Finish strong!
In this Olympic year we have all been dazzled by the amazing performances of the athletes gathered in Paris – especially those dramatic races where the winner comes from behind in the final stretch. That kick, that extra gear,…that je ne sais quoi! (Merci to Mr. Bowman my high school French teacher.)
If you picture the church year as an oval track, then October, November and December are the home stretch – culminating in the glorious fellowship and festivities of Christmas time. Likewise, it is the home stretch for our charitable giving, and your Missouri UM Foundation can help you finish strong!
Why focus on end-of-year giving?
- 30% of the projected annual donations to charities are made during December
- 10% come during the year’s last 48 hours
- Thanksgiving through the Advent season is an ideal opportunity to highlight and affirm the connections between our generosity and our individual discipleship path
- This is also a season in which to celebrate the year’s successes – well done, good and faithful servants!
‘Rounding the turn’ – September!
Make your move and start that kick by making plans and scheduling year-end communications. Use all of your channels of communication – letter(s) from the pastor, worship announcements, mission moments, e-newsletters, social media – even committee meetings! – to share timely information about gifts, missional successes, important occasions, and ways generosity matters. Check out the new informational brochures and e-info available for FREE from the Foundation (available late September at www.mumf.org).
The season is rich with opportunities, including:
- All Saint’s Day (highlight the generosity of those who have gone before us and encourage memorial gifts)
- Autumn and Thanksgiving – a time of harvest, of abundance – the waning of days, the cherishing of memories, and expressions of gratitude
- The four Sundays of Advent – anticipation of the Greatest Gift, and delight in the joy of giving
- Advent Conspiracy (give equally in gifts and gratitude)
- Alternative gift options (for missions)
- Christmas Eve offering – make it special
- Last 48 hours in 2024 – a Monday and a Tuesday this year. Consider e-blasts to encourage online giving before midnight on Dec. 31st. (That’s when tax-deductibility ends for 2024.)
Attention to details…
The giving menu is far larger than the offering plate. Timely information and reminders can add some additional wind at your back such as:
- IRA gifts of QCDs. People 70 ½ can make gifts directly from their IRA as part of their required minimum distribution. But they need to be reminded to get it done early – do not wait until the end of the year. (Info and free brochure at www.mumf.org.)
- Gifts of appreciated Stock. Stock and mutual fund shares that have increased in value are a cost-efficient way to give – and your Foundation makes it SO easy! (There’s a brochure for that, too!)
Some of this information is best shared with specific members of your congregation through targeted letters and emails. Again, check out the Year-end Giving brochure and other materials starting late September at www.mumf.org.
Finally, bask in the glow – but start training for a new World Record finish!
Don’t forget to tell the congregation all about the successes of December! Celebrate your leadership team and share the love.
The relatively calm days of January and February can be an excellent opportunity to reach people (in the congregation and in the wider community) with a ‘financial ministry.’ (Those holiday credit card bills are coming due!)
The Foundation’s C2FM Program is assisting local congregations to start a “Saving Grace” class. This is a short-term personal financial course designed by Methodists for Methodists. C2FM supports local class leaders with free materials and training.
This October 15 & 16, join us for a two-part introductory webinar called A Taste of Saving Grace to get an overview of the class and how to get started. Over the two one-hour sessions we will discuss:
- The Top 5 Money Stressors
- Why unhealthy money habits exist
- Myths of our Consumer Culture
- Understanding and Eliminating Debt
- Practical and biblical guidance for budgeting, saving, and giving
- Tools for beginning a financial ministry in your ministry setting
Look for the details and register for the sessions at https://mumf.org/events/ . Then, plan to start your own local class in early 2025.
Your Foundation friends are here to cheer, to coach and to be supportive in any way we can to help you run your best race! More cow bell!!!