Top 8 (+ One) Inspiring Generosity Posts of 2021
I love this time of year. Yes, it’s time to think about the baby Jesus (I do), make cookies (in process), and await the arrival of loved ones (counting the days).
But if I’m being honest – as I always am with you, dear reader – I await the day I look back to find out which of my blog posts made your top eight. The number eight is decidedly random…kind of like me.
The day is here and I have done my due diligence so without further ado, here are the most read Inspiring Generosity posts of 2021:
#8 Steal (or Borrow) this Christmas Letter. No doubt, you’ve already heeded my advice to write a year-end letter so feel free to move to…
#7 Time to Ditch the Offering Plate? This was a review of Donald A. Smith’s book, A Better Offering: 5 Unmistakable Habits of Generous Churches. Check out his admonition on how essential it is to tell stories.
#6 Don’t Do This! You may recall, I received a formal looking statement letting me know that I had “paid off” my “bill” to a local non-profit. Nary a word of thanks or a story of how my gift might change lives. Bad examples can sometimes teach you how to do better.
#5 4 Ways to Love On Your People for Valentine’s Day. That so many of you read this makes my heart pitter patter. I’m assuming that your congregation felt the love as well.
#4 The Post-COVID Offering: 3 Options. With the emergence of the Omicron variant, a “post-COVID” world seems like a far-off fantasy. Nonetheless, many of us are back to in-person worship. How are you handling the offering?
#3 Telling Your Story – Case Study: Humans of Beacon. My friend-from-afar, Rev. Emilie Boggis, told a group of us about how her church, Beacon Unitarian Universalist in Summit, NJ told stories of faith and impact by borrowing from the wildly popular, Humans of New York. Is this something you could do?
#2 Payroll Protection Program, Second Stewardship Letter, and More! This was the very first post of 2021. PPP was giving out more money (yea) and I was advocating (and still do) that you send a second stewardship letter. Bonus! There are sample letters included.
#1 1/6/21: A Reckoning of My Identity. This was one of my most deeply personal blog posts. It’s still painful for me to read. However, it does remind me of the tremendous work that remains for us to do in order to live out the gospel with joy and with justice.
Personal privilege post:
“Be Curious, Not Judgmental” When Talking about Generosity. Simply because I think the world would be a wee bit better if we took some notes from Ted Lasso, I will implore you to watch the dart scene from whence comes the title of this post. It’s probably apropos to follow #1 above.
And there you have it. Thanks for being a big part of my 2021. Writing this blog has helped keep me grounded, sane, and connected. I hope your Christmas season is one where you and those you love hear the angels sing. Hark! God bless us, everyone.
____________________________________________________________Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a consultant in stewardship, development, and grant writing. For nearly 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she helped raise over three million dollars for numerous non-profit organizations. She also loves this version of “Hark the Herald Angels Sing.” Which is your favorite? 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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