Called To Be The Church

CALLED TO BE THE CHURCH
CONGREGATIONAL
GIVING PROGRAM
20162017
Salt
and
Light
Matthew 5:1316a
The United Church of Canada | Lglise Unie du Canada
CALLED TO BE THE CHURCH: Salt and Light DVD

Training the Team
Worship
Welcome (1:50)
Sunday 1: Living Thankfully (1:15)
Why I Give (3:41)
Sunday 2: Living Our Mission Locally (2:00)
The Ask (8:56)
Sunday 3: Participating in Our Churchs Mission (2:00)
Applause (4:35)
Sunday 4: Inviting Generosity (2:00)
Spiritual Practice (7:01)
Sunday 5: Giving Thanks (1:10)
160041
CONGREGATIONAL
GIVING PROGRAM
20162017
Salt
and
Light
Matthew 5:1316a
Called to Be the Church Congregational Giving Program, 20162017

Salt and Light
Copyright 2016
The United Church of Canada
Lglise Unie du Canada
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copyright 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Used by permission of NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
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Lglise Unie du Canada
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Toronto, ON
Canada M8X 2Y4
1-800-268-3781
united-church.ca
Supported by Mission & Service

Design: Lisa Rebnord, Graphics and Print
Cover design: Diane Renault-Collicott
Cover image: Lightstock.com
Printed in Canada
160041
Contents
Additional resources at
StewardshipToolkit.ca
Dedication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Writers and Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Inspire! Ask! Thank! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
GETTING STARTED11
Gathering the Giving Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Why Be Part of Our Giving Team? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Setting a Goal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Setting a Goal Workbook . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Introducing the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bulletin Insert/Announcement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Personalized Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Commissioning Liturgy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
INSPIRING 23
Telling Our Story: Our Generosity Making a Difference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Spoken Inspiration: Gathering Why I Give Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Spoken Inspiration: Why I Give . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Written Inspiration: Creating a One-Page Narrative Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
One-Page Narrative Budget . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
23
24
26
27
Worship and Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Tools for Inspiring, Week by Week . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Acknowledging the Traditional Territory in Worship . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Offering Hymn Suggestions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Salt and Light Communion Liturgy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Stewardship Prayers for Various Occasions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Sunday School: Preparing for the Five Weeks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Sunday 1 Worship: Living Thankfully Day by Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

Sermon: Blessedness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Sunday School: Living Thankfully Day by Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Sunday 2 Worship: Living Our Mission Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Sermon 1: The Giver and the Gift . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Sermon 2: We Are Light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Sunday School: Living Our Mission Locally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Sunday 3 Worship: Participating in Our Churchs MissionMission & Service . . . . . . . . . . 73

Sermon 1: Smoothing and Lighting the Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Sermon 2: Making a Clearer Path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
Sunday 4 Worship: Inviting GenerosityGiving Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Sermon: Being Salt and Light to the World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

Sunday School: Inviting GenerosityGiving Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Sunday 5 Worship: Giving ThanksModelling Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Sermon: Who, me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107
Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light
ASKING111
Inviting Generosity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
Inviting Every Person Annually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
In Person . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
Personal Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113
The Giving Conversation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114
Step by Step: Face to Face and Peer to PeerIndividuals and Families . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Step by Step: Face to Face and Peer to PeerSmall Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 118
Step by Step: Leadership Letters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120
Decision-Making Tools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 124
Giving Guide: Making Your Intention . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125
Response Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 126
Step Chart . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127
THANKING129
Modelling Gratitude: Expressing Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
Timely, Sincere, Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
WRAPPING UP131
Evaluation and Future Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Wrapping Up Gathering: Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131
Evaluation Tool . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
Deepening the Stewardship Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS135

Communication Resources . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
Staying Connected throughout the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 137
Versions of Matthew 5:1316a . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 141
Sample Bulletin Cover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 142
Bulletin Insert . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 143
Certificate of Gratitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
Getting Started
Giving Team Role Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
Inspiring
Giving Team First Meeting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Training Event Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
Templates
Colour and Black and White Versions of Resources
Videos for Training and Worship
Adult and Children Colouring Pages
Additional Education Resources
Adult Learning Program
UCW Program
Youth Program
Story-Based Childrens Program
Dedication Writers and Contributors
Dedication
Dedicated to all the ministry personnel and leadership in communities of faith across the
country who share the news of Gods mission for us.
Writers and Contributors

With thanks to contributors to this resource for their enthusiasm for the project, their
creativity, and their capacity to meet a very tight deadline. We are very grateful!
Susan Graham Walker
Worship Service: Sunday 1
Graham Brownmiller
Nora Vedress
Sermon: Sunday 1
Christine Jerrett
Nicole Bourassa-Burke
Matthew Fillier
Andrew Richardson
Sermon: Sunday 2
Roger Janes
Cheryl Curtis
Cathy Hird
Jean Leckie
Carolyn Ruda
Sermon: Sunday 3
Carolyn Ruda
Richard Bott
Sermon: Sunday 4
Faith March-MacCuish
Susan Woodhouse
Sermon: Sunday 5
Melody Duncanson Hales
Five-Week Sunday School Program

Cheryl Curtis
Anne Miller
Carolyn Ruda
Hymn
Catherine MacDonald
Sung Offering Prayer
Cathy Hird
Commissioning and Communion
Liturgy
Melody Duncanson Hales
Editing of Original Drafts
Carole Bennett
Kathie Murphy
Ruth Noble
Web-Based Resources
Adult Learning Opening Activity

Cathy Hird
Janet Jones
Adult Learning: Sunday 1
Janet Jones
Andrew Richardson
Cheryl Curtis
Jackie Harper
Don Uhryniw
Writers and Contributors

Cheryl Wood
Karen Boivin
UCW Program
Fran Ota
Catherine Tovell
Youth Program
Sheryl Johnson
Joanna Williams
Story-Based Childrens Program
Priscilla Geisterfer
Adult and Children Colouring Pages
Shannon Gilliland
Welcome
Welcome
Welcome to this years Called to Be the Church, your guide to
increasing giving in your congregation to support Gods mission.
Everything in One Program

Congregations were asking for a giving program, and last years program was a great start!
It was so rewarding to hear simply from those who used the program: It worked.
Those first to give it a try told us how it worked and what could be improved; thank you
for that. Your input has made possible numerous improvements to the program this year.
Together the program materials are stronger, more accessible, and simpler to find and use.
Useful for All: From Small Rural to Larger

Metropolitan Congregations
With new tools like the Quick Start Guide, congregations small and large will be able to get
started and see their way around easily. They will be able to pick and personalize pieces that
work for them or try the program as it is.
The Theme: Salt and Light

The theme of this years Called to Be the Church is rooted in Matthew 5:1316a: Salt and
Light. These powerful verses in The Message version encourage us to Keep open house;
be generous with [our] lives, a perfect foundation for Inspiring, Asking, and Thanking your
congregation.
Inspiring Asking Thanking

This is the approach that is working so well:
simple and powerful ways to Inspire ourselves with the great work of our congregation
and its outreach and of our denomination, as well as sharing our own inspiring
testimonials of giving
easy, comfortable, and proven ways to invite one another to share as the core of
Askingbeginning with a letter, then moving to face-to-face and peer-to-peer invitations
to share that we know work so well
starting and ending with Thankingsuch an enjoyable way to model gratitude and to let
everyone know the difference their generosity makes.
Have a Good Look, Try It, and Make It Yours

You know your congregation and your community best, so have a look at and see what will
work for you this year.
Your minister is uniquely positioned to remind us that we all have a call as Christians to be
generous in support of Gods mission. The leadership role of our lay leaders will likely be to
equip a small and dedicated Giving Team to share stories to inspire, to create an invitation to
share that is open to everyone, and to thank and celebrate all the gifts that have been given.
Make Called to Be the Church your congregational giving program. Extra copies of
everything you need are also available on stewardshiptoolkit.ca.
Blessings,
David Armour
Director of Philanthropy
416-231-7680, ext. 4029
1-800-268-3781, ext. 4029
called@united-church.ca
stewardshiptoolkit.ca
A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude.

Register that you have received your Called to Be the Church
congregational giving program kit to receive a set of thank you
cards: StewardshipToolkit.ca.
Inspire! Ask! Thank!

Inspire, Ask, and Thank are the foundational elements of our congregational giving program.
Just three tasksthree simple steps that are rich in meaning. Three vital tasks that will build
generosity within our community and support for the mission of the church as well as help
to grow generosity into a regular spiritual practice.
What do we mean by Inspire, Ask, and Thank? How do we do each of them, and what
resources are there to help?
Inspire!
Inspire generosity. Inspire giving. Inspire gratitude. Inspire ways of living our faith.
Our generosity is our response to Gods vast generosity in our own lives. Our generosity is
a way to contribute to Gods mission in our world. It is how we make a positive difference
as individuals and families, in our own community through the mission of our congregation,
and across our country and around the globe through the Mission & Service of The United
Church of Canada. We share the story of the impact of generosity and how Gods mission is
furthered as a result.
We consider:
What is Gods mission for me in my daily life?
What is our mission here in our community?
How do we model compassion, provide community, and offer hope?
How do we serve Gods mission in the wider world?
Helping to Inspire
We inspire by telling stories, sharing our own Why I give story, and showing images and
pictures of faith in action. Resources that inspire have an emotional impact. We inspire
through writing, speaking, worshipping, and learning.
This program contains
Why I give: Ways to encourage leaders and others by sharing stories of generosity
in their lives or giving a testimonial about the impact of the communitys ministry. Also
there are examples to inspire you.

If you were asked why you give to your congregations ministry and the Mission & Service
of our church, what would you talk about?
Narrative Budget: Ways for people to inspire others by telling the story of your ministry
by building a Narrative Budget that shares what their generosity accomplisheswhat the
money does, not just where the money goes.

This program contains step-by-step instructions for telling the story of Gods mission at
work in your community through a Narrative Budget.
Resources for doing
a Narrative Budget
Worship and learning: Everything for Sundays, whether your program is one, three, or
five Sundays. Pick and choose from prelude to postlude worship services. This includes a
sermon you can use for inspiration, to preach, or to adapt.

We have also included learning resources for Sunday school. See StewardshipToolkit.ca
for additional learning events for youth and UCW groups, adult programming, and a storybased childrens program.
Communicating: Ways to stay in touch with people throughout each week of the
program, with suggestions for verbal and written announcements, bulletin covers and
inserts, digital slides and social media posts, and more.
Ask!
Asking is an invitation to join with others as we respond to the call to be the church. Inviting
every person annually is the ultimate goal. We invite all people of our faith community to
contribute to Gods mission here in our congregation, in our community, and through the
Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada.
It is most effective when we invite in a clear, direct, and personal way. We encourage a
conversation. We invite people to prayerfully consider how they will respond to Gods
generosity in their lives.
Ideally every person feels they have been invited
to join us and others in Gods mission
to participate
to make an appropriate and meaningful gift of treasure as well as time and talent
Helping to Ask
An individual or group face-to-face and peer-to-peer invitation to participate is the most
effective way to encourage generosity. So our resources focus on giving you everything you
need to have that kind of conversation.
However, we know this might not be possible immediately, so we also share how to prepare
an inviting Leadership Letter that can be sent to every person in the congregation along
with tools to help them make an informed and intentional decision. All of these resources
can be adapted as necessary.
Thank!
A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude. We thank God for the blessings
in our lives. God is generous again, again, and again. We can also find ways to say thank you
again, again, and againand in many different ways. We cannot thank enough.
Helping to Thank
Our resource emphasizes how to ensure our gratitude and thanks are
timely: closely connected to when we receive a gift
sincere: communicating what a difference a persons gift will make
personal: face to face or in a handwritten note
10
GETTING STARTED Gathering the Giving Team
Getting Started
More Giving Team
position descriptions
Team meeting
agenda
Gathering the Giving Team

The annual congregational giving program is an opportunity to inspire people about
how your congregation is responding to Gods mission in their lives and the life of the
community of faith. Its an opportunity to join others in ensuring the ministry continues to
thrive, and to thank people for all they contribute to your mission and ministry. Its a time
for learning, reflection, prayer, and generosity. What an important ministry in the life of your
congregation!
Not only will this ministry help to shape and strengthen the future ministry of your
congregation and the United Church, but it is also an opportunity for your people to deepen
their faith. It will create fertile ground for future mission and for seeing generosity and
gratitude as a way of life for people of faith.
Like most other important ministries, it is ideal if the program can be co-led by a team. It
will be most effective if the commitment and leadership are shared between the ministry
personnel and a respected leader of the community. If the congregation is fully led by lay
people, it is still beneficial to have co-leads for the program to support one another and
increase mutual accountability.
One requirement for all Giving Team members should be considered non-negotiable:
every member of the Giving Team (and every volunteer who invites, talks to, or writes
to members of the community) has given their commitment of financial support to the
local ministry and mission of the church and to the Mission & Service of The United
Church of Canada.
It is, for each person, an appropriate and meaningful gift.
While a large team of nine is possible in some situations, we also know congregations with
different experiences and resources will need to organize the program differently. The roles
can be scaled to your own situation. A handout to help with recruiting, Why Be Part of Our
Giving Team?, is found on page 12.
Also, be sure to watch the short welcome video (on the DVD and on StewardshipToolkit.ca)
from David Armour, Director of Philanthropy. Show it to your church council and to other
leadership groups and volunteers.
11
GETTING STARTED Gathering the Giving Team
Why Be Part of Our Giving Team?

You are being invited to take part in an important ministry in your congregation. Called
to Be the Church is a congregational giving program that Inspires, Asks, and Thanks.
It Inspires people with stories of the impact of the ministry of our congregation and our
denomination. It Asks and invites people to make a prayerful and intentional gift to support
this ministry. And it Thanks everyone for all they contribute to the life and mission of your
church.
Belonging to the Giving Team is an opportunity to help shape the future of ministry in your
congregation. The Called to Be the Church congregational giving program is designed
to be adapted to the needs of your congregation. It provides all the resources you need
to Inspire, Ask, and Thank in order to tap into the generosity of all the people in your
community. These include worship and learning programs, training, resources, and templates
for all the parts of the program.
As part of the Giving Team you have the opportunity to apply the gifts God has given you
to help fulfill the mission of your church both locally and as a denomination through Mission
& Service. Its a team effort, whether it is a team of two or many more.
In addition you can expect to
learn more about the vital impact ministry accomplishes locally and as a denomination
people fed, faith shared, and justice promoted
learn more about your faithhow we are blessed and called to live and serve as taught
by Jesus
discover your own reason for giving
get to know others in your community
contribute to the long-term health and vitality of your faith community
Join in this important ministry! Say yes.
Watch the short Welcome video (on DVD and on StewardshipToolkit.ca).
What Does a Giving Team Look Like?

THE GIVING TEAM SHOULD LOOK LIKE YOUR CONGREGATION
AND INCLUDE PEOPLE WHO ARE
younger and older female and male long-time and new introverts
and extroverts keen on the ministry of the congregation wise and
respected in the community
12
GETTING STARTED Setting a Goal
Setting a Goal
Once you have the Giving Team recruitedeven if it is just you!the first step is a meeting.
Big surprise!
The purpose of the meeting is to introduce and explore the congregational giving program,
to invite support, and to plan how you will implement Salt and Light between now and spring
2017. This begins with setting a goal and introducing the program to the congregation.
If you have a goal, you have a dream to be fulfilled. You will know if you are successful. And
you will know what you are working toward. A congregational giving program can have
many different goals. While generous donations are an obvious one, there are also goals
such as increasing participation rates, increasing donations received, or having more people
join Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR). We encourage a range of goals and have provided a
set of potential goals to assist you.
The Setting a Goal Workbook that follows helps you decide what you want to achieve and
easily measure your success. Success might be across the board or in one particular area.
Hard work and focus in this planning stage will likely lead to celebration in one or more areas.
At this time you might also want to begin developing Why I give storiesyour own and
those of other leaders. A method follows on pages 2425. (If you have a larger Giving Team,
you might adapt the Giving Team First Meeting on page 146.)
For where your

treasure is,
there your heart
will be also.
(Matthew 6:21)
13
Setting a Goal Workbook

Our Goals
These are the things we want to do in order to achieve our goal. Check all that apply and
add specific details (some examples):
TO PRAY about missionin our community and for our Mission & Service partners
TO ENSURE that everyone knows about our mission as a congregation and what we
fund, and what Mission & Service is and what we fund through it
TO INCLUDE our local congregations mission and ministry and Mission & Service in the
invitation and offertory prayers
TO PREACH about our local congregation mission and ministry, Mission & Service, and
the life of the Christian steward
TO SPEAK about supporting our local mission and ministry and Mission & Service giving
as a Christian spiritual stewardship practice
TO TELL THE STORY of our local mission and ministry and Mission & Service on our
website
TO ASK EVERY PERSON in our church to make giving to our local mission and ministry
and for Mission & Service a regular part of their life of faith
TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION in local mission and ministry giving by ________ % or
by ________ number of givers (e.g., We would like to welcome 20 new givers to our local
mission and ministry and Mission & Service and have 20 other givers increase their gifts,
so that the total giving increases by 10% and the average gift increases by 5%.)
TO INCREASE PARTICIPATION in Mission & Service giving by ________ % or by ________
number of givers (e.g., We would like to welcome 20 new Mission & Service givers and
have 20 other M&S givers increase their gift, so that the total giving increases by 10% and
the average gift increases by 5%.)
TO INCREASE the average gift to local mission and ministry by ________ %
TO INCREASE the average Mission & Service gift by ________ %
TO INCREASE the number of gifts for local mission and ministry by ________ %
TO INCREASE number of gifts for Mission & Service by ________ %
TO SET A GOAL for local mission and ministry giving of $ ________
TO SET A GOAL for Mission & Service giving of $ ________
TO SHARE STORIES from the congregation of why people give to our local mission and
ministry
TO SHARE STORIES from the congregation of why people give to Mission & Service
TO THANK THE WHOLE CONGREGATION for giving to Gods local mission and ministry
TO THANK THE WHOLE CONGREGATION for Mission & Service giving
TO THANK THE UCW for giving to Gods local mission and ministry
TO THANK THE UCW for Mission & Service giving
15
Other Data We Need
CALCULATING TOTAL GIVING TRENDS

The following calculations can be used to complete the chart on the next page.
% of members giving to local congregation:
*Y18 (Y16 Y17): Identifiable givers to local expenses (Total membership,
resident & non-resident Total non-resident membership)
Average annual gift for local congregation:
*(Y32A Y36) Y18: (Total raised for all purposes by congregational givings
M&S received from pastoral charge) Identifiable givers to local expenses
% of members giving to M&S:
*Y19 Y18: Identifiable givers to M&S Identifiable givers to local expenses
Average annual gift for M&S:
*Y36 Y19: M&S received from pastoral charge Identifiable givers to M&S
*Refers to the Statistics and Statistical Totals for your pastoral charge from The United Church of Canada Year Book &
Directory, Volume 1: Statistics.
Honor God
with everything
you own;
give [God] the first
and the best.
(Proverbs 3:9,
The Message)
16
Setting Goals Worksheet

Use a copy of this worksheet to help set your giving program goals. You can use it again at
the end of the program as an evaluation tool.
TOTAL GIVING TRENDS, LAST THREE YEARS

Giving to local mission and ministry:
% of members giving to local
congregation
67%
Our congregation
_________ %
Average annual gift for local congregation
$953.53
Our congregation
$ _________
43.5%
Our congregation
_________ %
$243.21
Our congregation
$ _________
Giving to Mission & Service:

% of members giving to M&S
Average annual gift for M&S
PRE-AUTHORIZED REMITTANCE (PAR)

% of members who give through PAR
Average gift of those who give through

PAR
10.2%
Our congregation
_________ %
$131.89
Our congregation
$ _________
It Is Both/And Rather than Either/Or

IN 2013 UNITED CHURCH OF CANADA RESEARCH,
65% OF MINISTERS AND 63% OF STEWARDSHIP LEADERS
AGREED WITH THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT:
Stewardship in our United Church of Canada can only be practised by
supporting both the local community of faith and Mission & Service.
17
NUMBER OF PEOPLE GIVING AT VARIOUS LEVELS

Annual
Donation
Range
(for All
Purposes)
20___
Number of
Regular Givers
in This Range
20___
Total Donations
in This Range
($)
20___
Number of
Regular Givers
in This Range
$5,000+
to $5,000
to $2,500
to $1,500
to $1,000
to $500
to $300
to $200
to $100
Total
18
20___
Total Donations
in This Range
($)
GETTING STARTED Introducing the Program
Introducing the Program
Letter template
In the weeks before launching this program, you will want to announce it to your
community. Sample text follows for a letter to the congregation and an announcement,
both written and verbal.
Bulletin cover and

inserts
Communication is important for any programs success, and this program is no exception.
Let people know what is being planned to build support and encourage participation. Let
everyone know your congregation is undertaking this years congregational giving program
developed by volunteers across the country along with members of the Philanthropy Unit.
Be sure to communicate the following:
Why: Our congregation carries out Gods mission locally in our own community and in
the wider world through the Mission & Service of the United Church. This is important
and makes a difference. We are inviting everyone in our community to learn more about
how we do this and to give their financial support so we can continue this good work.
What: This is our congregational giving program.
When: We will begin our program on (give date).
How: Describe how you will be inviting participationthrough a Leadership Letter or
face-to-face and peer-to-peer conversations with individuals or groups.
Bulletin Insert/Announcement
Ideally both spoken and written in any bulletin or e-mail circulation.
In our worship we regularly say what it is we believe. It is our New Creed. In it we are called
to follow in the way of Jesus as individuals, families, congregations, and a denomination. I
respond to this call and give to the ministry of (name of your pastoral charge/congregation)
because... (include personal Why I give paragraph).
Over the coming weeks we will focus on how we are salt and light in the world. We will
share more stories about why we give; how our generosity makes a difference here at (name
of your pastoral charge/congregation); how we affect the community around us; and how,
through the Mission & Service of the United Church, we respond to this call nationally and
globally.
Salt and Light is the theme of our worship and learning opportunities for all ages. (Include
more details.) Also we will invite you to join us in giving to this ministry through your own
financial support.
It is going to be an inspiring experience. Listen for your own call, and respond with generosity!
19
GETTING STARTED
Introducing the Program Personalized Letter
Personalized Letter
Mail a letter to each individual or family in the congregation announcing the congregational
giving program and explaining the focus and process. The letter should be timed to arrive
two weeks before Sunday 1. Here is some suggested wording for you to adapt:
Opening
Dear (handwritten salutation using first name),
Our New Creed calls us to be the church: to celebrate Gods presence, to live with respect
in Creation, to love and serve others, to seek justice and resist evil, and to proclaim Jesus,
crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
In Matthews gospel (5:1316a) Jesus tells us that we are salt and light for the world. In
this program we will explore how we are salt and how we are light in our community and,
through Mission & Service, to the wider world here in Canada and in other parts of Gods
world.
Over the coming weeks, we will share more stories about why we give, how our generosity
makes a difference here at (name of your pastoral charge/congregation), how we affect the
community around us, and how through Mission & Service we help to heal Gods world.
Join us week by week to hear the stories of how we are calledin our worship and through
a variety of learning opportunities. (Include notice of any other learning events you are
hosting that are related to this program.)
What Will Happen

Explain the Asking Every Person option you have chosen:
Face to Face and Peer to Peer
Personal Letter
Individuals or families: You will be contacted by

a member of our Giving Team to arrange a faceto-face conversation at a convenient location
and time between (date) and (date) to discuss
our ministry in more detail and invite you to
contribute from your financial resources.
In the middle of our giving program

you will receive another letter from us
inviting you to contribute from your
financial resources.
Small group: You will receive an invitation to

attend a small gathering with other members
of the community to be held at a convenient
location on (date and time). This will be an
opportunity to discuss our ministry in more
detail and an invitation to contribute from your
financial resources.
20
GETTING STARTED
Introducing the Program Personalized Letter
Closing
Between now and then we encourage you and all members of your family to meditate
on the salt and light passage in Matthews gospel (Matthew 5:1316a) and to prayerfully
consider your own reasons for giving and how you will respond to this call. We hope this will
be a rich opportunity for you to reflect on the blessings of your life and how you can live out
your own response.
With thanks and blessings, Giving Team Co-leads
(handsigned)
Keeping Track
Keep track of all letters that are sent and received. Identify how you
will follow up with those who do not respond within 1014 days of the
mailing or before Sunday 4 of the program.
Why Five Weeks?

