“Tell, Thank, Ask”
Generosity & Stewardship Resources 
for Virginia Synod Congregations

Virginia Synod Stewardship Website Updated
 
The Virginia Synod Stewardship website ( vasynodstewards.org) has been updated to provide more resources for congregational use. As new resources are identified, they will be added to the page, so check out the site and let Pastor John know if there is something you'd like us to add.

Save the Date: Stewardship Continuing Education Event
 
The Virginia Synod and the Presbytery of the James have invited Charles R Lane, the author of "Ask, Thank, Tell" and "Embracing Stewardship" to lead a one day workshop in Richmond on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 9 AM until 3 PM .

The event will be held at Three Chopt Presbyterian Church in Richmond and simulcast online. Thanks to a grant from the Stewardship of Life Institute, the cost of the event will be $15 per person.  Click here for more information or to register online to attend in-person or by simulcast. 

Tell
 
People are far more willing to support ministries when they know the story and the impact the ministry is making. Be intentional about telling your ministries story.

Use a Narrative Spending Plan approach to report your 2019 Investments in Ministry in your Annual Report. Instead of presenting a spreadsheet full of numbers in your annual report, use a Narrative Spending Plan format to report ministry spending from the previous year. Download an example of a Narrative Spending Report here .  Download an explanation and example of a Narrative Spending Plan here .
Thank

Generously say “Thank You” for all the gifts offered in support of God’s ministry. 

Create an ‘Infographic” telling the story of the congregation’s ministry and include it in your 2018 “Year-End” giving statement.  When writing a letter, be sure to mention specific ministries accomplished during the past year. Infographics are visual representations of information. Invite an artist or creative person in your congregation to create an infographic telling the story of your ministry. Free online tools like canva.com can be used to produce simple, impactful infographics. Here’s an example of a congregational year-end infographic.

Ask
 
Make it as easy as possible for people to support God’s ministry in your congregation

Remind people about Tax Advantageous options for giving.  Publish an article in your newsletter, e-newsletter and bulletin reminding people about the tax advantages of making a gift using a Minimum Required Distribution or a Stock gift. You can find sample announcements for tax advantageous giving here.
Children and Stewardship

Nurturing faith in children by introducing them to concepts of stewardship and generosity. Here are two articles focused specifically on children and stewardship.


Emphasize or Add Online Giving

Since fewer people carry cash or a checkbook, it is important to provide electronic giving options and make those options easily accessible. During Advent and Christmas, consider putting the link to your online donation page in your bulletin. If you are worried about online givers feeling left out when the offering plate is passed, consider providing a laminated card in the pew which says “Supporting the ministry of [ Insert Congregation Name ] through online giving”. Individuals can place the cards in the offering plate and be reused each week.

To help lower the cost of receiving electronic donations, the ELCA has entered into a preferred provider agreement with an online donation service called Tithe.ly. The service has no monthly fee. You only pay a transaction fee when a gift is made. If you are interested in learning more about Tithe.ly go to:   get.tithe.ly/elca

Contact

For Stewardship Consultation or Re-Launch Workshop: Contact Pastor John Wertz, Jr. for available dates and times (email: wertz@vasynod.org or office: 757.622.9421)