APRIL 2024

Hold or Let Go

Rev. Andrew Warner

I recently visited a congregation in an old downtown building. Once a grand sanctuary, it now showed excessive wear. Plaster falling off the sanctuary made the space unusable for worship. What would be the congregation's future?

Two Tiffany stained-glass windows caught my attention. On the left, the resurrection: Jesus stepped out of the tomb. Joy filled the disciples as they could hold onto Jesus again. On the right, the ascension: the disciples looked up as Jesus rose out of sight. Now, the disciples

needed to let go of the one they loved.

As we stand between the resurrection and the ascension (as we do in these weeks after Easter), we are faced with two crucial questions: What do we hold onto? What do we let go? These questions are for contemplation and active engagement by church leaders working to adapt their communities.

These questions can help a congregation prepare for renewal and adaptation. Dr. Deborah Rundlett of the Meetinghouse in Ridgefield, CT (https://meetinghouse.life/about/), and community members asked these questions. The congregation began its path to renewal by "distilling to essence"—they discerned the golden threads weaving through the congregation and its story. Next, they thought about what they needed to let go in order to receive something

new.

Use these questions for a reflective conversation in your leadership council or consistory. Begin by listening to Dr. Deborah Rundlett's story (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CDZzvAIjZ8),

one of several shared as part of the Strengthen the Church Offering materials. Then, as a group, discuss: What do we hold onto? What do we let go of?

Often, I observe people focusing more on what to preserve, to hold onto. But I hope you will lean into the second question: What do we let go? At the ascension, the disciples felt a hard goodbye, which prepared them to receive the Holy Spirit. Letting go, they received more than they could imagine.

The Meetinghouse discovered an amazing future, one still emerging through the support of a Congregational Assessment, Support, and Advancement (CASA) Grant, because leaders focused on the crucial questions: What do we hold onto? What do we let go of?

Learn more about the Strengthen the Church Offering and new and renewing congregations in the UCC through this playlist of videos (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6VgfHt6zEy5Jxk-pVjvLBC8dwWHZAnn1).

Sunday Offering Date: May 19, 2024

Additional Notes:

May 19 –

Strengthen the Church Offering

The Strengthen the Church (STC) Offering reflects the shared commitment of people across the United Church of Christ to cooperatively build up the UCC. Conferences and the national setting equally share the gifts given by members and friends through their local congregations. The funds raised support leadership development, new churches, youth ministry, and innovation in existing congregations.  By your generosity to this offering, you build up the Body of Christ. Learn more at www.ucc.org/stc.

April 24, 6:30 pm –

A Good Pitch, Understanding the Hopes of Our Donors to Create Change 

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMrcuCvpzojG9BHNVrZXiYVjmHakz1H2pWe 

Once a upon a time, donors gave out of a sense of obligation and loyalty. Today, most donors care about the impact they make in the world. How do we understand the motivations of our donors? What kind of change do they want to make in the world? Andrew Warner will talk about five basic ways donors look to create change. We will discuss ways to discuss your congregation's impact on your community.

May 22, 6:30 pm –

Together for Tomorrow: Planned Giving in the Local Congregation

https://UCC.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckdu-sqTwqG9M0viVLUPFro21LUFmy6_ea 

While a significant wealth transfer occurs as each generation passes, many congregations and ministries remain unprepared to promote planned giving options. Only 5% of people leave a charitable bequest even though nearly a third of people would if asked or invited to consider one. This workshop will share key concepts and help you create an action plan for your congregation or ministry to promote planned giving.

Year-Round Stewardship Resource

Promoting generosity throughout the year is the best way to teach giving and generate financial support for your ministry and mission. "Because of You" is a year-round stewardship resource with practical tools, sermon and worship guides, and faith formation activities for all ages. 

Learn more at www.uccresources.com/generosity

Rev. Andrew Warner serves as a Generosity Outreach Officer of the national setting of the UCC. In that role he trains, coaches, and mentors conference and congregational leaders across the country to strengthen the culture of generosity in the UCC. 

Stewardship Reflection is sent out once a month on the second Wednesday.

If you prefer not to receive stewardship news, please email us.

Montana - N. Wyoming Conference UCC

email - ucc@mnwcucc.org

website - www.mnwcucc.org