A FIVE-WEEK GIVING PROGRAM
builds a deeper understanding of the ministry of the congregation
and our church
reaches everyoneincluding irregular attenders of worship
helps to form and educate people about their faith and increase
engagement over time
allows the community to deepen our understanding of our faith,
our church, and our life as stewards
21
GETTING STARTED
Introducing the Program Commissioning Liturgy
Commissioning Liturgy
This congregational giving program is so important to the life of our church that, as at other
times when congregational leaders take on new roles, we commission or bless their work in
the context of our congregational worship.
This short liturgy
can be used on the
Sunday you announce
the giving program
or on Sunday 1.
Congregational Chair/Clerk of Session presents team members: I present these sisters and
brothers in faith (names) to be commissioned as members of the Giving Team of (name of
your pastoral charge/congregation) to lead our congregational giving program, Called to Be
the Church.
Worship Leader: Friends, we celebrate with joy and gratitude that you respond to Gods
sacred calling to be leaders among us as we all seek to be stewards of Gods gifts to us.
Your commitment to this calling comes from your awareness that we are all church together
and that all gifts come from God, return to God, and are intended to give glory to God.
As we are all called to be the church, your response through assistance, organization,
prayerful engagement, encouragement, and action as members of our congregations Giving
Team will help us all become more generous and grateful disciples of Jesus Christ.
(To the Giving Team): As followers of Christ, will you commit yourselves to respond to Gods
generosity, inspiring openness to Spirit-filled giving in this community?
Response: I will, God being my helper.
Will you do all you can to assist (name of your pastoral charge/congregation) in generously
responding to Jesus call to be salt and light, bringing out flavour and colour in Gods world
today?
Will you be prayerful and diligent in this task as members of our Giving Team, carrying out
your work joyfully and with integrity?
Worship Leader (to the congregation): And will you, the community of (name of your
pastoral charge/congregation), support this ministry with open hearts, faithful prayer, and
generous response as they seek to help us all live lives of gratitude and grace, responding to
Jesus call to be salt and light in the world?
Response: We will.
Worship Leader (to the Giving Team): Thank you for your willingness to undertake this
ministry. In the name of our generous and faithful God, in the name of Jesus our teacher and
stewardship model, and in the name of the Spirit that inspires and sustains us, we recognize
and affirm you in your ministry of service in (name of your pastoral charge/congregation) as
our Giving Team.
Let us pray: Loving God, as we give thanks for your generosity alive among us, so may your
faithful grace be known among these your servants as they seek to encourage, celebrate,
and give thanks for all your gifts in (name of your pastoral charge/ congregation). Give to
them vision, devotion, and energy as they carry out this ministry. May they be sources of
comfort and challenge as we continue to be your church together, remembering who and
whose we are. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen.
Let us now confess our faith in the words of A New Creed
22
INSPIRING Telling Our Story
Inspiring
Short Why I give
stories/videos
Volunteer training
resources
Telling Our Story:

Our Generosity Making
a Difference
PowerPoint and
video formats
We give from the heart.

To inspire means to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something. The Bible
inspires us to follow Gods way and to model the life of Jesus. We come together as a
church community to be inspired to live our daily lives as companions and co-creators with
God.
Many in our communities are inspired by their faith to take action to bring Gods justice to
light. They are inspired and committed to the task of healing the world.
Their stories inspire us to join them. We are inspired to join them in giving of our time and
talent and treasure, as the familiar alliteration goes. In joining others, we carry out Gods
mission locally, and through our United Church of Canada, we make a difference globally.
How do we inspire? What tools do we use? In this giving program we provide resources for
inspiring others through
people sharing their own giving stories
a Narrative Budget, which tells what generosity has accomplished in your faith community
worship of our generous Creator and learning more about the life of faith
Spoken Inspiration: Gathering Why I Give

Stories
Many of us have not yet articulated our Why I give story, so a short process to help you
and others discover your story is provided on the next page.
(Session outline for a larger group is online.)
23
INSPIRING Telling Our Story Spoken Inspiration: Why I Give
Spoken Inspiration: Why I Give

Beginning (5 min.)
Opening Prayer
Gracious and loving God,
You call us to be disciples of your son, Jesus, and good stewards of your many gifts.
Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation
of our countless blessings.
Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture a stewardship way of life
for all our days.
Help us to be the salt that brings out the God-flavours of this earth,
to encourage vitality and joy and never lose our saltiness and our purpose.
Help us to be a light with beams of community, compassion, and hope
for a better and more just world.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge and our hope.
Amen.
Introduction
Share the purpose of this gathering:
to learn more about the congregational giving program
to create each individuals Why I give story to share with others
Middle (44 min.)

Why Why I Give? (1 min.)
Sharing Why I give is an important element in the Inspire part of our giving program.
We can all be inspired by one another when we share stories from the heartin this case,
exploring why each of us gives to Gods mission.
Video (4 min.)
Introduce the video: This is one of four short videos with Jane Harding, a lay person and
United Church Regional Development Officer in British Columbia, and Ruth Noble, a minister
and Mission & Service Engagement Coordinator. They share the importance of the Why I
give story and share their own stories as examples.
Watch the video.
Your Why I Give? Story: Getting Started (15 min.)

Distribute paper and pens. Have participants work through this exercise in pairs, with the
Co-leads keeping time and moving things along.
24
INSPIRING Telling Our Story Spoken Inspiration: Why I Give
Round 1 (5 min.): Each listen and share with each other:

What brought you into The United Church of Canada or to this congregation?
Why do you stay?
What is so special about this church?
Round 2 (15 min.): Each listen as your partner answers the questions. Write down notes so
your partner can use them to remember their Why I give story.
Person 1 (4 min.)
Why do you give? (Why, not how or what.)
Why do you give to Gods missionin your congregation, your community, and through
Mission & Service?
What is the impact of your gift? What difference do we make?
Person 2 (3 min.)
Share your responses:
What did you, as the listener, find compelling or want to know more about?
How would this story invite others to join you in supporting our churchs mission?
At 7 minutes, switch and repeat.
End (10 min.)

Take time to reflect on your story and add more notes. Consider how to share your story
with a friend, with a group in the congregation, or in worship.
Later, write out your story or make notes. Seek out opportunities to practise your Why I
give story with other fellow volunteers. Do what you can to help one another improve the
story and make it even more impactful.
Now you have a story to tell when someone asks why you support Gods mission in our
congregation.
Close with a prayer of thanksgiving. See additional prayers on pages 3436.
25
INSPIRING Telling Our Story Narrative Budget
Written Inspiration:
Creating a One-Page Narrative Budget
Webinars
Samples for
congregations
The Narrative Budget shows how the generosity of the people of the community
makes a difference. It is a story of the life of the community. It recognizes that we do
not give money to the church so much as give money through the church to translate Gods
mission into action.
A very effective tool for inspiring congregational giving, the Narrative or Ministry-Based
Budget (renewed and improved annually) tells the story of your ministry through words and
pictures. It shows how generosity affects your community and empowers your people to
work for Gods mission in our world.
The time it takes to produce this critical resource is a real investment. (We estimate 1215
hours.) Once you have produced your first Narrative Budget, you can update it annually with
stories of the most recent years accomplishments.
What Is a Narrative Budget?

A Narrative Budget is a communication tool. It does not replace a line-item budget.
Its benefits:
1. Communicates complex financial information for a broader audience
2. Links vision, values, and ministry with financial priorities
3. Helps develop a deeper understanding of stewardship
4. Inspires members in their giving because they can see how their generous gifts make a
difference and change lives
5. Encourages members to discuss the needs of the ministry more deeply, tell others about
the mission and ministry of the congregation, and see their own stewardship as an
expression of their faith
Start with One Page

If this is a new concept for you or if you do not yet have the time and people to help with
this, it may be more realistic to create a one-page Narrative Budget. Next year you can take
this a step further using the Narrative Budget tool (online).
Narrative Budget Year 1 Basics

If you are short of time and you have not yet done a complete Narrative
Budget, concentrate on the story of the ministry. Next year you can work
with the line-item budget to show how much of your donations go to
supporting which areas of ministry.
Work with these categories: Worship, Learn, Servewithin your own
congregation (pastoral care and fellowship), within your own community
(community ministries), with your denomination (M&S).
26
One-Page Narrative Budget

CONGREGATIONS NAME
The story of our ministry this year
This year, because of the generous giving of people in our congregation, we were salt and
light in the world.
This is what your generosity accomplished:
Through WORSHIP
Include how many people contribute to your community worship. Think of EVERYTHING
that goes into it.
Through LEARNING
Include all the ways people of all ages grow in understanding of their faith.
Through SERVICE
Within the congregation:
All the pastoral care and support of the people of God so they can in turn serve others in
their daily lives.
Beyond the congregation:
All the ways the congregation serves the needs of the wider community (e.g., providing
affordable space for community groups such as a daycare centre, AA, Guides and Scouts,
etc.).
The support from the congregation for the ministry of the denomination through Mission &
Service (see Mission & Service at a Glance and Minutes for Mission on StewardshipToolkit.ca
to point to projects nearby and across the globe).
Line Item vs. Narrative

The line-item budget tells where the money goes. The Narrative Budget
tells what the money does.
27
Enhancements for Your Narrative Budget

1. A letter from ministry personnel setting the theme for the coming year
2. A prayer written especially for your congregations ministry and used
regularly throughout the year
3. Track the gift of timevolunteer opportunities and impact
4. More stewardship information, such as giving charts or a
Q&A about the stewardship program
5. More Mission & Service information: search united-church.ca for
Mission & Service at a Glance and the United Church Annual Report
6. If you are putting this on your website, video testimonials: Why I
come and why I stay; highlight the impact of a ministry area
28
INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School
Worship and Sunday School
More learning
programs: youth, UCW,
storytelling, adults
Tools for Inspiring, Week by Week

All of our worship and Christian education should inspire us in our life of faith. There are
three important ways we can inspire people throughout this program. They are things we
do week in and week out as a faith community: we worship, we learn, and we communicate.
We asked a team of gifted liturgists and educators to contribute from their creativity, and
we share their work throughout this resource.
Why I give videos

Digital slides
Everything you need for each Sunday, worship and Sunday school, is in one easy-to-use
section. Additional learning resources for children, youth, UCW groups, and other adult
groups can be found on StewardshipToolkit.ca.
The resources that follow have a particular focus on this years theme of Salt and Light
(Matthew 5:13-16a).
The section begins with
Acknowledging the Traditional Territory in Worship (for all five Sundays)
Opening Prayer (actually a piece of music) to use as frequently as possible
Hymn Suggestions for use when needed or when not otherwise indicated in the service
outline
Salt and Light Communion Liturgy (p. 33), especially appropriate for Sunday 5, but may
be used on any other Sunday
Stewardship Prayers for Various Occasions
The flow of the five Sundays moves from a focus on our personal call to faithful living,
through our ministry as a congregation and our denominational response through Mission
& Service, to our personal giving and thanksgiving.
Each service is prelude to postlude, including sermons and learning resources for a
one-room Sunday school for each week.
In addition there is a short (2-minute or less) Why I give video for each
of the five Sundays on the DVD and at StewardshipToolkit.ca.
Explore, use, and adapt these resources to suit your context! Enjoy!
Stewardship is
the responsible use
of Gods gifts in light
of Gods purpose as
revealed in Jesus
29
INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Acknowledging the Traditional Territory
Acknowledging the Traditional Territory

in Worship
It has become the practice that we Acknowledge the Territory where we gather for worship.
Here is a four-step process for creating the appropriate message with your community.
Once you have created the acknowledgement it can be inserted into each of the worship
services where noted.
1. Decide to Acknowledge the Territory

The land where your community gathers to worship has been and continues to be home to
Indigenous people. Acknowledging the land and its First Peoples is one way we can work
toward reconciliation and promote mutual respect, peace, and friendship with Indigenous
people throughout Canada.
2. Discover Your Treaty/Territory

Find out which Treaty/Territory you and your faith community belong to. (See
mediaindigena.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/treaties.png.) Mark the area with an
indicator that reads We Are Here! A Treaty is a nation-to-nation legal contract between
Indigenous and non-Indigenous people that sets out responsibilities, agreements, and
benefits for both.
3. Design the Acknowledgement

Choose how you will acknowledge the traditional territory and your relationship to the land
and to each other as Treaty people. See the examples below. The acknowledgement can be
enacted, printed, spoken, projected, or posted. Design an acknowledgement that works for
your context and Treaty/Territory.
Athabasca United Church, Athabasca, Alberta: We acknowledge with respect the
history, spirituality, and culture of the peoples with whom Treaty 6 and Treaty 8 were
signed and the territory wherein our church resides, and our responsibility as Treaty
members. We also honour the heritage and gifts of Mtis people.
St. Stephens on the Hill, Sudbury, Ontario: For thousands of years, First Nations
people have walked on this land; their relationship with the land is at the centre of their
lives and spirituality. We are gathered on the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng
Anishnawbek and acknowledge their stewardship of this land throughout the ages.
Presbyteries in Maritime Conference: As we gather to worship, let us pause to
remember that in this region we live and work and worship on lands that are, by law, the
unceded territories of the Wabanaki peoplespredominantly the lands of the Mikmaq,
Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy. May we live with respect on this land, and live in peace
and friendship with its people.
4. Determine to Follow Through

Reflect on the acknowledgement you have made, and determine your next step. An
acknowledgement that the land was originally home to an Indigenous people is not the last
word. Plan how your community will continue to live out and honour this acknowledgement.
30
INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Opening Prayer
Opening Prayer
Version to print or
paste into your
bulletin
This prayer has been written specially for this program by Janet Jones.
*Replace meeting with whatever is appropriate: session, worship, gathering, etc.

Janet Jones. Reprinted with permission. Permission is granted for congregations to reprint this prayer.
31
INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Offering Hymn Suggestions
Offering Hymn Suggestions

Here are three possible offering hymns set to well-known tunes and drawing from the words
of The Message version of Matthew 5:1316a. Our hope is that you will use the same one for
all five weeks of the program.
To the Tune of We Give You But Your Own, Voices United 542
Gods light, gift to the world
Throw open wide the doors!
The light thats set out on a hill
Will shine like neer before.
To the Tune of What Can I Do? More Voices 191

God-flavours strong, God-colours bright,
given to be shared, now be Gods light.
Set on a stand, city on a hill,
so let us shine, so let us shine.
To the Tune of This Little Light of Mine

Light shines in the world,
fired by the powr of God.
Throw wide blinds and doors,
open the house to all.
Set upon a hill,
placed out on a stand,
let us shine; let us shine; let us shine.
We Are the Light (tune VU 705)

We are the light; we shine both near and far.
We are the dust, expanding distant stars.
We seek to be Gods light throughout the earth.
Lets shine our light; lets shine our light.
We are the salt; we season life anew.
We save and restore; we bless and we renew.
We seek to be Gods salt throughout the earth.
Lets be the salt; lets be the salt.
Sometimes we lose our hope, our power, our way.
Sometimes the world seems bleak in brightest day.
We pray and yearn, yet even when we stray,
We seek our God; we seek our God.
We thank our God, for faithful presence shown.
We are reminded we are not alone.
God is our strength, our refuge, and our home.
We praise our God; we praise our God.
Catherine MacDonald 2016. Reprinted with permission. Permission is granted for use by congregations.
32
INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Communion Liturgy
Salt and Light Communion Liturgy
This liturgy is
especially
appropriate to
use on Sunday 5.
It could also be
used on any
other Sunday.
Come, all you who are loved by God,

come to the table of the Lord,
come and empty your hearts in service,
so they may be filled again.
Yes, generous God, our hearts truly are glad,
and we are filled with gratitude,
because in your great love you do not abandon us,
but in Jesus, child of salt and light, you proclaim your love.
And making us bearers of your light,
you come to restore us and give new life.
And all who are frightened in the shadows,
all who feel used up and lost,
all who are sick and broken,
are blessed at this table, and made to shine,
bringing out the God-colours of this world.
We remember the way that
Jesus showed us his love:
On the evening before he died,
he had supper with his friends.
During the meal,
he took the loaf of bread, gave thanks for it,
broke it, and then passed it around with these words:
This is my body, broken for you. Eat this and remember me.
And after the meal, he took the cup of wine,
gave thanks for it, and then passed it around with these words:
This is my blood, shed for you. Drink this and remember me.
Here, at the Table of grace,
the Holy Spirit proclaims life,
transforming these simple gifts and the people gathered in this place.
As we taste the hope in this broken bread,
we go to be salt of the earth.
As we are filled with this cup,
we would be light to the world.
And so every time we eat bread like this,
and every time we drink wine like this,
We remember Jesus and his everlasting love.
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INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Stewardship Prayers
Stewardship Prayers for Various Occasions

Mighty and tender God,
Creator and giver of life and all things,
We give our thanks and praise.
We are especially thankful for (add your own)

We ask your blessing upon our work and ministry,
our response to your call to be the Church:
to celebrate Gods presence,
to live with respect in Creation,
to love and serve others,
to seek justice and resist evil,
to proclaim Jesus, crucified and risen, our judge
and our hope.
based on A New Creed

Hear us as we pray
For the church throughout the world
in its life and ministries;
For the nations and peoples of the world
as they strive for peace and justice;
For all who suffer: people who are sick, grieving,
lonely, oppressed;
For peaceful relations among friends, colleagues,
family, and strangers.
(Add your own)

In your loving purpose help us to use
and share the gifts
you have given us to contribute to your mission.
In all things give us the grace and wisdom
to accept your will. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.
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Gracious and generous God, Creator and giver of all that is good, we thank you for our
many blessings. We acknowledge that all that we have is from you. We offer you thanks and
praise for the beauty of the earth, our work, our family, our loved ones, and all the gifts we
have been given.
Help us to hear your call to be good stewards, caretakers, and managers of all your gifts by
sharing them for your purposes. Help us plan to serve our church, our community, and our
world with your gifts.
May we serve you and pray with a joyful spirit of mind and heart.
We remain your faithful stewards. Amen.
Generous and loving God,

You call us to be disciples of your son, Jesus,
and good stewards of your many gifts.
Open our minds and hearts
to a greater awareness and deeper appreciation
of your countless blessings.
Transform us through the power of your Spirit
to nurture a stewardship way of life for all our days.
Help us to be the salt that brings out the God-flavours of this earth,
to bring seasoning to the world!
Be with us as we encourage vitality and joy,
never losing our saltiness and our purpose.
Help us to be a light of community, compassion,
and hope in our homes, our community, and the world.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, crucified and risen,
our judge and our hope. Amen.
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Night Prayer
Lord, it is night.
The night is for stillness.
Let us be still in the presence of God.
It is night after a long day.
What has been done has been done;
what has not been done has not been done;
let it be.
The night is dark.
Let our fears of the darkness of the world
and of our own lives
rest in you.
The night is quiet.
Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
all dear to us,
and all who have no peace.
The night heralds the dawn.
Let us look expectantly to a new day,
new joys,
new possibilities.
In your name we pray.
Amen.
This copyright material is taken from A New Zealand Prayer BookHe Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa and is used with permission.
Live out your

God-created identity.
Live generously and
graciously toward
others the way God
lives toward you.
(Matthew 5:48,
The Message)
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INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Sunday School: Preparing for the Five Weeks
Sunday School:
Preparing for the Five Weeks
General Notes
There are many options for each weeks Sunday school program because of the wide variety
of backgrounds, cultures, preferences, ages, and experiences of worship and learning across
our denomination. Choose what resonates with your own circumstances, and adjust as
needed through the five weeks. You may choose not to use a Christ candle, or you might
choose to light it in silence. What matters is that you honour your tradition and what is
meaningful to your group.
For each week, you will find a list of supplies needed and preparation required ahead of
time, as well as music suggestions and an opening, an introductory activity, the story/
scriptures for the day, reflection questions, a variety of response activities (choose as many
or as few as you like that will work with your group), and suggestions for closing the session.
Be aware of any special needs and dietary restrictions in your group, and prepare accordingly.
Time is also important to keep in mind as you prepare. You may have only 30 minutes,
or you may have 45 minutes or even an hour. If necessary, cut back on the number of
components you do. The story and the large group response are the absolute essentials.
Preparing for All Five Weeks

Learning Space
Set up your learning space well, taking into account room needed for the different activities.
The best space will depend on how many participants you will have and what is available.
You may want chairs or to sit on the floor for the opening, closing, and story. Use what
works for you, and plan for space and furniture needs for the activities you are offering in
the response time.
Wall/Display Areas
Set aside and label two large wall areas. These could be an actual wall or bulletin boards,
dividers, a folding screen, or whatever works in your space.
One space is for a Prayer Wall. Make a Prayer Wall sign and add the following words on large
sticky notes or sheets of paper: Thanks, Praise, Help, and Im Sorry.
Have a table near the Prayer Wall for sticky notes, pens, and pencils. Children can choose to
come here during the Response time to write prayers and add them to the wall or to read
prayers posted by others. Write and post a few simple prayers to show them what to do. A
prayer can be a picture, one word, or many words.
The other space is for a Celebrate the Journey wall. From week to week, various things may
be added. You may have to move them around or take some down each week, depending
on how much room you have. This wall should be a changing and fluid space, drawing the
congregations attention to what is happening in your learning time.
37
Altar
Set up an altar for the five weeks. It can simply be a sturdy table with a decorative piece of
cloth on it, maybe in a liturgical colour or just one that inspires. On the table have a pillarstyle Christ candle in a sturdy holder (keep a lighter or matches somewhere safe until needed)
and a small, special bowl (pottery would be ideal) with salt in it. You may also want to add
some other special objects or symbols to your altar, such as a Bible, a chime or bell to get
everyones attention, a finger labyrinth, or art reflecting the theme.
Music
You know who has gifts in your congregation for leading and teaching music, and also
the enthusiasm your kids have for singing and participating. If music is a key part of your
childrens ministry, use it as much as possible, and teach some new songs related to the
theme as a response activity. Songs related to each weeks focus and for each part of the
program are listed in the Music Suggestions that follow. If music is a struggle, you can
choose to use only an opening and a closing song or not sing at all.
It is up to you whether you use the same song for each part of the program each week or
choose different ones. Keep in mind that teaching something new takes time and may take
away from other important content time. Plan well, and adjust as you go so your kids get
the story and variety in activities.
Once you know who is leading any music, plan together so you are both on the same page
with what is used and when.
For background music during response activities, you could quietly play the following songs
from the musical Godspell: All Good Gifts, Day by Day, Light of the World, and Prepare
Ye (week 3 particularly). You might also find other music appropriate to the theme (e.g.,
God Is Like a Flashlight).
Storytellers and Other Helpers

This is a great opportunity to involve a variety of people from the congregation who
may not normally be part of your childrens ministry. Call on gifted people to be your
storytellers, music leaders, helpers, craft leaders, and anything else you need. Offer them
the opportunity to get to know your kids and to remind the kids that, together, you are the
family of God in this place.
Each week a different storyteller visits the group and shares the scripture. If you are short
on volunteers, the same person could be more than one or all of them. If so, encourage this
person to wear a different outfit or costume each week and maybe try to use a different
voice or physicality. It is not essential that the script is memorized, but it does make it
smoother and more interesting for the children. Encourage any storytellers to practise their
material so they arent holding a sheet in front of their face. Costumes arent essential but
add a layer to what is happening. Even a bathrobe or halo adds to the experience for the
kids. The storyteller is welcome to stay for the entire learning time or to return to worship.
Make sure any volunteers know what is expected of them and are comfortable with their role.
Response Activities
Each week there is a large group introductory activity that connects the story with the
theme of the program. Then there are a number of options for activities to fill the rest of
your time until your closing. Spread these out around your learning space, preferably in one
room. Some children will be absorbed in one activity for the entire time, while others will
38
visit all of them at least once. Have at least one helper available for each activity offered, as
some will be messy.
Choose activities that work best for the childrens ages and abilities. After the first week, you
can fine-tune how many activities are enough to fill the time and not be overwhelming.
Perhaps most important of all, take time to think and pray about the material each week.
What is God trying to say to you through the scripture? How best can your learners hear the
message? What are their needs? How can Christ be invited into your time together?
Have fun learning together!
Music Suggestions for the Five Weeks

VU = Voices United
MV = More Voices
Gathering Music
Choose one or more of these to focus the group each week when they enter the learning
space:
Come All You People (MV 2)
Open Our Hearts (MV 21)
Like a Rock (MV 92)
Draw the Circle Wide (MV 145, chorus only)
This Is the Day (VU 412)
Christ Candle Song

Choose one of the following each week to sing once the Christ candle is lit:
Halle, Halle, Halle (VU 958)
I Am the Light of the World (VU 87, chorus only)
Gloria (VU 37)
Where Two or Three Are Gathered (MV 14)
Dont Be Afraid (MV 90)
Songs for Response Activity Time

These songs can be used for a response activity for one or more weeks. You could sing
songs related to the theme that the group already knows or teach new ones.
Songs relating to a specific weeks theme have the number of the week indicated. Some
songs are particularly suited to younger or older childrenyou know your group best. With
a younger group, just learning the chorus of a song is probably challenging enough.
God of the Bible (MV 28) Older children
Hope Shines as the Solitary Star (MV 220)
Your Love Is Amazing (MV 26) Older children
Im Gonna Live So God Can Use Me (VU 575)
Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us with Your Love (VU 593)
Prepare the Way of the Lord (VU 10) Week 3
Seek Ye First the Kingdom (VU 356)
The Church Is Wherever Gods People (VU 579) Weeks 2, 3, 4, 5
This Little Light of Mine (traditional) Younger children
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Optional Song for Preparing for Prayer

