Encouraging Generosity: Simple Practices

Simple Practices Encourage Generosity

by Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis

Encouraging a culture of generosity in the local church does not need elaborate programming. Keeping up with current stewardship practices and resources is important; however, church leaders can look back to some basic life directions for guidance. Our parents and those who helped parent us can inform what we do to lift the faith practice of generosity.

“Say your prayers.” Many of us were reminded as children to offer grace at the table, to pray before sleeping and to join in prayer in worship. Practicing prayer can breathe grace and hope into all that we do. Growing generosity as a faith practice in the church begins with our prayers. Nothing we have is ours; it was created by God and belongs to God. Pray thanksgiving for God’s abundant gifts. We serve as part of the Body of Christ. Pray for direction and resources so that Christ’s body will thrive for making disciples. Outreach into the community and the world offers Christ in word and deed. Pray for a generosity that changes lives. Offer these prayers when community gathers for worship and for planning.

You Are Invited to A Webinar Sponsored by

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan

featuring Bonnie Ives Marden

Courage to Ask:

What Your Donors are Waiting for You to Say

The United Methodist Foundation of Michigan welcomes Bonnie Marden, author of Church Finances for Missional Leaders. This webinar is part of our commitment to help leaders develop a culture of generosity.

The Webinar will be held on Tuesday, September 28 at 10:00am.

Registration is required.

Contact Rev. Dr. Sherry Parker-Lewis with questions.

Download Flyer

Learn How to Give and Receive a Fixed Income

Through a Gift Annuity

If you are like many people, you have seen the value of your investments fluctuate with the markets. Would you be interested in making a charitable gift and receiving fixed payments for your lifetime?

A charitable gift annuity is a way to make a gift to support the causes that you care about. You make a gift of cash or property to us. In return, we will make payments for life to you, you and a loved one, or another person. Each payment will be fixed and the amount of each payment will depend on the age of the person who receives the payments. After all payments have been made, you can designate the remaining value of your gift to support the causes that matter to you.

There are a number of benefits with a charitable gift annuity. Your payments are fixed as of the date of your gift. This means that your payments will never change, even if interest rates or the stock market changes. Depending upon your gift, you may receive the added benefit of mostly tax-free payments. You will also receive a charitable deduction in the year that you setup the gift annuity.

Use our On-Line Calculator to determine payments, then call us to set up a consultation from our staff to discuss the benefits of a Gift Annuity.