and gather for potluck suppers!”
Prepare to Share the Second Reading “Christ has no body now but yours.” These words are often attributed to Teresa of Avila, although the identity of the author seems to be lost. There are several ways to share the reading, which is found easily in books of poetry, hymn books, or online: • Read the poem. • Project a YouTube version on a screen. • Sing More Voices 171.
Preparing a Sermon or Reflection The following ideas may be developed for a sermon or reflection. 1. Called through Story to Be the Church. Take a close look at Acts 2:1–13 and the events of Pentecost: “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and they…” (Acts 2:4a). What words would you use to complete the sentence? What are our expectations of a Spirit-filled assembly? What do we hope the Spirit will ignite within us and in our community of faith? “… and [they] began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (Acts 2:4b). This passage is often described as the birth narrative of the church. Like the first, uninhibited cry of a newborn, as the church is born, the first thing to happen is verbal, loud and clear. The Spirit’s first gift to the church is the gift of a message, of a voice that all can understand, of a story that 26
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all the Spirit-blessed can tell. Peter confirms this when he reminds the crowd of the prophet’s words, “I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy” (Joel 2:28–32). What does this suggest for today’s church about the priority of storytelling, of speaking clearly so that all may understand? What good news story is being told by your congregation, and how is it being proclaimed? How is it being heard in the wider community? 2. Called through Sharing to Be the Church. Take a close look at Acts 2:43–47 and the events describing the formation of a Christian community: “All who believed were together and…” (Acts 2:44a). What words would you use to complete this sentence? What are our expectations of a Spirit-filled community as it lives together? What kind of activities do we hope the Spirit will initiate and empower in us as individuals and as a community of faith? “…And had all things in common” (Acts 2:44b). The next verses detail what those things were. The church lives, grows, and flourishes as its members share all things in common, as it attends to the needs of each body and soul. What does this suggest for today’s church about the priority of sharing, of the generous stewardship of all our resources? What examples of fearless, selfless sharing have been seen in your congregation? What acts of generosity have been witnessed by the wider community?
Called to Gather Prelude Music
Words of Welcome The first part of this greeting can be offered by the worship leader, where appropriate to do so according to local customs and territorial agreements. As we meet together, we begin by remembering the people of (name of the local First Nation, or a specific treaty, or a group, e.g., Anishnawbek) on whose traditional land we now gather in gratitude. We acknowledge their story and their stewardship
of the land and water, the plants and animals, through the many generations.
Called through the Word Readings
As we meet together, we remember those who have called this place their home in recent years— the community of faith known as (name of the congregation or ministry), whose joyful spirit embraces us. Now let us greet one another with words and signs of welcome.
First Reading: Pentecost—The church is called into being Part 1: Acts 2:1–13, The coming of the Holy Spirit Part 2: Acts 2:14–18, Peter addresses the crowd Gift of Music Second Reading: Christ has no body now but yours
Now the day has come, we are all together in this place. Captivated by a shining, joyful Light, drawn to the warmth we find in one another. May the Spirit stir afresh in our midst. May our common vision be restored. May our dreams of daring be reawakened. We are called to be the church. We are not alone.
Song The Light Shines in Our Midst Be still and be aware of the Light with you and within you. Like the dancing flame, the Spirit frolics in our midst. (A central Christ candle or community candle is lighted.)
Unison Opening Prayer
Holiness revealed in human form, Love expressed with a human voice, we are called to be the church. We pray for the Spirit of Pentecost in this time of worship— inspiring, enlivening, emboldening us. Called from lonely isolation into acts of daring selflessness, may we see that sacred spark in one another. Called from fearful silence to proclaim the good news in every language, may we hear the Spirit calling us by name. Amen.
Song
Sermon: Called to Be the Church Oh, to be there at the beginning! Each and every person—their own birthday candle! Imagine it—all sizes and shapes, faces and forms, each and every person sprouting their own dancing tongue of flame. Like fireworks bursting in an evening sky—the first glimpse of the church appearing is eye-catching, spectacular. Like the first clear uninhibited cry of a newborn—the first sound of the church speaking is ear-bending, riveting. The sight and sound of Pentecost captured the attention of all witnesses and the imagination of all who’ve heard the story since. What a wonder-full story! And as the community of faith gathered together in Christ’s name, ready to answer the call as Christ’s disciples, generations later, it is our story. In the same way families retell the events of each loved one’s arrival (usually with dramatic embellishment), the church recounts this story in order to reconnect and to be reacquainted with its point of origin. This story helps to answer the questions: Where did I come from? What am I called to? Family members drag out the baby pictures looking for a glimpse of grandma’s eyes or an explanation for dad’s nose, telling stories of the hints of intellect and strength found in the newborn. Similarly, in Acts 2, the church seeks explanations that help us to clarify our peculiar identity and to understand our calling, our nature as a justice-seeking, Spiritbirthed community. Pentecost—the moment the assembled body of Christ took its first collective breath. The church peers again and again into this story seeking once more to be inspired.
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Called through Story to Be the Church—Then The Spirit works well in chaos. Thunder from the sky. Wind rushing through the room. Everything rattles, announcing the arrival of something completely new. In the same way that a mother stares spellbound into the face of the newborn who had not been seen just a moment before, the gathered assembly, amazed and astonished, looks upon the first face of a new life taking shape. Then, the first startling cry of life! “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, as the Spirit gave them ability” (Acts 2:4). The Spirit’s first gift to the church is the gift of speech: a voice that all can hear and a good news story that all the Spirit-blessed can share. Peter confirms this as he reminds onlookers of the prophet’s words, “I will pour out my Spirit; and they shall prophesy” (Acts 2: 18). There is nothing pint-sized or peewee about our birth story. It is grand and glorious—and immediately attracted attention. A bewildered crowd gathered, drawn to the sound of the gospel. Called through story to be the church united, they were not alone. There is nothing hesitant or half-sure about our natal day. It is spectacular and strange—and what else would we expect of the church’s birthday story? Take a long look around you. Here we are, years later, all together in one place—the weird and the wonderful, the descendants of fire and whirlwind. How do we resemble our human-candle ancestors? Called through Story to Be the Church—Now The United Church of Canada is 90 years old. (That’s a lot of candles.) It may be difficult in 2015 to imagine the excitement that ushered in church union and the passionate engagement of communities all across the country in this birthing. To read some of the sermons preached at the time of church union is to be caught up in the whirlwind of those tumultuous days. Many a pulpit thundered with the announcement of the pending arrival of something completely new. In many a sanctuary the gathered assembly, amazed and astonished, looked upon the first face of a newly united congregation that had never been seen before. 28
Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
These words are found on the front page of The Evening News, New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, printed on December 15, 1924. Quoting a sermon preached by the Rev. George Farquhar the day before, the report reads: “In closing he reiterated a statement that this Church Union movement is the greatest since the Reformation and that the eyes of the world are focused on Canada.” He went on to say that the United Church could preach “a fuller Gospel” with more people preaching it, and do so “with a more economic expenditure of God’s money.” These words and the hope expressed through them, may give us pause. All these years later, can we, as the United Church, declare that we have preached a fuller gospel? As we look back over our history spanning 90 years of change, we can see a common thread that still binds us today, a thread of social justice, a thread of partnership. To preach a fuller gospel, we do so by seeking justice, loving kindness, and walking humbly with our God. We do so in loving partnership through Mission & Service. The first birthing of the church attracted the immediate attention of a crowd in need of a little good news. It also created confusion, prompted questions, and evoked derision. (“All were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, ‘What does this mean?’ But others sneered and said, ‘They are filled with new wine.’” [Acts 2:12]). Mission & Service was birthed from the vision of committed church members who believed that living out a life in the fuller gospel was done through walking with and working with the marginalized at home in Canada and around the world. This is a reminder that our good news must be proclaimed in the face of bad news. The story we tell will describe a kin-dom meant to challenge the principalities and powers of this world. Through the years, the Spirit-infused United Church has indeed proclaimed a fuller gospel when we have become the topic of public conversation and yes, even scorn. We have been both faithful to past and future generations when we have broadcast the good news—bringing the attention of churches, communities, corporations, and governments to the ugly reality of bad news wherever it exists.
Called through Sharing to Be the Church—Then And then what? What happens the day after Pentecost and in the pause after proclamation? Our story describes a newborn church that lives and grows as its members share all things in common. The entire assembly flourishes as the needs of each body and soul are met. The whirlwind subsides as words are followed by witness; an uncommon crowd becomes a unified community. The passionate speech heard at the beginning of Acts 2 is now embodied in compassionate action. Called through sharing to be the church in deed, they had “the goodwill of all the people.” As faithful people we live out this calling through our support of Mission & Service, the heart and soul of our church. A few short verses near the end of the chapter, it might be easy to overlook the Spirit’s endowment to our community of faith. There is the gift of community itself. Gathered together “from every nation under heaven,” the church displays the power to do wonder-full, risky, and radical things. Something truly unconventional is at work within and among those first believers as they fearlessly sell all their possessions and redistribute their resources. Something equally unusual is seen in their table manners. Onlookers were again shocked by behaviour that illustrated no regard for the discriminatory customs of the day. The Spirit had bestowed the gift of companionship—companionship in the truest sense of the word (com meaning “with,” panis meaning “bread”). The church became larger and stronger every day as disciples sat side by side at table. So much more than a simple response to physical craving, in breaking bread together, the church is given the power to conquer to the world’s deepest hunger. Here we are, years later, all together in one place— the descendants of radicals and table-turners. How do we resemble our extravagant forbears? Called through Sharing to Be the Church—Now Eighty years ago, at the rambunctious age of 10, The United Church of Canada reaffirmed “before the world its faith in the ideals and principles which
brought it into being.” In 1935 the United Church declared that it was prepared “as the opportunity may offer and as God may direct” to continue to share its resources, to offer radical hospitality at the table, to live in partnership through Mission & Service, and “so to fulfill its purpose of being not merely a united, but a uniting church.” These words and the hope expressed through them may give us pause. All these years later, how have we, as the United Church, shown that we are a uniting church? The temptation to respond easily to the call to be united on Sunday and to ignore the challenge to be uniting through the week has always been strong. “Uniting” depends on sharing, service, self-giving. It is the risky work of visionary stewardship and extravagant inclusive hospitality. And it requires the deep conviction that we can indeed make a world of difference every day of the week. In the sharing of our resources, in the redistribution of abundance, we can indeed change the world. Through the decisions we make in the marketplace and the workplace, through the power of our purse and our political will, we will change the world. In his book The Cost of Discipleship, Dietrich Bonhoeffer states: “The body of Christ takes up space on the earth…the Body of Christ can only be a visible Body or else it is not a Body at all.” A truth, doctrine, or religion, Bonhoeffer asserts, are disembodies entities that need no space for themselves. “The incarnate Christ,” on the other hand, “needs not only ears or hearts, but living [people] who will follow him.” Christ has no body now but ours. As the church today, we are called into life through story and we will continue to thrive through our support of Mission & Service. We are the ones the Spirit will ignite and empower. We are messengers of Good News and stewards of abundance. Human candles and table-turners, let’s take up space in the world. Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Called through Witness Words of Invitation
Part 3: Acts 2:43–47, Life among believers Following the example of those before us, let us offer our gifts, that they may be distributed to any in need. Let our giving become a sign of hope for all awaiting a little good news.
for ourselves and our families, for the church and the world, and for the earth, our only home. Let us listen for the sound of our own voice whispering the prayer we need to hear and to heed… (Silence) Amen.
Called into the World
Offering Gifts of Money
Song
Offertory music
Words of Blessing
Offering Gifts of Service
Go in peace and grace. Startle the world with the power of your story, the sound of your joy, and the signs of your love. Blessed to us is the journey before us. Blessed to us the friends who travel with us. Blessed to us the company of Christ on the way. Amen.
Community announcements Minute for Mission (find online at UCRDstore.ca)
Unison Prayer of Dedication
The bounty of this generous earth is a blessing. The reward of our daily labour is a treasure. We pray in gratitude for this abundance. Blessed by the action of the Spirit, may our gifts be empowered to bring healing, hope, and justice throughout the world. We pray out of deep joy for this grace. Thanks be. Amen.
Prayer Spirit alive within, among, and beyond us, we pray in hope, eagerly awaiting signs of new life. Spirit of whirlwind, exciting and refreshing, surprise and disturb us. Blow through us, stirring us to proclaim the good news. We are called through word and story to be the church. Spirit of flame, illuminating and embracing, warm and inspire us. Shine through us, casting light on the abundance of our gifts. We are called through witness and sharing to be the church. May we follow fearlessly in the Way of Christ. Now in the silence, let us become aware of our deepest desires and hopes, 30
Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Choral Blessing Music to Go Forth
Worship, Sunday 4: Giving Sunday—Our Personal Response Gathering
Acknowledging the Traditional Territory (You will want to change these words if your community is on unceded lands, for which there has been no treaty negotiated.) As we work to recognize and give thanks for God’s goodness in every moment of our lives, it becomes even more important for us to recognize and give thanks to those around us. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built by the work of our ancestors. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built on the [traditional] lands of the _______________________ First Nation. We give thanks for the people of _______________________ First Nation, for their grace and willingness to share, and pray that we will work to build and deepen right relationship of thanksgiving and hope for the future. May God bless all with love.
A Warm Welcome Announcements, Life of the Church, Community News
Passing of the Peace, Greeting of Our Neighbours Lighting of the Christ Candle Call to Worship Come, let us join together in worship and celebration. Enter these gates with thanksgiving and praise. Come, let us share our love for God and our neighbour. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord. Come, let us offer sustenance, even as we are sustained. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Come, let us learn of the Way of the gospel.
Let those who have eyes to see, see and ears to hear, hear. Come and enter these gates with thanksgiving and praise. We come together in worship and celebration. Amen!
Opening Hymn “Let Us Build a House” (MV 1), “Come In, Come In and Sit Down” (VU 395), or “We Are One” (VU 402)
Prayer God of welcome and hospitality, We come into this morning’s time of celebration prepared to meet you in the words we hear, the hymns we sing, and the people we meet. As we gather on this day with friends, neighbours, strangers, and those soon to be friends, we recognize that each of us brings with us hopes and fears, joys and sorrows, gifts to be offered, and needs to be met, and we know that this is a place of safety where we can share the entirety of our lives. God who answers prayers, This morning may we have both the confidence to bring our prayers to You and into this community and, may we have the openness of heart and the strength of our conviction to be the answer to the prayer of another. And now, let us share in the prayer that Jesus offered to his disciples and friends as a model for all prayer as we sing together:
The Prayer of Jesus (sung) (VU 959)
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Conversation with the Children Hymn “Jesus Came, a Child like Me” (VU 583), “Jesus Loves Me” (VU 365), or “Jesus’ Hands Were Kind Hands” (VU 570)
Word
Readings Scripture: Exodus 35:20–29 Scripture: Acts 2: 43–47 Ministry of Music Scripture: Luke 1:1–4
Prayer Revealing God, as we reflect upon these words of scripture, and discern their meaning in our present context, let us first centre ourselves in the words of our creed, remembering who and whose we are, and the call to be your church. (Continue with A New Creed (VU p. 918))
Called to Be the Church (sermon starter) Good morning, church (pause and wait for a response). Good morning, church! (a little louder; pause and repeat until you get a good response). (You might begin with this greeting that I have heard while attending worship services in The Caribbean, specifically Jamaica. It keeps us mindful that we are the church, gathered this morning. It is also a reminder that we are not alone (a nice tie-in with our New Creed) and that we are part of a much greater body of Christ.) What are the characteristics of the church? When we read the passage from The Acts, we are told that the early community that was established around the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth had certain characteristics: sharing of possessions, distributing assets according to need, teaching the gospel. Through their professions and proclamations, the apostles challenged the status quo and spoke truth to power.
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Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Of course these practices of the church arose out of the teachings of Jesus, and were easily traced back to the history and ideals of the Jewish faith, Deuteronomy and Leviticus as well as the challenge of the prophets. We remember that it was from Deuteronomy that Jesus quoted, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might” (6:5). And it was from Leviticus that he quoted, “Love your neighbour as yourself” (19:18). Jesus brings these two commandments together, lifting the love of neighbour to a place of equity with love of God. (At this point, you might want to draw in the passage from the first chapter of Luke, addressed to Theophilus, lover of God or beloved of God. Rather than a singular addressee, Luke’s gospel, and later Acts, is addressed to all lovers and/or beloved of God. Perhaps you might unpack this a little before coming to the question, How is that love of God made known? Jesus responds by saying that your love of God is recognized and made manifest in how you show love for your neighbour. And it is how to love your neighbour that is being worked out when we discern what it means to be the church.) We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. (A New Creed) What do each of these lines mean? How do they relate to each other? How are they reflections of our love of neighbour and thereby our love of God? How do we live out our call to be the church in our communities? (Give specific examples of ministries happening in your church or partner organizations. Maybe a couple of local initiatives and something from the wider church.) How do we support the work of the church? The story from Exodus is a litany of people from different walks of life, different socio-economic realities, different genders, we can assume different ages,
and so on, bringing the gifts they have for the building of the temple. Now, this particular story is about the actual building of the physical structure, but we have just spent a good amount of time talking about how we are the church, the ministries are our ministries, the call is our call. What are the gifts we bring to the building up of the church? How deep are we prepared to dig in support of those ministries that define us? Through the week, we offer our time and our talent, but we also need to consider and commit to the financial support we are able to provide. (This is a meme I saw recently on Facebook that I think could be worked into the sermon/reflection: “We will never change the world by going to church. We will only change the world by being the church.”)
Response
this truth and we desire to share this truth with others. We do that, in part through the ministries of this congregation and those of The United Church of Canada funded by Mission & Service. We support those ministries daily through the giving of our time and the sharing of our talents. At this time you are invited to offer your financial support, that the good news might be shared here in our local community and around the world. Let us now bring forward our tithes and our offerings.
Offering Instrumental interlude or a hymn might be sung while the offering is being taken up. Hymn: “God of All Good” (VU 539) or “For The Fruit of All Creation” (VU 227)
Offertory Song
“In Loving Partnership We Come” (VU 603)
“What Can I Do?” (MV 191), “Your Work, O God, Needs Many Hands” (VU 537), or “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow” (VU 541)
Minute for Mission
Prayer for Our Givings
Hymn
Invitation to Give Over the past few weeks you have been asked to give prayerful consideration to what our church means to you and to the good that we enable. We have asked that you recommit yourself and your finances with a pledge for the coming year to support the mission of our church. We will now present these generous gifts that have already been received and invite any others to be added at this time. “Ecology,” “economy,” “household” all share the same Greek root, oikos, which also alludes to the family. We are truly one family, sharing each other’s hopes and anxieties, feeling each other’s joy and pain, knowing that when one part of creation suffers we all suffer. We are blessed in our knowing
God of justice and right relations, We live in a world where our possessions define us and our value is measured by our net worth and our investment portfolio. It is out of that world that we now bring this offering forward as one expression of the value we place in your mission, your ministry and our willingness to invest ourselves in the life of this church and the wider community. See in these plates our financial givings, and see in our hearts the offering of both our time and our talents in the sharing of your gospel and the building of your kin-dom. Amen.
