STEWARDSHIP ACADEMY #3

            The Stewardship Academy has been announced, and is being held on Saturdays, April 23^rd, May 21^st, June 18^th and July 16^th. At least the first three will be held via Zoom.

            This week I want to introduce the second session, which will be held on May 21^st from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Various topics will be covered at this session:

1.    1.Campaign Types – There are many types of campaigns. There are the campaigns that simply ask for an “upgrade” in giving. There are also the campaigns that approach those that haven’t given before to start giving. Is the campaign done simply during Sunday worship, or is there in-person visitation? Letters? Telephone calls? Emails?

    2.   Essential Parts of ALL Campaigns – Do a good job; have a plan and follow it; it’s all about relationship; have specific requests; visit; talk about the mission of the church; don’t be afraid to ask; and say “thank you”.

 

    3. Year-Round Stewardship – Stewardship should never just happen in the fall. There are letters, information, work that can and should be done throughout the year. We will go through different scenarios and ideas for monthly stewardship work.

4.    Three Types of Giving – Operating, Capital and Planned. Any good stewardship program; any effective financial work done by a church must include all three. What are they, and how are they different?

    5.    Planned Giving – This includes giving through annuities, beneficiary designations, bequests, life insurance, real estate, transfer on death, payable on death arrangements and trusts. It is also referred to as deferred gifts. It can include current giving arrangements that require legal or tax planning. It is often done through wills or trust documents or beneficiary designations.

6.    Planning Commitment – Planning is vital to a good stewardship program, and for the givers as well. It provides tremendous opportunity for Christians to make a powerful witness to their faith and their values, and helps maintain the work of the church and its related institutions. Larger charitable gifts than might otherwise be possible become possible. Permanent living memorials for givers and others are established.

            Each week of the Stewardship Academy will cover many topics. The first week covers stewardship and theology, while this second week talks about campaigns and giving.

            If you are interested in more information or in participating in the Academy, please contact me at susanranous@unyumc.org or (315) 427-3668.