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Purpose: In a tangible way, church members will have an opportunity to write down the ways they have gratefully used the gifts God has given them.
While most people equate the word "offering" with $$ because of the passing of the traditional offering plate, emphasis should also be made in ALL areas of stewardship in our lives. As Christians, we should develop and daily act upon returning to God the gifts He has so richly given us. Christians should realize that time and talent and "trees" are also "returnable" gifts to God.
In order for the offering time to be more meaningful to all participants, it is important that the worship leader/pastor take a moment to explain the purpose of the Offering Pew Card and to also allow enough time for completion of the card.
Members can complete the card with minimal writing by checking off boxes that apply. They can also be encouraged to write additional comments on the back of the card if they choose.
To prevent the card from becoming "stale" by leaving it in the pew racks year around, it is best to use it perhaps one week at a time on a quarterly basis, or during the weeks of a stewardship month, or whenever it would be fitting to tie into a particular church service. Though members should be informed that this is something that will be available on a random basis, they should be encouraged to continually think of ways of sharing all their gifts.
Upon completion, the card can be placed in the regular offering plate with their monetary gifts, or a separate offering can be taken to collect these cards. Once the cards have been received, summarize the results and report back to the congregation i.e.:
Treasure: 98% of respondents gave to God this week
Talent: Church - 20% taught, 10% were involved in music, 10% served on committees
Outside Church - 2% served on a committee/board, 20% helped a neighbor,
20% volunteered
Time: 10% gave ½ - 1 hr, 20% gave 2 hrs, 5% gave 2-3 hrs, 2% gave 3-4 hrs.
Trees: 80% recycle, 90% conserve energy, 5% picked up trash/planted tree.
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