The offering this week is the opportunity to present the generous gifts that have been received through the Asking Every Person option that you have undertaken. A symbolic envelope with the total of all gifts already received can be offered by members of the Giving Tea. Any additional Response Cards can be collected at this time.
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Hymn “O God We Call” (VU 411, twice) or “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” (VU 400, twice)
Prayers of the People Hymn “O God We Call” (VU 411) or “Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying” (VU 400)
Praying Sending Forth and Blessing As we entered this space in gratitude, we now leave in thanksgiving. As we gathered together and were nurtured, we now leave to offer God’s care and compassion to others. As we listened to the word and were challenged, we now leave to take up the call of the gospel and to find those places where we can be the answer to another’s prayer. As we entered, God’s people, we now leave, God’s people. Prepared to share the Good News in both word and deed and taking with us the blessing of our God, Creator, Word and Spirit, knowing that the blessing is not ours to hold on to but one to be shared. Amen!
Hymn “My Soul Cries Out” (MV 120), “Come, Let Us Sing” (VU 222), or the following:
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How Can I Keep From Singing revised; tune VU 716, words Rev. William Thomas (2013) We lift our voice in sacred song, in blessed celebration. We greet the spirit in our midst, hearts filled with jubilation. This song of faith is ours to share with voices clearly ringing. With harmonies we fill the air. How can I keep from singing? By name we’re called and we respond, talents and tongues employing. Through open doors we enter in, Community enjoying. The burning bush and open book, Descending dove is winging. This church of ours with life made new. How can I keep from singing? Affirmed, a rainbow is the sign God’s covenant and promise. We’re not alone, that we confess, God’s hand is laid upon us. We lift our faces to the east, the sun its light is bringing. God’s love is offered day by day. How can I keep from singing? We venture far, to distant shores, the coast line far behind us. The steeple stands, a beacon still, Its silver glint reminds us, A song of faith is ours to share The harmonies still ringing. Good news proclaimed in word and deed. How can I keep from singing?
Worship, Sunday 5: Expressing Our Gratitude— Living Generously Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Notes for Preparation
1. If you really want to celebrate have coloured crepe paper streamers, party hats, hand instruments, and noise makers for use in the energetic hymns. You may wish to decorate the sanctuary. While the service has some serious elements, it is also meant to be a celebration. 2. Readers in the Water of Life liturgy each bring with them a bottle of water to pour into the font. The following types of water are called for, if possible: tap water, water from a stream, from a lake, from a river, and salt water. Members of the congregation may be invited to bring some water to add, but there might need to be then an overflow bowl or font available. This liturgy is adaptable to your setting. If no water from the sea is available, you may wish to make some salt water. This was often done in earlier liturgies, as salt was considered cleansing and antiseptic. 3. If the communion table is large, it is set for communion with chalice and bread—if there is enough space, a large, low basket or container set with several different loaves of bread can be effective. You might set a fountain, surrounded by green and flowering plants, to one side on the communion table. Also set the baptismal font in a visible place for the water to be poured in front of the congregation. A branch of evergreen is placed beside the font, to be used in asperges—sprinkling water on the congregation together with the words “Remember your baptism.” Be imaginative—use coloured cloths instead of regular communion cloths—green or blue or both. The decorations are intended to support the scripture—water flowing abundantly from all sides of the temple, the river of the water of life.
4. The Christ candle or other large candle is carried unlit up the aisle during the Prelude and placed on the table where it is visible. 5. For this service, communion is better by intinction. The celebration at table is to be a time of thanksgiving for God’s abundance and generosity. If the bread is prepared ahead, make the pieces larger and substantial. Use a good-sized chalice, or more than one. However, if you are serving bread and wine in the pews, use shot glasses or something similar. The basic idea is abundance overflowing, not scarcity.
Dancing in Praise and Thanksgiving Prelude
Call to Worship We invite the waters around to worship with us: Our lakes, and the rivers that flow to the sea. We invite the streams to sing: perch, sunfish, and flashing bass; trout streams and gleaming fountains. We join with the waters in praising God: waterfalls singing upstream and ripples dancing at the river mouth. We celebrate the song of the waters! Sing, waters, sing!
Hymn “Make a Joyful Noise” (VU 820)
Opening Acknowledging the Traditional Territory (You will want to change these words if your community is on unceded lands, for which there has been no treaty negotiated.) As we work to recognize and give thanks for God’s goodness in every moment of our lives, it becomes even more important for us to recognize and give thanks to those around us. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built by the work of our ancestors. This morning, like many mornings, we gather in this place, built on the [traditional] lands of the ______________________ First Nation.
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We give thanks for the people of ______________________ First Nation, for their grace and willingness to share, and pray that we will work to build and deepen right relationship of thanksgiving and hope for the future. May God bless all with love.
Family Time: A Cup of Water Read Matthew 10:42. Then explore with children ways of celebrating God’s gifts to us, and how we can live in abundant generosity to others:
You are lavish, God! You are full of extravagance! We celebrate the bountiful ways in which you reach out to us, reminding us to be the water of life upon this earth; fresh, abundantly flowing waters to dry seed beds; waters that bring comfort, relief, warmth, and care to your children everywhere, waters that grow great joy and thanksgiving in Creation. Gracious God, through the message of Jesus we recall that we are to give abundantly, to be lavish and overflowing in our generosity. Holy One, move us today to a delight in giving. May it be so.
Have small cups and a jug of water available. If you are a large congregation, have the children serve each other a cup of water. In a smaller congregation, have them serve a cup of water to each person. Then ask what they think Jesus meant. Did he mean only giving water? Let them think about the answer. Then explain that Jesus was teaching about the things some people need and finding ways to help with those needs. Sometimes what they need really is a cup of water on a very hot day. But what other kinds of things do people need? Ask them how the church tries to reach out and meet the needs of those people. You can talk about local food banks, shelters, clothing, and other outreach missions of the church.
Prayer of Confession (Together)
—or—
Prayer (Together)
God of abundance, of endlessly flowing waters of life, today we recognize the vastness of what you continually lay at our feet. At times, we have been reckless with our call to care for others and our world. We have not offered compassion because of our fear of scarcity. Call us again to share your generosity. Lift the stinginess from our hearts; move us to emulate your generosity and abundance. Give us the will and power to offer your love over and over. We cannot praise you enough, and so we offer ourselves to you again, O God. —adapted with permission from ““Toppled Over by Joy,” a worship resource written for the Great Hour of Sharing by Suzanne Castle, University Christian Church (Christian Church Disciples of Christ) Fort Worth, Texas, www.brethren. org/offerings/onegreathourofsharing/documents/2013-toppled-over-by-joy.pdf.
Words of Assurance The abundance of God is astonishing and extravagant. Hear and know that our God longs for joy to be in our hearts and hands, so that others may also know God’s bountiful gifts. Be freed in the assurance of grace, give thanks for the love and compassion of God. May it be so.
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If your congregation has a prayer shawl ministry or some other such thing, bring one or more. Ask who receives the prayer shawls and why. What does it mean to welcome people, to make them feel cared for? Talk about Jesus’ open and welcoming ministry, how he reached out to everyone. Ask how we can be generous to others. —or— Have a large bowl of water, and some stones which you are sure will cause ripples—when the stones drop into the water, how far do the ripples go? Perhaps compare the ripples on the water to an action, something done for someone else that makes their lives better. Do kind and generous actions make a difference? What would Jesus want us to do?
Hymn: Once a Woman Seeking Water Tune: BEACH SPRING 8 7 8 7 D (VU 115) Once a woman seeking water at a well not far from home met a thirsty, waiting stranger from a people not her own. Would she give a drink of water and respond to human need? Could she know the joy and wonder she, the giver, would receive? She drew water for the thirsty; Jesus offered something more: living water, God’s own mercy, love abundant, freely poured. One, a blessing for the body; one, a blessing for the soul! Both are gifts of our Creator—gifts that help to make us whole. Still God’s people carry water from their wells and mountain streams; still at rivers women gather, sharing labor, sharing dreams. Still a cup of water given in a dry and weary place is a blessing overflowing from the fountain of God’s grace. God, we ask your richest favor on the work we seek to do; may we gladly share clean water and your living water, too. May we see the face of Jesus, and how far your love extends, in the ones we call our partners—no more strangers, now our friends. Include this line when reproducing the hymn for local church use: Text: Copyright © Carolyn Winfrey Gillette, 2012. E-mail:
[email protected] New Hymns: www.carolynshymns.com
Living Joy in the Word Readings
Hebrew Scripture: Ezekiel 47:1–12 (NRSV or The Message) Choral Response: “Water Our Lives” (from Spirit Anew, Woodlake Books, 1999) Musical Offering/Anthem New Testament: Revelation 22: 1–5 (NRSV or The Message) Choral Response: “Water Our Lives” Meditation: The Fountain of Each Soul
Sermon: The Fountain of Our Soul The great Continental Divide, as you can learn on Wikipedia, begins at the westernmost point of North America at Cape Prince of Wales, Alaska; it extends through the Rocky Mountains of western Canada and the United States, through Mexico, Central America, and Panama, and then follows the Andes Mountains through western South America to southern Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego. Triple Divide Peak in Glacier National Park, Montana, is the point where the Great Divide and the Northern or Laurentian Divide originate. From this one point, waters flow to the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean via the Gulf of Mexico, and the Arctic Ocean via Hudson Bay. A second triple point occurs at a rather uninteresting-looking hump on the border between Alberta and British Columbia, called Snow Dome because the Columbia Icefield completely covers the summit with ice and snow. The snow that falls on it, around 10 metres a year, doesn’t flow downhill as water, it creeps downhill as glacial ice. Ice flowing away from Snow Dome down the Athabasca Glacier eventually melts, beginning as a trickle that grows into the Athabasca and Mackenzie Rivers and drains into the Arctic Ocean. Ice flowing west gradually melts into Bryce Creek and the Bush and Columbia Rivers. Ice flowing down the Saskatchewan Glacier goes eventually melts into the North Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan, and Nelson Rivers, draining into Hudson Bay.
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Have you ever measured a river? Few of us could say we’ve had that experience. How are rivers measured? Nowadays, of course, we have hightech instruments, manually read gauge readers, or data that is continuously recorded electronically, on graph paper, or in digital form. We can measure not only the length but the depth and flow as well. Measurements can be made from a bridge, by wading into a stream, by boat, or from a cableway strung across the river. In winter, the measurements are made through the ice. You can read up about it on the Environment Canada site. In Ezekiel’s vision, it was much simpler. Ezekiel is taken to the temple of God by a man who uses a piece of cord to measure out sections of 1,000 cubits, or about 460 metres. God’s temple has a stream flowing out of it, one that flows out on all sides. Ezekiel reports that it begins as a trickle as it flows from underneath the altar. At 1,000 cubits it is ankle-deep; at 2,000 cubits it is knee-deep; at 3,000, waist-deep. And finally, it is so deep and wide that it’s not possible to cross. The streams and rivers flowing out of the Great Divide go from toe-deep to ankle-deep to knee-deep to waist-deep. Finally they become wide-flowing rivers draining into the oceans, but they are fed along the way by lakes and tributaries. In terms of our physical world, these rivers make sense. In the physical world all rivers have tributaries, feeder streams, and lakes. In the supernatural world, the vision-world of Ezekiel, the river has no tributaries. Its flow increases the further it gets from the temple without any feeder streams or tributaries. If we try to take the text scientifically and literally, it makes absolutely no sense. Symbolically it makes incredible sense. The river just starts out tiny as it flows away from the temple, and gets huge—but curiously no one place in this river is any better than any other. Being ankle deep doesn’t mean we’re just starting out in faith; shoulder deep doesn’t mean we have a strong and profound faith. The miraculous part is that everyone has access to the water flowing 38
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from the temple. It’s the power of the water itself that is important. Ezekiel’s river flows into the Dead Sea—so-called because it is so salty nothing can live. The fish from the Jordan River won’t go into the Dead Sea. Yet Ezekiel’s river revives everything it touches, so wherever it flows, even the Dead Sea, will be refreshed and revived—yet just enough marsh will remain to have salt. There will be fish enough for people to stand on the banks and while away whole afternoons just casting out and seeing what bites—and the sense is that the fish will be plenty. On both sides of this river are be fruit trees that produce abundantly, trees producing leaves that work for healing. The leaves will not wither and the fruit will not go bad on the branches nor fall on the ground. Food enough for all; refreshing, and reviving, living water. It is a vision of God’s incredibly generous grace and compassion. The vision of John in Revelation parallels Ezekiel, except that now the water flows from the throne in God’s city. God’s whole city, the new creation, is the temple and the altar. And just as the river of the water of life flows from the temple in Ezekiel’s vision, so the river of the water of life flows from the temple, which is the new creation. This river is wide and bright, and continues to flow through the centre of the city. The trees that grow there now produce enough food to feed everyone, 12 kinds of fruit, produced each month. In the new creation the leaves are used for the healing of all the nations. Imagine beside this river perhaps green banks where anyone can sit in peace, where everyone has a place, where no one is turned away. This, too, is a vision of God’s incredibly generous grace and compassion. In our sanctuaries today, we set the table for communion, we place a small fountain in which water flows continually, and we place the baptismal font. We are re-creating the temple and the altar of the visions of Ezekiel, Isaiah, the Psalmist, and John. In bread and wine we find the fruits and leaves which are used for healing. In breaking bread and sharing the cup we remember Jesus, who becomes for us
living water flowing from the altar of God in the temple of the new creation. The font of baptism becomes at once not only the Jordan where we enter and rise with Jesus as new people, but the Water of Life which flows abundantly and freely, given with generosity of spirit and care. This is the living re-creation of the visions of God’s grace. We don’t come to the table, then, to be fed in our bodies and souls with healing food and living water—and then just walk way and go home. We have to come expecting to be changed when in the presence of the living God. Both scripture passages today speak of transformation. We are called to be the church, and in being the church, transformation will happen. In the vision of the new creation, we carry with us those things, and as we go they must multiply—grow deeper and flow wider, grow into trees of fruit so that others can share. God’s vision is that as we receive, so we also give. And in the giving, the river continues to grow and the trees continue to put out the fruit, till everyone is fed and has enough. The transformation will only happen if we leave the table filled to overflowing with thanksgiving, with full and generous hearts. God’s abundant life and living water is given for all. Go away from the table, down the aisle, out the doors and out into the world, dancing with thanksgiving and celebration. May it be so. Sources: “Water of Life” a sermon by Fran Ota, January 2006. “Deep and Wide” a sermon based on Ezekiel 47:1–12 by the Rev. David Holwick, First Baptist Church, Ledgewood, NJ. October 2012. “Streams of Living Water” a sermon based on Ezekiel 47:1–12 by the Rev. Louis Prontnicki, Maple Glen Bible Fellowship Church, March 2014.
Hymn “Like a Healing Stream” (MV 144)
Liturgy: The Water of Life (The candle is lit. Please rise, if able, for the liturgy.) Voice 1: Today we bring water to pour out from all sides of this temple, our water to mingle with all the waters of the earth. May our separate waters join into one sacred stream as we add our lives into the stream of living souls who live love, joy, and thanksgiving.
Choral Response: “Ameni” (MV 219) Voice 2: I bring water from our home in ________________ (village/town/city). This is the water we use for drinking, for washing, for bathing, and for our own baptisms. In many parts of the world, water is scarce; some people must walk miles each day to get enough water just to remain alive. We remember the importance of water for the life and health of all people. We celebrate the life which we are given. (Pours water.) Choral Response: “Ameni” Voice 3: This water comes from rain. Before the days when water flowed into our homes from taps, water was collected in rain barrels. There are still parts of the world where there are no streams or rivers, and water must be collected and stored by each home when the rains come. Animals need water, plants for food need water. We remember that water is critical to life, and we celebrate the life that we are given. (Pours water.) Choral Response: “Ameni” Voice 4: This water comes from the river _________________ . We are reminded that Jesus was baptized in the River Jordan, and that when we are baptized by water and by Spirit, we enter into a community of friends. We celebrate the river beside which trees laden with fruit grow, so that there is enough for food, leaves for healing, and the creation of a place of joy. We are fed by the living water which is Jesus, and we celebrate the life that we are given. (Pours water.) Choral Response: “Ameni” Voice 5: This water comes from Lake ______________ . Sometimes baptisms happen in lakes when there are no rivers nearby. The lakes support many different life forms, fish and plants for food. Our lakes, rivers, streams, and ponds are all critical to life. We remember that water is critical to life, and we celebrate the life that we are given. (Pours water.) Choral Response: “Ameni”
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Voice 6: This is salt water (or water from the sea, which contains salt). So as it is, this water cannot be drunk, yet the oceans support much life. Water from the ocean can be purified so that it can be drunk as ordinary water. So we add water and salt to this mingling of many waters. We remember that the waters of the sea are critical to life, and we celebrate the life we are given. (Pours water.) Choral Response: “Ameni” (Others are invited to come and pour water if they wish.)
Prayer over the Font
God of life, bless this water that gives fruitfulness to the fields, and refreshes and cleanses. You chose water to show your goodness when you led your people to freedom through the Red Sea and satisfied their thirst in the desert with water from the rock. The prophets used water to foretell your new covenant with creation. By the waters of baptism you renew us. By the streams of water flowing from the temple, the river of life feeding the trees for food and healing, providing a place where all gather and dance for joy, we renew our commitment to living out the vision of your generosity, through ours. May it be so. (The minister or presider uses the evergreen branch and sprinkles members of the congregation with the words “Remember your baptism.”)
Hymn “Water Flowing from the Mountains” (MV 87)
Offering Gratitude and Thanksgiving Invitation to Offering
What an amazing chance we have, to be extravagantly generous. How do we share our gifts? Is there not something filling and fulfilling about giving a generous chance to find hope, to find joy, to live life more abundantly. In our giving, we have a chance to bring joy to God. As we give today, give generously and joyfully!
Offering Offering Response “As Those of Old Their First-fruits Brought” (VU 518, v. 3)
Offering Prayer
We offer a spirit of joy with these gifts before you, O God. We give you thanks for the invitation to restore goodness and abundance, and bring joy to the earth and its peoples. We give you thanks that we are called to share your love and compassion. May our generosity, and our thanksgiving, be boundless.
Setting a Generous Table Statement of Faith
A New Creed (VU 918)
Invitation This table represents the gift of life for those who choose to eat and drink. Here, we become a gathered community wherein we truly care for one another, where all joys become our joys. This table reaches to us and calls us to celebration. We weep with those who weep and laugh with those who lift up the sounds of praise. In this place we share the gift of life, joy, and love for all. This is God’s abundant and generous table, a family table, where all are welcomed, and no one is turned away. Come with joy!