Lord, Listen to Your Children Praying (VU 400)
Closing Songs
Choose one or more of the following to close your time each week:
Shalom (traditional)
Im Gonna Live So God Can Use Me (VU 575)
Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary (MV 18)
We Are Marching (VU 646)
Go Now in Peace (VU 964)
Go, Make a Diffrence (MV 209, chorus only)
40
INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Sunday 1 Worship
Sunday 1 Worship:
Living Thankfully Day by Day
Video for Sunday 1
We Gather
Prelude
Greeting (and Announcements)
God is with you!
And also with you!
Lift up your hearts!
We lift them up to God and to one another!
Welcome to worship here today. Whether you are worshipping with us today for the first
time or you have been here for longer than you can remember, you are welcome to be here
and to participate however you feel comfortable. Sometimes you might be invited to stand
and you want to stay sitting, or you might feel comfortable standing but no one else is.
Do what feels right and comfortable. We each bring something of ourselves to worship,
and it enhances the experience for each of us.
Regardless of your age, stage, gender, sexual identity, or how great or small you feel your
faith is, God, through us, welcomes you to worship.
A few announcements: (a moment to highlight one of the ministries and missions of your
congregation).
Acknowledging the Traditional Territory (p. 30)

Lighting of the Christ Candle
We are reminded of the light of the world: Jesus Christ.
We are reminded that he is the light of the world
and that he called us the light of the world.
Therefore, we light this candle to remind us of that light
that is ours, and that we are!
As we light the candle, let us sing:
Hymn
Come All You People (More Voices 2)
A Light Is Gleaming (Voices United 82)
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Call to Worship
Sell all you have, and distribute the proceeds!
To whom? To our friends? To our neighbours?
Distribute them to the poor and the needy!
Can I choose who gets what I give?
Distribute the proceeds! Without question! Without condition!
Hmm, sounds less fun. Why cant I choose who gets it?
Distribute to those who are beloved of God,
the ones who bring out the God-flavour
and the God-colours in the world!
Ohhh, I get it. This is a church thing.
Loving those whom God loved,
sharing with those
whom we call brothers and sisters.
And your hearts will be glad and generous,
and we will praise God!
Opening Prayer
Let us pray:
We gather, loving and gracious God,
as those whose lives have been touched
in many ways:
We have suffered,
we have prayed,
we have hurt,
we have healed,
we have loved,
we have lost.
Gather the threads of our lives
together in this time,
and this place,
and bind us together.
Though, we ask,
leave some cracks,
in order that the light may enter.
For we are broken,
and healing,
and beloved.
And we are here,
giving of ourselves,
giving back to you.
Our beloved God.
Amen.
42
Childrens Time
Could you imagine having to sell your possessions and giving the proceeds to people who
have need? What about just being able to help? What can you give? What can you do? Do
you sometimes think because youre small theres not much? Well, let me tell you a story!
A young girl, seven years old, wanted to give back in some way. So she decided she would
start saving pennies (do you remember what those are?). Talking to her mom, she said she
wanted to help other young children who needed food, toys, and love. She told her mom
she was going to start doing this penny drive mostly by herself at the beginning.
One day her mom said to her, You know, I bet if we asked at church, people would be
willing to donate their pennies too!
So one morning this young girl got up in front of the church with her mom and told the
congregation what she was doing. She decorated a box and put it on the front steps of
the chancel, and every week people started to put their changenot just pennies but also
nickels, dimes, quarters, loonies, and even tooniesinto the box! After a year, this girl had
raised thousands of dollars, all of which she rolled, wrapped, and saved to give to a charity
that would help children.
All it took was a bit of speaking from the girl, and she was able to pull together people to
help donateand it didnt take much! Just penniesat least, thats how it started. Thats kind
of like our scripture passage today: you are salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavour
of the world! What the girl did, and what we do, is a way of really recognizing what we can
offer to the world and how it can be very different from how some expect it to be!
Hymn
My Love Colours Outside the Lines (MV 138)
I Am the Light of the World (VU 87)
We Hear the Word

Scripture
Acts 2:4447
Matthew 5:1316a (The Message)
From the Acts of the Apostles:
All who believed were together and had all things in common; they would sell their
possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need. Day
by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home
and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the
goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those
who were being saved.
Une lecture des Actes des aptres (La Bible en franais courant) :
Tous les croyants taient unis et partageaient entre eux tout ce quils possdaient.
Ils vendaient leurs proprits et leurs biens et rpartissaient largent ainsi obtenu
entre tous, en tenant compte des besoins de chacun. Chaque jour, rgulirement,
ils se runissaient dans le temple, ils prenaient leurs repas ensemble dans leurs
maisons et mangeaient leur nourriture avec joie et simplicit de cur. Ils louaient
Dieu et ils taient estims par tout le monde. Et le Seigneur ajoutait chaque jour
leur groupe ceux quil amenait au salut.
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A paraphrase of the gospel according to Matthew (The Message):

Let me tell you why you are here. Youre here to be salt-seasoning that brings
out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste
godliness? Youve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Heres
another way to put it: Youre here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the
world.
God is not a secret to be kept. Were going public with this, as public as a city on
a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you dont think Im going to hide you under a
bucket, do you? Im putting you on a light stand. Now that Ive put you there on a
hilltop, on a light standshine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives.
De l'vangile selon Matthieu (BFC) :
Cest vous qui tes le sel du monde. Mais si le sel perd son got, comment
pourrait-on le rendre de nouveau sal ? Il nest plus bon rien ; on le jette dehors,
et les gens marchent dessus. Cest vous qui tes la lumire du monde. Une ville
construite sur une montagne ne peut pas tre cache. On nallume pas une lampe
pour la mettre sous un seau. Au contraire, on la place sur son support, do elle
claire tous ceux qui sont dans la maison. Cest ainsi que votre lumire doit briller
devant les hommes, afin quils voient le bien que vous faites et quils louent votre
Pre qui est dans les cieux.
Hear what the Spirit is saying

through these ancient words of scripture.
Thanks be to God!
coutez pour ce que lEsprit

dit lglise
Grces soient rendues Dieu.
Choir Anthem or Hymn

If congregational hymn:
Three Things I Promise (MV 176)
We Have This Ministry (VU 510)
Sermon
Moment for Reflection and Contemplation
Hymn
Holy Spirit, Come into Our Lives (MV 6)
She Comes Sailing on the Wind (VU 380)
We Respond
Minute for Mission
Invitation to the Offering
Returning gifts always feels so difficultwere never sure if its enough or if its too much.
But every gift that is offered, time and talent, is a gift that is given because of our love for
God. Continue to be salt-seasoning and light-bearers to the world, even as these gifts
these tithes and offeringsare received.
44
Offertory Hymn (tune VU 542)

Gods light, gift to the world,
throw open wide the doors!
The light thats set out on a hill
will shine like neer before
Prayer of Dedication
We will keep open house, God.
We want the world to be blessed
with these gifts, as with our lives.
May these gifts of money touch the world
in such a way that transformation may come,
and may our lives be touched
so that we too are transformed.
Thank you, God! Amen.
Prayers of the People and The Lords Prayer

Hear our prayer:
And in your love, answer.
For those who ache today, hold them in your tender embrace, God
Hear our prayer: And in your love, answer.
For those who weep, comfort them
For those who are lost, guide them
For those who find themselves on shifting sands, be their rock and firm foundation
For those who are frightened, be a light in their shadows
For those who search, be with them on their journey
For all those in leadership of the congregations in our area
For these, the prayers of our hearts
We pray today in the strong name of Jesus, the One who loves us even when we forget, and
we pray together as he taught us to pray, singing (or saying): Our Father
45
Sending
Hymn
Go, Make a Diffrence (MV 209)
Go to the World (VU 420)
Benediction and Blessing

Go with hearts that are glad and generous;
go with lives that have been touched and are full.
Go and be salt-flavouring
and light-bearing,
and allow the God-colours
and the God-flavours
to be seen and tasted.
Go in loveGods love.
Go in loveknown in Jesus.
Go in loveempowered by Loves Power,
the Holy Spirit,
now and always. Amen.
Postlude
46
INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Sunday 1 Sermon
Sunday 1 Worship:
Sermon: Blessedness
We are the salmon people.
That is how Alberta Billie began her address to the 1986 meeting of The United Church of
Canadas General Council. She was from the First Nations community of Cape Mudge in
British Columbia. We are the salmon people, she said. We recognize the way the salmon
run inland from the sea and their return to the sea. We respect that cycle and we celebrate
it in our lives, our ritual, our art, our festive occasions. We are the salmon people (source:
James Taylor, Currents, Oct. 1986, p. 4).
What kind of people are you? What stories shape your life? What practices form your culture?
Some stories root your life in fear and anxiety:
Strangers are dangerous threats to our security.
Only the strong survive.
If you dont take care of yourself, nobody else will.
You have to hustle to get the life you want.
Live by those stories, and the horizons of your life grow small and defensive. Your life
narrows down as you try to protect what you have.
Some stories root your life in hope and possibility:
Let me tell you why you are here. Youre here to be salt-seasoning that brings
out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste
godliness? Youve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. Heres
another way to put it: Youre here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the
world. God is not a secret to be kept. Were going public with this, as public as a
city on a hill. (Matthew 5:1314, The Message)
There are stories that expand your life. They form people who are generous and open.
They form people who live creatively and work to make a difference in the world.
Jesus gathers people into a community that is shaped by blessedness. Just before Jesus
tells his followers, You are the salt of the earth; you are a light set on a hill, he calls them
blessed. Seven times: Blessed, blessed, blessed (Matthew 5, NRSV).
That is who we are. We are the people Jesus blesses. We trail behind Jesus in a history of
blessing. 1 We celebrate our blessedness in our lives, in our worship, in our actions in the
world. We are the people Jesus blesses.
What is surprising is what Jesus blesses in our lives. Youre blessed when youre at the
end of your rope. Youre blessed when you feel youve lost what is most dear to you.
Youre blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. Not only thatcount
47
yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about
you to discredit me (Matthew 5:34, 10, 12, The Message).
Being weak or lost or broken or hurtthose experiences normally elicit fear and anxiety.
They can lead us to close down our horizons, protect our lives, close in on ourselves. Jesus
invites and challenges us to instead let God use those experiences to expand the horizons of
our world, to open up new possibilitiesfor ourselves and for others.
Jesus blessing changes how we experience times when we are at the end of our rope, or
when we feel we have lost what is most dear to us, or when we are put down and lied about.
We enter into them, feeling their pain and hurt, but we are also on the lookout for signs that
the risen Christ is on the premises, bringing the blessings of Gods grace. The blessing is the
promise that Jesus is there, with us, transforming and redeeming the experience. Somehow,
in places that could leave us feeling abandoned and bereft, he is pulling us deeper and
deeper into Gods love. Trust the promise, and you live from a place steeped in Gods
steadfast love and faithfulness rather than from a place of fear.
I dont want to make this sound easier than it is.
You can feel like you are in the midst of a storm that is upending everything you have
counted on. There can be long stretches where the only things that enable you to hold on
are the promises that God is a God of resurrection; that God is redeeming all things; that no
matter how far you fall, underneath will be the everlasting arms of our good and gracious
God. Even beyond that, those experiences can take you to a place where the only thing that
keeps you holding on is Gods grasp on youa grasp from which neither death, nor life, nor
angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth,
nor anything else in all creation (Romans 8:3839, NRSV) can separate us.
Living out of Jesus blessedness is not easy. It is, however, full of grace. Trust the promise,
and you find yourself praying deeper and more honest prayers. Lean into the blessing,
and at some point you find yourself in the spacious land of Gods abiding presence. In this
land you move beyond fear, beyond the need to protect yourself. You move into hope and
generosity and compassion.
We live a great mysteryin places where we do not expect it, God brings new life and
hope and salvation. When you experience Jesus blessing in your lostness or weakness or
brokenness and hurt, those experiences are no longer merely painful events. They become
gifts. Even your empty hands are full of Gods grace that you get to offer to others.
A woman suffers a miscarriage and finds the courage to become a safe haven where other
women can share their sorrow, pain, confusion, anger, and doubt.
A young boy endures humiliating bullying from classmates. As an adult living out of Jesus
blessing, he is able to speak words of hope to children suffering from the cruelty of others.
A devastating illness becomes a holy place where long-strained relationships are healed and
love is rekindled.
Jesus gathers a people whose lives are shaped by the gifts of Gods grace. Because Jesus
grasp on you is firm, because Gods love for you is deep, because the Holy Spirit never lets
you go, you do not have to move into defensiveness and self-protection. You get to be
generous with your lifeyour whole life. You get to offer gifts to others not just in the ways
you are strong or rich or powerful. You get to offer gifts to others not just when you have
everything all figured out. You get to be generous also with the places where you have
failed, and where you have been broken open, and where you feel weak.
48
Can we admit that it is hard to go public with this? The culture around us says, Hide your
weakness. Bury your brokenness. Deny your hurt. Jesus says, Now that Ive put you there
on a hilltop, on a light standshine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives
(Matthew 5:16, The Message).
So, tell the stories.
Tell the stories of the times when God liberated you from fear and gave you courage beyond
your own.
Tell the stories of the times when Gods light shone through your brokenness.
Tell the stories of the times when your emptiness was full of Gods grace.
Tell the stories.
Be generous with your lives.
Youre here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. By opening
up to others, youll prompt people to open up with God, this generous [God] in heaven.
(Matthew 5:13, 16, The Message).
Blessedness will blossom in unexpected places. Generosity will flow. Hope will be born.
We are the people Jesus blesses. Thanks be to God.
1. Walter Brueggemann, Ministry Among: The Power of Blessing, Journal for Preachers (January 1, 1999), p. 28.
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INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Sunday 1 Sunday School
Sunday 1 Sunday School:

Preparation and Supplies
Coordinate with your music leader and your storyteller.
Have your altar set up for the five weeks (see p. 38).
Set up three bowls. One has popped popcorn with no salt or butter, one has some salt
and butter in it, and one is doused in salt and drenched in butter (keep these up and out
of the way until needed). Make enough for each child to have a small handful of each kind.
Have napkins, paper towels, or a couple of hand towels for wiping hands after trying the
popcorn.
Make copies of I thank God for, page 55at least one per childand crayons and markers.
Gather the supplies for the response activities you choose (p. 53).
Gathering Music and Opening (5 min.)

Sing one or more of the suggested gathering songs to focus the group (p. 39).
Invite the children to repeat back to you the words below as a Call to Worship. You could
add your own actions and rhythm (point up for God, to yourself for us, etc.):
God loves us!
God loves us!
We love God!
We love God!
Were here to be salt!
Were here to shine light!
Lets be salty for God!
Lets shine brightly!
As you light the Christ candle, say any or all of the following:
Jesus came to be the Light of the whole world. The light of Christ is with us always. The love
of God is with us always. We do not have to be afraid.
Option: Sing one of the suggested songs once the candle is lit.
Introductory Activity (510 min.)

Invite the children to come up in a line and try a small handful of each kind of popcorn.
Have helpers supervise this so it moves fairly quickly, and have children wipe their hands
right after they have tried the three kinds of popcorn. Put the rest away until the end.
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Ask the children which kind of popcorn they liked best, and why. What was it about the one
they picked that made it their favourite? What didnt they like about the others?
Story (5 min.)
(based on Exodus 30:3438; Leviticus 2:13; Numbers 18:19)
Invite the Old Testament visitor to come forward and stand or sit by the altar to share this
story:
I see that you have some salt here. I hope you know how precious it is! It was so important
to us as Gods people thousands of years ago. We didnt have anywhere to keep our meat
cold in the hot desert so it wouldnt go bad and make us sick. So instead, we put salt on it to
keep it safe. Salt preserved things and made them pure. It was even important to God.
When we said thank you to God and gave God gifts of our best meat or grain, God told us
to put salt on them. God called it the covenant of salt. Do you know what a covenant is?
Have you heard that word before? A covenant is a big promise. When the priest, kind of like
your minister, put salt on our gifts to God on the altar, it showed that we were Gods people
and that would never change. When people put leaven or yeast in bread dough, it doesnt
stay flatit rises and changes, right? No leaven was ever given to God as an offering. The
salt reminded us that Gods love for us, and our love for God, would never change.
Special incense was prepared for God. It was burned in the holiest part of the tent where
God lived with us as we journeyed. God told Moses to put salt in with it. It wasnt just sweet
spices and frankincense in there that smelled good when it was lit. The salt was in there to
keep it pure and to remind us of how holy God is. Our own incense that we used in our tents
was never as special as that. Oh noit couldnt be because nothing was more important to
us than God. The incense for God was a gift for all God did for us.
We also used salt to make our food taste better. Do you do that too? When people came to eat
with us, they would have some of our salt in the food. So, salt was important because it joined
people together at mealtimes. We shared our salt with one another and became friends.
What do you use salt for?
(Storyteller: Allow for some responses, and then excuse yourself to allow the group to move
on to the discussion questions.)
Reflection Questions (510 min.)

Choose from the following questions to reflect on todays story. Use what will work best
with the ages and needs of your group.
1. What does salt do in our food?
2. What do you think the words pure and holy mean?
3. What do you think it means to be Gods people?
4. What kinds of promises have you made before? Is it easy to keep promises?
5. How does it make you feel knowing that Gods love will never change?
6. I wonder what its like to love God forever?
7. I wonder what kinds of gifts we can bring to God?
8. I wonder what kinds of gifts God wants from us?
9. I wonder how we show how special God is to us?
10. I wonder what we share with one another now as friends and as a family of faith?
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Response Activities (20 min. or more)

Begin as a whole group with this first activity.
You will need at least one copy of the handout on page 55 for each child as well as crayons,
pencils, pencil crayons, or markers.
Talk to the children about how were on a journey with God, just like the storyteller was. Talk
about how we are all growing and learning all the time, and ask them what their journey
has been like so far. Who has helped and journeyed with them? When have they felt close
to God? Invite them to think about all the good things that have happened so far, and to
write down or draw something for both ideas on the handout. They may want to do more
than one sheet. Sometime before next week, get some helpers to post their work on the
Celebrate the Journey wall.
Let the children know that, once they finish, they can choose to visit one or more of the
activity centres set up in the room. They can visit just one or all of them. They can change
centres when they are ready. Point out the Prayer Wall too.
Centres
Set up as many or as few of these as you feel will work with your group and the time you
have.
Salt Painting
You may want to limit how many children do this activity at one time.
You will need: sturdy paper plates (one per child), white glue in small bottles, eyedroppers
or paintbrushes, liquid tempera or watercolour paints in small bowls, table salt, a rimmed
tray, plastic tablecloths for the work surface, paint shirts if possible
1. Squeeze out glue to make a picture on a paper plate (write their name on the back first).
The idea is to use the glue like a pencil, not to fill in whole areas with it.
2. Sprinkle salt on top of the glue. Tap the excess salt back into the tray to be reused.
3. Put paint on the salt using single drops from an eyedropper or a paintbrush. Encourage
children to use separate droppers or brushes for different colours to keep them vibrant.
4. Watch what the salt does to the paintits pretty neat!
5. Each child does just one plate until everyone who wants to has had a chance.
Scents
Have any or all of the following on a table: scented candles or bottles of essential oils, a
variety of spice jars with strong scents, incense sticks, scratch and sniff stickers.
Have the children sniff anything they think is interesting. Ask them which smells they like
and which they dont.
In Old Testament times, God wanted offerings or gifts that smelled pleasing when they
burned on the altar. Ask: What kinds of gifts do we give God today that would please God?
How do we show our thanks for Gods love and care for us?
Music
Choose from the songs on page 39.
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Writing
Have lined and blank paper and possibly special writing paper available with pens and pencils.
Challenge the children to do one or more of these:
Write a thank you letter to God for the gifts they have received or for their church family.
Make a list of all the things we use salt for today.
Write a story about what the world would be like without salt.
Write a poem about salt, special mealtimes, or Gods love.
Puppets
Provide a variety of hand or finger puppets that you have at the church or bring from home.
Challenge the children to create a puppet play about one or more of these:
people being welcomed to someones home for dinner
the gifts people give to God today
a baker who puts salt in the cookies instead of sugar and what happens after
Closing and Sending Out (5 min.)

Gather the group at the Prayer Wall. Make note of all prayers that are posted, and lead the
group in a simple prayer together celebrating Gods constant love that never changes and
the gifts of being on a journey of faith together.
Blessing
Gods love for you will never change. Go out to love God and help others, thankful for
everything you have been given. Amen.
Choose one or more of the closing songs (p. 40) to finish your time together.
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SALT and LIGHT HANDOUT 1 I thank God for
I thank God for
I love my church family because
Sunday 2 Worship:
Living Our Mission Locally
Video for Sunday 2
We Gather
Prelude
We light this candle as a reminder of the presence of Jesus Christ, who is the Light
of the World
And of our own call to be beacons of that light in all we do.
Thanks be to God.
Hymn
Arise, Your Light Is Come (Voices United 79)
Opening Prayer
Gracious and loving God, we give thanks that you have entrusted us with your sacred
mission to be salt and light. May our worship inspire and enliven us to fulfill our calling,
that we might flavour the world with justice, and illuminate the shadows of despair and
oppression, wherever we are. Amen.
Childrens Time
Show the children a flashlight you have removed the batteries from. Pass it around, and ask
whether they notice anything. Can a flashlight with no batteries be useful? What makes it
a flashlight? Remind them of Jesus call to be a light in the world. What are we lighting up?
Can we be a church if we hide our light?
Hymn
I Am the Light of the World (VU 87)
We Hear the Word

Scripture
Matthew 5:1316a
Mark 12:4144

Light of the World, verse 2 (Salt of the earth lyrics; from the musical Godspell)
Message/Sermon
See page 60 or 64; followed by silent reflection.
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Hymn
We Respond
Minute for Mission
Offertory Invitation and Response
Option 1
Stewardship is a way of life. Stewardship is another word for caring. We take up the offering
today because we care for our church, our neighbours, and our world. We give because we
have been shown how to let go completely and trust in Gods abundance.
Holy One, in our busy lives we often forget that the gifts of creation are for all,
that others need our care, that we are stewards of life. Use us, our time, and
our talent, and use what we have given for the good of all creation. Amen!
May it be so!
Option 2
Boundless God, while our contribution to feed the many needs of the world may seem small,
we offer what we have, our loaves and fishes, trusting that together they are multiplied so
that all may know the goodness you provide to all who come to you.
Loving God, life is good. We offer these gifts mindful of the goodness that
surrounds us and aware that what we giveour time, our talent, and our
treasurejoins with the gifts of others to bring life, nourishment, and hope to
those who hunger. Amen!
Offertory Hymn
Offertory Prayer
Hymn (Call to Prayer)
Lord, Prepare Me to Be a Sanctuary (More Voices 18)
Prayers of the People

Generous God, you give us salt and light so that we may fully taste and see the goodness
around us. Gifts that cost so little yet enrich our experience of life greatly. Gifts that we take
for granted yet enable us to savour and take in the deliciousness and beauty of creation.
Simple gifts that add flavour to the ordinary and show us your extraordinary love.
We thank you for salt. Taken from the earth, given from the sea, essential to life, it heals,
cleanses, and preserves.
A common mineral found in abundance, we use salt wastefully to season our food, to make
our roads safe in winter, and to keep livestock healthy. Because like salt, you, Holy One, love
us in abundance and extravagantly, we too are to be like salt and to give abundantly and
love your creation to excess.
We pray that your healing may be sprinkled over the people and places that need your
healing.
We pray that your cleansing grace will be felt in families that are wounded, in hearts that are
broken, and in countries that are experiencing strife.
We pray that you will preserve hope in those experiencing desperation, peace in those
experiencing torment, and joy in those experiencing loss.
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Brilliant God, we thank you for light. Coming from the sky, produced from water and wind,
giving us night and day, it warms, illumines, and defines.
Ever present even when unseen, we rely on light to show us the way, to provide heat, and to
grow our food. You too, Loving God, are there even when we do not see you providing light
for our path, warmth for our lives, and nourishment for our spirit. You give us light so we can
give light in the world.
We pray that there may be warmth for those who sleep in the cold, for those who are lonely,
and for those seeking refuge.
We pray that there will be light to show our world leaders the way, to enlighten the minds of
our youth, and to dispel the darkness of injustice and greed.
We pray that there will be discernment for those who teach, for those who seek, and for
those who minister to your people. Amen! May it be so!
Hymn
Go, Make a Diffrence (MV 209)
Commissioning and Benediction

