Help with Outreach Planning

Together: Building for the Common Good Congregational Outreach Planning for 2012

"Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good." — I Corinthians 12:4-7

Dear Congregational Leaders:

This packet represents only some of the ministries that benefit the whole body named the Church of the Brethren. As a leader in your congregation, please share this information as widely as possible to increase awareness and understanding about all the represented district and denominational ministries, services and activities. Use it to help plan your outreach budget for the coming year. All these ministries exist because your support gives them life!

Paul reminds us in I Corinthians that it is important for those in the church to make full use of a variety of gifts. However, the presence of an assortment of gifts, services and activities is not just for variety's sake. As in nature, the amazing variety adds a high degree of stability, beauty, and richness to life in general. The same God is the giver of all our gifts, and their purpose is for the benefit of the whole body of Christ – to add strength and support, depth and breadth.

Your congregation's giving to the ministries described in this packet allows the Church of the Brethren to live out Christ's ministry in many ways. Below are a few ideas for education & interpretation:

• Pray for a different ministry each month.
• Distribute the materials to those responsible for planning your outreach budget (witness commission, stewards' commission, church board, leadership team, etc.)
• Ask members to visit the web sites of denominational agencies for detailed information.
• Educate your congregation about the outreach ministries they support by highlighting them during a "dedication moment" in worship and bless the outgoing checks to the agencies.
• Invite persons in your congregation who have direct contact with a particular agency or ministry to share their experiences and first-hand knowledge.
• Summarize the information contained in this packet in your church newsletter or reproduce parts for inclusion in the Sunday bulletins.
• Invite an agency representative to visit your congregation and make a presentation.

In conclusion, as your congregation plans its outreach budget for 2012, we ask you to prayerfully consider increasing your support of the ministries of your denomination. The same Spirit who activates the gifts of the members of your congregation is manifested and multiplied in these ministries.

When you have made your decisions about allocating your resources, please fill out the special reporting form when you receive it from your district office and return it as instructed.

Together, as the body of Christ, we continue the work of Jesus for the common good. Thank you!