Hymn “Let Us Talents and Tongues Employ” (VU 468)
The Great Thanksgiving
(Written by Fran Ota for this service. May be used or adapted for any service, with credit given.)
We are not alone. We live in God’s world. We are called to be the church. We are called to celebrate God’s presence. Let us celebrate as we offer thanks to God. We offer joyous thanks in this celebration of life. Blessed are you, O God. Because of your overflowing love we are called to be here, at this table. Your Spirit moved over the waters at creation, delighting
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in all your miracles. The land and seas were formed; streams of water flowing from the hills, water flowing from a dry rock in the desert, water flowing in abundance from an altar, the river of the water of life flowing through your vision of a full and abundant creation. In that abundance trees grow and bloom, bearing fruit and enough food for all. Even when we turn our backs on you, or pretend we offer more generosity and openness of table than we really do, you bring the Spirit into our sanctuaries and places of worship, and bless the elements of our daily living. Living water flows from your table. So we offer our thanks for your overflowing compassion and grace to us, as we join with all your people round every table, singing: Sanctus “Holy, Holy, Holy” (MV 203) As we come to this table, to be fed and nourished with your grace, we remember Jesus. We remember his baptism in the Jordan River, and the sign of grace and peace that appeared over those waters; and we call to mind our own baptism, in the ordinary waters of life. On the night before he died, he sat at table with his friends. As the meal began he took some bread, offered blessing to God, then broke the bread and passed it around, saying “Eat this bread. This is my body given for you. Each time you come together around the table, remember me.” At the meal’s end, he took his cup, poured some wine, offered blessing to God, and passed the cup around saying, “Drink this cup. This is the cup of the new covenant, poured out for you. Each time you come together around the table, remember me.” Creator of all things, Source of Life, with thanksgiving we remember Jesus, who came to reconcile and make new, to bring a new vision; who called us to seek true justice and resist the evils of the everyday world. We offer these simple gifts, the fruits of your earth; signs of your love and care for this fragile creation. We give thanks that we are able to say with confidence: In life, in death, in life beyond death, you are always with us. We are not alone. So
we proclaim, with hearts full to overflowing, that mystery we call faith: Memorial Acclamation “Memorial Acclamation” (MV 204) Holy One, power of small streams and great rivers, Creator of all that moves and flows, we pray that your Spirit will touch these gifts, and touch us today. May we be signs of living water, thanksgiving and joy to all the world. (Community prayers are offered here.) We remember in our prayers all those for whom and with whom this feast is to be shared: There are those around us who grieve, who suffer great pain, often silently, believing themselves to be alone. So we offer prayers for… Many around us are ill, or facing chronic disease, or surgery. Often they are not seen or remembered. So we offer prayers for… So many in this world have no place—to live, to sleep, to eat; so many have no access to clean water, to health care or education. We offer our prayers for… Bigotry, racism, discrimination on the basis of gender, colour, education, status—seem to make up such a part of the world around us. So we offer prayers for… For those counted as the “least of these” in the world, who may ask nothing more than a cup of water, we offer our prayers… We pray for churches as they struggle with faith and hope, for the nations as they try to find their way… For families and friends… And we pray for the earth and for the transformation of Creation into new and abundant life… And as we pray, we remember the prayer Jesus taught us, saying: The Lord’s Prayer
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Amen “Great Amen” (MV 205)
Dancing Out in Thanksgiving
Serving the Bread and Cup
“I See a New Heaven” (VU 713)
Bread for the Journey
Blessing
Wine of Arrival Communion Prayer Gracious God, at this table our hearts are filled with joy, that our songs might be about rejoicing. As you have fed us, let our spirits glorify you, and in that glorifying may we be reminded of the abundance of food and water in your home. You alone, O God, are our happiness. Amen. —adapted with permission from “Toppled Over by Joy,” by Suzanne Castle.
Hymn
The call of the prophet Isaiah says to us to “go out with joy” that we might also be agents of peace. May we go forth in joy and peace again and again and again, knowing that joy grows more joy, and God’s peace will abound! May God find us faithful and joy-filled in the ways we encounter the world. Amen and Alleluia! —adapted with permission from “Toppled Over by Joy,” by Suzanne Castle.
Sending “You Shall Go Out With Joy” (VU 884)
Postlude
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Sunday School Learning, Sunday 1: Give Thanks to God
food. But it is enough as a daily food to nourish us and keep us alive. For this the people of Israel were grateful.
Time: 40 min.
In short, it is easy to be thankful when things are good and happy. But the Jewish wisdom teaches that there are always ways to give thanks to God for everything and every day. Just as we give thanks to God for daily food over the meals, we practise gratitude as a Christian life. Ultimately, Dayeinu, being thankful, is about honouring life by sharing our gifts, our time, our talents, and our treasure!
Gathering/Opening (5 min.)
When children enter the room, invite them to create either a half circle (to see the projected music) or a full circle (to share the music in front of them). Once everyone is gathered, let them stand (as they are able) and sing “Ev’ry Day Is a Day of Thanksgiving” (MV 185). The music is upbeat; encourage them to clap with their hands and swing their bodies. After the hymn-singing, a leader/teacher can lead a prayer, elaborating the lyrics that emphasize the preciousness of each day, each person, and each community.
Activity (10 min.)
Using the hymn “If Our God Had Simply Saved Us” (VU 131), write each of the 15 verses on a piece of paper of a different colour. Invite children and teachers to share 15 verses, following the verse numbers. A leader starts singing verse 1, all together singing the refrain, then the next person sings verse 2 and so on. The children can take the paper with the verse home and share it with their family. Once the hymn has been sung all the way to the end, ask, What is the meaning of the Hebrew word in the refrain, dayeinu? Prepare a short presentation or teaching kit about the word, followed by a short lesson about its meaning, its history, and its biblical reference about manna during the Exodus wilderness. Dayeinu (also spelled dayenu) captures the essence of the gratefulness despite the difficulty and the harsh situation like living in the wilderness. You can get good background from the entry on “Dayenu” on Wikipedia. This upbeat Passover song is over 1,000 years old. The word means something like “it would have been enough for us.” Dayeinu shows gratitude despite the mundaneness of the situation. Manna is not a special or delicious
You can extend this lesson by incorporating the parable of five loaves and two fish. By sharing the food with those who need it, we can truly learn what it means to be thankful. Actually, everything comes from God!
Story (10 min.)
It can be hard to give thanks to God when things are difficult. But faith enables us to be thankful even in a time of difficulty in order to share what we have and save lives. Our practice in faithfulness, being in the community together, makes it possible to learn to be thankful for everything and every day. That is the life of the steward. The story below is such a great example. This story could be told simply by one person or it could be dramatized or read in group, one person taking Corrie’s part, another being Betsie, and the other being a narrator.
Thankful for the Fleas: The story of Corrie ten Boom, from the book The Hiding Place (1971). Corrie was a Dutch woman who saved many Jewish people during the Nazi occupation of Holland. As a Christian, she believed that God loves everybody and therefore we must love everybody. She practised this belief by opening her house to hide Jewish people from the Nazis. Because of this, she and her sister Betsie were sent to prison, the notorious Ravensbrück concentration camp. She later wrote a book about this experience. Here is the famous story of the fleas, which captures the essence of what it means to be thankful for everything for every day: Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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The story begins with Corrie and Betsie, who had been taken to Ravensbrück. Corrie had a very small Bible and with some forethought and perhaps a little miracle was able to smuggle it into the camp with her when she went. The new women prisoners of the camp were all crowded into a small flea-infested building. Everyone was afraid and uncomfortable, not least because they were constantly being bitten by fleas. Corrie gathered her fellow prisoners for a prayer and a reading from her smuggled Bible. They read the first letter to the Thessalonians: “Encourage the faint hearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:15–17). Betsie told Corrie that these words mean that we give thanks to God for everything we have in this camp, and then began naming all the things, including the fleas. Corrie could not agree with her sister’s interpretation. “No, not fleas,” said Corrie, “There is no way God can make me grateful for a flea.” “But the letter did not say that we have to be thankful only for things we like,” said Betsie. Corrie and Betsie argued back and forth a few more times. However, in Corrie’s mind, she concluded, “Not fleas. No, no, no.” Life in camp went on. It was a very difficult life, but everyone in Corrie and Betsie’s building found some comfort and happiness in the regular prayer meetings and Bible readings. It was odd, they thought, that the guards would often harass the inmates in the other buildings and refuse to allow them to speak together or pray, but in their building they were mostly left alone. One day Corrie overheard one guard speaking to another. “Why don’t you go in and check on those people?” said the first guard. “No way,” said the other, “I’m not going into that flea-ridden place.” 44
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Thanks to the fleas, the women had been left alone and afforded a little freedom that others were not.
Discussion (10 min.)
• What do you think of the story? • Let’s give each other one minute of silence to ponder the story. Then we’ll go around and share our own response in one sentence. You can pass once and then may do it after everyone shared. • In what ways can we live the life of the steward? After listening to the group, integrate Corrie ten Boom’s story and the dayeinu teaching into the life of the steward. Corrie lived a faithful life as a steward, by sharing what she had. She offered her place, time, and wisdom to save the innocent lives. By sharing her experiences through her writing, she has inspired millions of people to serve those who are suffering. Her doubt (“I cannot give thanks for fleas”) serves as an important lesson to us today. Her older sister, the wise one, Betsie, sadly did not make it. She died at the camp in 1944. However, her teaching, the thoughtful interpretation of absolute gratitude, probably moved Corrie to write her book. In a way, Betsie’s spirit never died. It lives among us and still kindles the hope of many people who are encouraged by their amazing stewardship work, the life-saving, life-restoring work of the faithful. • Write down one thing you can carry out in practising the life of the steward, being thankful for every thing every day.
Closing (5 min.) Reading
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with thanksgiving; for it is sanctified by God’s word and by prayer.” (1 Timothy 4:4–5) Read the verse aloud together, or print it out on a piece of paper and distribute it as take-home material.
Song “Dear Lord, Lead Me Day by Day” (VU 568)
Sunday School Learning, Sunday 2: How We Are Called to Be the Church in Our Community
• What do they do to respond to the call section of A New Creed?
Time: 40 min.
• Why do they do this ministry?
Preparation
• What difference does it make?
We Are Called to Be the Church Bristol Board Posters Write the “called to be the Church” lines from A New Creed on five pieces of bristol board of different colours, one line per board: 1. to celebrate God’s presence 2. to live with respect in Creation 3. to love and serve others 4. to seek justice and resist evil 5. to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope Look for pictures (in back issues of The Observer, for example) of people doing things that express each of the phrases, as well as pictures that contradict the phrases. Post the bristol boards on the wall, at eye height for your children. Spread the pictures on a table. Have glue or tape available for the poster activity.
Guests Invite a guest from the congregation involved with each of these areas: • Worship: member of the choir, greeter • Learning: church leader • Pastoral care: visitor • Outreach: M&S Enthusiast Ask each guest to be ready to tell the children why they undertake this ministry and what difference it makes.
• How they are called to be the church in this particular ministry?
Our Ministries If you do not have guests, write on strips of paper all the ministries that the church supports in your congregation (use your Narrative Budget). Put them up on the walls around the room or on a table. Also have chocolate coins available, five times the number of children you expect.
Think! Say! Do! Handout From the Handouts section at the back of this Resource Kit or stewardshiptoolkit.ca, print out a Think! Say! Do! Stewardship! sheet for each child or family.
Opening (5 min.)
Greet each child, and gather the group to sing a familiar opening song.
Activity (15 min.)
Welcome the children and tell them about the theme of the day: How we are called to be the church in our community. Our New Creed tells us that “we are called to be the Church.” We are going to talk about what that means in our congregation. I am going to read our New Creed. I want you to put up your hand if we come to a word you don’t understand. Read A New Creed or just the “call” section out loud. Slowly. If someone raises their hand, pause to answer the question.
—or—
Read the “call” section again, with everyone together, asking the children to listen for the line that they like the best. When finished, ask children to move to the poster for their favourite phrase.
Invite guests involved in ministries that are examples of each of the phrases of A New Creed. Invite each guest to come prepared to share the following:
Then ask the children to find pictures that show something about their phrase and attach them to the bristol board. If there is time, ask them to draw Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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other activities that live out this phrase.
—or—
—or—
Our Ministries
• Are there words here in which your heart delights?
Point out the strips of paper naming the ministries of your congregation. Explain at these are all ministries that are carried out in this congregation. These are ways that this congregation responds to the call of our New Creed.
• Are there words here that make you ask questions?
Give each child a chocolate coin and ask them to give their coin to
• Are there words here that form a barrier to understanding?
• the ministry that they think is most important
Read A New Creed (or just the “call” section) out loud. Slowly. Read it again, listening for the following:
• Are there words here that make you say “Aha— that helps me!”
• a ministry that someone in their family is involved in (Sunday school is an option if they have no other involvement at this time)
Presentation (15 min.)
• a ministry they would like to be involved in
Welcome and introduce each of your guests.
If you have more coins, repeat with additional questions.
Guests
These are people you see around here a lot! What do they do? How do they help our congregation live out our New Creed? Ask each guest to share their story (see Preparation, above). Ask if the children have questions for the guests. Finally, have the whole group say together to each of the guests: We are called to be the church too! How could we help you? What could we do? Keep track of the responses.
ADDITIONAL IDEA Read the Mr. Plumbean story again or show the video (see Worship, Sunday 2).
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Closing (5 min.)
Prayer: create a prayer of thanksgiving for all the ways in which your congregation is “called to be the Church.” Bring your strips of paper with important ministries and the coins to the Offertory. Distribute the chocolate coins after church.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY OR TAKE-HOME PAGE Think! Say! Do! Stewardship!—see Handouts section of this Resource Kit or stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
Sunday School Learning, Sunday 3: Have You Filled a Bucket Today? Time: 40 min. (or more if you include a meal) This program, based on the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? (by Carol McCloud, illustrated by David Messing, available at ucrdstore.ca) can be used as an all-ages Sunday school class, or as part of a children’s program such as Messy Church. (Please note that for Sunday 3, a youth learning program is also included in this Resource Kit.)
Materials
• Plastic buckets and Ping-Pong/plastic golf balls (see Game, below) • Handkerchief prepared with Mission & Service logo or United Church crest (see Story) • Origami supplies, instructions, and decorations (see Crafts) • Words of Encouragement cards from the Handouts section (see Closing)
Gathering (5 min.)
Scripture: Acts 4:32–35 (The Message) The whole congregation of believers was united as one—one heart, one mind! They didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That’s mine; you can’t have it.” They shared everything. The apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was on all of them. And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the apostles and made an offering of it. The apostles then distributed it according to each person’s need.
Prayer
Dear God, thank you for this community, thank you for people who fill our buckets, thank you for those who walk with us. Guide us to walk with others in loving partnership. Amen.
Game (5 min.)
Introduction (5 min.)
Have enough plastic buckets for everyone. Play a game with buckets of throwing and catching PingPong balls or plastic golf balls in the buckets. You throw the ball from your bucket and catch it in your bucket. This game is a great way for the group to learn everyone’s name, as participants call out the name of the person they are throwing the ball to.
Mission & Service supporters fill buckets. They offer a way of support and value; they offer a way of walking together.
Story (5 min.)
We all carry invisible buckets with us. The buckets are full when we are happy and empty when we are not. Our buckets are filled by other people, by how they treat us, by sharing acts of kindness, by valuing us. When you fill someone else’s bucket, you are also filling your own.
MESSY CHURCH MEAL IDEA Serve a meal that can be placed in a bucket: for example, fish sticks or chicken nuggets and fries, carrot and celery sticks to add colour, ice cream Sundaes with colourful sprinkles for dessert.
Tell the story “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” After you have told the story, illustrate the connection to Mission & Service by pulling the Mission & Service logo or the United Church crest from your bucket, much like pulling a rabbit out of a hat. To do that, get a copy of the Mission & Service logo or United Church crest and a piece of cloth the same colour as your bucket. Before the class, lay the handkerchief flat on a table, place the logo or crest inside, and gather the corners of handkerchief together to look like a bag, with the open corners upright and in your hand. Keep the bundle Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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in close reach while doing the trick, for example, affix it under the table where you will be doing the trick. Place the bucket on the table, making sure everyone knows that it is empty. Flip the bucket, and when the opening of the bucket is facing you, quickly place the bundle inside the bucket. You can then carefully pull the symbol from the bucket to the amazement of the group. Practise this trick to get comfortable with it. Talk about all the different partners around the world and in Canada who have full buckets because of the church’s Mission & Service dollars. Before the class spend some time going over the “M&S at a glance” found on www.united-church.ca.
Crafts (15 min.)
Make an origami bucket, and decorate it with stickers and glitter glue paper buckets. Instructions for a simple Origami Cup can be found at www.origami-instructions.com, and elsewhere.
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Closing (5 min.)
For closing time, create a bucket filled with words of encouragement, such as “Love,” “Kindness,” “Courage,” “Compassion,” and so on. Gather in a circle and pass around the bucket. You can copy and cut up the Words of Encouragement Cards template in the Handouts section of this Resource Kit. As the bucket is passed, children are invited to select one word for their journey.
Prayer
We give you thanks, God, for this time of sharing. We are thankful for Mission & Service, and the many ways it walks with ministries. We are thankful for all our partners. Help us to always remember them in prayer. Amen.
Sunday School Learning, Sunday 4: I Will with God’s Help Time: 40 min.
Preparation and Supplies You will need:
• materials that can be used to make a tent or fort—blankets and chairs, children’s building materials (e.g., Discovery Kids 72-piece construction fort), or actual tent equipment • coloured construction paper, precut into hearts, hands, presents, and trees (or have these shapes available to trace) • scissors, crayons, and markers • a low table and red, blue, and purple cloth for an altar for children’s gifts; possibly a Christ candle Line up a storyteller to practise the story for the day. If possible, they could learn it well enough to not have to read it from the page. The storyteller could wear a biblical costume if they are so inclined.
Gathering/Opening (5 min.) Songs
“Come All You People” (MV 2), “This Little Light of Mine” (traditional), “We Love (because God first loved us)” by Ann F. Price (Graded Press, 1975), “We Are the Church” by Richard Avery and Donald Marsh (Hope Publishing Co., 1972), and/or “Give Thanks (with a grateful heart)” by Henry Smith (Integrity’s Hosanna! Music, 1978)
Introduction Ask the children to hold their hands out open in front of them and to look at them. God has made each of us different. No one has the same hands as us! God has given us hands to receive awesome gifts! Ask the children to reach their hands out in front of them toward others. God’s gifts to us are special. No one has the same ones as us. God asks us to share our gifts with those around us.
Ask the children to raise their hands above their heads. When we share our gifts, we make God happy. We praise God when we serve and help others. Our God is amazing!
Activity (10 min.)
Challenge the children to work together to build a tent or fort with the materials available. As they work, make mention of the different gifts that you see—someone who is patient, someone who knows how to build things, someone who helps others, someone who listens, etc. If it is big enough, they can sit inside the tent to listen to today’s story. If it is not big enough, ask the children to sit in front of the storyteller.
