May 2023
- Download the Pentecost Reflection and prepare for the Summer
- 2023 Annual Pledge Campaign Materials ready for download
- Register for our next webinar on creating effective materials for stewardship
- Member pricing for Vanco Faith for your online giving programs
|
Greetings!
At both ends of the Resurrection story as Matthew presents it for Easter Day, the words “Do not be afraid,” are said. First, by the angel who meets Mary Magdalene and Mary at the tomb, and then by Jesus himself to the same women when he sends them off to tell the others that he has risen. The words are at the same time soothing and encouraging. At the tomb do not be afraid soothes people seeing something terrifying and unexpected. And then, at the sending-forth, do not be afraid to speak the truth, to go out into a hostile city.
In fact, the words “do not be afraid,” or “do not fear” appear 365 times in the Bible, from Genesis through Revelations. Why do we need to hear this so often? Over the many times these encouraging words are written and read to us, the two most common reasons are the ones that appear in Matthew’s Gospel on Easter Morning.
In the course of following Jesus, you will see many unexpected things. Lives transformed by prayer; communities changed by service; members reconciled by love. We will share our gifts with the church and see them translated into ministry that will impact our neighbors, heal the sick, lift up the needy, be companions to the lonely.
As we walk with Jesus we will encounter hostility where speaking truth will go against our culture. We will discover times in which we will be the only voice advocating, seeking justice, upholding our values.
And in these moments, we hear Jesus whisper behind us, “Do not be afraid.” We who dare to believe that life can overcome death, and that light can outshine darkness, bring our Easter truth and joy into a world that needs to hear “be not afraid.”
How have you been encouraged or transformed by someone’s supportive words or love?
When you feel afraid, what are the tools you have to get through the moments of fear?
All good gifts,
Cn. J. Davey Gerhard III
Executive Director
|
|
Online Giving in Episcopal Congregations Increases by 26% with Vanco!
Have you been monitoring online giving in your congregation? In looking at Episcopal congregations using Vanco, there has been an increase of 26% in contributions since the pandemic began. This reflects both a growth in the number of donors and the average amount of contributions.
Congregations have found Vanco easy for contributors to use and a time-saver for administrators. Vanco provides customized service to get started and resources to communicate with donors about the benefits of online giving. And, Vanco provides tools to look at giving patterns and trends.
In addition to volume growth, the number of congregations using Vanco has continued to grow. Here are the three most common reasons:
- Integration with church management software. Vanco offers integration with more than 50 different companies. These would include ACST, Church 360, Church Windows, Quickbooks, Power Church, Servant Keeper, Shepherd Staff and more. Effective integration means easier transfer of online and card reader transactions, saving you work.
- Product Features and Functionality - This includes Vanco Online which uses storytelling tiles to inspire giving. You select the ministries you want to highlight and share their impact. The tile for each ministry has a unique URL and QR code so you can share this story with many audiences and provide an easy way to contribute immediately.
- Special Pricing for TENS Members- Some congregations are looking to save money on their processing. Vanco offers special pricing for small and larger congregations when their diocese is a member of TENS. Congregations in other dioceses can also get savings.
|
|
The 2023 Webinar Calendar is uploaded - fill out your training plan today!
We are revisiting some favorite trainings and offering some new ones this year as we combine materials for annual campaigns with practical teaching on stewardship topics. See our Webinar page to learn about and register for all our webinars this year! |
|
Making the Case: Effective Materials for Successful Campaigns
The ways that you message your annual pledge campaign make a difference in how much impact it has on your members. If you are running the same program year after year, using the same theme, the same logo, the same words, the same timeline, you might also be getting the same results.
Consider changing up your materials, getting new pictures, stories, metrics, and methods. Reach your members in a new way and make sure every member knows how to make their best gift to support your operating budget and your ministry to the community. Learn our best practices on great campaign materials and story-telling techniques.
Sign up for our free webinar on May 13 at 9AM Pacific / 12PM Eastern
|
|
Preparing for Stewardship Season: Best Practices
Consider this your pre-campaign pep talk for committee members, stewardship chairs, and clergy alike! Join us for a session where we walk through this year's campaign theme and materials and talk about best practices for effective campaigns.
Register today for our webinar on Saturday, July 29, 9AM Pacific / 12PM Eastern
|
|
Breaking Through the Pledge Plateau
There comes a time with each congregation when the campaign plateaus: when members make the same gift year after year; when the pledges are on autopilot. What can you do to shine a new light on your programs and ministries to help your members make their best gifts?
Right as you return from your summer break, learn best practices for breaking through the plateau and increasing the impact, gift size, and cheerfulness of your members so that your ministries can flourish.
Sign up for our free webinar on August 26 at 9AM Pacific / 12PM Eastern
|
|
Complete Materials for 2023-2024 Annual Pledge Campaigns
Ready for Download
The 2023 - 2024 Annual Pledge Campaign materials have been uploaded and are ready for use. All year, you have been using the Seasonal Reflections to underscore good stewardship practices, and taking advantage of training and the timeline to form your committee. Now you have access to the complete package for your annual campaign. In addition to the weekly reflections, this year's package includes:
- Sample letters from the Clergy, Wardens, and Committee Chair
- Prayers for the Pledge Cards and Prayers at Ingathering
- Prayers of the People during your campaign season and a Post-Communion Prayer you may use during the weeks of your pledge drive
- Pledge cards that focus on time, talent, and treasure
- Proportional Giving cards
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