Postlude
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INSPIRING Worship and Sunday School Sunday 2 Sermon 1
Sunday 2 Worship:
Sermon 1: The Giver and the Gift
Have you ever heard the one about the pastor and the $60,000 roof (or insert your project
title and cost here)?
She steps up to the pulpit, looks out among the faithful, and says: So, what do you want
first: the good news or the bad news?
And the congregation says: Pastor! Give us the good news first!
So the pastor takes a deep breath and says: Good news! Weve got $60,000 (or amount
you might need to raise) to pay for the new roof!
Hallelujah! shouts the congregation. Praise the Lord!
And then someone comes to the sober conclusion that thats only half the news of the
morning, and shouts out: Pastor! Then whats the bad news?
And she smiles and says, Its still in your pocket!
Whenever we hear the story from Mark 12:4144, were tempted to make money all about
the amount given. After all, isnt that what our culture tells us is truly valuable? The more you
have, the more youre worth.
But the value of salt isnt tasted in how big a pile you have.
Salt isnt worth a pile of beans if its saltiness is lost.
When it comes time for the capital campaign, how many sermons paint a caricature of
stingy ol scribes and richer folks in town who are greedy and self-righteous?
Of course, like most of us, the scribes and the powerful often give out of their abundance,
which is but a fraction of what they really own. But what about the poor woman who throws
in her penny thats worth so little it takes two coins to make a whole cent?
She gives everything she has, even all she has to live on, and if you want to pay for a
$60,000 roof (or your project title), you should too. So cough it up, church!
And after that rousing exercise in homiletics, the preacher would call for the offering plates
to go out. End of story.
I wonder if that would raise $60,000 (your project amount)?
Its a simple story. Its a convenient story.
But its not the good news of Jesus Christ.
If all we hear today is Like a widow who has nothing to her name, you should give
everything you have to live on right now for a roof or anything else, then this story aint
worth its weight in salt or anything else.
While lots of people romanticize poverty as the idea that folks with little are also happier
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than those who have much, many of us arent going to follow in the footsteps of the poor
widow today.
Many of us have no idea what its like to be so desperate, living on the streets as the single
most vulnerable person in society.
Many of us dont know what its like to be so parched for a taste of hope that you would
give all youve got to an institution lining at least part of its budget with your suffering.
To be righteous for our ancestors of faith means you love your God with all your heart,
all your mind, and all your strength. Being righteous also means caring for the widow, the
orphan, and the refugeethe most vulnerable. That was righteous.
Thats what it means to speak salty and live light-hearted.
Instead, many of the temple leaders became self-righteous, which is not the same at all.
Some of the temple authorities were lifting up all the virtues of scripture while devouring the
houses of widows to prop up an institution and their standard of living at the same time.
Havent we done the same in the past as an institution?
How are we living today?
In Mark 13, why do you think Jesus prophesies that such an institution cant remain standing
and that not one stone shall be left upon another?
No amount of money can prop up any institution that has broken its foundation, breaking
every leg it ever had to stand on.
Such behaviour is only good for being trampled underfoot and left behind in the dust, and
Jesus calls for us to see it.
People stroll by the temple treasury while everyone notices who shows up and how much
they give. They act as if that declares just how holy they must be, but what about the poor
widow?
Shes so far beneath most of their noses. No one but Jesus has eyes to see what shes
offered.
She offers those two coins to Gods house, whose doors should swing open wide to greet
her, only to have the ones in charge of those gates shut her out.
She is bereft of the last cent to her name and condemned to a sentence of further poverty
and insecurity on the streets.
The gospel is not about the amount given. Thats not salty. Thats not brimming with light.
Thats not the orientation of faith. Even if it is how a faithful consumer values our world, its
not how the pilgrim of Christ walks the journey of the cross.
What about you?
Do you just value how much something is, or is your treasure the journey with Jesus and
one another?
Is your salt tasted in how your gift changes the world or just what you think you can afford?
The good news Jesus proclaims is that the true worth of the gift is the difference it makes in
the one who receives. When we live this way, we shine a light so bright there aint a bushel
basket big enough to stop us from illuminating everyone in Gods house.
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INSPIRING Sunday 2 Sermon 1
Jesus calls his disciples to watch the tragedy unfolding before them under everyones noses
so they will never again allow the poor to experience such disgrace.
If we share that mission in name only, in terms of how much we think we can give, then our
witness isnt worth its weight in salt.
Thats what Jesus wanted the disciples to see at the temple.
Do you see it now?
The gift of life was given to us, but the difference is ours to make.
That tastes like salt. Thats born of light!
And if you look at the world and doubt the power of that possibility, then friends look again
at Jesus of Nazareth, because he gave it all, even everything he had to live on, for a people
and a society he knew were broken and brutalized.
But Jesus believed that hope, peace, joy, and love can put the pieces back together to make
something new again in this world. He believed a gift made in love could open our eyes
to how sacred everything and everyone truly is in this world. He believed the life we lead
should be lined with salt and bursting with light.
Thats what Jesus believed. What do you believe?
Do you believe that together, as this community of faith, we can put the broken pieces in
one anothers lives back together? That with the grace of God, new life might be born again
in our time?
Cause thats what church is about.
And if you doubt the net worth of that possibility, that the true amount the gift is worth is
the difference made in the one who receives, then look at our church.
Look at the gift of the Rev. Lydia Gruchy, who dedicated her life to a church that, before her
time, refused to ordain women as equals. Look at the difference her gift has made in our life
together and the way we witness in the world.
Look at our Past Moderator, the Rev. Gary Paterson, or our current Moderator, the Rev.
Jordan Cantwell. Look at just how far we have come in ensuring our salt retains its holy
flavour, and our light is not refracted into black or white, but shines the full spectrum of
Gods covenantal rainbow.
Look at the gift of the witness lined with salt and bursting with light in our Mission & Service
partners around the world. Over 94 global partners are supported in 23 countries, let alone
74 community ministries here at home, and all because of the difference we know M&S
makes not only in the lives of others but also in our own!
Look at our faith communities and government, who in this generation are seeking honest
reconciliation with Indigenous people. These are people who, against the constant backdrop
of racism and colonialism, are set on building a new future and a different Canada for us and
our children.
Indigenous people literally had everything taken from them when this country was born.
The least we can do is try to heal and to build something new on a foundation of peace,
understanding, and equality.
The true worth of the gift is the difference made in the one who receives.
What difference does this church make in your life?
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Why do you even bother to come to worship in an age when many people act as if its not
even worth an hour of their time?
According to the census, lots of self-professed United Church folks dont think its worth
even getting out of bed! Talk about a penny for your thoughts!
If all we want is to sing a nice tune, eat some tasty food, and have our heart strangely
warmed, I can get that for 20 bucks at a movie theatre any day or night.
I didnt give my life to God, to Jesus, to you as the church for the sake of entertainmentof
long robes and long-winded sermons.
And you didnt either.
I give it because I believe, as a community, we can change the world. And I believe you share
that great hope of new life too.
So lets take a good look around and see the good news for what it is.
The amount of the gift isnt what matters; its the difference it makes in the one who
receivesand my God, (name your faith community), what a difference we can make with
all the salt and light weve been given. And all the people said: Amen!
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Sunday 2 Worship:
Sermon 2: We Are Light
One stormy night a mother was tucking her little girl into bed. As she was about to turn off
the bedroom light, the child asked tearfully, Mommy, will you please stay with me all night?
Im afraid. The mom smiled and gave her little girl a reassuring hug. Then she said, I cant
stay with you all night; I have to stay in the room with Daddy. There was a pause, and then a
shaky voice broke the silence: The big fraidy-cat.
The truth is, these days there is much to be afraid ofeven for us adults. In many ways
our world today is full of fearfulness: acts of terrorism, world hunger, poverty, abuse, wars,
rumours of wars, loss of loved ones, family break-ups, adults and children battling cancer,
individuals struggling with mental illness and the stigma associated with it, and so forth.
Lets face itit is easy to get overwhelmed today just listening to the news! Or worse yet, we
can get desensitized and just go numb from the pain.
The world is so much in need of blessing. Humanity is desperate for good news. We so
long for hope and peace. For many of us the Christian response to something so huge is
to pray, to seek Gods help. Personally I think this is an awesome idea. I am a big believer in
prayer. And yet, I have also been around long enough to know that prayer is not a one-way
street. I know God expects me to be involved. God calls me to be a partner in answering
my own prayers. While this is sometimes scary, it is also good news. God has given me the
ability and the resources to make a difference, to live my faith and see results.
Todays gospel lesson, from Matthew 5:1316a, reinforces this idea. In todays passage Jesus
says we are light. Notice that he does not say we can be light or we should be light. No, as
believers of Jesus Christ, we are light! The passage then goes on to lift up the key question:
so what are we going to do with our light?
As people of faith we have choices. We can, for instance, deny our light. In our congregation
it may sound like this: Oh, I dont have any gifts to share. What, me be a Sunday school
teacher? Oh no, not me. I could never do that. Or, I could never be a member of the
governing board. Or, I dont have the timeor the talentor the money. Yes, we could deny
the light within usand we do.
Jesus shows us another way. He tells us to live differently, confidently, in faith. Jesus says,
No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket. We are light! God needs
what we have to offer. So, no, dont hide your light or deny it. Rather, set your light on a
lampstand, where it can do what it was meant to do. We are each called to thank God for
our gifts (our light) and to share them. This is how our prayers get answered. This is how
God re-creates and heals the world, one community at a timewith us as partners.
Another miracle happens when we share our light. We encourage others to share theirs.
Good works are contagious. Light begets light. Faith lived inspires others to act. This is why
Jesus calls us to be like a city that stands on the hill and cannot be hidden. We must be seen
living out our faith, in public view, so others may feel invited to join us.
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It is not enough to ask people to join the church and engage in ministry with us. We have
to show them. For instance, when Benjamin Franklin wished to interest the people of
Philadelphia in street lighting, he didnt try to persuade them by just talking about it. Rather,
he hung a beautiful lantern on a long bracket in front of his home. He kept the glass highly
polished. Every evening at the approach of dusk, he carefully lit the wick. People saw the
light from a distance, and when they walked in its light, found that it helped them avoid
sharp stones on the pavement. Others soon placed lights in front of their homes, and soon
all of Philadelphia recognized the need for street lighting. We too need to inspire people
with our actions.
One of my pet peeves today is that we United Church folks are too modest. We resist
sharing the good works we are doing in Jesus name. Here at (name of your church), we are
making a difference every day. Lives are being changed, and light is being revealed both
near and far. But sadly, there are people in our community, perhaps even United Church folk,
who remain uninspired. That bothers me. They see us gather and sing and pray, but do they
know what we are really about? This is why we need to put our light on a lampstand, why
we need to tell our congregations faith story. You never knowtelling our story may even
further embolden us!
(Optional:) Let me say that I am glad that we have begun to use a Narrative Budget because
I think this is one of the tools we can use to share the light we are about as a congregation.
While I know many of us here appreciate that we need money to continue to operate as a
congregation, a Narrative Budget effectively explains how we use this money, our offerings,
to make a difference. It also shows us why our volunteers here are so important. Friends,
we are busy trying to shine a light where there is none. It is time for us to share that light, to
grow that light, and to invite others to join us.
Friends, we are the light! Let us go forth from this place today ready to share the light in the
community we lovefor Gods sake. AMEN.
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You will need a large metal colander and a strong flashlight. Have a volunteer other
than the Old Testament visitor use these during the story. The volunteer will want to sit
somewhere in the middle of the room and try shining the flashlight inside the colander,
pointed up toward the ceiling, before the kids come into the room to make sure the effect
works.
If you are not using a Christ candle, have a small lamp on the altar.
You will also need a copy of Minutes for Mission 2016, as large a map of Canada as
possible, tape or sticky-tack, and a printed and cut out set of Community Ministries
Cards (p. 71).
Gather the supplies for the response activities you choose. See below.

Have the room in darkness as the children enter. Have helpers ready to assist any who may
be a bit nervous or scared. You will want at least some light coming into the space. Be
sensitive to the needs in the group.
Invite the children to repeat back to you the words below as a Call to Worship. Use actions
if you wish. You could also call on another leader or an older child or teen to lead this.
God loves us!
God loves us!
We love God!
We love God!
We wont hide our light!
Well let it shine!
Well let it shine!
Well help people see!
Well help people see!
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Ask the children whether they are afraid of the dark. If yes, what makes them afraid? Is God
still with them in the dark? What can they do when they are afraid? What is good about
the dark? What do they like about it? Mention that it is only in darkness that we can see
the stars, and light creates darkness too, making shadows. They both work together and do
different important things.
Story (5 min.)
(based on Isaiah 9:27, 42:17, 60:13)
Invite the Old Testament visitor to come forward and share this story:
Wow, its almost like nighttime in here. It can be hard to see, even if we like being in the dark.
You know, it reminds me of some of the things Isaiah told our people over 2,500 years ago.
Isaiah was a prophet. That meant he gave us messages from God, usually telling us to shape
up. He also told us about things God was going to do.
Those were tough times, and it was pretty scary. But Isaiah told us the people who didnt
know where they were going would see a great light to guide them. God would bless the
people who were struggling. He said we would be happy and a special child would be
born. That child would have some amazing names: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This child would be a king even more powerful
than David. We couldnt even imagine! More important than King David?!
But Isaiah also told us about a special servant God would send who would be full of Gods
Spirit and would bring justice to every nation. He would have a different kind of power. He
wouldnt break off a bent reed or blow out a flickering lamp. He would protect those who
were weak. He would never lose courage or hope. And he would make things right.
Isaiah talked about how God made the heavens and stretched them out (volunteer turns
on flashlight inside colander). It reminded me of the story of Abraham and how his family
would be so big that there would be more of them than all the stars in the sky. Wow! Gods
people would be a bigger number than all the twinkling stars in the heavens! Isaiah said
Gods servant would make a covenant, a special promise, with all people and bring light
everywhere to help blind people to see and to set prisoners free.
Isaiah told us we needed to get up and shine because the glory of God was shining on us.
Gods presence would be so bright that people would come to us. They would want to be
in Gods presence too. It would be like a brand new day, bright with Gods beautiful light. I
couldnt wait to see it! (Storyteller gets up, shaking head in wonder, and joins the group.)

1. Who are people today who struggle and need hope?
2. What does the word justice mean to you?
3. What makes someone weak? How do people respond to someone who is weak?
4. Who in your church, school, or community needs help or protecting?
5. How does our church help people in our community who need it?
6. I wonder who is a prophet today, bringing messages from God?
7. I wonder what it feels like to not be able to see where you are going?
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8. I wonder what it is like to bring hope to someone who is afraid?

9. I wonder what it is like to be in a prison?
10. I wonder how God shines on us now?

Begin as a whole group with this first activity.
Hand out the Community Ministries Cards to older children or helpers. Talk about how God
asks us to be like the servant Isaiah talked about. Have your Minutes for Mission booklet
available to elaborate on what is on the cards, if needed. We are to help people around us
who are weak and not liked by everyone. Talk about how different United Churches across
Canada are doing wonderful things to help people in their communities. Hold up the map of
Canada, and have those with the cards read what is on them one at a time and bring them
forward. Attach them with a small piece of tape or sticky-tack to the map close to where
the card is describing.
Ask who needs help in your own community. What is something we could do to help?
Brainstorm ideas, or just let the question percolate to return to next week. If the children
have ideas already, write them down and transfer them later to chart paper to be posted
on or near the Celebrate the Journey wall along with the map of Canada with the ministry
cards attached.
Let the children know they can choose to visit one or more of the activity centres set up
in the room. They can visit just one or all of them. They can change centres when they are
ready.
Centres
Set up as many or as few centres as you feel will work with your group and the time you
have.
Crayon Resist Painting

You will need: 8.5" x 11" sheets of white paper, bright-coloured crayons, paintbrushes,
watered-down black paint, plastic tablecloths for the work surface, paint shirts if possible
1. Draw a picture on a sheet of paper, pressing hard with the crayons (have the child write
their name on the back first).
2. When the picture is finished, paint a thin layer of the watered-down black paint over top
and notice how it wont stick to the crayon.
Talk about how Gods light and dark are like thisthey work together and do different
things.
Friendship Braids/Bracelets
You will need: a variety of colours of yarn, gimp, hemp, or leather lacing, scissors, scotch
tape
Hopefully someone in your team knows how to make friendship bracelets, but a braid is
just as good. There are also many good books on simple friendship bracelets as well as
instructions online.
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1. Choose three colours of the same material, and cut them to the same length (no more
than 30 cm/12 in.).
2. Tie the three ends in a knot, and tape the knot to a table edge. (Offer help if children
need it.)
3. Braid or knot the three threads. (Show the children how to do it. If any know how to make
friendship bracelets already, let them go to it, and ask whether they will help others.)
Talk about how when we stand on our own we are less strong, but when we stand together
we are stronger (see Ecclesiastes 4:912).
Music
Writing
Have lined and blank paper and possibly special writing paper available with pens and
pencils.
1. Write about the words given for the child to be born: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. What do you think this child will be like?
2. Make a list of people who need someone like the gentle servant Isaiah talked about or a
list of people you know who are part of your church family or other churches.
3. Write a story about what the gentle servant will do when he comes.
4. Write a poem about stars or the heavens.
Shadow Play
Have a bright light, preferably on a stand. A white sheet would be great and can be draped
over a table, but is not necessary. Encourage the children to create funny shadows with their
hands and bodies. Ask: Could there be shadows without light? Could there be light without
shadows? What do shadows do for us? What makes them fun? What would the world be
like without them?

Gather the group at the Prayer Wall. Make note of new prayers that are posted, and lead the
group in a simple prayer together celebrating Gods promises and gentle people who help
those in need. Thank God for the opportunity to shine light in dark places.
Blessing
Gods light is everywhere that people need God. God is in dark places, and God is in bright
places. You never have to be afraid. Go in peace, and share the good news! Amen.
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Community Ministries Cards
Wesley-Knox and
First-St. Andrews churches in
London, Ontario, used a
Bread Not Stones campaign to
talk about how no children should
live without a home or enough food
or clothing in Canada.
Davenport Perth
Community Ministry in
Toronto offers the
Pelham Park Resource Centre,
a safe place for people
of all ages to learn about
health and the arts.
Oneida United Church, in

Oneida Nation of the Thames
(Ontario), holds services in the
Oneida language, providing a
spiritual home and a place to
build community.
Bridges to Hope in
St. Johns, Newfoundland, is a
place that offers kitchen programs,
food, and school supplies to
those in need. It is supported
by United Churches.
Many United Churches

and their members send money
so kids can go to summer camp
at United Church camps all
across Canada.
Faith United Church

in Kingston, Ontario, is one
of many churches that planted a
Heart Garden to remember
First Nations children who died
in residential schools.
Shirley Goodness had

an idea to raise money to help
people. She worked with other
people in British Columbia
Conference to hold a special
concert and raised over $4,000.
Inner City Pastoral Ministry

was started by Edmonton
Presbytery, Alberta, in 1978 to
help people who were struggling
and losing hope. It still helps
lots of people in need.
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Sunday 3 Worship:
Participating in Our Churchs Mission
Mission & Service
French version of
worship service
Video for Sunday 3
Introduction
Why Isaiah 40:15 for this weeks reflection? According to Walter Brueggemann, this passage
brings God back into the world with a powerful intervention that creates new possibilities.
The Isaiah passage reminds us that the vision and the work are first of all God's. For that
vision to come into being in this world, barriers need to be torn down, deeply shadowed
places lifted up, and rough patches smoothed out. This passage invites us into compassion,
to notice what stands between people and the world God intends, and to act. It is an
invitation to smooth the way and journey together rather than a claim that we can fix
things.
Before We Gather
To engage the worshipping community in advance, invite people the week before to watch
the newspapers, magazines, and online media for places where Gods intervention is needed
and for images of people working toward Gods vision. People could bring a clipping or
printout to add to a collage, or write the headline on a whiteboard on the way in to the
service. If your church uses social media, people could share their thoughts during the week
on a Facebook page or using a Twitter hashtag (such as #M&Shighway).
We Gather
Prelude
God summons Jesus disciples to speak words of comfort, to shine Gods light on the road
we travel together. May the Creators light open our eyes to see the world as God dreams
it. May the Spirits light help us to see what stands in the way of Gods vision, and may the
Christ show us how to smooth the path that leads the world there.
Hymn
Opening Prayer
God of vision and promise, your prophets speak words of comfort to those who despair.
May we hear your hope for our time.
Your prophets speak with love about your promise.
May your compassion open us to see each other and the world as you do.
Your prophets challenge all people to work for your vision.
May we be the salt that enables all to taste your godliness. May we be the light
that draws out the God-colours of this world for all to see. May all creation rejoice
together in your light.
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Childrens Time
Engage the children in a conversation about challenges on our path and the promise Isaiah
made with something like this:
Isaiah wrote in the Bible about a time when the bad things that were happening in
the world would be changed. He said: Dont worry. Soon your troubles will end.
You have been on a bumpy road, but soon everyone will see how God wants us to
live and will work together to make the world better.
Use one of the stories from Minutes for Mission 2016 to share about how people are doing
just that. Mention that when we support the Mission & Service of our United Church we help
them to change the world.
If the children are heading to a separate children's program, let them know they will talk
about how God gave us Jesus to help us learn how to smooth out the road. If the children
are staying in church, talk a little more about the kinds of rough patches or mountain barriers
they live with or see in the world. Provide paper (card stock or on a clipboard) for them to
draw a smooth road. These drawings could be shared at the offering time.
Some of the Minutes for Mission 2016 stories that deal with children directly are January 3,
February 14, February 28, April 10, and October 23.
Hymn
Words of Assurance (if a prayer of confession is included)
All flesh is fragile, changeable as grass, but still all is sheltered in the love of God and
empowered by the Spirit of God. Gods promise may be slow in coming, but God is on the
road. We shall see the light of God together. In the light of Gods vision, we find comfort and
hope.
We Hear the Word

Prayer for Illumination
God of hope and promise, help us to hear your vision for the world, to see the way to live
into that vision, and to welcome the companions you provide on the road. May the words
we hear and the message we absorb strengthen our commitment to be your salt and your
light in this world. Amen.
Scripture
Isaiah 40:15
Responsive Reading
Isaiah 12
Gospel
Matthew 5:1316a

Message/Sermon (followed by silent reflection)
Hymn
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We Respond
Minute for Mission
We are summoned to join in Gods mission, to smooth the road for Gods coming, to open
the windows and doors so Gods light can shine. As we prepare to respond to Gods call,
we remember that we are not alone in this project. We have companions in this work, some
nearby and some in far places. Let us join in Gods mission with our lives and our gifts.
Offertory Hymn
Offering Prayer
God, our companion and our guide, bless the gifts we offer with your power to change the
world, so all may see the brilliance of your light and taste the comfort of your love. Amen.

