Planting seeds for ministry

As a way to help churches promote and grow their permanent endowment funds, the Foundation is now providing a Planting Seeds promotional kit for use quarterly.

The kit supports and prepares church trustees and other leaders to regularly communicate with donors and church members about stewardship, giving, and bequests. The kit provides information and step-by-step instructions for leaders to effectively raise awareness about their endowment fund, bequests, and other giving opportunities. Each kit has newsletter articles, bulletin announcements, brochures customized with your church’s name, worship announcements, and a resource CD.

Bob Hillis, who co-chairs the stewardship committee at Centenary UMC in Lawton, has been using the Planting Seeds program in his church for four months.

"It is important to be involved in giving and giving back what God has given us. (Previously) we did not even consider the possibility of being a good steward after we are gone," said Dr. Hillis.

He knows it is important the church provide the congregation with helpful and meaningful information on such gifts. Since beginning the quarterly promotional program, some families at Centenary have updated their wills and estate plans. Hillis looks forward to more families creating or updating wills and remembering their church after they are gone.

Call the Foundation at 800-259-6863 for more information about Planting Seeds.