MAS Mission Support Storytellers

On Offerings and Auctions

Article Author:  Gary L. Langness is an ELCA Pastor, Stewardship Leader and very involved with the Bega Kwa Bega partnership in Tanzania. Theme:  Happenings in Congregations Updated:  5/8/2008 © gcljumbo@comcast.net [Gary L. Langness]

For as long as I can remember the offering plate has been passed down the church pew and worshipers placed their monetary gifts in the plate. I do remember being in a church once where the ushers had long poles with red velvet bags attached which they stretched into the pews to collect the offering, but that was an exception. And then, later in life I had a new experience when I visited a Tanzanian worship service for the first time.

When it was time for the offering, the folks got up from their benches and came forward to place their offering in a basket placed in front of the chancel area. They came in an orderly manner and they all came . . . from the youngest to the oldest, they all brought a gift.

Continued here… (click here for the rest of the story)

Greetings and Blessings to you - Minneapolis Area Synod Vice Presidents and Leaders!

This has been an amazing (program) year in ministry together. In November 2007 and February of this year we gathered leaders such as you to talk about ministry in your congregation, in the Minneapolis Area Synod, and across the whole ELCA. We learned how when we work together as the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, we are doing God’s work in ways that no individual or none of the 10,549 congregations can do alone. By sharing our time, talents, and possessions generously, God’s Spirit inspires others to give generously! We hope that by now some of you have had the opportunity to share a story of what your Mission Support offering is doing across the synod and the whole ELCA?

Are you still looking for ideas on ‘how to’? Click here for ideas and resources.

On May 13, 2008 we will have our final gathering of the program year. (Our next gathering is planned tentatively for November 2008.)

You are invited to join us as we celebrate our first year in ministry together.

At this gathering we will focus on finding more ways to help you look for and share stories of what God is doing in your own congregation, in the Minneapolis Area Synod and across the whole ELCA. We know from experience that sharing inspiring stories of people of faith doing work in Jesus’ name helps members feel more connected to the mission of God in our midst, and allows them to give of their time talent and treasure more generously!

Who:      All Minneapolis Area Synod Vice Presidents and Leaders

What:     A gathering and celebration of Minneapolis Area Synod Vice Presidents and leaders

Where: The Minnesota Church Center

122 West Franklin Avenue

Minneapolis, MN 55404

Assembly Room 1 (click here for the link to google maps)

When:    Tuesday, May 13, 2008

4:00 – 5:30 PM (new time!)

Our last two gatherings were such a success; we really hope you can join us either again - or for the first time!

Please RSVP your acceptance or regrets to Rachel Swan at 612-230-3311 or email her at r.swan@mpls-synod.org by Friday, May 9, 2008.  For questions or more information feel free to call Rachel or visit http://makingchristknown.wordpress.com, the Minneapolis Area Synod’s website for Stewardship and Mission Support Storytellers and Resources.

Another great article, this time by Meta Herrick, a seminarian and candidate from the Minneapolis Area Synod. Great stuff!

The ‘M’ Words
Meta S. Herrick

I caught myself doing it again on Friday. I was driving home from school
through the dark streets of St. Paul thinking about Money. (Note: Ringing in the weekend by listing all the reasons you don’t have enough, haven’t saved enough, spend too much and put off scary expenses is a real bummer.)

I didn’t realize that my mind was racing into Debbie-Downerville until I turned east onto Selby Avenue, and saw it shining brightly in the distance. The red “1st” blinked on and off atop the First National Bank, reading my mind. Sometimes Money slips into first place and convinces me to live deeply in the Myth of Scarcity.

Read the rest here, at Stewardship for the 21st Century from Luther Seminary.

Found in The Lutheran by Pastor Heather Hammond, this article should be read and shared! Find the original article here.

Finances
Taking care of business is a sacred trust

Last month’s column on conflict struck a responsive chord, judged by the abundance of e-mails and letters we received. The handling of money, of course, is one of those administrative activities that, if done well, receives little attention or thanks. But when it’s handled badly, look out! “Who authorized $15,000 for a bus?” “How long has it been since the last financial audit?” “Year after year we increase each line item in the budget 2 percent. Shouldn’t this congregation’s priorities be reflected in the budget?”

Consider these five best practices that can make a positive difference in your congregation…

Pick up this month’s copy of The Lutheran or find the original article here.

Stories of Faith in Action (formerly Making Christ Known) is posted on the Stewardship: Interpreting the Mission of the ELCA web page,  along with  bulletin inserts that you can easily download and share with your congregation. Telling a story has never been easier!

http://www.elca.org/stewardship/interpreting.html

Check out the February bulletin insert, click here.