Story (5 min.)
(paraphrase of Exodus 35:20–29) Invite your storyteller to come forward and share this story: It was after God saved all of us from being slaves in Egypt, after we safely crossed the Red Sea, after God gave us food in the middle of the desert and water from a rock, after God gave Moses the stone tablets high up on Mount Sinai with the best ways for us to live together…after all that happened, God decided that as we travelled to the Promised Land, our new and wonderful home, God wanted to live with us. God wanted to be closer to us, instead of being way up on a mountain or in a pillar of fire or cloud. So God asked us to make a big tent. Moses said to us, “Make an offering to God. Have a generous heart! Share your gold, silver, and bronze. Share your blue, purple, and red yarns. Share your animal skins and leather. Share your acacia wood and oil and spices. Share your precious stones and gems. Share the most expensive things you have as a thank you to God for keeping you safe, for loving you and for making you a special people.” We were in the middle of the desert, with just the Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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things we could carry when we ran from Egypt in the middle of the night. Still, God asked us to share. So people did. It was amazing!
• I wonder how it feels to work together and make something so beautiful for God?
We gathered all kinds of things together. God had given gifts to us—things to share, and people who were able to build out of gold, silver, and bronze; people who could weave the yarn into cloth; people who could make bread to remind us that God provides for us; people who knew how to make a big tent; and Aaron, who would help us to worship God as the priest. So many gifts!
Create Blessings and Gifts for the Altar
When it was all done, it was beautiful. Because we shared, we had a wonderful place to come and be close to God. It was so special to us and we would bring gifts to God inside it all the time to say thank you. Every time we moved closer to the Promised Land, we packed up the tent and carried everything inside it with us. Then we would set it up again in a new place. We knew that God was always with us and we were not alone.
Response (15 min.)
Choose questions from the following that will work with your group: • What are ways that God has blessed and helped you? • What is the most important or expensive thing that you own? Would you be willing to share it if you knew God wanted you to? • Why do you think it was important that God’s people built the tent? • In what ways has God blessed your church? • What are some things that your church has worked on together? • I wonder how hard it was for the people to give up their gold and other things for the tent? • I wonder if there were people who chose not to share and why they didn’t? • I wonder how it feels to use the gifts God has given you? 50
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• I wonder what it feels like to be so close to God? Set up an altar with a low table and red, blue, and purple cloth. The Christ candle can be lit the entire learning time, or just when children present their gifts. Either have construction paper precut in the shape of hearts, hands, presents, and trees, or ask the children to trace or draw one or more of these shapes and cut them out. Have a sample ready to show them for each. • On a heart, write or draw a way of showing love such as hugs, listening, or caring. • On a hand, write or draw an action such as helping, sharing, praying, or giving money. • On a present, write or draw a gift such as singing, dancing, a sport, building, or allowance money. • On a tree, write or draw a way of caring for creation, such as picking up litter, composting, recycling, or using less water. Children may do a few of the same symbol and not think of something for other symbols. That’s okay! Help those who are stuck or ask the others to say what gifts they see in that child. Younger children may simply want to write their name on a symbol. As they work, fill out the conversation by talking about ways they can respond to God’s gifts to them for each symbol. When the children have finished preparing their symbols, invite them to one at a time bring their offering forward and place it on the altar. Talk about how everything we have comes from God and we offer it back as a way of saying thank you. Celebrate all that we can do when we work together and share our gifts in the church.
Closing/Sending Out (5 min.)
God, you have made each of us different. Thank you, God! You have given each of us different gifts. Thank you, God! You ask us to share our gifts with others. Thank you, God! Help us to love and serve others for your kingdom. Amen!
Song “Sanctuary” (MV 18), “Go Make a Difference” (MV 209, chorus), and/or “Go Now in Peace” by Natalie Sleeth (Hinshaw Music, 1976)
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Sunday School Learning, Sunday 5: The Red Carpet Time: 40 min.
to create an authentic and unique celebration. Where possible, use the altar and any creations that have been made up to this point as props of one kind or another.
Many options are given here to accommodate different group sizes and dynamics.
Have fun! It’s a party!
Materials
The MC does a short monologue that should include an appropriate joke or two. The monologue could be something like the following:
• Red carpet (or one made from red cardboard paper taped together or other). • Card and envelope revealing the reward (this will likely require some pre-Sunday prep time): The card should be small but open up into something big after much unfolding, with the scripture (Revelation 22:1–5) written on it, full of colour, maybe spilling out hearts onto the floor as it continues to unfold. Or create a popup card that opens up really big and includes an image of an abundant garden with the verse. • Certificates if giving out rewards to Sunday school participants (available in Handouts section). • Awards envelopes with cards that have winners’ names or the name of the task accomplished. • Craft supplies (see options described under Response).
Options
Send out formal invitations and/or invite participants to dress in a theme, in their fine Sunday wear. (Or provide something for them to wear on the red carpet—being ready in case there are guests who don’t know what’s going on). Let participants walk the red carpet, maybe, with parental permission, offering photo opportunities. Paparazzi could add to the fun! Interview them to see what they’ve been up to and what they’ve accomplished. Provide a prop to use as a microphone. In a smaller group, you may be able to do a full awards show. You may want to keep track of the things you do in the weeks leading up to this, and/ or recognize what participants do in their everyday 52
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Opening (10 min.)
Today we’re on the red carpet. We’ll see the stars in our midst and the things they have done. We’ll take a look at all we’ve done and dream what generosity and giving thanks can do when their done together. Jesus said, “You can be sure that whoever gives even a drink of cold water to one of the least of these…will certainly receive a reward” (Matthew 10:42, Good News Bible). Soon we’ll get the reward, but first, are we ready to reveal our generosity? Are we ready to celebrate? Let’s check out the red carpet. We need a theme song.
Red Carpet Song “And on This Path” (MV 8) Feel free to dance or add some groovy moves. You might think about altering the words—for example: • And on this path, the generosity overflows… • And on this path, we give thanks for all we’ve done… Depending on the number of participants, you may want to sing the song twice (once before everyone walks the carpet and once after). If there are only a few children, you could sing a verse as each enters/ exits. When someone is on the red carpet, have them share something they’ve done to help others. Repeat what they say, with great joy, to ensure everyone has heard and to reinforce that they feel listened to. After the participant has shared, the group applauds their generosity, and the person exits the red carpet.
Another Approach Another option is to invite those who accomplished a task to go to the red carpet. Here are some possibilities: • Those who helped a friend at school • Those who donated to a cause • Those who gave their time • What did you do? • What did you give (money, time, courage)? • How did you feel?
Story (10 min.)
Are we ready for the reward? Oh wait. What do you think the reward is? Shall we open it? Allow for a little conversation. Then open the envelope/card you have prepared, which contains the reading of Revelation 22:1–5: Eden Restored. The story is the great reward—maybe you are also surprised as a whole lot of hearts fall out of the envelope as it is opened and read. Some say that the greatest reward is that everyone feels loved and cared for. When we think about generosity and sharing all of ourselves, we live into that great reward. When we choose to be generous with our time, talents, and love, things change. People we help change and they change us. We learn more about the world from others and how we can change as a community to create harmony. Our friends, all through the church and all over the world, are living generously and working lovingly to help in creating a world where we know and help each other. Sometimes this can be accomplished by giving our time and our talents to the things we care most about, and sometimes sharing our money is the best way we can help. In all that we do, we need to remember that even the smallest gestures of generosity create big changes in the world. And for that, we celebrate! When people live generously, we celebrate!
Where possible, include the names and activities of participants or community members as examples and throw in some passion to celebrate their accomplishments. Caution: if you choose to name any of the participants, I recommend naming them all. One of my favourite resources is Do Something: A Handbook for Young Activists by Nancy Lublin (Workman Publishing, 2010). There are many stories of young people and famous people who are making small and big contributions to the world. You could use a story from there and celebrate their contributions—find one that connects to the participants. It’s stories like these that we should hear more about. And that is why we are having our red carpet moment. You are the star of your life. And stars shine very brightly.
Response (Craft Time) (15 min.) Craft Options
• Create a banner of accomplishments and thanks (visual theme of stars, halos, angels; maybe the banner is the red carpet). • Create a walk of fame by making handprint patio stones that participants can decorate, or making “stones” out of finger paint and paper. Instead of names, maybe name things the church or community does. • Create a thank you card for someone in the church or community. • Create party hats.
Questions During the Activity
• I wonder what generosity means to you? • I wonder what you would do in the world if you could do anything at all (with no limitations)? • I wonder how you feel when you give to others? • I wonder what you think others feel when you help them? • I wonder what your perfect world looks like? • I wonder how you thank people? • I wonder how often you are thanked? Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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• I wonder how many thank you’s you could offer in a day? • I wonder how God celebrates?
with our gifts. And help us to remember that we can celebrate every day, knowing that we live generously in our world. Help us to be your shining stars, O God. Walk the red carpet with us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
• I wonder how God thanks you?
Sending Out Song
Closing (5 min.)
“And on This Path” (MV 8)
• I wonder how you celebrate generosity?
Before we leave for the day, let us say a prayer: Generous and loving God, thank you for all that we have and all that we can give. Give us a push to be generous and brave. Give us a nudge to be generous with love. Tap us on the shoulder to be generous
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Perhaps take a selfie of the group with their creations on the red carpet. (Maybe recreate an “Oscar Selfie.”) Where possible, enjoy communion, an agape meal, or a celebratory cake.
Youth/Confirmation Program, Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Mission Time: 40 min. Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Goal
A New Creed has been used in many confirmation programs. This statement of our United Church faith gives teens a foundation of belief that can be built on in their ongoing faith journey. The creed offers a series of statements of what we as people in The United Church of Canada believe. It is set up in a series of statements with overarching themes of belief, call, and proclamation. Each line can be created into a session of exploration with a youth group and with a confirmation group for those seeking membership in the United Church. In keeping with the theme of the Mission & Service of the United Church for 2015, we will be focusing on one line: “We are called to be the Church,” as a way to explore Mission & Service. Mission & Service works in partnership with ministries around the world and in Canada on many social justice issues, including right relations between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal people.
Preparation
This hour-and-a-half workshop is separated into three parts, the foundation of the church, the ways that the foundation is built up through program and belief structure, and the wider church of charity and justice. Each section highlights one aspect of the United Church, past or present, and then the participants are given time for creative exploration. Each participant will spend time putting what they envision as church in a work of art, whether through drawing a floor plan of their church or creating another image such as a tree. Encourage the teens to be creative. Make sure there are enough paper, pencils, markers for the participants to use. Find a church floor plan
template that can be filled in and outlines of the tree of life as an option to inspire the teens in their creation. If the tree outline is used, perhaps the different aspects of their church could be added in the form of leaves on the branches of a tree. Familiarize yourself with this issue of Mandate and Mission & Service at a Glance. They are a good way to illustrate the work of Mission & Service as well as the many ministries and places where we are in partnership. Find a computer and projector. Search for an image to go with each of the three parts. Write the scripture passages from the Sharing Scripture portion on index cards.
Introduction (5 min.)
Share with participants that they will be exploring different aspects of the United Church’s history, from the beginning to the present. At the end of each part, there will be a time to create a piece of artwork that represents the church.
Part One
Beginning of the church (5 min.) Project an image of Lydia Gruchy. The United Church of Canada was formed on June 10, 1925. In 1936, Lydia Gruchy became the first woman to be ordained as a minister. To give some historical importance to this ordination, this was only seven years after women were recognized as persons in Canada. Eleven years after the United Church was formed the foundational belief that women and men are called to be ministers of the church was realized.
Activity (20 min.) Begin to build your church using paper or floor plans or tree outlines. Reflect on the different aspects of church. What ministries and programs do you believe are at the core of your church, its foundation? What are the values that your church is built on? For example, is there a strong emphasis on art, or music, or social justice? Think about the elements you need to include to truly be the church. Allow time for participants to reflect and then create. Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Part Two
Activism as a calling in the church (5 min.) Project an image of a rainbow flag. In 1988, the United Church’s 32nd General Council made two statements about sexual orientation, church membership, and church leadership. The General Council declared that “all persons, regardless of their sexual orientation, who profess faith in Jesus Christ and obedience to him, are welcome to be or become full members of The United Church of Canada,” and “all members of the Church are eligible to be considered for Ordered Ministry.” This moved the church forward in promoting the idea that all are welcome in the United Church.
Activity (10 min.)
Project the world map from Mission & Service at a Glance. Spend some time pointing out the places in the world where Mission & Service is at work in partnership. Share some stories from this issue of Mandate.
Activity (10 min.) As an extension of who we are as church, you are invited to think beyond your church boundary to the world around, whether in Canada or in other parts of the world. We have heard stories about Mission & Service and have looked at the M&S world map and the pie chart budget. Where are the areas of the world that you would partner with? What are the issues that your church wants to be in partnership around e.g., environment, child poverty?
Now it is time to expand on your foundation. Taking all the elements that are at the core of your church, expand those elements into ways that your church will truly live out your calling to be church. For example, if your church has art as an important part of your foundation, how would you express art in your church’s day-to-day life?
Spend some time hearing from the group. Invite the teens to add their suggestions for partnerships to their artwork.
Part Three
Share with the group the idea that the Hokey Pokey is a dance of social justice. We put one foot in for charity, another foot in for justice, and both feet in to make a difference. Mission & Service is our way of putting our whole selves in. Our hearts and souls walk and work with people who are marginalized, creating a church that celebrates God’s presence here in Canada and in other parts of the world.
Social justice and partnership (10 min.) God’s mission is always done in partnership. One of our responses to God’s call to mission in the United Church is giving for Mission & Service. Many Mission & Service ministries and programs reflect our belief in and commitment to partnership. Mission & Service has partners all over Canada and in other parts of the world addressing such things as child poverty, environmental issues, and issues of equality, to name a few. It is through Mission & Service that we live out what it means to be called to be the church in Canada and around the world. This is the heart and soul of what it means to be the United Church. In places in the world where there is conflict, poverty, natural disasters—places where people struggle—through our gifts for Mission & Service we walk and work with those who are marginalized. Project the image of the pie chart in M&S at a Glance.
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When you think that the majority have completed their task, invite everyone to stand up and dance the “Hokey Pokey” song with you. (Google this if you are not familiar with it.)
Project an image of two feet and share with the participants the following information. The left foot is charity: providing direct service like food, clothing, and shelter; directed at the effects of injustice and short-term relief. The right foot is justice: providing social change in institutions; directed at the root causes of injustice and long-term solutions. Responding to the world solely through charity does not change the world long term. And the longterm problems cannot be addressed without the short-term support of charity. Charity and justice go together; you need both to make a difference in the world.
Sharing Scripture (20 min.) Tell the participants that they are now going to create something to share with the group. Break into six small groups. Each small group will be given a scripture on an index card, and people in the group will have 15 minutes to prepare a skit, song, dance, or prayer to present the scripture to the whole group.
pressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow. (Isaiah 1:17) [God] loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord. (Psalm 33:5)
Closing Blessing (5 min.) Walk with us, God, in the way of justice. Guide us, Jesus, in paths of charity.
But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream. (Amos 5:24)
Call us, Spirit, to move and grow in justice seeking faith.
Mighty King, lover of justice, you have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. (Psalm 99:4)
Amen.
Therefore the Lord waits to be gracious to you; therefore [God] will rise up to show mercy to you. For the Lord is a God of justice; blessed are all those who wait for [God]. (Isaiah 30:18) What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)
View “Our Creed Is Our Mission” video as the session ends.
Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the op-
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Adult Learning, Sunday 1: Living Thankfully Day by Day— The Life of the Steward
Bible Study (15–20 min.)
Time: 90 min. Based on Matthew 6: 25–34
2. Have one person read the scripture Matthew 6:25–34.
This program is designed for use with various groups of adults. It can be adapted and personalized to the size and make up of your particular group. Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Opening (10 min.)
Welcome people to the study. State briefly the focus for this week. Make sure people are comfortable. Light a candle, and open with a prayer, from the Sunday liturgy or as follows:
Prayer Loving God, open us up to receive your Word again. In our silences, reflections, thoughts, and discussions may we truly come to understand what it means to be a good steward. Help us to accept this call to discipleship in our own lives, our families, and our communities. Amen.
Intro to Lectio Divina (10–15 min.)
Introduce Lectio divina (sometimes called “Praying the Scriptures”), a method of really encountering God in a personal and meaningful way by prayerfully reading and reflecting on a passage of scripture. There’s a good introduction on www.united-church.ca (search “lectio divina”), and another on the Order of Carmelites website at http://ocarm.org/en/ content/lectio/what-lectio-divina. If you wish to view a video introduction, Roman Catholic Archibishop Tom Collins offers a good explanation at https://youtu.be/aqRf8-_M0-I. Make sure everyone has a Bible. They do not have to all be the same version, in fact, if it is better if there are different versions. Depending on the size of your group, break into pairs or triads, or allow people to work alone.
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1. Take a few minutes of silence to allow people to centre themselves.
3. Have each person read the scripture slowly and silently to themselves. Allow at least five minutes for them to reflect on what struck them from the scripture. (Encourage people to go with their first thoughts and not analyze this too much.) After about five minutes, have them share in their small groups and/or the larger group as appropriate. 4. Repeat steps two and three, and this time have people reflect on how they see signs of stewardship in this passage. Does this connect to them? How? 5. Repeat steps two and three, asking people to think of what action they feel this passage is inviting them to take in their own life and perhaps in their family life.
Break (10 min.) Group Sharing (10 min.)
Take time to explore anything further from the Bible study—especially the action pieces that people have envisioned. Facilitate a brief discussion on if and how individual actions work into collective (community action ) keeping your pastoral charge in mind
Creative Exercise (10–15 min.)
Ask participants to try writing a thanksgiving prayer or perhaps a brief action plan on what they plan to do as a result of their participation in this group.
Closing (10 min.)
Hopefully one or more people will want to share the prayer that they have written as a result of this study. Alternatively, feel free to use this one.
Prayer
Hymn
Thank you, God. Thank you for the gift of encountering you in scripture, in reflection, and in shared conversation. Now as we return to our respective places, help us to continue to be mindful of your presence in all that we see and do. Remind us that all we are and everything we hope for is a reflection of you, the giver of all our gifts, the author of our security and trust. Thank you, God. Amen.
Any hymn or song that reflects gratitude and trust in God and that speaks to the group could be used for a closing hymn. Here are a few suggestions:
Video Show “Living Thankfully” video.
“We Praise You, O God” (VU 218), “For the Fruit of All Creation” (VU 227), “Come, You Thankful People, Come” (VU 516), “We Plough the Fields” (VU 520), “Praise God for this Holy Ground” (MV 42), “Hey Ney Yana” (MV 217) Extinguish the candle.
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Adult Learning, Sunday 2: Living Our Mission Locally Time: 90 (or 120) min.
