Briiiing! Briiiing!

Pick up the phone to say, “Thank you!”

Do you remember that melodic sound of the phone ringing and ringing and ringing in the kitchen? Back in the day … before cell phones, everyone wanted to answer the phone.

Who’s it for?

What do they want?

Please let it be for me!

It was as if civilization had entered the four walls of the house. Human contact was finally going to be made with someone other than my parents. 

Oh my, how times have changed. Especially in light of the September 2023 Washington Post headline, The new phone call etiquette: Text first and never leave a voice mail. If you take time to read the article, you’ll find that the article is very generationally specific. No matter what the headlines say, you can delight with a call — or text — saying, “Thank you.”

I mention this because NOW is the best time to start planning how you will approach year-end giving.

Here are some stats about giving in December:

• nonprofits raise 26% of their annual revenue in December

• of a nonprofit’s total online giving, 17-31% comes in December

• 10% of all giving happens the last three days of December

With this in mind, thanking persons who have given to the church during the year is not only the right thing to do but also will surprise and delight those persons who receive your contact.

If you are thanking a 20 or 30-something and you have their cell number — go ahead and text them your thanks. Maybe something like this:

“Hi Cindy-Lou Who! This is Pastor Awesome. I want to thank you for being a part of our faith community. And, thank you for your generosity too. We couldn’t do it without you. Blessings.” (Add a smiley emoji for good measure.)

Generally, those who are on the other side of the age spectrum still like to use the phone. And some really like to hear a human voice…even if it’s a voicemail. Here’s an idea of how to make that call:

“Hi, Mister Bill! This is Pastor Awesome. Don’t worry. Nothing’s wrong! I’m calling to thank you for being part of our faith community. I know that you have been very generous too. I’m just calling to say ‘thank you.’ Your gifts keep us going strong. (Pause) How are you? (And then you listen.) Is there anything I can tell you about the church that you’re curious about? (And then you listen and respond appropriately). Is there some way that I can be praying for you? (And then you listen some more.) It’s been great to talk with you. Once again, thank you for all you do and for what you mean to our congregation.”

If no one is home? Then leave a (gasp!) voice mail:

“Hi, Mister Bill! This is Pastor Awesome. I’m calling to thank you for being part of our faith community. I know that you have been very generous too. Thank you! Your gifts keep us going strong. Please give me a call if you have any questions or would like some prayer. Thank you, again for supporting this congregation, God bless you!”

Actually, calling donors to thank them does make them more likely to give again (and give more).

Okay, so calling or texting isn’t your cup of tea? Then send a thanksgiving gratitude card. Why? Same reason—it’s the right thing to do and it will surprise and delight the person who will get the card. Sign it personally with an extra, handwritten, “I thank God for you!” No extra envelope enclosed, no asking for money. It’s all about gratitude.

Whether it’s a text, a phone call, or a note of thanks, now’s the time to let your congregation know, “You matter. God loves you and so do I. Thank you.”

This article was submitted by Rev. Lynn Benson, Director of Legacy Giving for the United Methodist Foundation, Inc. If you would like more information regarding UMF, you can contact Lynn at [email protected].