Associates Share Their Time, Talent, and Treasure "With Love"

"What identifies a steward? Safeguarding material and human resources and using them responsibly are one answer; so is generous giving of time, talent and treasure. As Christian stewards, we receive God's gifts gratefully, cultivate them responsibly, share them lovingly in justice with others, and return them with increase to the Lord." - Source: US Bishops Pastoral Letter on Stewardship

The Associates Stewardship Committee (Alice Black, OPA; Conni Dubick, OPA; Corinne DiLeonardo, OPA; Mary Klinge, OPA (Chair); Melinda Matthews, OPA; and Mary Marxen, OPA) has met via conference call for two years implementing our Stewardship Statement which was drafted when the Committee was established (click here to read the statement). From the start, the Committee focused on ways to identify the time and talent that Associates give "with love" on a daily basis. As a result, the Peace Connection Initiative has completed a collection of responses to phone calls, emails, and letters regarding Associate ministries. The Peace Connection continues by collecting photos of Associates to put our "faces" with our stewardship efforts.

For two years, annual fundraisers organized by the Committee and conducted nationally throughout the congregation have contributed to the Associates Fund. This fund provides financial support for Associates to attend conferences, retreats, and/or other programs. However, for the year 2013, the Committee is planning to encourage regional and local fundraisers including raffles, garage sales, bake sales, etc. Associates in Great Bend, Kansas, have a remarkable tradition raising funds and will share their ideas! The Committee hopes to identify volunteers throughout the country to organize fundraisers.

Associates are needed to join the Stewardship Committee and offer their time and talent to our 2013 regional efforts. Please contact Associate Mary Klinge, OPA, or the Office of Associates to volunteer. "So, let's get our thinking caps on for new fundraisers, join the Committee and see what we can continue to do.  The possibilities are endless!" (Click here to read a full letter from Mary.)