Suggested chorus: Dont Be Afraid (More Voices 90) or Behold, Behold, I Make All Things
New (MV 115)
Pastoral Prayer/Prayers of the People

(Before the prayers of the people, you might invite the congregation to name peoples or
individuals for whom they would like the worship leader to pray. Or create a space in each
section for people to speak the names of people and places, aloud or in silence. Consider
praying for the people mentioned in the Minutes for Mission used in the service.)
Compassionate God, God of hope and promise, we bring to you this world that longs for
your light, for the brightness of your presence, for peace, and for justice. There are places
right now where the twin shadows of fear and despair block your light. We pray for your
presence in (name a couple of obvious in the news places in Canada and the world). We
pray for your light to shine and a path to open.
Gracious God in Heaven, your attention never wavers; you never forget those who suffer,
while people who are not in the news fall out of our awareness. Today we seek for ways
to bring your light, your peace, and your hope for the people of (name a couple of less
currently in the news places where trouble lingers).
Compassionate Creator, we remember all our relations, our connection to the whole of this
world, our dependence on the health of this planet. We seek to make a difference in this
world, to be the light that brings out the God-colours around us. Help us to be your light in
this world.
As we walk through our days, help us to understand with your help the barriers to peace,
the walls that prevent justice. Give us your compassion so we will notice the rough path that
others walk, and teach us the way to smooth the road so your vision can come, so your way
will be lived in this world.
We bring to you the people close to us who are living a rough patch in their lives, those who
find a wall between them and you, those who walk in shadow. Today we ask your light to
shine in the lives of (name those the congregation has identified). God of compassion and
grace, enlighten these your children with the presence of your Spirits power.
As we pray in hope, we also give thanks for the knowledge of your intention for the world,
for our experience of your power, for the people who have been salt and light for us,
opening us to your presence in the world. We pray you will guide us toward the place where
your light shines freely in us and in all. Amen.
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Hymn
Sending
The vision of God is on the way. The power of God is at work to smooth the way to a new
world. Come, let us join the work of God, removing the barriers to justice, smoothing the
challenges that make it hard to build peace, and rejoicing with our companions on this
journey. And may the comfort of God the Creator find us where we walk, the power of God
the Spirit lift us up as we journey, the light of God in Christ show us our way as we travel
with the people of God into joy.
Postlude
Suggestions:
Theres a Voice in the Wilderness (Voices United 18)
Creating God, Your Fingers Trace (VU 265)
O Radiant Christ, Incarnate Word (VU 84)
Will You Come and Follow Me (VU 567)
For the Healing of the Nations (VU 678)
Let There Be Light (VU 679)
God of Grace and God of Glory (VU 686)
Theres a Wideness in Gods Mercy (VU 271)
Go, Make a Diffrence (More Voices 209)
Sent Out in Jesus Name (MV 212)
There Is a Time (MV 165)
As Long as We Follow (MV 140)
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Sunday 3 Worship:
Mission & Service
Sermon 1: Smoothing and Lighting the Path
In the stillness of the night, the world takes on a different perspective. We can see light in
a new way. We live in a world of contradictions of hope and despair, of joy and struggle.
Images of displaced people flash through our minds; worries about the future we are leaving
those who come after us can fill our hearts with a sense of sadness. And yet, for every
troubling moment, there is a moment of hope; for every hill and valley, there is a clear path
for us to walk together.
Our New Creed assures us that We are not alone, we live in Gods world. This is the light
that shows us the way; we walk a path of faith surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.
And yet, there are times when we feel we have lost our way. Many vulnerable people in our
midst and in our community are in desperate need of healing and hope. Many are seeking
a place of warm welcome, a place of safety, a place where the love and hope in community
can be shared, a place of practical care.
In the reading from Matthew this morning Jesus tells us we are here to be light, bringing out
the God-colours in the world. He is handing off to us the responsibility to be the light in the
world, to bring encouragement, comfort, and compassion to others. All Jesus ever asks of us
in return for the precious gift of his light is to share it with others, to straighten the curved
and rocky path some have to travel, and make it smooth and easier for them to navigate.
Our United Church Creed states that we are not alone, we live in Gods world, and as such
are urged to love and serve others. We know Gods work is our work, that the reason for
church is to fulfill Gods mission. Yes, we know this you say, but there are so many requests
for our support that it is at times overwhelming. Whom do we help? How do we help?
Our Mission & Service makes it easier to answer those questions. Right here in Canada and
around the world, our gifts for Mission & Service are signs of our salt and God-colours in
the world. Our gifts provide the right support at the right time to people who need it most.
Our United Church works in partnership with organizations across Canada and around
the world. We are blessed with Mission & Service partners who are long-time companions
seeking justice, loving kindness, and journeying with the lost and alone. Our partners live
out the calling to walk with those on the margins year after year; they focus on the needs of
the people on the margins. The needs of the people in the communities where our partners
serve are many and varied.
Today I would like to share with you stories from three areas of ministry supported by our
gifts for Mission & Service: Indigenous ministries and the ongoing work of healing and
reconciliation, support for refugees through private sponsorship and resettlement, and the
human rights work of our Mission & Service global partners in the Philippines.
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Our Commitment to Reconciliation between Indigenous and

Non-Indigenous People
In December 2015 the Truth and Reconciliation Commission made public its final report to
the Canadian people. This marked the end of the commissions mandate and the beginning
of the next stage of our path for reconciliation as a church and as a society.
In 1883, Sir John A. Macdonalds government intentionally built residential schools far away
from families and communities as a way to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream
Christian society and do away with the Indian problem. The residential school experience is
one of the darkest and most troubling chapters in our collective history.
The Honourable Justice Murray Sinclair (Manitobas first Indigenous judge), the chair of
the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, said that from the first story they heard: We
understood from that moment, very deeply, not only the significance of what we were doing
but the sacredness of it. It is the survivors telling of their stolen childhoods that has shaken
us all awake, says Marie Wilson, a member of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission
who spoke at the United Churchs 42nd General Council. She urged those assembled to
always feel outrage at injustice, to hope for what is possible, and to respect that every life
has the potential to make a difference. Love, she said, has the power to transform a life, a
relationship, a church, a country.
Our gifts to Mission & Service support Indigenous ministries and the work of healing and
reconciliation. Here are a few examples of the work being done.
Week-long camps called Wampum and Neechi are held for Indigenous and non-Indigenous
youth at several locations across the church. At these church-led, reconciliation-themed
youth events, youth learn about the history and damage of residential schools, as well as
Indigenous history and cultural values.
Toronto Urban Native Ministry offers pastoral and practical support to Indigenous people
living in that city. It is estimated that approximately 80,000 Indigenous people live in the
Toronto area. Life in the city can be exceedingly difficult because of racism, isolation, and
poverty.
The Haida language is threatened. Only 16 fluent speakers aged 7585 are left. Ten Elders
teach at the Skidegate Haida Immersion Program in British Columbia. They teach new
learners and record and document the language with community support.
The Sandy-Saulteaux Spiritual Centre is an Indigenous theological and ministry training
program of The United Church of Canada that prepares Indigenous people for lay and ordered
ministry. This theological school affirms a style of leadership appropriate to Indigenous
culture and Indigenous church experience, and develops and tests curricula and models to
uphold this style of learning. The centre also provides cross-cultural and spiritual awareness
programs to the non-Indigenous community that contributes to reconciliation.
Walking with Refugees

Our gifts also support the Montreal City Mission, which offers refugee resettlement and
support programs. In 1910 a British Methodist pastor named Bowman Tucker founded
Montreal City Mission to welcome and provide services for immigrants arriving from Europe.
Over a century later that spirit of hospitality is still thriving.
Refugees receive support through the Montreal City Mission Just Solutions Clinic, which
provides free legal information and assistance, rights advocacy, and accompaniment to
vulnerable and disadvantaged individuals in the area of refugee and immigration law.
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Montreal City Mission has two social work students supporting Syrian refugees of all ages,
including in its summer day camp, Camp Cosmos.
Since 1985 the Anglican United Refugee Alliance has been working with churches in
southern Ontario to provide hope and refugee resettlement. They are working in this historic
moment to facilitate record levels of sponsorship of refugees from Syria and other parts of
the world.
Mission & Servicefunded staff in the Church in Mission Unit have helped hundreds of
congregations through the sponsorship process.
Human Rights Work of Global Partners in the Philippines

Our gifts for Mission & Service support 94 global partners in 23 countries in their work on
issues of human rights, sustainable agriculture, health, and micro-credit. I would like to share
with you the story of two of our global partners in the Philippines.
Since 1980 the United Church has been in partnership with the United Church of Christ in
the Philippines and the Cordillera Peoples Alliance. We now share a mutual recognition of
ministry agreement with the United Church of Christ in the Philippines. It is because of these
partnerships that we are able to hear the stories of the struggles and hopes of the Filipino
people. The 42nd General Council voted in favour of the mutual recognition of ministry on
August 13, 2015.
The Cordillera Peoples Alliance is working for the rights of Indigenous people living in
the Cordillera region of the Philippines. Lacob, Abra, is an area rich in gold that is much
sought after by North American mining companies. The alliance fights for the rights of the
people to save what is left of their drinkable water, which is being destroyed by a huge
hydroelectric development and mega dams. They fight to protect their land from being
stripped bare by mining practices, leaving farmers with no useable land in which to grow
rice, a food staple and commodity for which they are famous. The alliance also fights to
preserve the culture of Indigenous people.
United Church partners in the Philippines continue to fear for their lives because of
extrajudicial killings and political imprisonment of people defending Indigenous peoples
rights. These incidents are happening with no consequences to government agencies that
carry out these killings, particularly the extrajudicial killings of political activists, human
rights defenders, journalists, leaders of opposition parties and community organizations, and
those working for Indigenous peoples rights.
* * * * *
Jesus told us we are to be a light in the worldto draw out the God-colours of this world for
all to see. That light shines through our gifts for Mission & Service. Our gifts enable ministries
that smooth the way and make the journey one that is shared. Our gifts reveal Gods love
and enable Indigenous ministries, healing, and reconciliation work; our gifts enable refugee
ministries; and our gifts support human rights. By continually supporting our Mission &
Service we turn Christs light into a beacon of hope for others. Amen.
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Sunday 3 Worship:
Mission & Service
Sermon 2: Making a Clearer Path
This is an option for three voices. Each person talks about one aspect of making the
highway to Gods vision straight, and reads a Minute for Mission that reflects that kind of
work. Suggestions are made, but you can also encourage each reader to choose which
Minute they wish to read. To connect with last weeks conversation about congregational
mission, one reader might talk about a project in your presbytery or Conference that is
supported by Mission & Service. To include more than one area of Mission & Services work,
consider asking each reader to choose from one of the areas of work using the legend
provided at the beginning of the 2016 booklet.
Reader One
Isaiah speaks of tearing down the mountains. This reminds us that there are barriers
between the way the world is and the way God dreams it can be. Part of our mission is to
take down the structures that block justice; to open doors in the walls that block peace; and
to deal with the obstacles, such as prejudice or a history of abuse, to right relationship. This
kind of work is described in this Minute for Mission: (among the options are the Minutes for
March 6, March 20, September 18, and November 13).
Reader Two
Isaiah speaks of raising up the valleys. When we think of a valley, we may remember a
beautiful and peaceful place, but clefts in the land can be deeply shadowed places. Valleys
can wind and twist so a person feels lost. Psalm 23 speaks of the valley of the shadow of
death. The impediments to Gods dream can be emotional trauma and grief. What blocks
peoples path to peace can be the shadows of fear and despair. We are encouraged to see
the experience of others that leads them to doubt the promise of God and the opportunity
for peace to come. This Minute for Mission describes the work of raising up the valleys and
shining the light that banishes shadow: (among the options are the Minutes for February 21,
March 13, March 27, and September 11).
Reader Three
Isaiah claims that there will be a smooth highway for God to come. This promise is picked up
in the gospels, where John the Baptist is given this task of making the highway straight. For
all of us, life has its rough patches. There are bumps and challenges we must deal with. For
some, the resources to get through these difficult times are hard to find. Support for these
challenges is one of the gifts described in this Minute for Mission: (among the options are
the Minutes for January 17, April 13, October 2, and October 16).
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Mission & Service
Gather a copy of Minutes for Mission 2016, as large a map of the world as possible,
scotch tape or sticky-tack, and a cutout set of Global Ministries Cards (p. 86).
Supplies for the response activities you choose. See below.

Invite the children to repeat back to you the words below as a Call to Worship. Use actions if
you wish. You could also call on another leader or older child or teen to lead this.
God loves us!
God loves us!
We love God!
We love God!
We wont keep God a secret!
We wont keep God a secret!

Have the children sit in front of the world map. Ask them whether they have visited any
places in their province or territory, other parts of Canada, or other countries. If they can,
have them come and point out where these places are (or you can if theyre not sure where
to find them on the map).
Where around the world do people they know live (like relatives, friends on Facebook, or
people they see in the news like the royal family)? Ask how long it takes to travel to different
countries and how we can get to them today (boat, plane, car, train, etc.). Where would they
like to go if they could travel anywhere?
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Story (5 min.)
(based on Isaiah 40:15; Matthew 1:182:12; Luke 1:2638 and 2:120)
Invite the angel to come forward to share this story:
Its good to see all of you today! Ive got good newsgreat news! For a long, long time,
Gods people werent doing good things or honouring God. The prophet Isaiah told them
something BIG was going to happen. God knew they were unhappy. They needed to get
ready for what God was bringing, to prepare the way for it to happen. Where there were
bumps in the road to trip them up, those mountains and hills had to be flattened out. Where
there were valleys to fall into, those had to be filled in. All had to be smooth for God to come
to them in the wilderness. Then the glory of God would be shown to them, and it would be
absolutely amazing! And it was!
When the time was right, my angel friend Gabriel visited a teenaged girl named Mary and
told her God wanted her to have a baby boy and to call him Jesus. He would be Gods Son
and change the world! And you know what? She said yes! She was about to marry Joseph
at the time, and at first he wasnt happy. But in a dream he was told it was Gods plan, so
Joseph got on board. So there they were; she was about to have the baby, and they had
to go to Bethlehem to get registered because thats where Joseph was from. When they
got there, Mary gave birth to baby Jesus in a stable with the animals because the town was
packed with travellers and the inn was full.
I will never forget that night! I got to sing in the huge choir when Gabriel told the shepherds
to go and see the Saviour who had been born, the Messiah who would save the world. Then
all of us angels sang, Glory to God in highest heaven and peace on earth to those pleasing
God! Those shepherds hightailed it to Bethlehem and found baby Jesus in the manger just
like Gabriel said. Then they went and told everybody they could find the good news!
The last part of the story is really neat. The night Jesus was born a HUGE star appeared in
the sky over that stable. And away over in the east there were kings, Wise Men who studied
the stars, who saw it. And they knew this was the star talked about by the prophets, so
they packed up their stuff, hopped on their camels, and travelled for about two years just to
meet the new king of the Jews. They knew this was the biggest thing to happen in a long
time. When they made it to Jerusalem, they figured the child king would be in a palace, so
they went to see King Herod. Herod had no idea what they were talking about, but his chief
priests didthey found Micahs prophecy. So Herod told the Wise Men to go to Bethlehem
and find the baby king and then let him know where the baby was so he could worship
him too. Good thing God told the Wise Men not to go back to Herod, because he was
jealous of Jesus and wanted to hurt him. Anyway, the Wise Men found Jesus in the house in
Bethlehem where he was living by then with Mary and Joseph. The Wise Men opened their
treasure chests and gave Jesus gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Can you imagine how
surprised Mary and Joseph were to have these rich visitors come from across the world?
Wow! I hope its a story you already know and that you will share it like the shepherds did.
Jesus coming as a baby changed the whole world forever!
(Storyteller joins the group.)
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with the ages and needs of your group:
1. What do you think the glory of God looks like?
2. How do you think Jesus has changed the world?
3. Would you want to spend the night in a barn with animals?
4. If you were a Wise Man or Woman, would you have wanted to travel that far to see Jesus?
5. What kind of gifts would you give to such a special baby?
6. I wonder how we can smooth the mountains and valleys for God to come?
7. I wonder what the wilderness is like?
8. I wonder how it feels to say yes to Gods plans?
9. I wonder what its like to follow a star?
10. I wonder what the journey on Gods road is like?

Begin as a whole group with this first activity:
Hand out the Global Ministries Cards to older children or helpers. Get out the world map,
and talk about how God cares about the whole world and how, when Jesus was born, the
whole world was changed. God wants us to care about our neighbours around the world
too, not just the ones nearby. Have your Minutes for Mission 2016 booklet available to
elaborate on what is on the cards if needed.
Talk about how, when we work together, we can journey with different people around the
world. They can teach us about different cultures and ways of living, and together we can
find solutions to problems. When we share and care, particularly through contributing to
Mission & Service, everyone benefits. Have those with the cards read what is on them and
bring them forward one at a time to attach to the map of the world with tape or sticky-tack.
Be sure to mention that these are just some of the many ways our gifts through Mission &
Service serve the world!
Revisit the brainstormed ideas from last week about who in the local community needs help
and what you could do. Talk about places around the world the children care about and why.
Add to ideas of what is important to the group and how God may be asking them to help.
Post the world map and the childrens ideas on or near the Celebrate the Journey wall, and
start to think about how followup can happen.
Let the children know they can choose to visit one or more of the activity centres set up
in the room. They can visit just one or all of them. They can change centres when they are
ready.
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Centres
Set up as many or as few of these as you feel will work with your group and the time you have.
Star Glitter Painting

You will need:
sheets of black construction paper
paintbrushes and star-shaped sponges
glitter paint in shallow bowls; for each colour: about 3045 mL (23 tbsp.) of clear hair
gel, 5 mL (1 tsp) of glitter, and several drops of a light-coloured (yellow, orange, or pink)
or glow-in-the-dark liquid watercolour or tempera paint (experiment with amounts to get
desired effect)
plastic tablecloths for the work surface
paint shirts if possible
1. Choose whether to use a regular paintbrush to paint the night sky, or dip the sponges in
paint and stamp them on the black paper. A star-shaped sponge can be the special star.

Encourage the children to use a different paintbrush or sponge for each colour of paint
to keep the colours from getting muddy.
2. Write the childs name on the back before they move on to another station.
Salt Dough
One batch makes enough for four children.
You will need for each batch:
750 mL (3 cups) flour
45 mL (3 tbsp.) cooking oil
1 packet (4 g/14 oz.) powdered drink crystals
125 mL ( cup) salt
water
a clean surface
measuring cups and tablespoons
mixing bowls
plastic tablecloths
plastic wrap or bags to take dough home
1. In a mixing bowl stir together the flour and salt.
2. In another bowl, combine the cooking oil, drink crystals, and 125 mL ( cup) of water.
3. Stir the flour and salt mixture into the liquid mixture.
4. Continue stirring in more water until the clay is like pie dough.
As the children work with the dough, ask them how this is like making the hills and valleys
from the story or making them flat. How can the children make the way ready for God?
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Music
Writing
Write about a place in the world you would like to visit or help.
List all the things the Wise Men would have needed to pack for their trip.
Write about how Mary, Joseph, a shepherd, or a Wise Man were feeling during this story.
Write a poem about what Christmas means to you or an acrostic of the word
Christmas.
Dramatic Play
Challenge the children who visit this centre to act out parts of the Christmas story or tell it
in their own words. Any costumes you have would make it that much better!

Gather the group at the Prayer Wall. Make note of new prayers that are posted, and lead
the group in a simple prayer together celebrating how Gods promises are never broken and
being thankful for Jesus coming into the world to show all of Gods children the way.
Blessing
Jesus came to be our Emmanuel, God with us. Jesus came to bring peace and light. Go with
the peace of Christ and the light of Gods love! Amen.
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Global Ministries Cards
In Nicaragua, our gifts for

Mission & Service provide a
healthy breakfast and lunch for
kids who have to live on the street
and pays for them to be able to
go to school.
Our gifts for Mission & Service

help people in Syria who have
had to leave their homes to find
somewhere safe to live because of
the war there. Some of them are
finding new homes in Canada.
Our gifts for Mission & Service

help farmers in Kenya get
training in how to grow much
more food so people have
enough to eat.
Money raised through

Mission & Service helps people
in Thailand understand one
another and their different faiths
and beliefs and to respect one
another and bring peace.

Mission & Service helps the
Dohoku Centre in Japan bring
churches together and help
people to grow more and
better food.

Mission & Service helps people in
India to be treated fairly so they can
continue fishing and make enough
money to live like they did before
the tsunami in 2004.
In Peru, money raised through

Mission & Service helps the
Hope Centre offer job training to
women, arts activities for children,
and special programs for youth to
help them believe in their dreams.

Mission & Service helps people in
the Philippines rebuild their lives
after Typhoon Haiyan, a huge
windstorm that came and hurt
many people and destroyed
many homes in 2013.
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Sunday 4 Worship:
Inviting GenerosityGiving Sunday
Video for Sunday 4
Introduction: The Invitation to Generosity

Over the time before this Sunday the focus has moved from our own response to Gods
generosity in how we live our lives and practise gratitude and generosity through being
inspired in worship and through examples of why people give to the ministry of your
congregation and to the mission of our denomination. To support this there have been
letters or peer-to-peer and face-to-face conversations, with an invitation to make a prayerful
and intentional gift. Today when we gather on this fourth Sunday we will recap the process
and collect Response Cards that have not yet been returned.
There are some natural places in the service where this invitation can be made:
as the congregation gathers
before, during, or following the sermon
before the offering is received
It is most appropriate that a Giving Team Lead make this invitation and include
Thanks
Begin with thanks for all the contributions that are made to the life and ministry of the
congregation and church.
Inspire: Telling Our Story
Share your own Why I give story, basing it in a response to Gods generosity in your
own life and indicating that you have already made your own intentional gift.

Remind the congregation of the impact of the ministry of the congregation (reference
the Narrative Budget, which shows what the money does) and of the impact of the
ministry of the denomination through Mission & Service (reference M&S at a Glance).
Ask: Inviting Generosity

Make the invitation to contribute, and ask that all Response Cards be handed in in their
sealed envelope (whatever the contribution) at the offering.
Thanks: Modelling Gratitude
Conclude with thanks (perhaps specifically to those who have been Giving Program
volunteers), and encourage everyone to return next week to celebrate the collective
generosity of the community.
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God Invites Us to Gather

(Where you see * you are invited to rise!)
Greeting, Welcome
In the deep of the night,
when our eyes cannot see
Christs light is a beam,
to guide on the Way.
In the moments of gloom,
when lifes fog can conceal
Christs light brightens,
and warms where we are.
In the bright of our days,
when the worlds glitter
catches our desire
Christs light is the true gold,
gathered and shared.
(lighting the candle)
Let this light remind us of Christs light,
with us always. Alleluia!
Alleluia, amen!
Call to Worship
O Gods Salty People:
Come to this place and be who you are.
People of Salt and Light!
With the work of your hands
and the work of your hearts.
To refresh, to renew,
to sing and to pray;
to be children of God,
Christs disciples all the way!
Then, seasoned anew,
bright, shiningalive
well go to the world,
to help it to thrive!
PEOPLE OF SALT AND LIGHT!
Opening Prayer
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Great Giver of all Gifts,

we come to you, today,
to ask for one more.
We ask that you would make
your presence known among us.
We ask that you would
open our inner heart,
so that we might feel your love.
We ask that you would
sing your Song,
so that we might hear your hope
and your joy.
Be our salt.
Be our light.
Great God of all.
In Jesus name, we ask it. Amen.
*Hymn
I Feel the Winds of God (Voices United 625)
God Invites Us to Explore

Learning Together
Sung Prayer before Reading Scripture

Open Our Hearts (More Voices 21)
Scripture
Leviticus 2:12, 13
This is the witness of Gods people!
Thanks be to God.
Matthew 5:1316
This is the witness of Gods people!
Thanks be to God.
Sermon
God Sends Us Out to Live the Call

Invitation to Share
Did you know that the word salary comes from a Roman custom of paying the troops
in salt?! Its an interesting note, as we come to this point in our services focused around
stewardship, because today is the day we are asked to make our commitments to one
another about how we will share our salt!
We hope you have received the forms before today, had a chance to read them through,
and to think about (and pray about!) how you will share the gifts God has given you through
the ministries of ____________ United Church, and the ministries of the wider United Church
through Mission & Service. If you havent received a copy of the form, the ushers/greeters
have blank copies. Please take one, and if you need more time, let me know when one of the
members of the Stewardship Team can collect it from you.
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Take a moment. If you need to, fill in the form. Read it through. Hold it in your hands, and
know that it is one of the ways you will help to be salt and light in Gods world.
(Give people the time they need to complete the forms.)
This morning, were asking you to place your form on the offering plate as it goes by. If you
have a financial offering to place on the plate, please do that as well.
For those of you who are guests with us, this morning wed like to ask for your help. As the
plate comes by, we ask you to hold it for a moment. Place your hand over it, and offer your
blessing for the work of Christs people here and around the world.
(The commitment sheets and other offerings are gathered.)
*Offertory/Celebrating Gods Gifts and Praying Gods Blessing

Be Thou My Vision, verses 1, 4 (VU 642)
Offertory Prayer
Thank you, loving God,
for our waking and our sleeping,
for the tang of salt on our lips,
and the Christ light that shines
in us and through us;
bless what is on these plates
the symbols and commitments
of our work,
and how we wish to use it,
for you.
May these be signs of salt and light,
signs of life and love,
here, and everywhere.
Alleluia!
Alleluia, amen!
Prayers of the People and The Lords Prayer

God, we open our hearts to you,
in celebration and wonder.
Thank you for the spiciness in our lives!
Thank you for those moments of tang
that surprise us into new life.
Thank you for the moments of salt
the rough and ready parts of life
that help us to know we are truly alive.
Thank you, God of Salt and Light.
We pray for your world.
For all in this room.
For all in this community.
For all in this country.
For all around the world.
We pray that the bright light of your love
would shine into places of shadow:
places where greed and want,
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hate and anger,

work to destroy.
We pray that the bright light of your love
would bring healing and hope
to all who need it.
We pray, God of Salt and Light.
And we ask
that we might be the ones
you call to be your brightness,
to be your saltiness,
to be your love!
We ask it, God of Salt and Light.
We ask it, in the words Jesus gave to all of his disciples, knowing that you are our Mother,
and you are
Our Father
*Hymn
Spirit, Spirit of Gentleness (VU 375)
Life and Witness of the Faith Community

