It’s Here! Your 2022 Stewardship Calendar
Happy New Year! We sort of survived 2021! Woohoo! That’s something to celebrate.
I hope your Christmas holidays were joyous. Mine were pretty good, thanks for asking. Now it’s time to walk off the five extra pounds that I gained from all the yummy food I ate and – let’s get real – the Christmas cookies that I’m inhaling in between meals. Mmmmm…shortbread.
But before I go on my elusive 10,000 step march, let’s talk about 2022 and your stewardship goals. It’s a new year. You already have a lot on your plate. Let’s see if I can’t make things a tad bit easier for you.
I have at the ready for you your 2022 Generosity Calendar. This calendar is merely to get you thinking and dreaming for the coming year. It highlights some of the things that can be done to really get your congregation or organization celebrating generosity.
Here’s the best part: You don’t need to be the one doing everything. Find one or two people who love interacting with people, believe in the power of generosity, and who will accept the responsibility of scheduling people to talk about what they love about the church during worship or in a video. Let someone else write a newsletter article about the generosity your congregation exhibits. Seek out a couple to start planning your Valentine’s Day cards.
I’m encouraging you to get back to the basics this year:
1. Thank more frequently. This is not in some insincere or slavish way. Authentically find a way to thank often. You’ve gone through yet another rough year. Your people have had another rough year. A well placed “thank you,” either verbally, in a note, or via a phone call can lift up spirits and in turn encourage more gratitude (and make you feel better too).
2. Tell more stories. Whatever you do, stop yourself from saying the vague, “Your generosity helps fund so many ministries.” Unfortunately, most people have no idea what that means. Have at the ready one or two examples, either small or large, of ministry that is happening or has happened because of your people’s stewardship. You know that your congregation is doing important and often life-changing ministry. Be sure those in the pews (or those watching at home) know as well.
If you need some help, I’m here. Drop me an email at InspiringGenerosity@gmail.com. We can also set up a phone conversation. I’m at your service. And, if you’d like the 2022 Generosity Calendar in a Word document so that you can make it your own, email me and I’ll get it out to you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to walk off those two shortbread cookies that I’ve consumed this morning. While I’m at it, I’ll be saying a little prayer for you and your 2022 generosity goals. Happy New Year!
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous non-profit organizations. Bring in 2022 with ABBA. Cesie predicts that feathered hair will make a comeback this year. You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/inspiringgenerosity or at CesieScheuermann.com.
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