Generosity in all Seasons
In the Advent season, generosity seems like a given as we prepare for Christmas. Yet, there is need for generosity in all seasons.
We at your UMF encourage regular, planned emphasis on generosity in your ministries, as we serve a God who is ever giving. Advent and Christmas are ALL about God’s ultimate gift, Jesus! Jesus is the world’s gift in every season. Keeping generosity at the forefront of our daily thoughts, conversations, and actions in 2025 will pave the way for us to encourage others to live a generous life as well.
If you are like me, checking my calendar and keeping it up to date is a regular, daily habit. Planning activities does not happen without checking my calendar for availability. Adding a planned emphasis of generosity to your calendar may be just the way to begin incorporating generosity into your life and the lives of those entrusted to your care.
Below is our annual (printable) stewardship calendar. Each month there is something to do to ensure that generosity is at the forefront of the mission and ministry of your congregation.
Where do we begin? With “Thank you!”
January: “Thank You” letters for previous year’s contributions, along with “Celebration of Giving” statements; begin planning for fall Stewardship Emphasis Month
That’s right! Write a thank you note to EVERYONE who financially supported the mission and ministry of the church in 2024. A personal, hand-written note gets NOTICED, especially if come from the pastor. If you’re in a smaller congregation, this may equate to writing one note a day or maybe two each day in January. If you’re in a larger congregation, invite the finance team in assisting in this project, until everyone has been personally acknowledged that their contribution (no matter the dollar amount) has been noticed and appreciated. What a wonderful way to start the new year–in gratitude!
Notice that we also recommend beginning to plan a fall stewardship plan in January. This might include attending our upcoming training for Consecration Sunday, planned for May 15 in the Dixon Chapel at the UMC building (Garner). Registration will open soon; we welcome clergy and layperson(s) to join us to learn more about Herb Miller’s tried and true program. Mark your calendars for 5/15 and stay tuned for registration information (space is limited).
Finally, gratitude gives me hope, and hope is what the Advent and Christmas season are all about. From all of us at your United Methodist Foundation, thank you. Thank you for allowing us to come alongside you, partnering with you in mission and ministry. We look forward to serving with you in 2025 and if we can be of assistance in any way (click here to learn more about UMF’s many services) please do not hesitate to let us know.
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].