*Hymn: Go, Make a Diffrence (MV 209)
*Blessing and Sending Out

You are a salty people.
You are bright lights on foggy days.
You are conduits of Gods love
a love that changes you,
and changes the world,
always and all ways.
Go into the world with that daring love.
Go in peace.
In all that you do, do it for Gods love,
because the world needs it,
and you need it.
And go, remembering that
salt and light go with you.
The peace of Christ,
the love of the Creator,
the communion of the Holy Spirit
are with you.
Forever. Amen.
Amen!
*Response
As Long as We Follow (MV 140)
Postlude
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Sunday 4 Worship:
Sermon: Being Salt and Light to the World
This sermon begins with a story by the author about a personal connection with salt. To
adapt the sermon for yourself, either begin at paragraph two or reflect on salt and light to
uncover a personal connection or story related to this theme.
Whenever I hear this scripture from Matthews gospel with the metaphors of salt and light, it
automatically takes me to the place of my childhood. I grew up on the Atlantic Ocean, and
each morning in the summer and fall I would see the fishing boats going out of the harbour
with the seagulls following making all kinds of exciting noises, as they knew there would be
food for them as well. Taking a deep breath would give your nose a tingling spray of fresh
air and saltwater. The ocean teaming with many living things, tiny plankton to huge whales
could be seen from the front of my house. My children, who think seeing the whales is very
cool, would screw up their noses at the smell of the saltwater air, but to me it smelled of
home. The light reminds me of course of the lighthouses that scatter the coastline around
the island. The light that would years ago need to be tended by the lighthouse keeper and
their families that today is automated. A light that has been for centuries constantly shining
so the boats travelling the ocean waters would not only see the dangers that might be
before them but would also act as a beacon of hope for those looking for safety.
Salt and light. You are the salt of the earth. What did that mean for the disciples, and
what does that mean for us in our time and place in the history of this wonderful world
today? Many times we think of salt as simply a white, granular food seasoning. In fact, only 6
percent of all salt manufactured goes into food. Apparently we use salt in more than 14,000
different ways, from making products such as plastic, paper, glass, polyester, rubber, and
fertilizers to household bleach, soaps, detergents, and dyes. Salt is a food preservative. My
grandfather would salt his fish, and it would keep for the entire year until the next fishing
season. Salt has also been used to help heal. So in essence everyone uses salt directly
or indirectly every day. All animals and humans require salt for life and health. Since the
body cant manufacture it, it is important that this nutrient be part of our daily diet. Salt is
essential for life; without it, our bodies become chemically unbalanced; our muscles and
nervous system cease to function. In my recipe for chocolate chip cookies, I was always
amazed that with all of the ingredients of cup of sugar, cup of butter, cups of flour, it also
called for a pinch of salt. I always wondered what such a small amount of salt would do
for a recipe, and then I was told by a fellow baker that salt takes away bitterness. So salt is
essential to life, just as our discipleship is essential to the mission and ministry of Jesus. Salt
takes away bitterness, just as our ministries can help to alleviate the bitterness experienced
by so many in this world.
You are the light of the world. In small coves in Newfoundland before there was electricity
the only light in the deep darkness of the cove at night was the soft, yellow glow of the oil
lamps in windows. Imagine the relief and the hope that would have been experienced by
those who were travelling at night, trying to find home when they could not see. Imagine
what it felt like when they saw the glow of the tiny light of the oil lamp. For many it was
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a sign of arrival; they were finally home. For those who were travelling when bad weather
came upon them, to see that tiny light meant relief and hope knowing there was safety in
the cove and shelter from the storm for the stranger. I remember when our children were
small and we had power outages, which were common in winter in a storm. When it was
night and the lights would suddenly go out, we would hear a frightened cry from their
bedrooms. We would call out, Just stay where you are and we will come to you. Seeing a
parent coming into a room with a tiny candlelight made all the difference to a frightened
child. Jesus said, You are the light of the world. We are called to take the light that is Christ
into the fearful places in our world, where relief and hope are most needed.
How do we be salt and light to the world when there are so many demands on our very
selves and on our resources? Does it really matter how? What matters is that we do it
anyway. There will always be demands on our time, there will always be demands on our
resources, and there will always be demands on our very selves. Be salt and light anyway.
Do it because we know that Gods crazy and powerful love for us calls us to have the same
crazy and powerful love for Gods world. When we meet those who are salt and light in this
world, we recognize them because they are the spiritual giants in our midst. For them, in
spite of all the demands life places on them, they are salt and light for the world anyway.
I remember a woman in one of my pastoral charges who in her mid-50s had multiple health
problems and had to carry an oxygen tank with her all the time, all of which prevented her
from being able to work. In spite of all of her health concerns she raised her two children as
a single mom. What struck me was that, with all of her hardships, she would never speak
of how difficult life was or about what she didnt have, but instead she would speak of how
grateful she was for what she did have. When I would leave after a visit she would always
make sure her church envelopes went back to the church with me. There would not be
much in them, and some weeks I knew that it would mean the difference between a loaf of
bread or not. Each time I wanted to say to her, You dont have to do that. Keep your money;
the church will be OK. Yet the words couldnt come because I knew I was in the presence of
someone who understood that while the demands of life were many, she could do nothing
more than to live her life out of a place of generosity and give anyway. The worries of this
world are great, the places of deep pain and hurt are many, the demands on our time and
our resources and our very selves are overwhelmingbut give anyway. Be the salt and the
light this world needs. Amen
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INSPIRING Sunday 4 Sunday School

Coordinate with your music leader and your storyteller (if youre uncomfortable with
someone being Jesus, find a volunteer to read the passage from The Message).
Gather a strong flashlight and a variety of objects to try to shine light througha sock, a
fine metal screen, a mirror, a tube, a bucket, a sheet of clear plastic, a clear bowl of water,
a shower curtain, etc. Be creative!
Have a rainbow of some kind to hold up or show, whether its on fabric or on clothing or
one you make. Or, if you have access to one and know how to use it, show a prism (see
ehow.com/how_6281318_make-rainbows-prisms.html).
Gather supplies for the response activities you choose. See below.

if you wish. You could also call on another leader or older child or teen to lead this.
God loves us!
God loves us!
We love God!
We love God!

Invite the children to come close and try shining the flashlight through a variety of objects.
Which ones let the light through? Which ones do not? Talk about what helps light to shine
and what stops it.
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Story (5 min.)
(based on Matthew 5:1316 from The Message)
Invite Jesus to come forward or your volunteer to read the passage above, and then to
share this story:
Hi everyone! Im so glad you are all here. I want to talk to you today about salt and light. I
think youve been learning about this for a few weeks now. Listen, because what Im going
to say to you is important.
Do you know why God put you here? Youre here to be like salt, to bring out the God-flavours
of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste Gods goodness? If youve lost
your usefulness, you will end up in the garbage.
Let me say it another way: Youre here to be light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.
God is not a secret to be kept. Were going to tell everyone! It will be just like a city with lots
of lights on top of a hill. If I make you light-bearers, people who shine my light, you dont
think Im going to hide you under a bucket, do you? Im putting you on a light stand. Now
that Ive put you there on a hilltop, on a light standshine! Be welcoming and be generous
with your lives. By opening up to others and being there for them, youll make people want
to open up with God, your generous Creator in heaven.
Go shine brightly and be salty! You are already doing great things. Dont give up! Every time
you share love and point to me and to God, you are doing something very important, more
important than you will ever know. Peace be with you!
(Jesus joins the group or leaves.)

1. What kind of seasoning or flavour do you think you are most of the time?
2. What do you think different God-flavours taste like?
3. How do you think it feels to lose your saltiness?
4. How do you think it feels to be put on a hilltop to shine in front of people?
5. How would it feel to help someone know about Gods love?
6. I wonder what goodness tastes like?
7. I wonder what Gods colours are?
8. I wonder what it is like to be a light-bearer?
9. I wonder how it feels to be generous and to share?
10. I wonder what would happen if we didnt share Gods light?

Hold up your rainbow or demonstrate a prism, and talk about how God uses all the colours.
Mention how the United Church is committed to making everyone feel welcome and
important and special. Highlight how people of all kinds are always able to come in. Talk
about how work is being done to include people who are Deaf, who are young, who are
differently abled, who are are treated as strange or different, who are First Nations, who are
96
from different cultures, and many more. Everyone can find a place because Gods colours
are all the colours we can see, and they are all important.
Revisit the conversations of the last two weeks and the ideas of how you can help people in
your community and around the world as a response to Gods grace and goodness. Show
the ideas written out on chart paper and celebrate them, large and small. Talk about which
ones on the list are the most important. Choose one as a priority to start making a reality.
Commit to following up with the powers that be as needed, to get the wheels turning.
Let the children know they can choose to visit one or more of the activity centres set up in
the room. They can visit only one, or they can visit them all. They can move when they are
ready.
Centres
have.
Rainbow Glass Cookies

See page 99 for the recipe.
Stained-Glass Lamp
You will need:
small glass jars (dont need lids)
tealights
watered-down white glue
paint brushes
bright-coloured tissue paper cut or torn into pieces no bigger than 2.54 cm (1 in.) square
1. Choose a jar and some tissue paper squares.
2. Position a tissue paper square on the outside and paint the glue on top to make it stick
to the jar. Repeat until the whole outside of the jar has different-coloured squares glued
to it.
3. Place a tealight inside, and leave the jar to dry. When lit, the light will shine through the
paper.
or
Paper Punch-Out Lanterns

See http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/52935/paper-punch-lanterns.
You will need:
stapler or scotch tape
scissors
bright-coloured 8.5" x 11" paper
small hole punches (optional)
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Glow-in-the-Dark Bounce Balls

You will need:
2 mL ( tsp.) borax
60 mL (4 tbsp.) cornstarch
60 mL (4 tbsp.) warm water
bowls
white glue
15 mL (1 tbsp.) fluorescent or glow-in-the-dark paint
Find instructions here: growingajeweledrose.com/2013/05/play-recipes-homemade-bounceballs.html. Feel free to offer only one or two colours for this activity.
Talk about how these balls are kind of like us, and how God sends light into the world.
Music
Writing
Write about a time they let their light shine brightly or someone elses light shone
brightly.
Make a list of all the colours they can think of.
Write a story about what it would be like to live hidden under a bucket or to lose your
saltiness.
Write a poem about who Jesus is to them or where Gods light is most needed.

group in a simple prayer together celebrating how Jesus asks us to do amazing things to
make the world a better place.
Blessing
Jesus said, I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but
will have the light of life. Go in peace! Amen.
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Rainbow Glass Cookies

There are many recipes for these, which are sometimes called stained-glass cookies.
Recipe
250 mL (1 cup) margarine
250 mL (1 cup) brown sugar
125 mL ( cup) honey
50 mL ( cup) water
170 mL ( cup) sifted all-purpose flour
2 mL ( tsp.) salt
2 mL ( tsp.) baking soda
see-through hard candies or lollipops, sorted into colours and crushed into fine pieces and
in separate containers
Prepare the dough ahead of time:
1. Beat the margarine in a large bowl until its creamy, then blend in the honey and sugar.
Add the water, and beat until the mixture is smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, salt, and baking soda, then add this mixture a
bit at a time to the margarine mixture.
3. If the dough gets too stiff to stir, use your fingers. It should end up feeling like a soft clay.
If its too wet, slowly add more flour. If its too dry, add a little water.
4. Chill the dough in the freezer for at least 20 minutes.
Supplies for Session with Children

waxed paper, cookie sheets, foil, oven mitts, teaspoons
Making Dough Shapes

Give each child enough dough to make one cookie to start so everyone gets a chance.
1. Set the oven to 325F.
2. Tape some waxed paper to the tabletop, and roll out the dough into snakes about 1 cm
( in.) thick.
3. Use the dough snakes to make any design you want on a foil-lined cookie sheet. The
snakes join easilyjust press the ends together. (You could suggest trying to make a
stained-glass window, but any creative idea is great!)
4. If you want to hang your cookies like suncatchers, add a dough loop on top.
5. Bake cookies for about five minutes. Do not let them brown.
Adding Rainbow Glass

1. Take the cookies out of the oven and use teaspoons to fill each shape with an even layer
of candy pieces, using one colour for each hole. Remind the children not to touch the hot
cookie sheet!
2. Pop the cookies back in the oven. Watch them carefully, and take them out when the
candy starts to bubble after about five minutes.
3. Let the cookies cool for up to 30 minutes, and then carefully peel them off the foil.
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Sunday 5 Worship:
Giving ThanksModelling Gratitude
Video for Sunday 5
Introduction
It is particularly appropriate for this Sunday to include communion. The Salt and Light
Communion Liturgy is on page 33.
During this service, the children make symbols of gratitude to distribute to everyone. See
Childrens Time for the materials to gather ahead of time.
We Gather
Prelude
In Matthew, chapter 5, we hear that we are here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in
the world (Matthew 5:14, The Message). Pondering the wonders of light, we can imagine
that Jesus is lightpure, white light. As white light hits a prism, it splits into all the colours
of the rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. If we consider ourselves as the
prism and the light as Jesus coming upon us, we can imagine the indwelling within our
beings and dispersing back into the world as a God-coloured rainbow of grace. In this way,
we receive the grace of God, are transformed by it, and send grace into the world.
In this worship service, each God-colour is associated with a verb beginning with the letter
of that colour. Red = rebuilding, orange = outstanding, yellow = yearning, green = growing,
blue = beginning, and violet = vitalizing. These verbs are responses of gratitude to the grace
freely received from the light that is Jesus Christ.
The children will create symbols of gratitude this morning that each person will receive.
Each symbol will reflect one of the God-colour themes of gratitude. Each element of
the symbol is a reminder to us. The star shape reminds us of the star of Bethlehem, the
Epiphany light, and Jesus as light. The scripture scroll reminds us of the Word of God to
us this day and every day. The rubber band reminds us to be flexible. The word written on
the star reminds us of a particular God-colour, a particular way to respond in gratitude. The
colour of the word and star remind us that we are the prism through which the light of Jesus
transforms into God-colours, the God-colours that are articulated in the word associated
with the colour, the God-colours that transform the world. The button is a symbol of things
being held together and reminds us that God holds us together, that Gods got this.
As we are held by God, we are encouraged by the Word we receive today. The Word can be
something we can pray about, something we can search scripture for, and something we
can discern with other people of faith. The possibilities are endless!

Hymn
I Am the Light of the World (Voices United 87)
101
Opening Prayer
Jesus is the light of the world!
Let us gather in the light of Christ!
The Christ light passes through us
as light through a prism
Transforming us into God-colours in the world.
God colours us red,
rebuilding the broken-hearted.
God colours us orange,
giving thanks for the outstanding within us and around us.
God colours us yellow,
yearning for the lost.
God colours us green,
growing with new life.
God colours us blue,
seeking to nourish new beginnings.
God colours us violet,
sharing love that is vital.
Come, let us worship God,
who creates a rainbow of grace
in us, through us, and with us.
And give thanks to Jesus,
the light of the world!
Childrens Time
Supplies: flashlight and prism, paper
stars with a hole punched on one point
(stars are of each of the six colours),
coloured markers, rubber bands,
scriptures printed on paper, buttons,
glue
Assemble: Print the words associated
with each colour onto the stars.
Attach the scriptures with a rubber
band through the punched holes, and
glue the buttons on.
Lesson: White light refracts through a
prism and splits into all the colours of
the rainbow. The light is Jesus, we are
the prism, and the colours are the Godcolours of the world (from Matthew
5:14). The God-colours go into the
world as signs of our gratitude for the
grace that is freely given to us in Jesus,
the light of the world. The children
assemble the symbols of gratitude and
hand them out at the end of worship,
before the benediction.
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Hymn
Will You Come and See the Light (VU 96)
We Hear the Word

Scripture
Genesis 9:817
Psalm 150 (VU 874)
Galatians 6:2
Matthew 5:1316a

Sermon (followed by silent reflection)
Hymn
Arise, Your Light Is Come (VU 79)
We Respond
Minute for Mission
Freely we have received, and so, with gratitude for our lives as God-colours, freely we give.
Hymn for Presentation of the Offering

As with Gladness Men of Old, verse 3 (VU 81)
Offering Prayer
Gracious God, we give thanks for the gifts you offer to us each and every day.
At this time we offer to you
our gifts of time, talent, and treasure,
asking you to gather them up, bless them, and use them in your world.
May they paint the world in rainbow colours of rebuilding, nurturing things outstanding,
yearning, growing, beginning, and vitalizing. Let us be the God-colours of paint.
In Jesus name we pray, with the power of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

A Light Is Gleaming (VU 82)
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Pastoral Prayer/Prayers of the People

God loves to hear the prayers of Gods people. Let us pray:
Loving God, we give thanks that you gift us with Jesus, the light of the world.
We give thanks that we can open ourselves to letting the light of Christ
shine through us.
Your God-colours remind us of the completeness of your love, so freely given, and so we
bring our concerns to you with confidence that they are heard.
We pray for the brokenbroken in mind, in body, in spirit.
Allow the red light to shine through us, rebuilding all brokenness.
Let us paint your world red.
We pray for the ways we have not seen your gifts in others.
Allow the orange light to shine through us, pointing out all that is outstanding
in our neighbour, our community, the stranger, and the world.
Let us paint your world orange.
We pray for those longings that seem never to be able to be satisfied.
Allow the yellow light to shine through us, yearning for those who long for peace,
for justice, for freedom, and for love.
Let us paint your world yellow.
We pray for the dying, the bereaved, the parched, the hungry, the stagnated, the decaying.
Allow the green light to shine through us, growing life, joy, food, encouragement,
and love where there is none.
Let us paint your world green.
We pray for those who can see nothing but endings.
Allow the blue light to shine through us, showing paths to new beginnings,
new possibilities, new life, and love.
Let us paint your world blue.
We pray for those who find no meaning, no purpose, no love.
Allow the violet light to shine through us, illuminating vitality and potential.
Let us paint your world violet.
Lord, you have created the rainbow to remind us of the vastness of your love.
May we shine your God-colours in all we say and all we do, sharing our gratitude
for the grace that gives us life, love, and Jesus, the light of the world.
Amen and amen.
Sending
Hymn
For the Healing of the Nations (VU 678)

Go now with the blessings of God, who creates the rainbow of grace.
We go with the gifts of God-colours shining in our lives.
Go now with the blessings of Jesus, who is the light of the world.
We go with the gifts of God-colours that we shine through our lives.
Go now with the blessings of the Holy Spirit, who helps spread the Christ light.
We go with the gifts of God-colours shining all over Gods world.
Go to paint the world with love.
We go in peace to love Gods world.
Amen and amen.
Postlude
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Sunday 5 Worship:
Sermon: Who, me?
You are the light of the world, is not just a catchy line in a pretty song in an upbeat
musical.
You are the light of the world, Jesus said to his followers. They are words from what we call
The Sermon on the Mount as found in Matthew, chapters 5 and 6. It is a small part of Jesus
dissertation about what it means to live in this world.
You are the light of the world. It is a claim on those who had gathered. It is an assurance of
what Jesus followers are, and what they shall be.
You are the light of the world, Jesus said so long ago.
But is Jesus really talking about me? About you? As someone who does not feel like
something as essential or purifying as salt or as illuminating and luminous as light, I wonder
if Jesus really means these words about me. Surely he means people who dont yell at their
kids or have addiction problems and who always say yes when asked to volunteerthat they
are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. Surely those whom Jesus calls salt of the
earth and light of the world are a superior class of people, nothing like myself.
So, just whom is Jesus speaking to, if not to us?
Maybe we need to backtrack a little. A few verses before this sermon, we hear exactly whom
Jesus is speaking to: News about [Jesus] spread all over Syria, and people brought to him
all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering severe pain, the demon-possessed,
those having seizures, and the paralyzed; and he healed them. Large crowds from Galilee,
the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and the region across the Jordan followed him. Now when
Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat downand he began to teach
them (Matthew 4:245:2, New International Version).
And heres why its a good thing to attend to the people Jesus was speaking to. Because it
is so easy for us to believe that Jesus was speaking to a crowd of people who were already
meek, already pure. But if he was speaking to a special class of people that day, they were
those who sought him because they had to. Because they needed him. The ones we are told
came to Jesus that day, the ones he spoke to, were the sick, those in pain, those who were
broken and addicted and who yelled at their kids. They were people standing in need of
God. And because they stood in need of God, they stood in need of blessedness.
To the broken and hurting, Jesus gives a blessing. And then he says they are of the earth
and of the breath of God. To the flawed and imperfect he says that their bodies are wonders
filled with light. Simple and directyou are salt; you are light. Blessing, commendation,
affirmation, commissioning.
And then, of course, Jesus goes on to say that salt that loses its flavour is useless, and light
cant be put under a bushel. And maybe this pronouncement is included as a disclaimer
of sorts. But I wondercan salt ever lose its saltiness? And can flames survive under a
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bushel basket? Is Jesus really saying that those he blesses can lose that blessing? Or is he
reminding us of just how absurd that way of thinking really is?
You are salt. You are light. In so naming those before him, Jesus makes real the blessing.
And makes real the blessing to us.
Parents and teachers here today may understand implicitly the wisdom of Jesus words.
How do children respond to the messages they hear about themselves? To negative
messages? To positive messages? A kindergarten teacher proudly displays a poster in her
classroom: Dont call me names, cuz God dont make junk. As children, we respond to
what we are named. Call a child bad or worthless or unlovable long enough, and thats what
they believe. And thats what they become. In the same way, call the child good and useful
and loving enough, and they will grow into that identity and behaviour as well.
Do we think that to be light of the world, to let our light shine before others, we have to be
strong and perfect? That we will never live up to the name Jesus declares? Or that we must
wait until the conditions are right for holiness?
Jesus does not say, Here are the conditions to be met. He says you already are salt and
light. You already are beloved and alive and letting light shine through. You already have that
of God within you, and God is the light that scatters the darkness. Your imperfection, your
brokenness, has light shining through it.
Wondering to whom Jesus is speaking today? Jesus is speaking to you. You, already salt
and light. You, seasoning and brilliance. You, already generous and loving. God works
through you nowin this place and in this momentto change lives.
(Include here a paragraph citing specific examples of positive mission found in your local
congregationSunday worship, refugee relief, Mission & Service response, study, pastoral
care, etc. It might be something like this, with specific examples:
Through your partnerships with one another and with God, you are salt and you are light;
through worship ministry, you celebrate Gods love together with others who share your
faith. Through your Christian education ministries, you nurture one anothers spiritual
growth and faith in God. Through your pastoral care, you share Gods compassion with
people in your church through your prayers and deeds. Through your outreach ministries,
you encourage one another to look beyond the congregation to embrace the needs of
others. Through your nurture and support for the wider church, you support The United
Church of Canada and our shared Mission & Service, partners in ministry with over 2,900
faith communities across the country.)
You are salt. You are light. You are blessed in all the ways you allow God to work through
you to change lives in this place and time. And so I say, thank you. Thank you for all the ways
your generosity flavours and seasons and gives light to the world. Thank you for risking to
share yourselves, imperfections and holiness and all. Thank you for daring to be salt and
light and love and grace, and for making real Jesus blessing. Thank you for all the ways your
God-colours paint the world. Thank youbecause the world needs you!
This sermon is heavily influenced by Nadia Bolz-Webers Sermon on that special class of salty, light-bearing people to
whom Jesus preaches, patheos.com/blogs/nadiabolzweber/2014/02/sermon-on-that-special-class-of-salty-light-bearingpeople-to-whom-jesus-preaches, retrieved December 7, 2015; and David Loses commentary, Salt and Light,
workingpreacher.org/craft.aspx?m=4377&rp=blog53&post=1543, retrieved November 30, 2015.
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Have a small margarine or other container for every five or six children with enough small
treats safe for the whole group for each child to have a small handful (jelly beans, gummy
bears, Smarties, goldfish crackers, pretzels, etc.).
Gather the supplies for the response activities you choose. See below.

if you wish. You could also call on another leader or older child or teen to lead this.
God loves us!
God loves us!
We love God!
We love God!
We get to be salty!
We get to be salty!
Were asked to share light!
Were asked to share light!
Thank you God!
Thank you God!
Keep us shining brightly!
Keep us shining brightly!

Hand out the treat containers to children in the group. Ask all but one to share the treats
with others around them. Intervene if necessary when the one does not share and the
others arent happy about it! Let the group know you didnt ask the one to share. As they
eat their treats (and likely the one who didnt share will have done so by now), talk about
how it felt to have treats when others had none. How did it feel to not have something when
others did? Did the people with treats want to share them? Was it hard not to keep them to
themselves? How did it feel to share? How did it feel to have someone share with you?
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Story (5 min.)
(based on Matthew 5:3848, 6:1921; John 6:114; Acts 2:4347)
Invite the New Testament visitor to come forward to share this story:
It is so good to be with you today! I see you are learning about Jesus here.
After Jesus died and rose from the dead and then returned to heaven, we were all a bit
lost for a while. Things had changed so much, and it was a bit scary. But then, as we met
together and talked about it, we started to remember all of the things he had taught us.
We remembered that we were supposed to love everyone, even those who were different
and those who didnt understand or like us or did mean things. We were to share, and help
everyone, and do more for others than they could ever expect.
We remembered that it didnt matter how much money we had because all of our stuff
would just break down or rust or could get stolen anyway. What was really important was
the treasure we stored in heavenall the ways we served and loved God and did things for
others. God would always look after us, so we didnt have to worry.
We remembered the story of the time 5,000 people were listening to Jesus teach. It was
late in the afternoon, and they were all hungry and hot and grumpy, and Jesus disciples
didnt know what to do. But Jesus knew God would take care of it, and a boy came and
brought his five loaves and two fish to share. Jesus gave thanks for this gift and broke it into
pieces, and there kept being more and more and more until everyone had enough, and there
were 12 baskets of leftovers. Amazing!
So when we remembered all of these things, we knew how Jesus would want us to live now
he was back in heaven. We saw all the amazing things the disciples were doing. We shared
all of our clothes and food. We sold a lot of our stuff and shared the money between us
so everyone had what they needed. We worshipped God together, we ate together, and
we were happier than we had ever been. We couldnt stop thanking God for bringing us
together and showing us how to live with joy and hearts full of love. And more people joined
us all the time because they saw how wonderful it was to be part of Gods family. What do
you do to give thanks to God?
(Storyteller: Allow for some responses, and then excuse yourself to allow the group to move
on to the discussion questions.)

