Curiosity is a form of holy wonder. When we look beyond our own doors, we find a vibrant ecosystem of ideas waiting to be explored. To help spark fresh energy in your community of faith, consider adopting a practice championed by recently retired stewardship lead Dave Jagger: BASE—”Borrow and Steal Everything!” In a true spirit of generosity, our neighboring communities are living laboratories of ministry. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel; instead, we can look, learn, and adapt. Take time to explore neighboring church websites, visit different worship spaces, and talk directly with other innovators to discover who their community partners are and how they strengthen invitation. Ask intentional questions about what they do, why they do it, and how they are growing. Expanding our view helps us notice new possibilities and reach different demographics. As you engage with new places and people with curiosity, wonder how a single event, unique practice, or fresh idea might be creatively reshaped for your own unique context.
Contact your growth and stewardship animators in UCC-East Sharon Ballantyne sballantyne@united-church.ca and Rob Shearer rshearer@united-church.ca
This week’s stewardship second:
Feeling anxious, worried or fearful? Giving and gratitude are antidotes for an anxious brain and a news cycle which tells us there is never enough.
Join Sharon in the weekly virtual coffee break drop in conversation, each Wednesday morning, beginning at 9:45 a.m. Atlantic (10:15 a.m. Newfoundland and Labrador). Contact Sharon for the Zoom link.