Materials
Ask participants to share their story (their drawing) with one other person. Since this is very personal, allow individuals to choose their own partner. Ask the pairs to consider these questions:
• Copies of your latest Annual Report
• What did you learn about God? About yourself?
• Copies of your Narrative Budget
• How did the church play a role in your “high” and “low” experiences?
• Copies of A New Creed (optional; can use bulletin insert in Handouts section)
Part 2
• Writing paper, writing materials, sticky notes, flip charts
To help participants reflect on the local ministries of the pastoral charge
• Prepare a quiz ahead of time (see description in Part 4, below), and consider awarding prizes
Annual Report (10 min.)
Welcome (5 min.)
You might have coffee, tea and juice available. Warmly welcome each person as they arrive. One of Sunday’s biblical texts can be read, followed by a prayer.
Part 1
To invite participants to reflect on their personal faith journey and the place of the local church in their lives
Highs and Lows (15 min.) Hand out blank sheets of paper, pens, pencils, and coloured pencils. Ask each participant to draw a picture or graph representing their personal faith journey, noting, in particular, their “highs” and “lows.”
Distribute copies of the Annual Report to all present. Hand out sticky notes and pens or pencils. Ask participants to flip through the document, noting ways in which we live out our faith in the church building and in the local community. Use sticky notes. (Examples might include pastoral care to shut-in members of our church, inspiring worship on Sunday morning, supporting the local food bank, and so on.) While people are working on this activity, prepare five flip chart pages with the following headings: Worship, Faith Formation/Education, Pastoral Care, Outreach, and Hospitality. Post them on the wall at the front of the room. At the end of this time ask:
OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL ACTIVITY: A NEW CREED (30 min.) Where numbers warrant, divide into smaller conversation groups of perhaps 2–4 people. Give each group a copy of A New Creed. Ask the groups to reflect on these questions: • Turn to the “We are called to be the Church” portion of the creed. How are we fulfilling our call to be the church? • Are we doing a good job? • What areas might we need to work on? Draw group back to together to debrief. Ask if anyone has anything they would like to share with the larger group?
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• How was that activity?
The Quiz (15 min.)
• Did you learn anything new?
Invite folks to choose teams—aim for four teams. If the group is small, participants could choose a partner or play as individuals.
Try to not get into sharing the items written on notes, just focus on the process.
Five Lists (15 min.) Introduce the five flip chart pages at the front. Explain that for today we are going to create five lists that will summarize our ministries. Invite folks, to come forward one at a time, read their sticky notes, and post them under the appropriate heading. The group can be invited to help each other categorize each item. Ask the group, have we heard that one before? If so, lay it aside. (If the group is larger, you can choose to speed up the process. You can, for instance, just ask people to go up as a group and post them themselves, without the input of the others).
Break (10 min.) Part 3
To explore how much it costs to engage in our local ministry
Prepare the game in advance. Decide if there will be prizes, and if so, have them on hand. Use the following quiz as a model and add your own questions to the mix. Consult your Narrative Budget and your Annual Report to get answers in advance. The idea is to create some awareness and have fun. You might conclude the exercise with this quote from a member of a United Church who began using a Narrative Budget: “Until my church sent out a Narrative Budget I did not realize how much it cost to do ministry. I don’t guess I thought much about it. Around the community I heard people talking about contributing to the church, or paying the minister, but I never thought much about where the money was spent, and how much good our offering accomplished. I am so happy that I got a chance to see our offering
THE QUIZ Who is the present Moderator of The United Church of Canada? Who was the minister on this pastoral charge in 1990? How many of our present UCW members have “Life Membership” pins? How many church choir members do we presently have? What is the overall budget amount for 2015? How much does it cost our church/pastoral charge to provide meaningful worship for a year? Who is responsible to send our Mission & Service contributions to the General Council Office? How much does it cost this pastoral charge to provide pastoral care for one year? How old is the oldest building on this pastoral charge? How much did it cost our pastoral charge to provide outreach ministries in 2014? How many baptisms did we celebrate on this pastoral charge in 2014? What was the cost of providing faith formation/Christian education on this pastoral charge in 2014?
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in action, here and in partnership with the whole church. Thank you.”
Part 4
To offer participants an opportunity to share their gratitude for their church’s ministry
Testimony (15 min.) Invite participants to write a short testimony/story (about 2 min. spoken) with the title: “How this church has made a difference in my life.” When everyone is finished, invite a couple of volunteers to read theirs to the group. Ask everyone if they would be willing to pass them in. The leader can go through the stories later and select a couple that might, with the writers’ per-
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mission, be read as a “minute for local mission” at Sunday’s worship service. The writers could be contacted in advance and encouraged to read their own selections.
Closing (5 min.)
Close today’s session by thanking the members present for attending today’s session, and for participating fully. Suggest that you end the session together with a “popcorn prayer.” In this prayer, the leader begins, offering thanks to God for this opportunity to gather, for those gathered, and for witness and ministry of the pastoral charge. Then invite others, if they are comfortable, to chime in what they are thankful for. End with the Lord’s Prayer.
Adult Learning, Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission
Passover, the Jews hold a celebration of the first harvest known as Pentecost. In the Christian calendar, Pentecost is the birthday of the Christian church.
Time: 90 min. Based on Acts 2: The story of the birth of the Christian church
To engage your group, invite them to experience one or both of the following ways to discuss Acts 2.
Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Introduction
This Bible study is designed for a small group gathering and centres on the call section of the United Church’s A New Creed: “We are called to be the church.” What do the words “We are called to be the church” mean for us as individuals and as members of a community of faith? A core United Church belief is that the church is made up of people who work and worship together; it’s not just a place to meet. Acts of the Apostles chapter 2 shares the story of how we became the church together.
Leader Background
Acts of the Apostles is believed to have been written around 70 CE by Luke. He set out to write an account of the movement of Jesus’ followers, whom we now call the early Christian church. Luke uses a narrative and often poetic format to illustrate his belief that it is in the events of the Jesus movement that we will find God’s voice and hear what God is calling us to say and do.
Engaging With Luke (20 min.)
Many scholars believe Luke was a physician who lived in the Greek city of Antioch. He became a disciple of the apostle Paul. Luke devoted his life to the early Christian movement. This passage from Acts paints a dramatic picture of this Pentecost gathering of Jesus’ followers: tongues of fire appearing over the heads of the disciples, wind blowing through the room, people able to speak in many different languages and understand one another. The story takes place at the end of what we know as the Easter season. On the 50th day after
1. Read the scripture as though you are an eyewitness: • How would you react to what you are seeing and hearing? • Would you feel compelled to participate in this gathering, or would it frighten you? • Would experiencing this event change anything in you? 2. Read the scripture in today’s context: • Reflecting on your own experience of worship, what in this scripture stands out for you as being out of the ordinary or beyond belief? • If this happened today, how would you react? • What does this say about our understanding of a church gathering? • What is Peter calling us to do today?
On a Deeper Level (20 min.)
“We are called to be the church,” A New Creed declares. In light of this statement, read and reflect on the first 16 verses of Acts 2. • What are the moments of spirit and fire that you see in the church today? • How do we live out our calling to be the church? Verses 17–41 are Peter’s call to action in the form of an eloquent, passionate speech meant to inspire the assembled community to be the church. Peter gives the assembled hope in the Holy Spirit. In verse 33, he tells them that the promise of the Holy Spirit has been poured out on the assembled so “you both see and hear.” This is the calling of God’s Spirit—to see and hear your calling to community as the church.
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• Would you be inspired by these words? • Would you feel the calling of the Holy Spirit to become the church? • How would you inspire your community to be the church? Verses 42–47 highlight the growth of the church on that first day and the days following. These verses illustrate the commitment of those gathered. The community that Peter lays out in these verses is one that shares all their resources, that prays and eats together. • As you reflect on your own church community, where do you see commitment and growth? • What is your vision of this type of community, where all live together and share everything? • Do you feel called to be the church in this way? • How would living in community change the church, both locally and nationally?
Break (10 min.) Action Ideas (30 min.)
From your context, raise up the good news stories of places where you see growth and the movement of the Spirit. Share how you can celebrate and build on these stories in the future. Spend time visioning in your own church community about how you will respond to the call to be the church.
Throughout the history of The United Church of Canada, there are examples of community: whether it is intentionally living and eating together or coming together in a project that creates a community of support. We as the church live out our faith with others, learning together, working together, and eating together. As you reflect on the United Church’s history: • Where have there been moments of community within the wider church’s history? • What are the ways that the whole United Church lives out the calling to be the church today?
Video Show “Our Creed Is Our Mission” video.
Closing (10 min.)
Gather everyone in a circle, and light a candle. Go around the circle, and check in with everyone about how they are feeling. Ask the group to share one thing they learned as well as one idea they will be taking away that will help them in their commitment to live out their calling to be the church. Ask: What is one aspect of the United Church that you would like to learn more about? End your time together by singing one of the versions of A New Creed that can be found on united-church.ca in the Anniversary for Church Union worship section.
• What are some of the programs and projects that you as a group can envision implementing?
Closing Blessing
• Who would you partner with in the community?
We go in the hope of the Holy Spirit blowing through each of us, giving us a heartfelt passion for our calling.
Mission & Service is how we live out this calling as a whole church together. • What Mission & Service ministries and programs connect with the mission you do locally? Share copies of this Mandate magazine, other issues of Mandate, The United Church Observer, and other Mission & Service resources found at stewardshiptoolkit.ca to discover ways to live out your calling to be the church. 64
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As we leave this time of community,
Go in community, ready to accept the call to be the church. We go in love and faith, to answer God’s call. Amen.
Adult Learning, Sunday 4: Giving Sunday—Our Personal Response Time: 90 min.
Opening (10 min.) Prayer
Loving God, as we enter into this time of study, open our hearts to be honest with ourselves about our habits of giving. May we be challenged to understand why we give (or not). May we be challenged to be active participants in the ministry of the church, as we live into the call to stewardship. Amen.
Discussion Starter: The Habit of Giving This week is about our personal response to giving. So I started thinking about why I give. Several answers come to mind, but underlying all those answers is habit. I give because it was a habit instilled in me from a very early age. As a child I received an allowance of two dollars per week. My father worked a full-time job and then in the evening worked as a cleaner at three different offices for a furnace company. I would go with dad and my job was to empty the ash trays and wash them (yes, I know, but it was the 1970s). From my two dollars, one quarter went to the Sunday school’s collection plate, and one quarter went into an envelope that once a month when the envelope contained one dollar would go to the Missionary Fund. Which was the M&S equivalent of the denomination I grew up in. So my habit of giving was well established by adulthood. What is your earliest memory of giving? How do you feel thinking back on that memory?
Why I Give (40 min.)
1. I give because I value the local ministry Scripture Reading Exodus 35:20–29
We are quick to support and recommend to friends and family events and services where we believe we have received value for our money. For example; a nice dinner at a certain restaurant, a concert, a
play, a massage therapist, a book we’ve read, even a brand of cookie. Reflection Questions • Do you believe that there is a value received from being a part of a local community of faith? If so, how would you define that value? • Do you think your local community of faith experience is valuable enough to recommend that experience to others? • Do you consider it valuable enough to financially support its continuance?
2. I give because I value outreach partnerships Scripture Readings Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will be enriched; one who gives water will get water.”
Proverbs 19:17: “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full.” Matthew 25:34–40 Canadians in general value the work of charitable and non-profit organizations. Statistics Canada said that in 2010, 94 percent of Canadians aged 15 and over gave material goods or food or made a financial donation, to a total of $10.6 billion. In the church we give not just out of the kindness of our hearts, but out of a sense of responsibility to our brothers and sisters in our communities and around the world. Whether it is one-time giving to a disaster relief or ongoing giving to a program, there is a sense of duty to make the world a better place for all. A sense that we who can help should help, when and where we are able. That sense of responsibility is also reflected in the same report that found that donors who are religiously active gave an average of about three times more than donors those who aren’t. That impulse to help, serve, or work for justice has also been one of the cornerstones of our United Church heritage. In 2014, approximately $30 million went to our Mission & Service. We also give and support out of a sense of paying it forward. We help today because we do not know Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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what tomorrow will bring. Tomorrow, we may be the one who needs help. Or perhaps we were once the ones who needed help, and now are giving back. For example, those of us who have had to use a food bank will remember that experience, and now likely give to support that ministry. Reflection Questions • When you think about the terms “outreach” or “partnerships,” what comes to mind? • Do you feel that your givings to outreach are making a difference? Has an outreach ministry made a difference in your life, or in the life of someone close to you? • How do you prioritize your givings?
3. I give because I believe in a greater vision Scripture Readings Matthew 5:3–10 (The Beatitudes)
Matthew 13:31–33 (The Parable of the Mustard Seed) Reflection Questions • Describe your vision of the “new kingdom.” • Where do you see glimpses of the “new kingdom” in action? • How can you support the greater vision of how things could be, or should be?
Break (10 min.) How I Give (20 min.)
We live in a world where big donations are associated with having your name or brand label attached to an event, a building, a brick on a recreational path, and so on. Smaller donations are recognized with a sticker or a ribbon, partly as a thanks, but also partly as a pressure tactic to not be the only one without the ribbon or sticker. How do our scriptures instruct us to give?
1. Give in secret Matthew 6:2–4
2. Give with generosity and thanksgiving 2 Corinthians 9:10–11 66
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3. Give from your heart Mark 12:41–44
Reflection Questions
• What do you think about the models for giving that are reflected in the three scripture passages above? Are they consistent with our personal giving? • Is there a passage that causes unease? • Does another scripture passage come to mind for you?
Wrap-Up (10 min.)
Reflection Questions
• How would you now describe your personal response to giving? • Once we understand the core reasons for why we give and establish a practice around how we give, how do we teach that understanding of giving to the next generation?
Closing Prayer Gracious God, who has provided us with a multitude of blessings, make us better stewards of that which we have been given. Grant to us that greater vision, so that we do not take with a sense of entitlement, but give with a sense of purpose. Give us compassion for others, a passion for justice, and a joy for community; and may they be reflected in the ways we offer ourselves and our resources. Amen.
Adult Learning, Sunday 5: Expressing Our Gratitude— Living Generously Time: 90 min. Images of abundance and generosity, drawn in particular from Ezekiel 47:1–12 and Revelation 22:1–5 Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Gathering/Check-in (10 min.)
Have enough apples on hand for everyone in the group. Invite participants to eat their apples, slowly, meditatively, savouring every bite. Then invite each person to share a thought or a memory that came to them as they were eating their apple.
Devotional Moment (10 min.)
Read Psalm 1 (VU p. 724) responsively. Then discuss: The psalm presents a contrast between “the righteous” and “the wicked.” The righteous are like healthy, fruitful trees; the wicked are like barren chaff. What enables the righteous to be healthy; what prevents the wicked from being healthy? Try to stretch your thinking beyond stereotypes of good and bad, obedient and disobedient. Think about being open to soak up the life-giving water of the river; acknowledging the abundance and generosity of that living water and allowing it to flow into us and through us, so that we participate in the generous outpouring of its life-gifts.
Bible Study: Water Flowing from the Temple (20 min.) Passage
Ezekiel 47:1–12
Context Early in the 6th century BCE, the city of Jerusalem was attacked and destroyed by the Babylonians. Many of the inhabitants of Jerusalem were taken to Babylon, leading to the establishment of a large Jewish community, which eventually thrived in Babylon for centuries. Ezekiel was one of the original exiles. He came from a priestly family and was called to a prophetic ministry after settling in Babylon. A good portion of the Book of Ezekiel describes his visions of a new temple, its functions and ceremonies. These visions are idealistic and symbolic, allowing them to inspire the religious life and faith practices of the evolving Jewish community in Babylon, which had to function, of course, without a “real” temple. The writings of Ezekiel have proven to be inspirational for Christians as well. So, for example, our passage about the ideal temple as a source of living water can also apply to a Christian understanding of faith and worship. Specifically, we have often seen the baptismal font as symbolizing the source of living water for all of us who have been baptized and then through us for others in the world around us.
Reading Read the passage aloud (take turns reading verse by verse).
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Conversation Notice that the author goes into great detail to show the incredible abundance of the water that flows from the temple. The water is a source of nourishment for “a great many trees,” for “every living creature that swarms,” for “very many fish.” Using your imagination, think about what this water might contain that makes it so very, very nourishing. The passage concludes with a further description of the trees whose ever-bearing leaves and fruit are for healing and food. The trees bear an abundance of fruit, and by nature are generous in sharing their fruit. They must “give away” their fruit in order to bear further abundance. How might this passage inform, inspire, or enhance our own understanding of the wonderful abundance of God’s providence and our opportunities to respond with our own generosity? (Give everyone a chance to speak.)
Break (10 min.) Bible Study: The River of Life (20 min.) Passage
Revelation 22:1–5
Context The Book of Revelation also comes from a context in which the author is in a place of exile. The author, who self-identifies as John—God’s servant and your brother, says that he was exiled to the island of Patmos in the persecution of Christians during the first century. From Patmos, John writes to seven Christian congregations, and then describes a series of visions filled with extraordinary details and symbolism that is extremely difficult to decipher and to understand. In any case, plenty of previous biblical symbolism is found in Revelation, including some of Ezekiel’s material.
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The Book of Revelation is intended to provide instruction, admonition and inspiration for the early Christians. Our passage comes from chapter 22, the last chapter of the book. The symbolism in this passage was likely considered to be of primary importance to the author.
Reading Read the passage aloud (take turns reading verse by verse).
Conversation This passage is a kind of summary of the “river of life/tree of life” imagery in the Bible. Notice the connections with Ezekiel and Psalm 1. What is similar? What is different? The symbols of water and trees have become highly spiritualized in this passage. We are no longer in our everyday “earthly world” but in “God’s world.” We could take a cue from this spiritualized setting and think of “fruit of the Spirit” mentioned in the Christian scriptures; the fruit that we bear when we are nourished with the energy of the Holy Spirit. (Read together Galatians 5:22–25 as an example.) Discuss together how the fruit of the Spirit functions in our lives. 1 Corinthians 13:13 mentions that the greatest fruit of the Spirit is love. The wellloved “Magic Penny” song tells us that if we give love away, we’ll end up with more. How does this understanding of the “fruit of the Spirit” relate to our stewardship gifts of all kinds: spiritual, financial, and gifts of time and talent? (Give everyone a chance to speak.)
Video Show “Expressing Our Gratitude” video.
Closing: “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” (20 min.)
Finally, consider the popular song “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” in which Jesus is described as the ultimate example of the fruitful tree/tree of life. May we all be inspired to embrace the abundance of the river of life that gives us nourishment, bear much fruit, and be generous in sharing our fruit with each other and the world around us. Invite each person to share an experience of finding joy and a renewed abundance of personal resources through the exercise of love and generosity. There are several versions of “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree” on YouTube. If you have the capability, you may wish to download one of these and listen to it together as a closing meditation.
