1. Start now to promote pre-authorized remittance (PAR) .

2. Encourage people to give by postdated cheque or by credit card (again, promoting advantages for the donor).

3. Congregations with a strong year-round stewardship program that promotes stewardship as a way of life for all members build habits that support what they believe 12 months of the year. It’s always the right time to begin building such a program – think Thanks Giving: Growing Generosity Among God’s People by Christopher Levan as a great starting point.

4. Mid-year review – host a meeting in early June for a high-level review of the first half of the calendar year, including a concise report for wide distribution. The voice needs to be clear and accurate without ‘begging’ or pleading. All communication is an opportunity to encourage generosity; for example, “You can continue to participate in our mission here through routine and ongoing support.”

5. Summers are a time of re-creation and an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the creator who makes all things possible.  Give programs through the summer months a focus on creation and gratitude.

6. Carry out a thank you call campaign. Leaders call all members of the congregation and thank them for their contributions so far in 2013. (Saying a simple thank you often provokes a generous response.)

7. Give up the summer slump letter.
   
   From Kennon Callahan:
   
   It describes your congregation as a sinking ship. It is counterproductive and does not help. Send your letter of encouragement prior to a low giving month. Act in a proactive way. And send an encouraging letter, not a lamenting letter. Choose words that match best with your congregation and community, and community this spirit:

1. Para 1 – ‘Our church is doing solid work”

2. Para 2 – ‘The lives and destinies of many people are being helped’

3. Para 3 – Thank you for the generosity of your giving’

You don’t even have to say ‘send more money.’ They will. People give to a winning cause, not a sinking ship.

8. Identify an ‘angel’ in your congregation that will match any additional funds given to support the ongoing ministry through the summer months up to a maximum of…  

9. Don’t automatically assume that people are away.  Some will be, but more may not be so don’t avoid events, activities that could engage people because of a misconception.  

10. Consider offering a different time for worship.  Would early morning worship work better?  Saturday evening?  Sunday and a weekday evening?

11. Hold a mid-week supper—a simple meal prepared by a few people or potluck— followed by a service for all ages including prayers, bible readings.  Consider Godly Play biblical story, dramatic reading, or scripture followed by activities to explore the readings such as drama, art, discussion, etc., and a closing prayer.  (If you are hosting a Vacation Bible School, this can be a way to welcome families whose children are attending the summer program and who are not formally connected to your church yet.)

12. Consider holding worship in a different venue.  One church, located in an area where the summer heat can be stifling, moved its worship to the lower hall.  It was more informal as befitted the season, but it was also significantly cooler.   Attendance increased over previous years and so did givings.  

13. Consider keeping your church open during the summer months and not combining worship with another congregation.   Sharing worship has its benefits and can be a convenience, but many folk move during the summer and if they are looking for a new church home, it would be wise for your church to be open.  

14. People can get “meeting-ed” out.  A hiatus from formal meetings during the summer can be a relief but consider emphasizing social functions to bring your congregation together.  Family fun nights, pot lucks after church, etc.   

15. Encourage the congregation to read a (stewardship) book together.
    
    We recommend two powerful and concise books:

Grateful and Generous Hearts by John Westerhoff— $6. (40 pages)

 

Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen— $12 (65 pages)

16. Host a month of services featuring favourite sermons from the past year.  

17. Photograph the life of the church over the summer — children’s programming, gardening, weddings, etc. — and feature the photos in prominent place in the church.  

18. Promote Mission and Service by hosting an evening in a cool/comfortable location, such as church basement or someone’s home, and view videos from the United Church’s YouTube channel.  

19. Host a series of worship and conversation times focussed on the creed’s call.  Focus on one line of the call section of the creed each week and reflect on: how do we do this as individuals, as a congregation, and as the wider United Church; what are we learning, what action are we called to take in our own lives and as a church community.  

20. When you are on holiday make a point of visiting other United Churches.  Support their ministry at the offertory and also see how they are fulfilling God’s mission in their corner of the vineyard. Bring the ideas and the bulletin back to your home congregation.

Compiled by Philanthropy Unit staff: David Armour, Cheryl Curtis, Doug Flanders, Susan Graham Walker.