1. How hard is it to show love to everyone?
2. Is there anything you are not willing to share?
3. What are ways you have stored treasure in heaven?
4. How does it feel that you dont have to worry because God cares for you?
5. Would you like to live like the early followers of Jesus did? Why or why not?
6. I wonder what its like to feel lost?
7. I wonder what treasure in heaven looks like?
8. I wonder how the boy felt sharing his lunch with so many people?
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9. I wonder what amazing things God is doing now?

10. I wonder how it feels to have your heart full of love and joy?

Revisit the ideas of how the group can help people in need, and talk about next steps. If this
has not come together to this point, think about why that might be. It may be a good time
to address some needs in the groupits hard to give when you feel empty. If so, have a
conversation about being good friends and helping one another when things are difficult. If
some kids are just not on board with helping others, focus on those who have caught the vision.
Celebrate and dream together, reminding the children that the boy with the loaves and fish
had no idea what God would do with his gift. Whatever the children decide to do to help
others could do more than they could ever imagine. And be thankful for the opportunity to
take part in Gods amazing work!
Centres
have.
Treasure in Heaven Boxes

You will need:
pre-made cardboard or thin wood boxes or heavy card that can be scored, cut, and folded
into boxes (see possible pattern for copying: auntannie.com/Christmas/GiftBoxes/)
markers, pencil crayons, scissors, glue, small squares of paper
as many of the following small items as you have on hand for decorating: stickers, small
foam shapes, shells, feathers, fabric and felt scraps, pasta shapes, wooden shapes, etc.
1. Have each child choose a box and explain what it represents.
2. Let them be as creative as possible in decorating their box.
3. If they have ideas of what their treasure in heaven is, they can write or draw these on the
squares of paper and put them inside their box.
Salt Dough Heart Candle Holders

You will need:
10 cm (4 in.) or larger heart-shaped cookie cutter
tea lights
baking sheet
parchment paper (so you can write the childs name next to their holder)
glitter and drink crystals to mix into the dough for colour unless youll have the children
decorate their candle holders the following week
salt dough for four candle holders: 250 mL (1 cup) flour, 125 mL ( cup) salt,
125 mL ( cup) lukewarm water
Note: This dough requires baking for about three hours, so the candle holders cant be taken
home until the following week. See directions at http://lifeasmom.com/2013/02/diy-on-adime-salt-dough-candle-holders.html.
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Music
Writing
Write a thank-you letter for the journey of the last five weeks.
Make a list of all the things they could share with someone who doesnt have as much as
they do.
Write a story about what they think is inside their treasure in heaven box.
Write a poem about sharing or how it feels to give.
Dramatic Play
Act out the story of the boy offering the loaves and fish, either in Jesus time or today.
Act out a scene where people choose to share, and then act it out again with people not
choosing to share. Talk about how the two felt different.

group in a simple prayer together celebrating the blessing it is to be able to give to others
and to see how God multiplies our gifts. Thank God for the opportunity to shine light into
shadows and to be salty.
Blessing
Go from this place, walking in Gods light. Be good friends to those you meet. Share Gods
love and light. Go in peace! Amen.
110
ASKING Inviting Generosity
Asking
Training videos
Logos
Templates
Inviting Generosity
Inviting Every Person Annually
We know the reason many people dont give is because they have not been asked.
Sadly, this is very true in the church. The United Church of Canada, like other mainline
denominations, has largely abandoned the practice of annually inviting everyone in the
community to pledge support of their mission.
Instead, we have turned to event-based fundraising to support our ministry of worship,
learning, and growing in our faith and of serving the needs in the community of faith and
the wider world. Fundraising has its place. Ideally, fundraising would merely supplement the
generosity of members or encourage the involvement of people beyond the community of
faith in the churchs work for justice.
It is time to return to the practice of inviting everyone to participate in our mission.
Called to Be the Church is an encouragement to return to this practice of inviting everyone
to support the ministry of the congregation and denomination. We issue an invitation to
everyone to express their gratitude for all of Gods generosity in our lives by supporting
Gods mission in the world.
To support all congregations in taking up this opportunity, this kit has all the necessary
resources to carry out an Asking Every Person program that invites everyone to participate
in supporting the congregations ministry. Called to Be the Church is an invitation to
everyone in the faith community to contribute to the ministry of the local community of
faith and the Mission & Service of the United Church.
Why the Face-to-Face and Peer-to-Peer Invitation Works Best

The best way to invite others to support the ministry of your congregation is for one person to
tell another face to face why they support this ministry and to invite the other person to join
them. This is the tried and true method employed by other successful charitable organizations.
(If face to face is not possible at this time, another way is through a Leadership Letter
program, also called direct mail. This has been a good starting point for many congregations
and a fallback for many. Letters do affect giving or you wouldnt be receiving them from
many charitable organizations, including churches.)
A peer-to-peer and face-to-face invitation is a chance to
thank people personally for contributions to the congregation
talk about the ministry of the congregation and the denomination
personally invite their generosity
thank them again
111
ASKING Inviting Generosity In Person
For the giver, this is an opportunity to

plan their gift in the context of the ministry of the congregation
learn more about what their generosity accomplishes
discuss the work of the church locally and by the denomination
For the inviter, this is an opportunity to
first plan their own gift before inviting others
fully internalize and own the ministry of the congregation and the denomination
listen to the needs and concerns of others and pass them on to the appropriate leaders
So What Should You Do?

If this is new to your community, or if you suspect there would be significant resistance to
a face-to-face and peer-to-peer conversation, begin with a Leadership Letter program this
year (perhaps even hinting that in a subsequent program you will be making a face-to-face
and peer-to-peer invitation for support).
To guide you, whether you are new to this or seasoned, we provide the Step by Step: Peer
to Peer and Face to Face (pp. 120123) and Step by Step: Leadership Letters (p. 124). You
will find additional methods, such as the Circuit Rider approach, on StewardshipToolkit.ca.
In the end, the important thing is to issue the invitation.
An Additional Note
Whichever way you choose, make sure everyone is included. Sharing the story with
everyone is important and allows everyone to make their own decision in response to the
invitation. Beginning with thanks allows the opportunity to acknowledge all gifts. It also
allows you to be clear that ALL gifts make a difference and are welcome. The request is for
each person to make a prayerful and intentional giftwhatever the amount might be.
In Person
(See Step by Step starting on p. 120.)
Individual or Family
Five Reasons for Asking Every Person Annually

1. Models the regular and consistent spiritual practice of giving
2. Opportunity to inform everyone about the ministry we undertake
and how it changes lives
3. Opportunity to listen to people in our community
4. Basis for all other givinglegacy giving and major project giving
5. Models the regular and consistent spiritual practice of giving (yes,
this is worth repeating!)
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ASKING Inviting Generosity Personal Letter
This is a face-to-face and peer-to-peer conversation with each person or family in the
faith community to invite them to contribute to the ministry of the congregation. It is a
conversation held in an agreed-upon location, such as a coffee shop or church meeting
room. It is one person sharing why they support the ministry (Why I give) and inviting the
other to join them.
Small Group
This face-to-face and peer-to-peer conversation takes place in small groups. Every person
or family in the faith community is invited to attend a conversation. Each conversation is
with 1020 people and is held in a community members home or in a meeting room of the
church. The convenors of the group are also askers. Askers share their own Why I give
story and invite the others to join them in making an intentional gift to support the ministry
of the church.
Personal Letter
Leadership Letter
Each member of the community receives a letter written by the Giving Team Co-lead and
the Ministry Personnel Co-lead inviting them to support the ministry of the congregation.
Make the letters personalfor example, hand-sign each one and include a note of
encouragement. The letter also contains additional information such as the Narrative Budget
as well as decision-making tools, a Response Card, and a reply envelope.
Multiple Letters
Each member of the community receives a letter written by one of up to six congregational
leaders. Each leader writes their Why I give story, speaking personally of their reasons
for giving. Letters to donors can be matched with a Leadership Letter from someone they
particularly respect or admire. The letter also contains information such as the Narrative
Budget as well as decision-making tools, a Response Card, and a reply envelope.
Whichever option is chosen, a letter is an opportunity to
tell the story of the faith community and how it makes a difference in the lives of
individuals in your community and in the world through the ministry of the Mission &
Service of The United Church of Canada
mutually share how people think and feel about the ministry of the congregation
affirm past and present involvement and a chance to discover new gifts, talents, and
needs
renew participation in the mission of the congregation and grow in Christian stewardship
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ASKING Inviting Generosity The Giving Conversation
The Giving Conversation

How Much Should I Give?
One of the questions that often gets asked is How much should I give? This is a
challenging question that too often is avoided, deflected, or left unanswered.
In the church we are often vague on this topic. This is in contrast with other appeals we all
receive, which are usually very specific and often include specific amounts the charity wants
you to consider.
People dont ask how much to give to be difficult. They ask when we havent communicated
expectations or havent spent enough time teaching about giving, generosity, and gratitude.
How Do We Learn What Is Expected?

Sunday after Sunday the offering plate is passed. It collects coins, bills$5s and $10s or
even greaterenvelopes with undisclosed amounts, or PAR cards as proxies for a gift. If this
is the only way we learn what is expected, what is it telling us to give?
It might be more helpful to open up a conversation to help and encourage people to make
an informed and intentional decision about how they will give to support the ministry of
your congregation and denomination.
What should I give? is an honest question that deserves to be explored. As leaders of this
giving program you will want to consider how you will respond.
Lately the pattern in the church has been to not ask for gifts at all. Or the answer is either
Give what you can (huh?) or the biblical expectation of the tithe, or 10 percent (gasp). To
a new person this may not be very helpful. With people who have been members for a long
time it doesnt encourage regular reflection on their practice of giving and generosity or to
determine what they are called to give.
There are some other ways to approach this question.
How You Might Answer What Should I Give?

Always begin with thanks. Be personal and sincere. Be specific in mentioning how
the person/family gives in many ways, including money. It may also be appropriate to
acknowledge that they might be at their limit of generosity at this time for any number of
reasons.
Acknowledge that there is a biblical teaching of giving 10 percent to God from your first
fruits (and in these scripture passages this is regarded as the beginning of giving, not the
end). However, times have changed, and there are now many ways we give to accomplish
what the Bible expects. We pay taxes, for example, which pay for health care. We support
other worthy organizations.
Suggest that whatever the decision, they need to feel comfortable/cheerful with it and that
the amount of the gift can changein either directionshould circumstances change.
Offer decision-making tools to help people make an informed and intentional choice based
on concrete information.
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ASKING Inviting Generosity The Giving Conversation
Proportional Giving Chart

The chart on page 117 gives a clear picture of what a percentage of income means
as a weekly or monthly offering to the mission of the church. It can be used either
to set a personal goal or to identify where one is at the momentwhat percentage
one gives (after looking at a year-end charitable tax receipt). Then you can give
prayerful consideration to what to give now.
Step Chart
The Step Chart on page 119 shows where a gift level fits within the giving pattern
of the congregationhow many people are giving at various levels. This can help a
person see where they are in relation to others in the congregation. The step guide
challenges people to step up to the next level.
Be Bold and Give a Suggestion

There are many ways to do this. You can share how you make your own decision: We give
5 percent to our church and then give another 2 percent to other charities.
Or describe your own experience: We started out giving a fixed amount. Then we decided
to figure out what percentage that was of our total income. It was lower than we thought, so
now we are on a path to increase it by 1 percent a year.
Other suggestions:
Start with the equivalent of an hours salary in a week or half a days
salary in a month.
Give what you would normally spend on (coffee, fast food, etc.) a week. Try that out and
see how it feels.
In each of these cases the result is a mindful and intentional decision about what to give.
That in itself is a great first step.
Any of this can be included in the material you give or send to people along with the
Response Card, page 118 (and at StewardshipToolkit.ca).
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ASKING Inviting Generosity Step by Step
Step by Step:
Individuals and Families
1. Getting Started
Determine visiting period: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer
than the Saturday before Sunday 4.
Follow-up period: during the days between Sunday 4 and Sunday 5, follow up with those
who have not yet responded or returned their Response Card.
Recruit Volunteer Askers: recruit others and help them identify their own Why I give
story to share; orient volunteers to the ministry of the congregation (through the
Narrative Budget) and the denomination (through Mission & Service at a Glance) so they
can speak knowledgably about both.

Components of the invitation:
Thanking
1. Begin with thanks for contributions to the life and ministry of the congregation and
church.
Inspiring
2. Share your own Why I give story, basing it in a response to Gods generosity in your
3. Describe the impact of the ministry of the congregation (refer to the Narrative
Budgetshowing what the money does).
4. Describe the impact of the ministry of the denomination through Mission & Service
(refer to Mission & Service at a Glance)

Asking: Inviting Generosity

5. Make the invitation to contribute, and share the decision-making resources and
Response Card (emphasize that the goal is to have all cards returned in their sealed
envelope, whatever the contribution).
Thanking
6. Conclude with thanks.
Identify who will talk to whom: divide the congregational list of those to be asked among
the Volunteer Askersno more than 10 people/households for each volunteer.
Prepare personal packagesenvelope or folderfor each person/household: include
Narrative Budget, Why I give testimonials, decision-making tools, personal/
household Response Card, self-addressed envelope to return the Response Card to
the congregation, schedule of learning activities (mid-week events, what children will
be learning in Sunday school), anything else to draw attention to the ministry of the
congregation and the giving program.
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2. Inspiring and Asking

Orient volunteers.
Commission those involved in the program using the Commissioning Liturgy, page 22.
Begin the Asking Every Person program.
During the visiting period, stay in touch with volunteers, pray for them and those they are
visiting by name, and provide support where necessary.
Ensure everyone has been visited.
Ensure Response Cards are returned regardless of response.
3. Thanking
Plan and implement thanking program: see Thanking section, page 129.
4. Wrapping Up
Lead the Evaluation and Future Planning: see Wrapping Up section, page 131.
Work on Deepening the Stewardship Journey: see Wrapping Up section, page 134.
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Step by Step:
Small Group
1. Getting Started
Determine visiting period: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer
than the Saturday before Sunday 4.
Recruit Volunteer Askers, those who will share their own Why I give in the gatherings.
Identify how many people you will need if you divide the congregational list into groups
of 1012 individuals/households. Recruit volunteers. Help them identify their own Why
I give story to share; orient volunteers to the ministry of the congregation (through
the Narrative Budget) and the denomination (through M&S at a Glance) so they can
speak knowledgably about both. Assign two people for each small group, one to host
the gathering and another to share their Why I give to invite others to join them in
supporting the ministry of the local congregation and the Mission & Service of the United
Church.

Components of the invitation:
Thanking
1. Begin with thanks for contributions to the life and ministry of the congregation and
church.
Inspiring
2. Share your own Why I give story, basing it in a response to Gods generosity in your
3. Describe the impact of the ministry of the congregation (refer to the Narrative
Budgetshowing what the money does).
4. Describe the impact of the ministry of the denomination through Mission & Service
(refer to M&S at a Glance).

Asking: Inviting Generosity

5. Make the invitation to contribute, and share the decision-making resources and
Response Card (emphasize that the goal is to have all cards returned in their sealed
envelope, whatever the contribution).
Thanking
6. Conclude with thanks.
Work with the Co-leads for each group to establish a date and location for each
gathering, and divide the congregation into groups of 1012 individuals/households for
the Co-leads to invite to their gathering.
118
Prepare personal packagesenvelope or folderfor each person/household: include

Narrative Budget, Why I give testimonials, decision-making tools, personal/
household Response Card, self-addressed envelope to return the Response Card to
the congregation, a schedule of learning activities (mid-week events, what children will
be learning in Sunday school), anything else to draw attention to the ministry of the
congregation and the giving program.
The Host invites guests and arranges a simple gathering with refreshments either
in their home or in a room at the church. The other Volunteer Asker introduces the
congregational giving program, shares their Why I give, and then invites those
attending to join in supporting the ministry using the Response Card that is distributed.
Follow-up period: after the small group gatherings, follow up with those who have not
yet responded or returned their Response Card.

Commission those involved using the commissioning liturgy, page 22.
Begin the Asking Every Person program.
During the time of the gatherings, stay in touch with volunteers, pray for them by name,
and provide support where necessary.
Ensure everyone has been included in a gathering.
Ensure Response Cards are returned regardless of response.
3. Thanking
4. Wrapping Up
119
Step by Step: Leadership Letters

1. Getting Started
Giving Team Co-leads
Review Letter-Writing Guidelines below, and begin to draft your Leadership Letter.
Program Support Lead

Prepare congregational mailing list, and invite a group to help stuff the envelopes.
Mailing date: starting immediately following Sunday 1 and going no longer than the
Saturday before Sunday 4; during the days between Sundays 4 and 5, volunteers can
follow up with those who have not yet responded or returned their Response Card.

Prepare final letter.
Consider including Narrative Budget, Why I give testimonials, decision-making tools,
personal/household Response Card, self-addressed envelope to return the Response
Card to the congregation, a schedule of learning activities (mid-week events, what
children will be learning in Sunday school), anything else to draw attention to the
ministry of the congregation and the giving program.
Ensure Response cards are sent to every person or household and returned, regardless
of response.
3. Thanking
Hospitality and Gratitude Lead
4. Wrapping Up
Letter-Writing Guidelines
With this option, its essential to invest a great deal of prayer, thought, and energy in the
text of your letter. It needs to sound authentic, natural, and true to the culture of your
community. Nevertheless, certain basic principles apply. The following points are ideal
guidelines, and the degree of detail will depend on the resources available.
Format
Strive to be concise, and have a letter that is no more than one letter-sized page. Other
information can be included as enclosures, but the less there is to read the better.
Ensure the document is easy to read. This means using a sans serif font such as Arial, a type
size no smaller than 10 points, and only the left-hand margin justified.
120
Possible Structure
Begin with gratitude and give thanks for past and current gifts as often as possible (with
total if appropriate).
Begin with a story, one that connects the theme with your ministry.
Point to any enclosures that add more detail:
different methods of making the giftcheque, Pre-Authorized Remittance, online giving,
weekly or monthly envelopes
plans and opportunities for the coming year
testimonials about the impact of your ministry
Narrative Budget and any other enclosures
the results of peoples past generosity
Include an invitation to give time and talent as well as treasure.
Request that the enclosed Response Card be returned by a particular date.
Conclude the letter with a celebratory statement about all the good ways God through this
congregation blesses people. Tell your readers to watch for more stories to come. Create
some anticipation of more to come that is worthy of celebrating and being thankful for.
Have two key individuals hand-sign the letter.
Include contact details, such as a phone number and e-mail address.
Content Suggestions
Employ the theme of salt and light (Matthew 5:1316a). How is your community salt and
light to others?
Remind your readers that God is the provider of an abundance of resources for ministry
and mission. Your congregation is rich in faith, service, love, talent, life experience, care
for one another, and financial capability. Communities of faith have many assets, including
financial ones, with which to carry out their mission. They need to be reminded of their
wealth.
Include some financial facts and goals. Tell people what their generosity will do. Use
positive language:
Avoid the language of campaign. Instead, use terms like mission plan, annual ministry
plan, and personal giving plan.
Avoid any language that sounds like begging, using guilt as a strategy, or that it is the
churchs need for money to pay the bills.
Customize your letters: If you are writing to a number of different categories, such as
regular givers and occasional givers, customize the different letters but keep the main
elements the same.
121
Some Suggested Wording

Opening Paragraphs to Those Who Already Give Regularly
Dear Bob,
Thanks so much for all the skills you brought to us this year by I trust the holiday
you had in xxxx was memorable and that you enjoyed
After opening with a personal note from one or both of the Giving Team Co-leads, continue
with a sincere and personal thank you.
Highlight some of the ways you are called to be the church and how you are salt and light in
the world.
You consistently and generously support this church with your time and talents, as
well as your treasure.
Opening Paragraphs for Not-yet-givers

Dear Linda,
Thanks so much for all the skills you brought to us this year by I trust the holiday
you had in xxxx was memorable and that you enjoyed
After opening with a personal note from one or both of the Giving Team Co-leads, welcome
these people into being part of your community, however they contribute time and talent.
Highlight some of the ways you are called to be the church and how you are salt and light in
the world.
Invite them to consider deepening their relationship with that mission by becoming a regular
giver to the ministry of the local congregation and the Mission & Service of The United
Church of Canada.
Encourage a pledge using the Response Card and the enclosed giving chart to aid in their
decision-making. Point to how they can sign up for Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR;
include a sign-up sheet) or a weekly or monthly church envelope.
Text to Follow Opening Paragraphs: Rest of the Letter

Thank you for your previous contributions for the ministry and mission of our
congregation and the Mission & Service of The United Church of Canada.
Invite them to increase their gift (and sign up for PAR if they are not already on it). Be clear
what ministry is possible with more support. Use wording such as this:
It is great to have your presence in our congregation. We also appreciate your
generous financial gifts, which support the life and work of XXX, in XXX and
beyond. Thank you!
We cannot say thank you enough for all you do to make our ministry possible
as a congregation and as The United Church of Canada. You consistently and
generously support Gods mission with your time and talents, as well as treasure.
122
Thank you for your previous contributions for the ministry and mission of XXX
United Church.
As a faith community we have responded to the call to be the church in the past
year by
And we have plans for the coming year
This year, we want to encourage you to try/continue pledging (knowing that this is
an intention that may change due to future circumstances). We firmly believe the
spiritual discipline of pledging and giving strengthens our relationship with Gods
mission and how we embody that ministry in our congregation and as The United
Church of Canada.
To assist you in making a decision we include
Identify your current level of giving in the Step Chart. Then we challenge you to
step up one or more levels in your giving for 20xx.
Please, prayerfully consider how you will contribute to Gods mission and return
the enclosed card by Sunday, XXX, when we will dedicate our gifts to Gods future
ministry in this place.
With heartfelt thanks for your support,
123
ASKING Inviting Generosity Decision-Making Tools
Decision-Making Tools
While people may know the amount they currently give to support the mission of the
church, they are often unaware of the generosity of others or what might be expected of
them. These tools will help people make informed decisions based on concrete information.

The Proportional Giving Chart opposite helps people see what proportion of their income
(either net or gross) they are giving to the mission of the church. You can include the
version that aligns with the giving pattern of your peopleweekly, monthly, or yearly. This
chart also helps identify what the weekly or monthly donation would need to be if people
wished to make a specific proportional gift2 percent or 10 percent (a biblical tithe).
Step Chart
The Step Chart shows where a gift level fits within the giving pattern of the rest of the
congregation and suggests a next step that might be taken. Adapt the model on page 127
to prepare your own version.
Response Card
Accompany the Response Card on page 126 with a self-addressed envelope to be returned
to the congregation.
Templates for all of these tools are on StewardshipToolkit.ca.
124
SALT and LIGHT HANDOUT 2 Giving Guide
Giving Guide: Making Your Intention

Having decided to make a gift, how much will you give?
Here are some steps to help you make a prayerful and intentional gift to the mission of
Gods church.
1. Your household income: $ _________________
2. The percentage of your total income you wish to give to Gods work: $ _________________

Two percent might be considered a starting point.
See the Proportional Giving Chart below to help you gauge the percentage you already
give or what the percentage means as a weekly or monthly amount.
3. Set your intention (keep for your own record).

Intention statement
It is my/our intention to contribute to the mission of Gods church by committing to the
following financial support for the 12 months beginning _________________:
$ _________________ per week/month to _________________
$ _________________ per week/month to Mission & Service
4. Fill in the Response Card (next page).