Jesus Christ the Apple Tree From “Divine Hymns or Spiritual Songs” compiled by Joshua Smith, New Hampshire, 1784. Tune by Elizabeth Poston, 1905–1987. The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit, and always green. The trees of nature fruitless be, Compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel, By faith I know, but ne’er can tell. The glory which I now can see, In Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasure dearly I have bought. I missed of all but now I see ’Tis found in Christ the apple tree. I’m weary with my former toil, Here I will sit and rest awhile; Under the shadow I will be Of Jesus Christ the apple tree. I’ll sit and eat this fruit divine, It cheers my heart like spiritual wine. And now this fruit is sweet to me, That grows on Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive, It keeps my dying faith alive. Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree.
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Communication: Staying Connected throughout the Program These samples are suggestions to get you started talking about Called to Be the Church in your community. Add your own, and make them more specific. Stay connected throughout the program to build interest, enthusiasm, and commitment. Other communication resources can be found on stewardshiptoolkit.ca, including the following: • a sample e-mail signature with instructions for how to use it in Outlook and Gmail for all Giving Team members and congregational staff to use when you are implementing the Called to Be the Church program • a sample tag for your church’s website • downloadable bulletin inserts and digital slides
Sunday 1: Living Thankfully Day by Day— The Life of the Steward Before Sunday 1—Wednesday or Thursday Add to your weekly e-news announcements: Called to Be the Church—Living Thankfully Day by Day—The Life of the Steward God’s wonders are all around us. What is your wonder story? Our theme this Sunday is Living Thankfully Day by Day—The Life of the Steward. We are beginning our Called to Be the Church program this week. Come and see what it’s all about. Discover how you are living the life of a steward.
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Sunday 1 Include in your weekly bulletin: Called to Be the Church—Living Thankfully Day by Day—The Life of the Steward As our New Creed reminds us, we are truly “called to be the Church” in ways that lead all of us to focus on how we carry out God’s mission as individuals, as families, as congregations, and as a denomination. Today we reflect on how we live thankfully day by day. Pause at the same time each day this week and give thanks to God for whatever presents itself. Look for a bulletin insert and digital slide for worship in the Called to Be the Church section on stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
After Sunday 1—Monday or Tuesday E-news follow-up from Sunday 1: Have you given thanks for God’s goodness this week? It’s not too late. Bring your thanksgivings to worship this week and offer them silently or share with a few pew friends. Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Sunday 2: Living Our Mission Locally
individuals, as families, as congregations, and as a denomination.
Add to your weekly e-news announcements:
Every week our community worships, learns, and serves. Think of all the ways this happens and who is involved in these ministries, especially the ones that go on beyond these walls and into the surrounding neighbourhoods.
Before Sunday 2—Wednesday or Thursday Called to Be the Church—Living Our Mission Locally How does your church make a difference in your community? Did you know that… (insert an example here). Come and hear more about how we invest in our neighbourhood.
Sunday 2 Include in your weekly bulletin: Called to Be the Church—Living Our Mission Locally As our New Creed reminds us, we are truly “called to be the Church” in ways that lead all of us to focus on how we carry out God’s mission as
Look for a bulletin insert and digital slide for worship in the Called to Be the Church section on stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
After Sunday 2—Monday or Tuesday E-news follow-up from Sunday 2: There are so many ways we can be involved in our community ministry. Have you thought of participating in this way (insert an example here)? Your involvement will bring our neighbourhood closer to the kingdom of God.
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Sunday 3: Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission
Mission & Service is the heart and soul of The United Church of Canada.
Add to your weekly e-news announcements:
Think about the ways we live out the call to Mission & Service.
Before Sunday 3–Wednesday or Thursday Called to Be the Church—Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission We are called to be the church, to walk with others. This week congregations are invited to reflect on what it means to be the church in the light of mission. Mission & Service is the heart and soul of The United Church of Canada. How do we live out the call to Mission & Service? How do we share our heart and soul with each other and our community?
Sunday 3 Include in your weekly bulletin: Called to Be the Church—Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission This week we are invited to reflect on what it means to be the church in the light of mission.
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Reflect on the heart and soul of Mission & Service and our calling as a community of faith. Look for a bulletin insert and digital slide for worship in the Called to Be the Church section on stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
After Sunday 3—Monday or Tuesday E-news follow-up from Sunday 3: How about sharing some of the ways in which our denomination serves God’s mission across our country and globally? There is lots of good news to share with anyone—our community ministries, our work for justice and freedom, how we walk with others globally. Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Sunday 4: Giving Sunday— Our Personal Response
Before Sunday 4—Wednesday or Thursday Add to your weekly e-news announcements: Called to Be the Church—Giving Sunday— Our Personal Response Most in our community have been visited and heard about all the ways we seek to serve God’s mission. This week we make our personal response to God’s call to be the church. Come and share with others the “why” of your faith. Come and show our tangible support for how we make a difference in God’s world. Bring your Response Card if you haven’t already handed it in.
Sunday 4 Include in your weekly bulletin:
Called to Be the Church—Giving Sunday— Our Personal Response This week we celebrate how each of us contributes to the larger work of our congregation. We give that in a tangible way by prayerfully making an intention gift that will support our ministry over the coming 12 months. Thank you for being a part of this great opportunity in the life of our congregation. Look for a bulletin insert and digital slide for worship in the Called to Be the Church section on stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
After Sunday 4—Monday or Tuesday E-news follow-up from Sunday 4: (This week is an opportunity to share some of the good news of the response of individuals. We suggest sharing some of the results of the congregational giving program—how many participated, how much was pledged, positive comments or testimonials…)
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Sunday 5: Expressing Our Gratitude— Living Generously
Gratitude Team Co-leads that is timely, sincere, and personal!)
Before Sunday 5—Wednesday or Thursday Add to your weekly e-news announcements: Called to Be the Church—Expressing Our Gratitude—Living Generously A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude. We are so thankful for the generosity of all the people in our community who give of themselves—their time, their talent, and, at this time, especially the treasure that has been shared. Come this Sunday to express our gratitude.
Sunday 5 Include in your weekly bulletin: Called to Be the Church—Expressing Our Gratitude—Living Generously A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude. (Follow with a message of thanks from the
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Look for a bulletin insert and digital slide for worship in the Called to Be the Church section on stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
After Sunday 5—Monday or Tuesday E-news follow-up from Sunday 5: We have learned so much through our Called to Be the Church program, and it will lead to so much more. In the coming weeks, we will share all the results and learnings and consider how we can deepen our stewardship journey as a faith community. Stay tuned. Video clip on DVD or United Church YouTube channel (youtube.com/unitedchurchofcanada)
Asking Inviting Others to Join You in Supporting God’s Mission For a very long time most United Church congregations (as well as congregations in other mainline denominations) have stopped being intentional in asking for financial support for God’s mission in the congregation, in the surrounding community, and more widely through the Mission & Service of the United Church. It is time to return to this practice. We have a story to tell that is compelling and important. People’s generosity makes a significant difference. It has a positive impact on our Canadian society. We need to share that story frequently. The story is found in people sharing why they give and what their faith means to them, and it is found in sharing what generosity has accomplished through the Narrative Budget. It is now time to ask every individual in your community to join you—and your team of Volunteer Askers—in supporting God’s mission. It is important that • everyone is included: Sharing the story with everyone is important. We allow everyone to make their own decision in response to the invitation—whether it is to increase their gift or sustain their present generous gifts. The ask is for a prayerful and intentional gift—whatever amount it might be. • everyone’s Response Card is returned: The Response Card is a private document between the giver and the individual in the congregation who already manages giving. It is understood that this commitment is an intention and that the amount could change if circumstances dictate. Strategies and tips for how to get all Response Cards returned can be found at stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
Letter
Every package includes a letter from the Giving Team Co-leads that specifically asks for a financial gift in support of God’s mission. A Draft Asking Letter for you to further personalize is found at stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
Decision-Making Tools
While people may know the amount they currently give to support the mission of the church, they are often unaware of the generosity of others or what might be expected of them. These tools will help people make informed decisions based on concrete information.
Proportional Giving Chart (Handout) The Proportional Giving Chart in the Handouts section helps people see what proportion of their income (either net or gross) they are giving to the mission of the church. You can include the version that aligns with the giving pattern of your people— weekly, monthly, or yearly. This chart also helps identify what their weekly or monthly donation would need to be if they wished to make a specific proportional gift—5 percent or 10 percent (a Biblical tithe).
Response Card (Handout) The Response Card would be accompanied by a selfaddressed envelope to return it to the congregation. See Handouts section of this Resource Kit or stewardshiptoolkit.ca for the Proportional Giving Chart and Response Card template.
Step Chart The Step Chart shows where a gift level fits within the giving pattern of the rest of the congregation and suggests a next step that they might be taken. Adapt the model on the next page to prepare your own version. Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Sample Step Chart A breakdown of our congregation’s giving patterns in 20xx. Where are you on the chart? Can you move up one step? 6 households gave Over $200.01/week or over $10,400/year 5 households gave $150.01 to $200/week or up to $10,400/year 10 households gave $100.01 to $150/week or up to $7,800/year 37 households gave $50.01 to $100/week or up to $5,200/year 12 households gave $40.01 to $50/week or up to $2,600/year 20 households gave $30.01 to $40/week or up to $2,080/year 33 households gave $20.01 to $30/week or up to $1,560/year 43 households gave $10.01 to $20/week or up to $1,040/year 57 households gave $5.01 to $10/week or up to $520/year 100 households gave up to $5/week or up to $260/year
238 households gave $0 per week
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Implementation: Face to Face— Individual/Family
2. Inspiring and Asking
1. Getting Started
• Train volunteers using the training resources in the Inspiring section of this Resource Kit, p. 8.
• Determine visiting period: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer than the Saturday before Sunday 4.
Giving Team Co-leads
Giving Team Co-leads
• Follow-up period: during the days between Sunday 4 and Sunday 5, Volunteer Askers and Asking Every Person Lead follow up with those who have not yet responded or returned their Response Card.
Asking Every Person Lead and Volunteer Recruiting Lead
• Recruit Volunteer Askers: see the role description in this Resource Kit. Divide the congregational list of those to be asked among the Volunteer Askers—no more than 10 people/households for each volunteer.
Program Support Lead
• Prepare personal packages—envelope or folder—for each person/household: include Narrative Budget, “Why I give” testimonials, decision-making tools, personal/household Response Card, self-addressed envelope to return the Response Card to the congregation, a schedule of learning activities (mid-week events, what children will be learning in Sunday school), anything else to draw attention to the ministry of the congregation and the giving program.
Training Lead
• Commission the Giving Team, using the liturgy in the Getting Started section in this Resource Kit, p. 7. • Begin Asking Every Person program.
Asking Every Person Lead
• During the visiting period, stay in touch with volunteers and provide support where necessary. • Ensure everyone has been visited. • Ensure Response Cards are returned regardless of response.
3. Thanking
Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
• Plan and implement thanking program (see Thanking section of this Resource Kit, p. 88).
4. Wrapping Up
Giving Team Co-leads
• Lead the Evaluation and Future Planning— see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 89. • Work on Deepening the Stewardship Journey— see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 90.
For each Asking Every Person option, we have outlined the necessary steps for implementing the option you have chosen. Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Implementation: Face to Face— Small Group 1. Getting Started
Giving Team Co-leads
• Determine visiting period: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer than the Saturday before Sunday 4. • Follow-up period: during the days between Sunday 4 and Sunday 5, Volunteer Askers and Asking Every Person Lead follow up with those who have not yet responded or returned their Response Card.
Asking Every Person Lead and Volunteer Recruiting Lead
• Recruit Volunteer Askers: see the role description in this Resource Kit. Identify how many people you will need if you divide the congregational list into groups of 10–12 individuals/ households. Recruit two people for each small group—one to host the gathering and another to ask others to join them in supporting the ministry of the local congregation and the Mission & Service of the United Church.
Program Support Lead
• Prepare personal packages—envelope or folder— for each person/household: include Narrative Budget, “Why I give” testimonials, decision-making tools, personal/household Response Card, self-addressed envelope to return the Response Card to the congregation, a schedule of learning activities (mid-week events, what children will be learning in Sunday school), anything else to draw attention to the ministry of the congregation and the giving program.
2. Inspiring and Asking Training Lead
• Train volunteers using the training resources in the Inspiring section of this Resource Kit, p. 8.
Giving Team Co-leads
• Commission the Giving Team, using the liturgy in the Getting Started section in this Resource Kit, p. 7. • Begin Asking Every Person program.
Asking Every Person Lead
• During the visiting period, stay in touch with volunteers and provide support where necessary.
• Work with the co-leads for each group to establish a date and location for each gathering, and divide the congregation into groups of 10–12 individuals/households for the co-leads to invite to their gathering.
• Ensure everyone has been visited.
• The Host invites guests and arranges a simple gathering with refreshments either in their home or in a room in the church. The other Volunteer Asker introduces Called to Be the Church and invites those attending to join in supporting the ministry.
Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
• Ensure Response Cards are returned regardless of response.
3. Thanking
• Plan and implement thanking program (see Thanking section of this Resource Kit, p. 88).
4. Wrapping Up
Giving Team Co-leads
• Lead the Evaluation and Future Planning—see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 89. • Work on Deepening the Stewardship Journey— see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 90.
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Implementation: Circuit Rider Circuit riders are a part of the history of the Methodist branch of The United Church of Canada. They travelled a circuit or route, which often took many weeks or months to complete. They went where people lived, in communities or in remote areas across the vastness of our country. Circuit riders had a simple ministry: they visited and brought the good news to people and often established house churches and then congregations. Often, one of the first visitors to a family who had just arrived on the frontier was a Methodist circuit rider. Our circuit rider is represented by a package or Saddle Bag that will travel a route within your congregation. Use the resources provided with creativity and imagination to increase the program’s impact in your congregation!
1. Getting Started
Giving Team Co-leads
• Determine period when Saddle Bags will be delivered: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer than the Saturday before Sunday 4. • Follow-up period: during the days between Sunday 4 and Sunday 5, Volunteer Askers and Asking Every Person Lead follow up with those who have not yet responded or returned their Response Card.
Asking Every Person Lead and Volunteer Recruiting Lead
• Recruit Circuit Coordinators: Divide the congregational list into groupings of up to 10 households based on geography, and recruit a Circuit Coordinator for each route. Circuit Coordinators are people who have a lively interest in the life of the congregation and an interest in a concrete role in the Called to Be the Church giving program, know their neighbourhood and community well, and are detail oriented.
Program Support Lead and Asking Every Person Lead
• Prepare a Saddle Bag for each person/household. Recruit others to assist in developing a preparing these packages. • Contents of a Saddle Bag: Welcome and instructions Information sheet—map and addresses; contact of area coordinator Narrative Budget, including “Why I give” testimonials—written or on a CD A New Creed bulletin insert Links to the program videos or “Why I Give” slideshows Large envelope with label for the sealed Response Card Personalized letter for each family—see the sample letter that follows Also include decision-making tools, Response Card and self-addressed return envelope, anything else to draw attention to the ministry of the congregation and the giving program A circuit rider’s Saddle Bag contained things that would make the frontier more hospitable. What can you add to the Saddle Bag?
2. Inspiring and Asking Training Lead
• Train volunteers using the training resources in the Inspiring section of this Resource Kit, p. 8.
Giving Team Co-leads
• Commission the Giving Team, using the liturgy in the Getting Started section in this Resource Kit, p. 7. • Begin Asking Every Person program.
Asking Every Person Lead
• Provide Saddle Bags to each of the Circuit Coordinators; the first family on each circuit should receive their package following Sunday 1.
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• During the program period, stay in touch with Circuit Coordinators as they connect with families on their circuit, and provide support where necessary.
3. Thanking
• Ensure everyone has received their Saddle Bag
4. Wrapping Up
• Ensure Response Cards are returned regardless of response The Circuit Coordinator could also include something for each family—a gift voucher for babysitting, a car wash, or yard work from the youth group, some home baking, or an invitation to a simple community meal. People on each circuit could be encouraged to include something for the next family on their route.
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Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
• Plan and implement thanking program (see Thanking section of this Resource Kit, p. 88).
Giving Team Co-leads
• Lead the Evaluation and Future Planning—see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 89. • Work on Deepening the Stewardship Journey— see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 90.
Circuit Rider—Sample Letter TIME SENSITIVE REQUEST—PLEASE READ AS SOON AS POSSIBLE Greetings! Circuit riders are a part of the history of the Methodist branch of The United Church of Canada. The first Circuit Riders travelled on horseback with Saddle Bags filled with a Bible, food, and other necessary and scarce supplies. They travelled miles to where people lived. Circuit riders had a simple ministry: They went where the people lived and brought news and the good news of God’s love as well as things to meet immediate needs. Often, one of the first visitors to a family who had just arrived on the frontier was a Methodist circuit rider. Here is your 21st century Circuit Rider Saddle Bag from (name of pastoral charge/local ministry unit). (Name of pastoral charge/local ministry unit) is a remarkable community of individuals seeking to respond to the call in A New Creed to be the church. We are inviting you to learn more about our creed and how we can respond to its call in our daily life, in the life of our community, and in the wider world through the Mission & Service of the United Church. We are also asking you to prayerfully consider your own financial support of this important work that makes a difference in our world. To get started, we suggest that you gather all the members of your household together, perhaps over this evening’s supper. After saying grace, take time to look at the Called to Be the Church section of our New Creed and review our Narrative Budget, which tells the story of how we respond to God’s call as a congregation. This is a great opportunity to reflect on what the call section of A New Creed means to each of us. There is an envelope in the package addressed to you. In it there is a Response Card and return envelope. We ask that you reflect and pray about how you or your family will continue to support the good work we are accomplishing in God’s name. Within 48 hours of receiving this Saddle Bag, please place your sealed envelope into the large envelope provided and deliver the Saddle Bag to the next family on the list. Perhaps this is an old friend, or perhaps it is someone who will be new to you. Please say hello and encourage their support. We hope this will be a rich opportunity for you to reflect on how you help us to live out our call to be the church. Blessings, Giving Team Co-leads (hand signed)
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Circuit Rider—Sample Information Sheet Saddle Bag Route Please e-mail Circuit Coordinator—the first person on the list—when you have delivered the package to the next family. NAME
ADDRESS
Circuit Coordinator: Susan Walker
55 Centre Ave
Family 1
1230 First Street
PHONE
787-599-1234
E-MAIL
myname@rogers. com
SADDLE BAG DELIVERED ON…
October 1
October x
Peter Graham Family 2
Family 3
Return to Circuit Coordinator: Susan Walker
82
55 Centre Ave
416-599-1234
Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
myname@rogers. com
BY OCTOBER 31
Implementation: Leadership Letter 1. Getting Started
Giving Team Co-leads
• Review Letter-Writing Guidelines (which follow) and begin to draft your leadership letter.
Program Support Lead
• Prepare congregational mailing list, and invite a group to help stuff the envelopes. • Mailing date: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer than the Saturday before Sunday 4; during the days between Sundays 4 and 5, volunteers can follow up with those who have not yet responded or returned their Response Card.
