Author Archives: Giving Speaks

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About Giving Speaks

I am a stewardship and certified fundraising professional, with a lifespan faith development background. I am a seasoned speaker and workshop leader focusing on topics of generosity, giving, fundraising, stewardship, and leadership.

Shared Ministry and Generosity in a Time of Need

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(I am pleased to share this post contributed by the Rev. Stephan Papa, my colleague in the Stewardship and Development office of the Unitarian Universalist Association.  I invite you to share the stories of generosity present in your congregations with me for a future post.  ~Laurel)

One of the changes that have occurred over the last 50 years of Unitarian Universalist congregational life is that we are sharing the ministry; it is no longer just the responsibility of the religious professionals; we are sharing the ministry, and we are doing so graciously and generously.

The Reverend Doctor Bruce Clear has served a the minister of the All Souls Unitarian Church in Indianapolis, IN since 1993.  Nancy Renner Clear has served the congregation as the Director of Religious Education since 1990.  In January 2010, Bruce suffered a massive stroke; he is home from rehab and living with the support of his family and congregation.

Bruce resigned as did Nancy.  The church started a fund to help with Bruce’s care and will host a Celebration of their Service on August 27 with an auction to raise funds for them.

In addition, long time church member, Frank Basile, will speak at church services on July 24 about his new book Travels with Frank and Katrina, proceeds of which will go to benefit the Clears.  The book is a compilation of Frank’s travel articles (they have been to 174 countries) written for the Indianapolis Business Journal and is available through the All Souls Unitarian Church, 5805 E 56th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46226 for $10 plus $5 for shipping and handling.

The congregation and its members are meeting the challenge of going forward and they are helping the Clears with their challenge.  The ministry is being shared graciously and generously.

Stephan Papa

(Stephan’s email:  spapa@uua.org )

 

Changing Times: Technology & Stewardship

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What is the current state of charitable giving? 

There are definite signs of improvement in the U.S. economy, yet the effects of the recent recession appear to be lingering with regard to giving to religious and other charitable organizations.  In light of our tightening family budgets, we must be more resourceful, efficient, and responsive than ever in our stewardship practices.

What trends are affecting us? 

Technology presents new challenges alongside immense potential benefits.  With the heightened use of the Internet and the advent of social networking, there is an increasing dependence on computer and smart phone technology.  The changes in online communication and information sharing are happening at a startlingly rapid pace and we must adapt our practices in order to keep in step with these ever-evolving changes.

What must we remember?  

Giving is about relationships.  Fundraising and stewardship are about giving, and therefore, attention must be focused on our relationships as a multigenerational community. Generosity springs from the heart.  It is not a rational matter, but a relational
matter – an emotional response to that which inspires and motivates.

Why do we give generously to our congregation? 

First, we give as individuals who are grateful to be part of a faith community.  We care deeply about the principles and religious values , and in affirmation of the congregation’s mission, ministries, and programs that make a difference in our lives, and in local communities and society at large.  We give because our congregations and our religion are worthy of our deepest commitment and greatest generosity.

How might we respond to these trends and priorities?

  • Increase online visibility—our congregation’s website must be visually
    appealing, with content that reflects the mission, values, and ways that people
    of all ages can be involved.  Include a compelling message about the importance of stewardship and means for online pledging and/or giving.
  • Make use of electronic communication and social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to promote our congregation.  Email, electronic newsletters, blogs, and social networking are the primary means of communication for younger generations, and increasingly so among middle and older adults.
  • Establish or develop a planned giving program. With the current shift in generational giving patterns and the significant transference of wealth underway, it is important to help our congregants leave a legacy.
  • Budget for growth and advancement, not maintenance and decline—to align our budget to reflect our congregation’s mission, values, priorities, ministries, and programs.

I am interested in hearing how you and your congregation or organization are navigating the new technology trends to keep your relationships and giving levels strong.

Devoting Ourselves for Greater Meaning and Purpose

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The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.           ~Mitch Albom

There are those individuals we encounter in our lives that teach about the importance of philanthropy–the generosity and devoting of one’s time and resources for the betterment of humanity.  They are the individuals whose love of people shines brightly when they enter a room, attracting others to them with their personal warmth and caring presence.

Through the sharing of stories and by example, we can observe how those philanthropists are faithfully devoted to bring their best of selves–energy, time, attention, and resources–to the greater good of community.    It is essential for those of us who aspire to this way of being to watch, listen, and feel the unique dynamic at work, integrating what we learn in our interactions with others.

Greater meaning and a clearer sense of purpose comes from cultivation of compassion, love of humanity, and living a life of gratitude, generosity, and devotion to something greater than the individual.

Here are some of the things these philanthropic role models teach us:

  • Listen to the calling of your faith and deepest values, and respond by actively giving of yourself, your time, and your resources.
  • Volunteer time in the community where there is a need.
  • Be a steward of the environment.
  • Advocate for those who are oppressed.
  • Respond to those in need with compassion, generosity, and respect.