5. Make a note to check every four or six months to see if you are on track with your intention.
Annual
Monthly
Weekly
Family
Income
2%
10%
2%
10%
2%
10%
$10,000
$200
$1,000
$17
$83
$4
$19
$25,000
$500
$2,500
$42
$208
$10
$48
$50,000
$1,000
$5,000
$83
$417
$19
$96
$75,000
$1,500
$7,500
$125
$625
$29
$144
$100,000
$2,000
$10,000
$167
$833
$38
$192
$200,000
$4,000
$20,000
$333
$1,667
$77
$385
SALT and LIGHT HANDOUT 3 Response Card
Response Card
It is my/our intention to contribute to the mission of Gods church by committing to the
following financial support for the 12 months beginning ________________________ .
Templates for these
resources
$ _________________ per week/month to ________________________
$ _________________ per week/month to Mission & Service
Indicate method of giving and amount

Monthly Pre-Authorized Remittances (PAR) $ _________________

Monthly envelopes $ _________________
Weekly envelopes $ _________________
I would like my gift to support

Local Ministry and Mission $ _________________

Mission & Service $ _________________
Attention PAR givers! Its easy to increase or change your monthly gift. Just indicate the
changed amount on this form, and well take care of the rest.

Increase or change from $ ___________________ to $ ___________________ per month

effective ________________________ (month).
I would like to make my donation through Pre-Authorized Remittance (PAR)automatic

deduction from my bank account or credit card. (Please note that a 23 percent bank
service charge reduces the total of your credit card donation.)
PAR Authorization
I/we hereby request and authorize _____________________________________ Church to debit
the bank account or credit card indicated below in the amount of $ _______________________ .
Credit card
Bank account
Visa MasterCard
Please provide a cheque marked VOID. For joint

accounts, both signatures MUST appear below.
Card number
Account holder name
Expiry date
Account holder signature
Cardholder name
Joint account holder name
Cardholder signature
Joint account holder signature
All information is for the churchs ministry planning. It will be received and processed in a
confidential manner.
Every thoughtful gift makes a difference.
Thank you.
ASKING Inviting Generosity Step Chart
Step Chart
This is a breakdown of our congregations giving patterns in 20xx.
Where are you on the chart? Can you move up one step?
_______ households gave

Over $200.01/week or over $10,400/year
$150.01 to $200/week or up to $10,400/year

$5.01 to $10/week or up to $520/year


up to $5/week or up to $260/year

$0 per week
127
THANKING Modelling Gratitude
Thanking
Thanking workshop
Thank you cards
Modelling Gratitude:
Expressing Thanks
A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude.
In a culture of gratitude, we thank God for the blessings in our lives. God is generous again,
again, and again. Say thank you again, again, and againand in many different ways.
We thank individuals and groups for all of their generous support of the ministry in their
community. We cannot thank enough. We give thanks for every gift.
Timely, Sincere, Personal

We make sure our gratitude and thanks are
timely: closely connected to when the gift is received
sincere: communicating what a difference their gift will make
personal: face to face, in a handwritten note
Find opportunities to say thank you directly. Find opportunities to write it personally.
Thanking needs to be planned if it is to become a habit in your congregation and for
everyone who gives to be thanked.
Making It Timely
Dont wait until the end of the program.
What about thanking donors as soon as the Response Card arrives, phoning them to say
we received the gift and are grateful?
Thank every new donor as soon as possible with a phone call or handwritten note.
Making It Sincere
Adding appreciation to thanks builds sincerity. Acknowledgement is thanks. Think about
ways of adding appreciationaffirming the qualities of the donor, their motivation, or
their hopes.
Show yourself in the thanks, and connect yourself with your donor. Wear your heart on
your sleeve.
Add a simple homemade giftcookies or some bags of special tea, for example.
Remember that we are grateful for your generosity the next time you enjoy your cup of
tea.
129
THANKING Modelling Gratitude: Expressing Thanks
Making It Personal
Formal and generalized expressions of gratitude are necessary. However, they are not as
personal as we can be. Use I, we, and you language to make the tone warm rather
than distant.
Be specific about the reasons for being gratefulthe effect of the gift or your personal
reaction to their generosity.
The person who did the asking is most likely to be the best person to do the thanking.
Handwritten notes are the most personal, or speak face to face.
Thanking
The maxim is to thank every donor seven times, in seven different
ways. We could start with two or three.
130
WRAPPING UP Evaluation and Future Planning
Wrapping Up
Evaluation and
Future Planning
People have been inspired, everyone has been asked, all have responded in some way, and
you have had a celebration of thanks! The important parts are done; just a bit more energy
and focus are needed to wrap things up. Taking as much care with this as with everything
else will have longer-term benefits.
Within a week or two of Sunday 5, gather the Giving Team and take time to debrief the
experience. This can be informal, over refreshments, with someone else taking notes to help
next years Giving Team and keep track of any further next steps.
Wrapping Up Gathering: Agenda

Beginning
Open with prayer. Allow sufficient time to share all the blessings of this experience and all
the things to be thankful for.
Middle
Review your experience:
Revisit the goals and objectives you established when you were getting started. What
were the results? What has changed?
Use the Evaluation Tool that follows.
Thinking about the whole process and reviewing notes of conversations with your people:
What went well?
What would you do differently?
What did you learn?
What did you hear?
Consider who needs to know this information:
ministry personnel about pastoral issues
envelope secretary with updated information
Christian educators or others with program ideas
131
WRAPPING UP Evaluation and Future Planning Wrapping Up Gathering: Agenda
Plan further communication now and over the year:

How will you report the final results?
How will you update people about the impact of their generosity?
Deepening the Stewardship Journey

You may well discover that people are yearning to know more about the ministry of the
congregation or about the Mission & Service of the United Church. Some may want to
delve more deeply into stewardship as a spiritual practice or learn more about lifelong
stewardship. See our online resources at StewardshipToolKit.ca.
End
Report to your congregations board or council.
Identify when to get started for next year.
Wrap up any other loose ends.
Close with one of the stewardship prayers (p. 34).
End
Report to your congregations board or council.
Identify when to get started for next year (resources will be available
for the 20172018 theme in summer 2017).
Wrap up any other loose ends.
Close with one of the stewardship prayers.
132
WRAPPING UP Evaluation and Future Planning Evaluation Tool
Evaluation Tool
Evaluation contributes to improvement. We can see whether we accomplished our goals
(and then celebrate). We can learn and grow as a community.
Use this simple tool to take a look at what worked and what needs improvement.
Begin by updating all the congregational information that was received. Also pass along
comments to the appropriate person in the congregationan individuals interest in serving
in a particular role, the plan to move shortly, the desire for a pastoral visit from the ministry
personnel, and so on.
Then review your goals and the successes of the giving program.
1. Reviewing the goals we recorded on pages 1518, how did we measure up?

2. What worked well?

3. What we will do the same next year?

4. What we will do differently next year?

5. Our next steps:

Contribute to improving this program: see Evaluation on StewardshipToolkit.ca.

133
WRAPPING UP Deepening the Stewardship Journey
Deepening the Stewardship

Journey
Stewardship, writes Douglas John Hall, is too often reduced to church management and
finances. But stewardship should properly represent the summing up of a Christian life.
Having delved deeply into our life as followers and disciples of Jesus or as stewards of all
the blessings we receive, many in your community will be asking more questions about this
life of faith and how we continue to live out our call beyond the time of our congregational
giving program.
That is where faithful living or whole life stewardship picks up.
There are so many ways to explore stewardship as a way of life year-round in how we
worship, learn, and serve: Bible studies, books to read and reflect on, workshops, and many
ways to connect directly with the work of our denomination through Mission & Service.
Integrating faithful living concepts into the congregational giving program and into the life
of your congregation will make a difference:
It deepens faith, offering new ways of offering community, compassion, and hope in our
lives.
It focuses on much more than money.
It expresses and models stewardship as a way of life.
It is a summing up of a Christian life.
There are many helpful resources related to faithful living:
Year-Round Stewardship Calendar from The Episcopal Diocese of West Texas: dwtx.org/
departments/stewardship/year-round-stewardship
Stewards of Gods Love, a congregational giving and stewardship education resource
from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: http://download.elca.org/ELCA%20
Resource%20Repository/ELCA_Stewards_Of_Gods_Love_Resource_and_Inserts.pdf
Giving as a Spiritual Practice: StewardshipToolkit.ca
New ones being added
134
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS
Additional Tools
and Handouts
Updates
New tools
Colour versions
Communication Resources
Staying Connected throughout the Program
Versions of Matthew 5:1316a
Sample Bulletin Cover (see StewardshipToolkit.ca for version for each week)
Bulletin Insert
Certificate of Gratitude
Getting Started
Giving Team Role Description: Giving Team Co-lead and Ministry Personnel Co-lead
Inspiring
Giving Team First Meeting
Training Event Agenda
135
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Communication Resources Staying Connected
Staying Connected throughout the Program
Logos and digital
artwork
These samples are suggestions to get you started talking about Called to Be the Church
in your community. Add your own, and make them more specific. Stay connected
throughout the program to build interest, enthusiasm, and commitment.
Videos for each

week to embed
Other communication resources can be found on StewardshipToolkit.ca, including

a sample e-mail signature with instructions for how to use it in Outlook and Gmail for
all Giving Team members and congregational staff to use when you are implementing
this program
a sample tag for your churchs website
downloadable bulletin inserts and digital slides
SUNDAY 1: Living Thankfully Day by Day

Before Sunday 1: Wednesday or Thursday
Add to your weekly e-news announcements:
Called to Be the Church: Living Thankfully Day by Day
Gods wonders are all around us. What is your wonder story?
Our theme this Sunday is Living Thankfully Day by Day.
We are beginning our Called to Be the Church program this week. Come and see what its
all about.
Discover how you are living the life of a steward and how we can be salt and light in Gods
name.
Sunday 1
Include in your weekly bulletin:
Called to Be the Church: Living Thankfully Day by Day
In Matthew 5:13, Jesus says, Let me tell you why you are here (The Message).
We are called to be salt, bringing out the God-flavours of this world. We are called to be
light, bringing out the God-colours in the world.
We are called to be salt and light as individuals, families, congregations, and a denomination.
Today we reflect on how we live thankfully day by day. Pause at the same time each day this
week to give thanks to God for whatever presents itself.
After Sunday 1: Monday or Tuesday

E-news follow-up from Sunday 1:
Have you given thanks for Gods goodness this week? Its not too late. Bring your
thanksgivings to worship this week, and offer them silently or share with a few pew friends.
137
SUNDAY 2: Living Our Mission Locally

How is our church salt and light in the world? How does your church make a difference in
your community?
Did you know that (insert an example here).
Come and hear more about how we invest in our neighbourhood.
Sunday 2
Called to Be the Church: Living Our Mission Locally
To encourage our saltiness and light, our community worships, learns, and serves. Think of
all the ways this happens and who is involved in these ministries, especially the ones that go
on beyond these walls and into the surrounding neighbourhoods.

There are so many ways we can be involved in our community ministry. Have you thought
of participating in this way (insert an example here)? Your involvement will bring our
neighbourhood closer to the kingdom of God. You will be salt and light to our neighbours.
SUNDAY 3: Participating in Our Churchs MissionMission & Service

Called to Be the Church: Participating in Our Churchs Mission Mission & Service
One way to be salt and light is to walk with others. This week congregations are invited to
reflect on what it means to be the church in the light of mission.
Mission & Service is the heart and soul of The United Church of Canada.
How is Mission & Service a light in our world?
Sunday 3
Called to Be the Church: Participating in Our Churchs MissionMission & Service
This week we are invited to reflect on what it means to be the church in the light of mission.
Mission & Service is the heart and soul of The United Church of Canada.
Think about the ways we live out the call to Mission & Service.
Reflect on the heart and soul of Mission & Service and our calling as a community of faith.

How about sharing some of the ways our denomination serves Gods mission across our
country and globally? There are many ways we are salt and light in this world. There is lots
of good news to share with anyoneour community ministries, our work for justice and
freedom, and how we walk with others globally.
138
SUNDAY 4: Inviting GenerosityGiving Sunday

Called to Be the Church: Inviting GenerosityGiving Sunday
Most in our community have been visited and have heard about all the ways we are salt
and light in the world and how we could be more salty and bring more of Gods light into
our lives and our world. This week we make our personal response to Gods call to be the
church. Come and share with others the why of your faith. Come and show our tangible
support for how we make a difference in Gods world.
Bring your Response Card if you havent already handed it in.
Sunday 4
Called to Be the Church: Inviting GenerosityGiving Sunday
This week we celebrate how each of us contributes to the larger work of our congregation.
We give that in a tangible way by prayerfully making an intentional gift that will support our
ministry over the coming 12 months. Thank you for being a part of this great opportunity in
the life of our congregation.

(This week is an opportunity to share some of the good news of the response of individuals.
We suggest sharing some of the results of the congregational giving program: how many
participated, how much was pledged, positive comments or testimonials, etc.)
SUNDAY 5: Giving ThanksModelling Gratitude

Called to Be the Church: Giving ThanksModelling Gratitude
A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude. We are so thankful for the
generosity of all the people in our community who give of themselvestheir time, talent,
and, at this time, especially treasure that has been shared. Come this Sunday to express our
gratitude for Gods goodness and how we share that with others.
Sunday 5
Called to Be the Church: Giving ThanksModelling Gratitude
A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude. (Follow with a message of
thanks from the Giving Team Co-leads that is timely, sincere, and personal!)

We have learned so much through our Called to Be the Church program, and it will lead to
so much more. In the coming weeks, we will share all the results and learnings and consider
how we can deepen our stewardship journey as a faith community. Stay tuned.
139
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Communication Resources Versions of Matthew 5:1316a
Versions of Matthew 5:1316a

For Bulletins and Handouts
THE MESSAGE
NEW REVISED
STANDARD VERSION
THE LIVING BIBLE
Let me tell you why you

are here. Youre here to be
salt-seasoning that brings
out the God-flavors of this
earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste
godliness? Youve lost your
usefulness and will end up in
the garbage.
You are the salt of the earth;

but if salt has lost its taste,
how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good
for anything, but is thrown
out and trampled under foot.
You are the worlds seasoning, to make it tolerable. If

you lose your flavor, what
will happen to the world?
And you yourselves will be
thrown out and trampled
underfoot as worthless.
You are the worlds lighta
city on a hill, glowing in the
night for all to see. Dont
hide your light! Let it shine
for all; let your good
deeds glow for all to see,
so that they will praise
[God].
Heres another way to put

it: Youre here to be light,
bringing out the God-colors
in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. Were going
public with this, as public as
a city on a hill. If I make you
light-bearers, you dont think
Im going to hide you under
a bucket, do you? Im putting
you on a light stand. Now
that Ive put you there on
a hilltop, on a light stand
shine! Keep open house; be
generous with your lives.
You are the light of the

world. A city built on a hill
cannot be hid. No one after
lighting a lamp puts it under
the bushel basket, but on the
lampstand, and it gives light
to all in the house. In the
same way, let your light shine
before others, so that they
may see your good works
and give glory to [God] in
heaven.
Scripture quotation from THE MESSAGE. Copyright 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of
NavPress. All rights reserved. Represented by Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of
America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotation from The Living Bible copyright 1971. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream,
Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
141
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Communication Resources Sample Bulletin Cover
Sample Bulletin Cover
Salt and Light
Matthew 5:1316a
Thank you for all the ways you are salt and light in this world.
Thank
Matthew 5:1316a, The Message
God is not a secret to be kept. Were going public with this,

as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you
dont think Im going to hide you under a bucket, do you?
Im putting you on a light stand. Now that Ive put you there
on a hilltop, on a light standshine! Keep open house; be
generous with your lives.
Ask
Let me tell you why you are here. Youre here to be

salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth.
If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness?
Heres another way to put it: Youre here to be light, bringing
out the God-colors in the world.
Inspire
AMEN.
We pray this in the name of Jesus, crucified and risen,

our judge and our hope.
Help us to be a light with beams of community, compassion,

and hope for a better and more just world.
to encourage vitality and joy and never lose

our saltiness and our purpose.
Help us to be the salt that brings out the God-flavours

of this earth
Transform us through the power of your Spirit to nurture

a stewardship way of life for all our days.
Open our minds and hearts to a greater awareness and

deeper appreciation of our countless blessings.
You call us to be disciples of your son, Jesus, and

good stewards of your many gifts.
Gracious and loving God,
Bulletin Insert
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Communication Resources Bulletin Insert
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Communication Resources Certificate of Gratitude
Certificate of Gratitude
Certificate of Generosity
is thanked for amazing generosity in the area of
Keep open house; be generous with your lives.

(Matthew 5:16a, The Message)
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Getting Started Giving Team Role Description
Giving Team Role Description

Giving Team Co-lead and Ministry Personnel Co-lead
Throughout the whole program; to champion the giving program throughout the
congregation
Role:
Co-lead the program: all members of the Giving Team work under the direction of the
Co-leads
Recruit the rest of the Giving Teambest done face to face
Guide the congregation in its understanding of how the spiritual practice of giving and
stewardship contributes to Gods mission for the transformation of the world
Increase understanding of the spiritual practice of giving and stewardship, through
preaching and personal example
Encourage all to be faithful stewards at all ages and in all stages of faith
Benefits to you and the congregation:

Contributing to a ministry that is vital for the health and well-being of the faith
community
Skills and gifts:

Teaching, giving, encouragement
Project management
Leadership, compassion, faith
Tasks:
Recruit team members, coordinate the overall program, be the visible leaders of the
program
Coordinate the development or updating of the Narrative Budget
Encourage and assist other members of the team
Coordinate all worship and learning opportunities employing the resources provided
Encourage and assist other team members
Preach, teach, and share your own Why I give
145
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Inspiring Giving Team First Meeting
Giving Team First Meeting (2 hrs.)

Before the Meeting: Tasks for the Co-leads
1. Review the resources for gathering the Giving Team:
Planning the Program chart
Giving Team Role Description (p. 145)
PowerPoint
Introduction
Setting Goals Worksheet: current data filled in by the treasurer (p. 17)
Asking Every Person options chart (p. 20)
Why I Give (p. 24)
Response Card template (p. 126)
Personalized Letter: introducing Called to Be the Church to your congregation (p. 20)
Commissioning Liturgy (p. 22)
2. Consider your own Why I give and submit your own Response Cards.
3. Recruit Giving Team members: meet face to face to invite others to be part of the Giving
Team. Share the role descriptions, give them a Response Card for their contribution, and
bring it to the first meeting. Begin orientation to Called to Be the Church.
First Meeting: Purpose

To introduce all members of the Giving Team to the Called to Be the Church
congregational giving program
To establish goals for our congregation
To begin planning the implementation of the program
To increase our understanding of stewardship as a way of life
Beginning (45 min.)

Prayer
Reflection on Matthew 5:1316a
1. Invite one person to slowly read the New Revised Standard Version (p. 141).
Silence.
What word or phrase stands out for you? Share.
2. Invite one person to slowly read The Message (p. 141).
Silence.
What word or phrase stands out for you? Share.
3. Read one of the versions again, slowly.
How are you salt in the world?
How is our congregation salt in the world?
How is our denomination salt in the world?
How are you light in the world?
How is our congregation light in the world?
How is our denomination light in the world?
146
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Inspiring Giving Team First Meeting
Welcome Video (with David Armour, Director of Philanthropy)

Review Program
Middle (60 min.)

Why I Give
Giving Team Co-leads share their own story of Why I give.
Giving Team Co-leads receive the Response Cards from other Giving Team members.
Other members of the Giving Team develop their own Why I give story.
Setting Goals
Set goals for your Called to Be the Church program: what to accomplish with this program
and how to measure your success.
Using the Setting Goals Worksheet, determine your goals:
Increasing the number of givers? Make sure all are inspired, asked, and thanked.
Increasing the amount of the average gift? Inspire with stories of larger gifts and the
impact of those gifts on our church; share information about legacy giving and PreAuthorized Remittance (PAR).
What is possible for your church in the coming months? What goals are attainable?
Which resources will be most helpful to achieve these goals? How will they be used?
Who will be responsible for using them?
In the context of the life of your congregation, determine the best time to launch the fiveweek congregational giving program.
Will you launch in partnership with other churches? During a particular liturgical season
in the church?
Will the Sundays coincide with any important dates in the life of your church?
Will it be five weeks or three weeks? Will they be consecutive weeks, once a month, or
another schedule?
Use the Asking Every Person chart to determine which option will work best.
Create a strategic timeline for the program. Who will do what, and when?
Getting Started planning before Sunday 1
Five-Sunday program implementation
Asking Every Person implementation
Giving program follow-up and communication
Identify specific next steps:
Prepare first communication with the congregation: introducing Called to Be the
Churchletter and bulletin insert.
Hand out material from this kit to each lead.
End (15 min.)

Set next meeting date.
Close with prayer.
147
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Inspiring Training Event Agenda
PowerPoint
Introduction
Why I Give videos
Training videos
Training Event Agenda (2 hrs. 30 min.)

For all who are involved in asking and inviting others to join them in support of Gods
mission in your community and for the Mission & Service of our denomination.
Purpose
This is an event to introduce the Called to Be the Church giving program, including
program orientation
inviting your financial support
creation of each individuals Why I give story
learning to invite others to join you in financially supporting Gods mission in your
community and for the Mission & Service of our denomination
Beginning (25 min.)

Welcome
Opening Prayer
Review Purpose
Introductions
What Is Called to Be the Church?
Middle (1 hr. 35 min.)

Discovering Your Why I Give Story (40 min.)
Why I Give video (3:41 min.)
Your Why I Give Story: Getting Started
Work through this exercise in pairs, with one person keeping time and moving things along.
Round 1: Each listen and share with each other (5 min.)
How did you come to join this congregation (or the United Church)?
Why do you stay?
What is so special about this church?
Round 2: Paper and pencil (15 min.)
Each listen as your partner answers the question. Write down notes so your partner can use
them to remember their Why I give story.
Person 1 (4 min.):
Why do you give? (Why, not how or what.)
148
ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS Inspiring Training Event Agenda
Why do you give to Gods missionin your congregation, in your community, and
through Mission & Service?
What is the impact of your gift? What difference do we make?
Person 2 (3 min.):
What did you, as the listener, find compelling or want to know more about?
At seven minutes, switch and repeat.
Round 3: Paper and pencil (15 min.)
Mix it up: in different pairs, tell each other your Why I give story.
What did you, as listener, find compelling or want to know more about?
Round 4: On your own
Take three to five minutes to reflect on your story: add more notes; consider how you would
share it with a friend.
Later, write out your story or make notes; seek out opportunities to practise your Why I
give story with other fellow volunteers. Do what you can to help one another improve the
story and make it even more impactful.
Break (10 min.)

Asking: Inviting Others (20 min.)
The Ask video (8:56 min.)
Discussion (10 min.)
Applause (35 min.)

Applause video (4:35 min.)
Applause game (20 min.)
Debrief (10 min.)
What was easy and what was hard about the task? What did you find helpful or unhelpful?
What is the way you personally want to make your invitation or ask? Why does it work
for you?
Ending (30 min.)

Making Your Contribution (10 min.)
Getting Started: Logistics (20 min.)
Close with Thanks and Prayer
149

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The United Church of Canada | Lglise Unie du Canada

CALLED TO BE THE CHURCH: Salt and Light DVD

Sunday 1: Living Thankfully (1:15)

Why I Give (3:41)

Sunday 2: Living Our Mission Locally (2:00)

The Ask (8:56)

Sunday 3: Participating in Our Churchs Mission (2:00)

Sunday 4: Inviting Generosity (2:00)

Spiritual Practice (7:01)

Sunday 5: Giving Thanks (1:10)

CALLED TO BE THE CHURCH

The United Church of Canada | Lglise Unie du Canada

Called to Be the Church Congregational Giving Program, 20162017

The content of this resource is licensed under the Creative

Supported by Mission & Service

Introducing the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Worship and Sunday School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Deepening the Stewardship Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134

ADDITIONAL TOOLS AND HANDOUTS135

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

Dedication Writers and Contributors

Writers and Contributors

Five-Week Sunday School Program

Adult Learning Opening Activity

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

Writers and Contributors

Adult Learning: Sunday 4

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

Everything in One Program

Useful for All: From Small Rural to Larger

The Theme: Salt and Light

Inspiring Asking Thanking

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

Have a Good Look, Try It, and Make It Yours

A culture of generosity is built on a foundation of gratitude.

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

Inspire! Ask! Thank!

Inspire! Ask! Thank!

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

Inspire! Ask! Thank!

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

GETTING STARTED Gathering the Giving Team

Gathering the Giving Team

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

GETTING STARTED Gathering the Giving Team

Why Be Part of Our Giving Team?

What Does a Giving Team Look Like?

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

GETTING STARTED Setting a Goal

For where your

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

GETTING STARTED Setting a Goal

Setting a Goal Workbook

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

GETTING STARTED Setting a Goal

Other Data We Need

CALCULATING TOTAL GIVING TRENDS

Congregational Giving Program 20162017 Salt and Light

GETTING STARTED Setting a Goal

Setting Goals Worksheet

TOTAL GIVING TRENDS, LAST THREE YEARS