2. Inspiring and Asking • Prepare final letter.
GREAT LETTERS Do whatever you can to make the letter as personal as possible: Hand write the salutation using first name, if appropriate. Begin with a handwritten opening sentence. Segment your list and provide customized opening and/closing paragraph. Add a specific sentence or two for PAR donors to consider increasing their gift. Hand sign the letter.
• Consider including Narrative Budget, “Why I give” testimonials, decision-making tools, personal/household Response Card, self-addressed envelope to return the Response Card to the congregation, a schedule of learning activities (mid-week events, what children will be learning in Sunday school), anything else to draw attention to the ministry of the congregation and the giving program. • Ensure response envelopes are sent to every person or household and returned, regardless of response.
3. Thanking
Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
• Plan and implement thanking program (see Thanking section of this Resource Kit, p. 88).
4. Wrapping Up
Giving Team Co-leads
• Lead the Evaluation and Future Planning—see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 89. • Work on Deepening the Stewardship Journey— see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 90.
ENHANCEMENT Ask a volunteer to call the donors when an envelope is returned (without reference to the amount) and thank the person for their response.
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Letter-Writing Guidelines
With this option, it’s essential to invest a great deal of prayer, thought, and energy in the text of your letter. It needs to sound authentic, natural, and true to the culture of your community. Nevertheless certain basic principles apply. The following points are ‘ideal’ guidelines and the degree of detail will depend upon the resources available.
Format Strive to be concise and have a letter that is no more than one letter-sized page. Other information can be included as enclosures, but the less there is to read, the better. Ensure that the document is easy to read. This means using a sans serif font such as Arial, a type size no smaller than 10, and only the left-hand margin justified.
Possible Structure
Employ gratitude and give thanks for past and current gifts as often as possible (with total if appropriate).
Conclude the letter with a celebratory statement about all the good ways that God through this congregation blesses people. Tell your readers to watch for more stories to come. Create some anticipation of more to come that is worthy of celebrating and being thankful for. Hand signed by two key individuals. Include contact details such as a telephone number and e-mail address.
Content Suggestions
Employ the theme Called to Be the Church from our New Creed and the lines that follow: • To celebrate God’s presence • To live with respect in Creation • To love and serve others • To seek justice and resist evil • To proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope
• different methods of make the gift—cheque, Pre-Authorized Remittance, online giving, weekly or monthly envelopes
Remind your readers that God is the provider of an abundance of resources for ministry and mission. Your congregation is rich in faith, in service, in love, in talent, in life experience, in care for one another, and in financial capability. Communities of faith have many assets, including financial ones, with which to carry out their mission. They need to be reminded of their “wealth.”
• plans and opportunities for the coming year
Include some financial facts and goals.
• testimonials about the impact of your ministry
Tell people what their generosity will do.
• Narrative Budget and any other enclosures
Use positive language:
• the results of people’s past generosity
• Avoid the language of “campaign,” instead using terms like mission plan, annual ministry plan and personal giving plan.
Begin with a story, one that connects the theme with your ministry. Point to any enclosures that add more detail:
Include an invitation to give time and talent as well as treasure. Request to return the enclosed Response Card by a particular date.
KEEPING TRACK
• Avoid any language that sounds like begging, or using guilt as a strategy, or that it is the church’s need for money to pay the bills.
Keep track of all letters that are sent and received. Identify how you will follow up with those who do not respond with 10–14 days of the mailing or before Sunday 4 of the program.
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Customize your letters: If you are writing to a number of different categories such as regular givers and occasional givers, it is preferable to customize the different letters, although the main elements remain the same.
Some Suggested Wording
Opening Paragraphs to Those Who Already Give Regularly
Encourage a pledge using the intention card and the enclosed giving chart, to aid in their decision-making. Point to how they can sign up for PAR (include a sign-up sheet) or a weekly or monthly church envelope. Other possible segments of your list: Individuals who gave one gift
Dear Bob,
People who signed the guest book
Thanks so much for all the skills you brought to us this year by… I trust the holiday you had in xxxx was memorable and that you enjoyed…
Those who are new to the congregation or gave their first gift within the past 12 months
After opening with a personal note from one of both of the Giving Team Co-leads, continue with a sincere and personal thank you. Highlight some of the ways in which you have been fulfilling the “called to be the Church” section of our New Creed. You consistently and generously support this church with your time and talents, as well as your treasure. Opening Paragraphs for Non-givers Dear Bob, Thanks so much for all the skills you brought to us this year by… I trust the holiday you had in xxxx was memorable and that you enjoyed… After opening with a personal note from one of both of the Giving Team Co-leads, welcome these people into being part of your community, however they contribute time and talent. Highlight some of the ways in which you have been fulfilling the “called to be the Church” section of our New Creed. Invite them to consider deepening their relationship with that mission by becoming a regular giver to the ministry of the local congregation and the Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada.
Text to Follow Opening Paragraphs— Rest of the Letter Thank you for your previous contributions for the ministry and mission of our congregation and the Mission and Service of The United Church of Canada. Invite them to increase their gift (and sign up for PAR if they are not already on PAR). Be clear what ministry is possible with more support. Use wording such as this: It is great to have your presence in our congregation. We also appreciate your generous financial gifts, which support the life and work of XXX, in XXX and beyond. Thank you! We cannot say thank you enough for all that you do to make our ministry possible as a congregation and as The United Church of Canada. You consistently and generously support God’s mission with your time and talents, as well as treasure. Thank you for your previous contributions for the ministry and mission of XXX United Church. As a faith community we have responded to the call to be the church in the past year by… And we have plans for the coming year…
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This year, we want to encourage you to try/ continue pledging (knowing that this is an intention that may change due to future circumstances). We firmly believe that the spiritual discipline of pledging and giving strengthens our relationship with God’s mission and how we embody that ministry in our congregation and as The United Church of Canada. To assist you in making a decision we include…
Identify your current level of giving in the Step Chart. Then we challenge you to step up one or more levels in your giving for 20xx. Please, prayerfully consider how you will contribute to God’s mission and return the enclosed card by Sunday, XXX, when we will dedicate our gifts to God’s future ministry in this place. With heartfelt thanks for your support, Giving Team Co-Leads
For more letter-writing samples and resources, visit stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
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Implementation: Multiple Letters
• Collect “Why I give” stories to include or have shared during worship.
1. Getting Started
Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
Giving Team Co-leads
• Host an event for the letter writers to orient them to the Called to Be the Church giving program.
Program Support Lead
• Take them through the “Why I give” training module to help each of your authors craft a paragraph or two of their own “Why I give” story. (See volunteer training resources in the Inspiring section of this Resource Kit, p. 8.)
• Invite a group to help stuff the envelopes.
3. Asking
• Review Letter-Writing Guidelines (pp. 84–86) and begin to draft your leadership letter. • Prepare congregational mailing list, and identify who should receive a letter from which key leader, based on known relationships within the community. • Mailing date: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer than the Saturday before Sunday 4; during the days between Sundays 4 and 5, volunteers can follow up with those who have not yet responded or returned their Response Card.
Volunteer Recruiting Lead
• Recruit five or six key individuals in the congregation to write a personal letter on the topic of “Why I give.” These are people who are looked up to in the congregation and held in high regard. They can be of any age or from any group in the congregation. The key is that people value them as leaders and models in the community. • Introduce these individuals to the giving program and invite their participation. Use resources from the Volunteer Training section of this Resource Guide. Invite and receive their financial support of your Called to Be the Church giving program.
2. Inspiring
Asking Every Person Lead
• Prepare draft letter—see Letter-Writing Guidelines (pp. 84–86) for suggestions and templates. Write the paragraphs of the letter that will be common to all. • Develop Narrative Budget for inclusion with the letter.
Program Support Lead
• Print the letters and have the authors write salutations and sign each letter. • You could also invite your letter writers to share their “Why I give” stories in one of the worship services or learning events. • Ensure everyone has received a letter, and that response envelopes are returned regardless of response.
4. Thanking
Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
• Plan and implement thanking program (see Thanking section of this Resource Kit).
5. Wrapping Up
Giving Team Co-leads
• Lead the Evaluation and Future Planning— see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 89. • Work on Deepening the Stewardship Journey— see Wrapping Up section of this Resource Kit, p. 90.
ENHANCEMENT Ask a volunteer to call the donors when an envelope is returned (without reference to the amount) and thank the person for their response.
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Thanking Making it sincere
Modelling Gratitude A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude. In a culture of gratitude, we thank God for the blessings in our lives. God is generous again, again, and again. Say thank you again, again, and again— and in many different ways. We thank individuals and groups for all their generous support of the ministry in their community. We cannot thank enough. We give thanks for every gift.
Timely, Sincere, Personal
We make sure that our gratitude and thanks is • timely—closely connected to when the gift is received • sincere—communicating what a difference their gift is or will make • personal—face to face, in a handwritten note Find opportunities to say it directly. Find opportunities to write it personally. Thanking needs to be planned if it is to become a habit in your congregation and for everyone who gives to be thanked.
Making it timely
• Adding appreciation to thanks builds sincerity. Acknowledgement is thanks. Think about ways of adding appreciation—affirming the qualities of the donor, their motivation or hopes. • Show yourself in the thanks and connect yourself with your donor. Wear your heart on your sleeve. • Add a simple homemade gift—cookies, or some bags of special tea, for example. “Remember that we are grateful for your generosity the next time you enjoy your cup of tea.”
Making it personal
• Formal and generalized expressions of gratitude are necessary. However, they are not as personal as we can be. Use “I” and “we” and “you” language—the tone is warm, rather than distant. • Be specific about the reasons for being grateful—the effect of the gift or your personal reaction to their generosity. • The person who did the asking is most likely to be the best person to do the thanking. Hand written notes are the most personal—or speak face to face.
• Don’t wait until the end of the program. • What about thanking donors as soon as the Response Card arrives, giving a call to say we received the gift and are grateful. • Thank every new donor as soon as possible with a phone call or a handwritten note.
The maxim is to “thank every donor seven times, in seven different ways.” We could start with two or three. 88
Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
Wrapping Up Evaluation and Future Planning Evaluation contributes to improvement. We can see whether we accomplished our goals (and then celebrate). We can learn and grow as a community. Use this simple tool to take a look at what worked and what needs improvement. Begin by updating all the congregational information that was received. Also pass along comments to the appropriate person in the congregation—an individual’s interest in serving in a particular role, the plan to move shortly, the desire for a pastoral visit from the ministry personnel, and so on. Then review your goals, and the successes of the giving program. a. Reviewing the goals we recorded on page 25 of the Program Guide, how did we measure up? b. What worked well? c. What we will do the same next year? d. What we will do differently next year? e. Our next steps: Help us improve this program—please complete our survey. Find the link at stewardshiptoolkit.ca. Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
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Deepening the Stewardship Journey Stewardship, writes Douglas John Hall, is too often reduced to church management and finances. But stewardship should properly “represent the summing up of a Christian life.” Having delved deeply into our life as followers and disciples of Jesus or as stewards of all the blessings we receive, many in your community will be asking more questions about this life of faith and how we continue to live out our call beyond the time of our congregational giving program. That is where Whole Life Stewardship picks up. There are so many ways to explore stewardship as a way of life year round, in how we worship, learn, and serve: Bible studies, books to read and reflect
upon, workshops, and many ways to connect directly with the work of our denomination through Mission & Service. Integrating Whole Life Stewardship into the life of your congregation will make a difference: • It deepens faith, offering new ways of offering community, compassion, and hope in our lives. • It focuses on much more than money. • It expresses and models stewardship as a way of life. • It is a summing up of a Christian life. Look to the Whole Life Stewardship section of stewardshiptoolkit.ca for resources of all kinds for this next stage of the journey.
Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:21)
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Called to Be the Church • The United Church of Canada
CONGREGATIONAL GIVING KIT, 2015–2016 Handouts
Handouts 1–9 Giving Team/Volunteer Roles (for use in Commissioning the Giving Team, Training Event) 10. A New Creed Bulletin Insert (for use in Commissioning the Giving Team, Training Event, Saddle Bags) 11. Training Event Agenda (for use in Training Event) 12. Called to Be the Church Overview (for use in Training Event) 13. Asking Every Person Checklist (for use in Training Event) 14. Inspire! Ask! Thank! (for use in Training Event) 15. Six I’s of Asking (for use in Training Event) 16. Think! Say! Do! Stewardship! (for use in Sunday School Learning, Sunday 2) 17. Certificate of Generosity (for use in Sunday School Learning, Sunday 5) 18. Words of Encouragement Cards (for use in Sunday School Learning, Sunday 3) 19. Proportional Giving Chart (for use in Asking) 20. Response Card (for use in Asking) 21. Stewardship Prayers (for use throughout the program)
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Giving Team Co-lead and Ministry Personnel Co-lead Throughout the whole program; to champion the giving program throughout the congregation
Role:
• Co-lead the program: all members of the Giving Team work under the direction of the co-leaders • Recruit the rest of the Giving Team—best done face to face • Guide the congregation in its understanding of how the spiritual practice of giving and stewardship contributes to God’s mission for the transformation of the world • Increase understanding of the spiritual practice of giving and stewardship, through preaching and personal example • Encourage all to be faithful stewards at all ages and in all stages of faith
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Contributing to a ministry that is vital for the health and well-being of the faith community
Skills and gifts:
• Teaching, giving, encouragement • Project management • Leadership, compassion, faith
Tasks:
• Recruit team members, coordinate the overall program; be the visible leaders of the program • Coordinate the development or updating of the narrative budget • Encourage and assist other members of the team • Coordinate all worship and learning opportunities employing the resources provided • Encourage and assist other team members • Preach, teach, and share your own “Why I give”
Resources:
• Called to Be the Church Program Guide • Called to Be the Church Resource Kit
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Volunteer Recruiting Lead Throughout the 16 weeks; mostly involved in the 10 weeks prior to the launch
Role:
• Recruit those who will ask others to support the congregation’s mission—best done face to face
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Inviting others into an important area of ministry in the congregation • Working to help people discover the roots of their generosity • Helping others learn new skills • Furthering God’s mission and strengthening the ministry of your own congregation • Getting to know more members of the congregation
Skills and gifts:
• Pastoral, persuasive, supportive • Insightful about people, and able to encourage them to use their gifts for God’s mission
Tasks:
• Recruit people to share why they give to support the ministry of the congregation, and ask others to join them in supporting the ministry
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Program Guide, pp. 17–20 Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Implementation, pp. 77–87 • Handouts: Giving Team/Volunteer Role Descriptions; Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank!
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Training Lead Throughout the 16 weeks; mostly involved in the 10 weeks prior to the launch
Role:
• Coordinate and lead the training sessions for visitors and those asking people to support the ministry of the church (training is supported by a planning outline and video)
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Working to help people discover the roots of their generosity • Helping others learn new skills • Furthering God’s mission and strengthening the ministry of your own congregation
Skills and gifts:
• This role is ideal for an educator, trainer, or seasoned participant in giving programs in the church or the community (e.g., Canadian Cancer Society or United Way)
Tasks:
• Work with other Giving Team members to host training events • Ensure that all visitors or those asking for support have been fully oriented to the program and their tasks • Share your own “Why I give” story and be a visitor or ask others to support the ministry of the church
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Training Event, pp. 8–11 • Implementation, pp. 77–87 • Handouts: Training Event Agenda; Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank!; Asking Every Person Checklist; Six I’s of Asking
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Asking Every Person Lead Throughout the 16 weeks; most heavily involved in coordinating the selected Asking Every Person option
Role:
• Coordinate all aspects of Asking Every Person, drawing in other leads as appropriate
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Getting to know more of the members of your faith community and giving them an opportunity to join you and others in supporting God’s mission
Skills and gifts:
• A role for a real “doer” who is well organized and can motivate and work well with the other members of the Giving Team
Tasks:
• Attend the training event • With the Program Support Lead, gather the information and resources needed for the selected Asking Every Person option • With the Volunteer Recruiting Lead, fill other roles in the program • With the Hospitality and Gratitude Lead, plan the events of Week 5 and following
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Program Guide, pp. 28–32 Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Implementation, pp. 77–87 • Handouts: Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank! Stewardshiptoolkit.ca: additional resources
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Narrative Budget Lead Throughout the 16 weeks; mostly involved in the 10 weeks prior to the launch
Role:
• Coordinate the creation of a Narrative Budget
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Helping to translate generosity into its impact in the congregation, community, and beyond • Helping others learn new skills • Furthering God’s mission and strengthening the ministry of your own congregation
Skills and gifts:
• Knowledge of the congregation’s ministries of worship, learning, and service, as well as its financial accounting • An interest in increasing accountability and knowledge with others in the faith community
Tasks:
• Work with a small group to develop a Narrative Budget to encourage generosity
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Preparing Your Narrative Budget, pp. 12–14 • Handouts: Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank! Stewardshiptoolkit.ca: Sample Narrative Budget
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Communications Lead Throughout the 16 weeks; mostly involved in the 5 weeks of the program
Role:
• Coordinate all program communications, to reach as many people as possible at the right time and in the right way
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Communicating the good news about the work of the congregation and our United Church of Canada • Furthering God’s mission and strengthening the ministry of your own congregation
Skills and gifts:
• A person already assisting with congregational communications • Experience in making strong presentations • An able writer and a strong communicator
Tasks:
• Make or ensure there are announcements at all services—bulletin and spoken, website, e-mail blasts, digital slides, videos • Assist the Program Support Lead in preparing the mailing that goes to the congregation to introduce the program • With the Hospitality and Gratitude Lead, coordinate thank-you communications
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Communication: Staying Connected throughout the Program, pp. 70–74 • Handouts: Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank! Stewardshiptoolkit.ca: digital slides, videos, etc.
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Program Support Lead Throughout the 16 weeks of the program
Role:
• Keep confidential records of the generosity of the community • Keep accurate information records on the people • Keep track of the details of the program
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Creating a database of skills and other information furthering God’s mission and strengthening the ministry of your own congregation
Skills and gifts: • Detail oriented
• Discretion with personal information
Tasks:
• Manage the database of donors • Prepare the congregational list • Establish reporting system, identify information that is missing, and update information as it is discovered • Book space and equipment for training and meetings • Keep track of the Called to Be the Church program calendar • Print and prepare materials; prepare lists for visitors • Follow-up
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Program Guide, pp. 14–16, 23–25, 28–32 Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Implementation, pp. 77–87 • Handouts: Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank!; Proportional Giving Chart; Response Card Stewardshiptoolkit.ca: additional resources
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Hospitality and Gratitude Lead Throughout the 16 weeks, at training events or other group events, at any gatherings associated with the program, especially in Week 5
Role:
• Welcome everyone and keep them fed • Share and model Christian hospitality
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Furthering God’s mission and strengthening the ministry of your own congregation • Getting to know more people in the congregation
Skills and gifts:
• Event organization • Party planning • Cooking
Tasks:
• Coordinate (with other leads as appropriate) and offer hospitality for team meetings and any training and gatherings that are planned • With Asking Every Person Lead, plan an appreciation event • With other leads as appropriate, plan and lead a thanking program—events, communications, etc.
