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Partners for Sacred Places

Texas News

The only national, nonsectarian, nonprofit organization dedicated to the sound

stewardship and active community use of America's older religious properties
----------- Email newsletter, June 1, 2016 ------------

Understanding Your Place's

True Value
San Antonio Mennonite Church recently took part
in our New Dollars/New Partners Training.
Like all participants, they created a personal case
study, calculating the value they add to their
community.
Until recently, it was thought that typical U.S.
churches add $186,000 to their neighborhoods
through
non-reimbursed
services.
SAMC
discovered
that
their
small
congregation
contributes closer to $300,000!

6040 Camp Bowie

Blvd.
Suite 62
Fort Worth, Texas
76116
817-965-5072
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HOWEVER, in all likelihood, this value is much

higher, something churches cross the U.S. will soon
be able to understand. Suzy Yowell, Director of
PSPs Texas Office explains.
Partners is about to release the results of an indepth research project, The Halo Effect of
Historic Sacred Places, which studied dozens of
different factors contributing to the economic
output of a sacred place. The insights are a
revelation! They will surely reinforce our national
need to collaborate in sustaining these de-facto
community centers.

Suzanne C. Yowell
Director
SAMC at worship in their historic building

Alison Hernandez
Program Manager

Krin Van Tatenhove

Communications
Director

Energized by a fresh realization of its worth, SAMC

created new promotional materials, a business plan
to share with donors, and a social media presence.
A post about their compassionate work with
refugees went viral, leading first to a feature article
in the national Mennonite newspaper, then to
surprise donations from other churches in their
denomination.
It is so vital to tell your story! says Yowell. It's
one of the most important things a congregation
can do. Often times, neighbors don't know the
history of our sacred places and the integral role
they have played in the care of a community. Even
folks that don't have a religious affiliation can
appreciate the outreach provided, resulting in
additional volunteers, awareness, and support.
SAMC found that many people are passionate about
their support of refugee families in transition and
want to assist them in their effort.

SAMC members at a parade in San Antonio

Momentum continues for SAMC, including

consultation with an architect and engineer to plan
renovation projects. They accomplished this
without a single paid staff person, since SAMC has
been without a pastor for nearly a year. When the

new pastor arrives, he or she will find a

congregation ready to write the next chapter of
SAMCs story, due in part to what they
accomplished through the influence of PSPs Texas
Office.

If you have news, events or resources to share, please send to syowell@sacredplaces.org

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Partners for Sacred Places

6040 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Suite 62
Fort Worth, Texas 76116
US
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