Category: Uncategorized
-
The Happiness Quotient
I have been reading Paul Schervish’s book, “Wealth and the Will of God” and I highly recommend it. There are many aspects of wealth, and one that Mr. Schervish explores is the concept of happiness. A recent conversation with a pastor about a donor proved this book timely and formative for my own thinking. I cannot share who the pastor is, but only the essence of what I took away from our talk. Let us just say that a new member has, by participating in the Pastors’ Bible Study/prayer group, deepened their faith journey. Finding that pearl of faith has…
-
Finding C.O.V.I.D. in Your Annual Finance Campaign
As I write this, very few people are sitting in the pews of our faith communities (and won’t be for weeks), and there may be growing angst about the annual fall finance campaign. Sure, we can do the awesome stewardship sermons and watch videos of lay people giving thanks to God for their blessings and how their monetary support helps their church to do God’s work. We can also create awesome slides with lots of information about ways to give and even hold a book study during the campaign. But will it work? That’s the wrong question. Stewardship is a year-round…
-
Of Birthdays
Well it is almost here, another birthday to celebrate. At 63 I am still considered a young man by some readers and approaching geezer status by others. I miss not being able to call my mother on my birthday to say thank you. She gave me life and instruction and meaning for living. Her memory is my birthday gift, as are other fond memories that come – oddly triggered by a smell. Just this weekend I was kayaking the Concord River and that smell, that damp musty wood smell, reminded me so well of fishing the Mill Pond so long…
-
How to Tackle Grant Writing: A Story
Grant writing can be incredibly fruitful. Also, it can and is often INCREDIBLY stressful and daunting. In 2014, Old West Church (OWC) was told that we would need 5.6 million dollars in renovations done to our building. These costs came from a lot of deferred maintenance compounded by the fact our church is a historic landmark. All of this on top of an operating budget under 250k which hadn’t balanced in almost a decade, and a church with a membership at 30 or under. So, what to do? A. Panic B. Cry C. Sell the Church (and merge with another…
-
How to Tackle Grant Writing: Hot Takes & Tips
The learning curve for grant writing can seem insurmountable and certainly astronomical. We are six years into the realization that Old West Church (OWC) would not survive without continual massive injections of funds from grants and I still find the process daunting. Perhaps you do too. Most pastors could write a book on the things we were not taught (but really need to know how to do) in seminary. Grant writing is the top of my list. Unlike some pastors I know, like Rev. Tamra Tucker of The Crossing, my undergraduate degree was not in religious studies AND non-profit organizational…
-
Heart Worms
My son Jared rescued a 6 month old Lab mixed pup, now about a year old. It appeared that the dog had heart worms, most likely contracted before he made the trip up north from Arkansas. Early detection meant a better outcome for Arlo, the lovable dog. Years ago, I had a similar experience, after I purchased a 5 year-old Brittany Spaniel named Duke for $50. His case was severe, and the pneumonia that follow treatment almost killed him. The worms come from mosquitoes that fill the heart. The medication kills the worms, but the dead worms find their way…
-
Because I Love You
The pain began when I popped the chewing gum in my mouth. I thought I broke a tooth. Long story short, two rounds of antibiotics and consults with a dentist and endodontist resulted in a root canal and crown. Yesterday I was sitting in the dentist chair for the making of the crown. Dr. Paul, my dentist for 40 years, could have retired years ago except for one thing – he loves his work. He said, “It is why I get out of bed in the morning, and if I ever stop loving my work, tell me to stop.” He…
-
Simple Stewardship Steps in a Systemic Shift
Years ago, Clif Christopher, in his book Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate stated that there are common principles with individuals who decide where to make donations to institutions, including the church: 1) They believe in the mission 2) They have regard for the staff leadership 3) They can see strong financial responsibility And I would add a fourth based on research: 4) Their donation will make a positive impact. These principles remain the same today, even in the midst of this pandemic and the call to make a new cultural system that…
-
Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
The NHL is going to have their hockey playoffs after all – albeit in summer. When asked about a completely different schedule and without fan support, the coach answered, “We have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Wisdom. There are plenty of times when being comfortable with being uncomfortable would suit us well. St. Paul said “I can be content in all things, having and not having, being a prisoner or being free, adding that he could do anything through Christ who strengthens him.” His words provide comfort as well as instruction, for we are told to be in Christ.…
-
Let Me
It was not that long ago, but far enough for me to not remember which church I was visiting, that the members closed the service with everyone making a big circle (holding hands) to sing, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” I am always struck by the lyric –“and let it begin with me.” It moves me from sending my thoughts and prayers up the God, to having those thoughts and prayers dwell within me, rather in Christ who dwells within me. Suddenly peace has begun and has begun in the first person – me. And like Mary, I say…