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Program Guide, p. 33 Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Implementation, pp. 77–87 • Handouts: Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank!
Giving Team/Volunteer Role Description Volunteer Asker Role:
• Following training that will teach the skills necessary for carrying out one of the three Asking Every Person options, you will work either individually or in teams within a particular time period to invite others to join you in financially supporting the Called to Be the Church giving program in support of God’s mission locally and through the Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada.
Benefits to you and the congregation:
• Learn the skills to share your own reasons for giving and supporting the mission • Learn the skills to ask others to join you in supporting the mission • Telling the story of the impact of the generosity of the community • Contribute to the long-term health and viability of the church in your community • This is an opportunity to share your energy and enthusiasm and your love of the church
Skills and gifts:
• Lively faith and commitment • Willingness and ability to talk about your faith • And/or willingness to learn more about how to talk about faith, money, and ministry
Tasks:
• Attend the Training Event • Carry out the tasks associated with the Asking Every Person option your congregation will employ in the given timeframe • Provide updated information to the congregation’s database • Ensure that all the Response Cards are returned to the Program Support Lead
Resources:
Called to Be the Church Program Guide, pp. 28–29 Called to Be the Church Resource Kit: • Handouts: Called to Be the Church Overview; Inspire! Ask! Thank! Stewardshiptoolkit.ca: “Why I give” slideshows
Thanks be to God.
In life, in death, in life beyond death, God is with us. We are not alone.
We are called to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
We trust in God.
We believe in God: who has created and is creating, who has come in Jesus, the Word made flesh, to reconcile and make new, who works in us and others by the Spirit.
We are not alone, we live in God’s world.
A New Creed
What will our congregation do going forward?
What will I do going forward?
How does our faith community respond to the call— in its worship, in its learning, in its service?
How have I endeavoured to fulfill this call—in my work, in my relationships, in my life?
Called to Be the Church
Training Event Agenda 2½ hrs. For all those involved in asking others to join them in support of God’s mission in your community and for the Mission & Service of our denomination
Purpose
This is an event to introduce the Called to Be the Church giving program, including • giving program orientation • inviting your financial support • creation of each individual’s “Why I give” story • learning to invite others to join you in financial support of God’s mission in your community and for the Mission & Service of our denomination
Beginning (25 min.)
Welcome Opening Prayer Review Purpose Introductions What Is Called to Be the Church?
Middle (1 hr. 35 min.)
Discovering Your “Why I Give” Story (40 min.)
Why I Give video (3:41) Your Why I Give Story—Getting Started Work through this exercise in pairs with one person keeping time and moving things along. Round 1: Each listen and share with each other (5 min.) • How did you come to join this congregation (or the United Church)? • Why do you stay? • What is so special about this church? Round 2: Paper and pencil (15 min.) Each listen as your partner answers the question. Write down notes so that your partner can use them to remember their “Why I give” story. Person 1 (4 min.): • Why do you give? (Why, not how or what.) • Why do you give to God’s mission—in your congregation, in your community, and through Mission & Service? • What is the impact of your gift? What difference do we make?
Person 2 (3 min.): • What did you, as the listener, find compelling or want to know more about? • How would this story invite others to join you in supporting our church’s mission? At 7 minutes, switch and repeat. Round 3: Paper and pencil (15 min.) Mix it up—in different pairs, tell each other your “Why I give” story. • What did you, as listener, find compelling or want to know more about? • How would this story invite others to join you in supporting our church’s mission? Round 4: On your own Take 3–5 minutes to reflect on your story: add more notes; consider how you would share it with a friend. Later, write out your story or make notes; seek out opportunities to practise your “Why I give” story with other fellow volunteers. Do what you can to help each other improve the story and make it even more impactful.
Break (10 min.) Asking: Inviting Others (20 min.) The Ask video (8:56) Discussion (10 min.)
Applause (35 min.)
Applause video (4:35) Applause Game (20 min.) Debrief (10 min.) • What was easy and what was hard about the task? What did you find helpful or unhelpful? • What is the way you personally want to make your invitation or ask? Why does it work for you?
Ending (30 min.)
Making Your Contribution (10 min.) Getting Started—Logistics (20 min.) Close with Thanks and Prayer
Called to Be the Church Overview Called to Be the Church is a five-week congregational and M&S giving program: • The program is rooted in our United Church identity and the work of Mission & Service. • It is biblically based, theologically grounded, and employs language of generosity and gratitude. • It encourages generosity and establishes Christian stewardship as a vibrant and intentional spiritual practice in the congregation and in lives of the people of our church. • It is a complete giving program that can be personalized by each congregation. • The program is practical, accessible, and adaptable to a range of settings. • It provides everything necessary for carrying out the program and includes professional videos, training materials, and communication elements readily available in several formats. • It positions stewardship as a spiritual discipline inclusive of time, talent, and treasure.
Themes
Sunday 1—Living Thankfully Day by Day—The Life of the Steward Our practice of stewardship in our individual and family life; making faith-filled decisions Sunday 2—Living Our Mission Locally Our congregation’s response to God’s mission and the call of the creed in our local community Sunday 3—Our Creed Is Our Church’s Mission Our denomination’s response to God’s mission and the call of the creed through the work of the Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada Sunday 4—Giving Sunday—Our Personal Response Our personal response to the call of the creed and support of the mission of our church Sunday 5—Expressing Our Gratitude—Living Generously Celebrating and giving thanks for God’s generosity and how we will continue to contribute to God’s mission This giving program 1. uses the theme Called to Be the Church, the “call” section of A New Creed 2. combines support for congregational giving and Mission & Service giving 3. focuses on inspiring, asking, and thanking 4. includes three options for Asking Every Person 5. includes worship services for five Sundays with theme videos for Sundays 1, 3, and 5; five Sunday school sessions and five adult learning events on the theme
Asking Every Person Checklist ■ Express gratitude ■ Be clear and direct ■ You have already made a commitment ■ Personal contact ■ The mission of the church BE SURE TO COVER Express gratitude
Be clear and direct
You have already made a commitment
Personal contact Where will you meet?
The mission of the church
HOW YOU WILL DO IT? What has been the contribution of the people you are visiting?
Inspire! Ask! Thank! Inspire, ask, and thank are the foundational elements of our congregational giving program. Just three tasks. Three vital tasks that will build generosity and support for the mission of the church and help us grow stewardship into a routine spiritual practice. What do we mean by each element? How do we do them and what resources are there to help?
Inspire!
Inspire generosity. Inspire giving. Inspire ways of living our faith. Our generosity is our response to God’s generosity in our own lives. Our generosity is a way to contribute to God’s mission in our world. It is how we make a positive difference as individuals and families in our own community through the mission of our congregation, and across our country and around the globe through the Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada. We share the story of the impact of generosity and how God’s mission is furthered as a result. We consider: • What is God’s mission for me and for us? • Why are we here? • How do we make a difference? • How do we model compassion, provide community, and offer hope? • How are we responding to the creed—“We are called to be the Church”—in our individual and family life? through the mission of our congregation? We inspire by telling stories, sharing our own “Why I give,” and showing images and pictures of faith in action. These resources are being made available to assist in inspiring:
• Ways for people to inspire others by sharing their story of generosity in their lives. “Why I give”—what would you say? • Step-by-step instructions for telling the story of God’s mission at work in your community by developing a Narrative Budget. • Five worship services that focus on these themes, as well as five adult learning sessions and five Sunday school lesson plans.
Ask!
Asking is an invitation to join with others as we respond to the call to be the church. We ask and invite all people of our faith community to contribute to God’s mission here in our congregation, in our community, and through the Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada. We ask and invite. We are clear, direct, personal, and as specific as possible. We share our own story in a personally meaningful and intentional way. We share “Why I give.” We communicate the action that we want people to take—to prayerfully consider how you will make an appropriate and meaningful gift. We place the request within a prayerful decisionmaking process and as a response to God’s generosity in our lives. We make sure that the person feels they have been asked: • asked to join us and others in God’s mission • asked to participate • asked to contribute • asked to make an appropriate and meaningful gift
Resources for three Asking Every Person options are being created. The range of options is designed to suit almost any ministry situation. They can also be adapted as necessary. This most generous God who gives seed to the farmer that becomes bread for your meals is more than extravagant with you. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God. (2 Corinthians 9:10–11, The Message)
Thank!
A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude. We thank God for the blessings in our lives. God is generous again, again, and again. Say thank you again, again, and again—and in many different ways. We thank individuals and groups for all their generous support of the ministry in their community. We cannot thank enough.
We make sure that our gratitude and thanks is • timely—closely connected to when we receive a gift • sincere—communicating what a difference their gift is or will make • personal—face to face; in a handwritten note Resources to assist in thanking include ways to model gratitude and promote a culture of gratitude and appreciation. The Called to Be the Church congregational giving program and resources are built on inspiring, asking, and thanking. Three simple steps, rich in meaning. This program has everything you need to inspire, ask, and thank in your community. Be generous with the different things God gave you, passing them around so all get in on it. (1 Peter 4:10, The Message)
Six I’s of Asking Identification—Think and pray
We want to touch everyone in the community with the message. People who are not visited may feel neglected or left out. This is really important. Never leave someone out because you assume they don’t have capacity to give money. You are also building community. Community is relationships. Being church together is about loving relationships. All kinds of people make up our communities of faith. Thanks be to God! Storytelling and testimony is a powerful tool to inform current and prospective donors about your cause. It can also be used in your “Inspiration” piece. It is important to offer volunteer opportunities and to illustrate the impact of generosity through your various communication vehicles.
Information—You have a powerful story of mission to tell! We used to be static—a brochure, flat website, business card, Annual Report.
Today, how and where we present information to generate interest has changed. In this package we have many ways to inform people about the great work that is being accomplished. You have more, I’m sure! Websites need to move from static to interactive. Post polls and calls to action; truly make them interactive with games and simulations. Make your brochures interactive, put them on your website and send them via e-mail. Use videos instead of photos to tell stories. Albums and movies that engage can be posted instantly.
Inspire—People want to know about how your community is advancing its mission and making a difference
Be compelling, exciting, and worthy of people’s investment. Proactively push messages (as a part of our communications and marketing plans) that engage, inform, and inspire. And when we get feedback we need to respond to keep the conversation going. Don’t forget about social media. We can enhance how we identify new volunteers and donors. And in many cases they self-identify by joining a fan page or following us on Twitter. Ask your friends and followers to send in their thoughts about your mission and ministry via video and upload the best. Interview volunteers, donors, and clients on video and upload to Facebook, YouTube, your site. People engage with people—get their interest with other people’s thoughts, ideas, and experiences with your community of faith.
Involvement—Today involvement can be episodic or virtual
Invite people to prayerfully consider their involvement in the work of the church. Although attending or serving at an event, real-time volunteering, and board service are important, maybe there are other ways you can connect with people and have them be involved. Is there a youth group that would like to present a ministry they are working on as a sermon? Is there a Guides or Brownies or Scout group that meets at your church who would like to do some specific tasks? Serving at a tea? Baking pies? Decorating for seasons?
Those that have challenges coming to church can help with social media, being your voice on Twitter, engaging others through their social media network, reading an online newsletter. Volunteering in the office between jobs or job search. Long or short-term commitments. Volunteering skills instead of general assistance. I always say that people want to be part of something important, and they like to be social and have fun doing it. Sounds like the best kind of party to me!
Investment—Help people get person with the mission of your community
People who are engaged and involved are more likely to support a mission they have come to know more personally. This investment can be in the form of time, talent, and/or treasure. The investment phase is a natural outgrowth of the involvement aspect of this process. It used to be about making a gift in response to an annual appeal, paying to attend an event, or volunteering regularly.
Today more donors are making their gifts online. This means via your DONATE NOW button, Facebook causes page, e-mail solicitation. We are already seeing donors making gifts via text and mobile phones. These numbers will increase and we need to be prepared.
Impact—People want to know what their contribution is accomplishing and the impact of their gift
Donors want to make sure their gifts are truly making a difference and want to see the impact of their generosity. This isn’t about singling people out for special recognition, but it is about creating meaningful ways of thanking people and keeping everyone updated on the work in a transparent and compelling way. Why not share all the news? Inquiring minds and all that honours the investment. Finally: This ministry is ongoing and important to the health, growth, happiness, and sustainability of your community of faith. Create a culture of giving in your community of faith. —Jane Harding—Regional Development Officer for British Columbia Conference
“You can be sure that whoever gives even a drink of cold water to one of the least of these…will certainly receive a reward.” (Matthew 10:42, Good News Bible)
is thanked for amazing generosity in the area of
Certificate of Generosity
LOVE
KINDNESS
COURAGE
COMPASSION
HOPE
PEACE
JOY
CARING
FRIENDSHIP
COMMUNITY
EQUALITY
COOPERATION
TOGETHERNESS
JUSTICE
LISTENING
SUPPORT
Proportional Giving Chart YEARLY GIVING CHART Annual Income
10%
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
$30,000
3,000
2,700
2,400
2,100
1,800
1,500
1,200
900
600
300
$40,000
4,000
3,600
3,200
2,800
2,400
2,000
1,600
1,200
800
400
$50,000
5,000
4,500
4,000
3,500
3,000
2,500
2,000
1,500
1,000
500
$60,000
6,000
5,400
4,800
4,200
3,600
3,000
2,400
1,800
1,200
600
$70,000
7,000
6,300
5,600
4,900
4,200
3,500
2,800
2,100
1,400
700
$80,000
8,000
7,200
6,400
5,600
4,800
4,000
3,200
2,400
1,600
800
$90,000
9,000
8,100
7,200
6,300
5,400
4,500
3,600
2,700
1,800
900
$100,000
10,000
9,000
8,000
7,000
6,000
5,000
4,000
3,000
2,000
1,000
$125,000
12,500
11,250
10,000
8,750
7,500
6,250
5,000
3,750
2,500
1,250
$150,000
15,000
13,500
12,000
10,500
9,000
7,500
6,000
4,500
3,000
1,500
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
MONTHLY GIVING CHART Annual Income
10%
$30,000
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
75
50
25
$40,000
333
300
267
233
200
167
133
100
67
33
$50,000
417
375
333
292
250
208
167
125
83
42
$60,000
500
450
400
350
300
250
200
150
100
50
$70,000
583
525
467
408
350
292
233
175
117
58
$80,000
667
600
533
467
400
333
267
200
133
67
$90,000
750
675
600
525
450
375
300
225
150
75
$100,000
833
750
667
583
500
417
333
250
167
83
$125,000
1,042
938
833
729
625
521
417
313
208
104
$150,000
1,250
1,125
1,000
875
750
625
500
375
250
125
WEEKLY GIVING CHART Annual Income
10%
9%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
3%
2%
1%
$30,000
58
52
46
40
35
29
23
17
12
6
$40,000
77
69
62
54
46
38
31
23
15
8
$50,000
96
87
77
67
58
48
38
29
19
10
$60,000
115
104
92
81
69
58
46
35
23
12
$70,000
135
121
108
94
81
67
54
40
27
13
$80,000
154
138
123
108
92
77
62
46
31
15
$90,000
173
156
138
121
104
87
69
52
35
17
$100,000
192
173
154
135
115
96
77
58
38
19
$125,000
240
216
192
168
144
120
96
72
48
24
$150,000
288
260
231
202
173
144
115
87
58
29
ADDRESS: Indicate method of giving and amount: ■ Monthly Pre-Authorized Remittances (PAR) $ ■ Monthly Envelopes $ ■ Weekly Envelopes $ I would like my gift to support Local Ministry and Mission $ Mission & Service $ ATTENTION PAR GIVERS! It’s easy to increase your monthly giving. Just indicate your increased amount on this form and we’ll take care of the rest. Increase from $ ___________________ to $ ___________________ per month effective _______________________________ (month). If signing up for PAR for the first time, please attach a cheque marked “VOID.” The amount may change if my/our financial situation changes. All information is for the church’s ministry planning. It will be received and processed in a confidential manner by the Envelope Secretary.
Every thoughtful gift makes a difference. Thank you!
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM.
Indicate method of giving and amount:
■ Monthly Pre-Authorized Remittances (PAR) $
■ Monthly Envelopes $
■ Weekly Envelopes $
I would like my gift to support
Local Ministry and Mission $
Mission & Service $
ATTENTION PAR GIVERS! It’s easy to increase your monthly giving.
Just indicate your increased amount on this form and we’ll take care
of the rest.
Increase from $ ___________________ to $ ___________________ per month effective
_______________________________ (month).
If signing up for PAR for the first time, please attach a cheque marked “VOID.” The amount may change if my/our financial situation changes.
All information is for the church’s ministry planning. It will be received and processed in a confidential manner by the Envelope Secretary.
Every thoughtful gift makes a difference. Thank you!
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM.
Response Card
ADDRESS:
NAME:
Response Card
NAME:
Stewardship Prayers Mighty and tender God, Creator and giver of life and all things We give our thanks and praise We are especially thankful for (add your own)…
Mighty and tender God, We ask your blessing upon our work and ministry, our response to your call to be the Church: to celebrate God’s presence, to live with respect in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. —based on A New Creed
Mighty and tender God, Hear us as we pray For the church throughout the world in its life and ministries; For the nations and peoples of the world as they strive for peace and justice; For all who suffer: people who are sick, grieving, lonely, oppressed; For peaceful relations among friends, colleagues, family, and strangers. (Add your own)…
Mighty and tender God, In your loving purpose help us to use and share the gifts you have given us to contribute to your mission. In all things give us the grace and wisdom to accept your will. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Gracious and generous God, Creator and Giver of all that is good, we thank you for our many blessings. We acknowledge that all that we have is from you. We offer you thanks and praise for the beauty of the earth, our work, our family, our loved ones, and all the gifts we have been given. Help us to hear your call to be good stewards, caretakers, and managers of all your gifts by sharing them for your purposes. Help us plan to serve our church, our community, and our world with your gifts. May we serve you and pray with a joyful spirit of mind and heart. Amen. We remain your faithful stewards. Amen.
Additional prayers are available at stewardshiptoolkit.ca
Generous and loving God, You call us to be disciples of your son Jesus and good stewards of your many gifts.
Night Prayer
Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation of your countless blessings.
The night is for stillness. Let us be still in the presence of God.
Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture a stewardship way of life for all our days marked by celebration of your presence, care for your creation, service to others, and justice seeking. We pray in the name of Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope. Amen.
Lord, it is night.
It is night after a long day. What has been done has been done; what has not been done has not been done; let it be. The night is dark. Let our fears of the darkness of the world and of our own lives rest in you. The night is quiet. Let the quietness of your peace enfold us, all dear to us, and all who have no peace. The night heralds the dawn. Let us look expectantly to a new day, new joys, new possibilities. In your name we pray. Amen. —“Night Prayer” is taken from A New Zealand Prayer Book—He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa and is used with permission.
