in Vital Posts and filtered by Planned Giving, Stewardship, Buildings and Grounds
By Ken Howard
In our latest blog, When You Can’t Pass the Offering Plate…, Ken Howard talks about the world of online giving. Ken explores some common myths and truths that are helpful whether you know a little or a lot about online giving.
By Linda Buskirk
Linda Buskirk addresses a common issue in church architecture – that often it’s not built to be welcome to people of all abilities. In our latest blog, she recommends steps to remedy such situations.
By Greg Syler
How can we have a bold and serious conversation as The Episcopal Church about ways to mobilize our buildings? Greg Syler contributes our latest blog, sharing his thoughts on this question.
By Sarah Townsend Leach
Sarah Leach contributes our latest blog. She wants the Episcopal Church to use the word “stewardship” the way the rest of the non-profit world uses it, not just to mean the solicitation of funds.
By Linda Buskirk
St. John’s of Grand Haven MI uses a personal approach to stewardship that has proved very effective and pleasant for its practitioners. Starting in the spring and continuing throughout the entire year, stewardship team members reach out individually to parishioners on their lists through personal notes. Giving to St. John’s has increased about 25% over the past five years.
By Linda Buskirk
Many faith communities are about to launch annual giving campaigns. Linda Buskirk suggests that thinking of the annual campaign as an invitation rather than an “ask” changes the dynamic and will help more people give.
By Ken Quigley
Most people die without a written will. Which leaves their families at the mercy of the state, which will distribute assets after death. The state will pay the lawyers first, then any taxes or creditors and finally family. If you don’t have a will, make one.
By Jim Murphy
In this blog, Jim Murphy explores the concept of congregation as family. “When someone makes a planned gift of any kind to their parish, that person raises their congregation to the level of family in their estate plans.”
By Lisa G. Fischbeck
Lisa Fischbeck’s church acquired five acres of land that had once belonged to someone who took good care of it. On talking to people and doing research, they learned that restoring native plants restores the health and function of the local ecosystem. So they cast a vision.
By Jerry Campbell
Jerry Campbell writes about St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and how it will be able to open a new parish center. St. Mark’s story is comprised of four pieces, with the capital campaign facilitated by ECF being the final piece of the puzzle.