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Stewardship and Gifts

Generosity is our response to God’s call to be compassionate disciples. Together, the people of the United Church live out Jesus’ vision and values by caring for each other and the world. Each and every day, we join God’s life-changing mission to make ourselves, our community and our world more peaceful, just and loving for everyone. “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10b)

Called to Be the Church: The Journey – Stewardship Update – January 2025

Mission and Service transfer deadline for Communities of Faith to submit 2024 gifts is January 15th. If you have questions on how to do that, please contact us at 1-800-465-3771 or at ms@united-church.ca

Make 2025 the Best Yet! Gifts through communities of faith like yours are a big part of how Mission and Service can be such a transformative presence in the world. We want to help you get ready for a more generous 2025. First, consider setting a M and S goal and log it here. Next, make telling Mission and Service stories a practice in your community. New stories are added here monthly. Share them, and spread the word about our denomination’s ministry in the world. If you need paper resources to help promote Mission and Service, you can order those here.

THANK YOU! On behalf of Mission and Service we want to thank you for your 2024 contributions. The money received from Communities of Faith like yours enables us to feed hungry children, help those devastated by natural disasters and war and fund the vital work our partners are doing.

Stewardship Programs for this Winter

Getting Started in Stewardship–The place to begin! Communities of Faith that start here have better success on their stewardship journey. The 90-minute session and 3 follow-up assignments get you ready to proceed. Then come to the “reunion” on March 5th and share your success. January 22, 2025

Stewardship Best Practices Winter/Spring 2025–Gather a team of three or more leaders from your Community of Faith, and join us for this intensive course that could transform discipleship, generosity and spiritual growth in your congregation. Beginning the week of March 10th.

Here is what a recent participant had to say about this program: “This is one of the best stewardship things I have ever been a part of. So much better than just resources arriving in the mail. I learned more in this than I did in seminary.” (Rev. Jenny Carter, First United Church, Salmon Arm, BC).

Stewardship Book Study

A book study is a great way to start a discussion on how to best inspire, invite and thank people for their time, talents and financial gifts in 2025! If you think your Governing Board or Stewardship Team might be interested in doing a stewardship book study this Winter or Spring, reach out to Roger Janes for some suggested titles and tips.

Stewardship Resource Kits

We now offer a series of free Stewardship Resource kits for download:

  • Stewardship Starter Kit
  • Stewardship Campaign Kit
  • Digging Deeper Kit
  • Planned Legacy Giving Kit.

To access these materials, just complete an online form. Ready to save or print, and share. Click here: register here

A Stewardship Conversation

Are you looking to grow generosity and involvement in your community of faith?  Do you want to learn the best practices needed to effectively reach out and build new relationships with those not yet participating in your church’s ministry?  Do you want to develop an effective leadership recruitment plan?  Why not book a Zoom or telephone call with Roger Janes and start the conversation.

Joining God’s Mission

Mission and Service changes lives. When you give to Mission and Service, you make a profound difference. Through an astounding variety of life-changing ministries and programs in Canada and around the world —including Global and Canadian justice initiatives, Indigenous ministries, community outreach centers, faith formation, innovative ministries and more — your gifts change and save lives. Donate to  Mission and Service today!

Gifts With Vision is where your gifts meet the world’s need. Each year’s gift catalogue offers a glimpse of the church’s Mission and Service ministries. It includes gift ideas to suit every interest, budget, and person. Whether you feel God is calling you to care for the environment, support marginalized people through a unique outreach program, or promote Right Relations, Gifts with Vision ensures your gift reflects your values. A thoughtful, year-round gift giving opportunity!

The Healing Fund is one facet of the United Church’s ongoing work of reconciliation with Indigenous people addressing the long-term effects of residential schools. The Healing Fund is used to support innovative and effective programs in Indigenous communities that are helping people in the healing process.

The Emergency Response Fund is one way the United Church responds to urgent needs. Discover the world of difference United Church people are making at our  Act Now web page.  Learn about other funds on our website.

Stewarding God’s Gifts

Stewardship is everything we think, say, and do after we say “I believe.” Stewardship is all about discipleship – following Jesus’ example in every aspect of life including how we spend our time, take care of our body, direct our talent, set financial priorities and care for the environment. Discover stewardship tips and practical resources for you and your faith community at Called to Be the Church: The Journey | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca)

Called To Be The Church: The Giving Program is an annual stewardship resource that will help your faith community become even more generous and make a bigger difference in your community and world. For additional support and coaching to carry out your Stewardship Giving Program, please visit Congregational Giving Program module—Do It with Us | The United Church of Canada (united-church.ca), you will inspire people to change lives, invite people to join others to make a difference and thank them for their generosity. Available in print and online, Called to Be the Church is a free, always fresh resource to help you build and sustain generosity in your community of faith.

Realizing God’s Vision

Legacy Gifts make a lasting, meaningful difference that brings Christ’s vital message of compassion and hope to others. Leave a legacy of care and compassion through a bequest in your Will, a gift of life insurance or another type of legacy gift. Learn more about how to leave a legacy gift and/or reach out to your regional Stewardship and Gifts Officer, Roger Janes, for more information.

The United Church Foundation puts your dreams for your church into action. The Foundation raises, invests and grants funds to grow faith, develop community, restore healing, and promote peace and justice at home and abroad. Find out more about how the United Church Foundation helps generous United Church people like you make a difference in our world and sustain the work of your church.

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Your generosity makes a difference…

Mission and Service

You are at the heart of Mission and Ministry when you give to Mission and Service. By making Mission and Service a part of our giving, we answer God’s call to help mend the world. Each and every day, your gifts – our gifts – transform lives. Together, we make more of a difference that we ever could alone. Donate to Mission and Service

Meet United Church generosity in action through stories you can share in person or on social media. Visit Mission and Service Stories (formerly Minutes for Mission).

When we gather to worship, we celebrate and respond to God’s generosity with our gratitude and our gifts. Visit Stewardship in Worship for more worship materials.