Creating a Community of Love

Last night while meeting with a faithful group of church people who are working on a capital campaign, I offered these words from Henri Nouwen:

So when we give ourselves to planting and nurturing love here on earth, our efforts will reach out beyond our own chronological existence.
 
Indeed, if we raise funds for the creation of a community of love, we are helping God build the kingdom. We are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing as Christians.

These have been tough days for our country and community. There’s justified fear. Horror of what might yet come. Just the unknowing of it all.
 
Some have asked if this is a good time to raise money. They ask the logical question, “How can I ask my congregation to give when they aren’t sure of tomorrow?”
 
It’s a good question.
 
Then I look at Nouwen’s words. And hope becomes clear; your congregation is planting and nurturing love here on earth. What you do now and how you utilize God’s resources will go far beyond your time. Creating and building your “community of love” is what is needed during what feels like a very dark moment in our history.
 
When people give their money to your congregation, it is a sign of hope. A sign that they believe in the communal power of giving to a community that feeds the soul and nurtures people both within and beyond its doors and into the world.
 
Giving of your time, talents, and financial gifts is a way that you can help the Kingdom – the Kin-dom – of God to come right here on earth…just as it is in heaven. You are creating that “community of love” that is a shining example to a world that desperately needs a little hope.
 
Friends, go forth and build.
 
Photo credit: Congerdesign @ pixabay.com 

Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship – helping with capital campaigns and encouraging more generosity. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. Talk about living with hope…there’s the Mariners and a life-long fan named Saul Spady. A full piece about him, baseball, and always believing is here in the Washington Post.
 
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
Schedule a meeting now.
 
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