Archives
|
Few congregations have effective year-round programs for stewardship education, tithing and planned giving. Most need help. SALT will help supply that need. SALT, through information provided by "Church Stewardship & Growth Center" will meet the needs of your church by bringing you articles of what others are doing in the stewardship field, suggestions on new programs, ideas, displays, literature, electronic medias, and training materials. It will give you and your congregation the satisfaction of more effectively meeting the needs of the work of Jesus Christ.
The difference between the success and failure of bringing families to full stewardship stature is vested in local leadership. As the chief steward under God, you hold the key of leadership. Use it or lose it! |
|
|
Memorial gifts are a recognized way through which individuals can remember deceased relatives and friends or honor someone on a special occasion.
Memorial gifts are also an important source of income for churches and all types of charities. Size of church does not matter. These smaller gifts provide the church or organization with a list of interested supporters who may remember them again and again and who may make a later gift through a will, trust or other plan. It also provides a tax deduction to the donor. |
|
|
|
Contributions are a proven, gracious method of raising funds. It is an often-over looked method of building income. Contributions "In Memory" or "In Honor" of individuals represents a steady source of income not counted as an expense by givers. |
|
|
|
The Memorial/Honor program does not conflict or interfere with present methods of giving. It represents additional funds given by individuals who feel a need to give in order to show their respect to a loved one or friend. |
|
|
|
When a dear friend or relative dies, what can a donor do to perpetuate and honor his or her memory? How can the donor ease the profound loss felt by the immediate family? Flowers bring some consolation, but their beauty fades. There is a better way. |
|
|
 |
|
An "In Memory" contribution honors the departed with a gift or series of gifts from an individual or group of friends. It ensures the lasting remembrance of the loved one. It comforts the living to know that their selected goals as well as a memorial are being fulfilled. When an "Memory" contribution is received, a card is sent to the bereaved family indicating that their loved one has been memorialized in this most fitting manner. |
Click to enlarge
|
|
|
 |
|
"In Honor" tributes are gift contributions for happier occasions - honoring a birthday, marriage, anniversary, graduation, etc. An "In Honor" gift may also express concern for the speedy recovery of an ailing friend. An attractive card should be sent to the person being honored with appropriate greeting. A receipt and "thank you" is sent to the donor. What better gift than one that brings with it the knowledge that you are both furthering specific goals and honoring someone. |
Click to enlarge
|
|
|
The cost of starting the program is relatively small for the promotional brochure, acknowledgement cards that are needed and a memorial book. Once you start the program it will pay for itself.
Newsletters and bulletins should carry announcements of the program and continuing mention should be made in all communications. The promotion brochure should be left at local funeral homes.
When a gift is received be sure to send a receipt and "thank you" to the donor and an acknowledgement card to the family, friend or person being honored.
Mention in your newsletter the name of the person being honored and the donor. Do not list the amount given.
This low cost program, carefully developed, will bring a constant flow of small gifts and will build donors who may give larger gifts in the future.
Share your experiences with others. Mail or e-mail information about your stewardship programs to Editor, SALT, 20 Industrial Drive, Warminster, PA 18974, or SALT@Neibauer.com. If we use it in a future issue of SALT, we'll send you a free copy of our stewardship manual, "Steps to Success In Stewardship". |
|
|
