[Episcopal Church Office of Public Affairs] The Office of Stewardship is offering a program called “Blessed to Be A Blessing,” which offers new tools to enhance stewardship campaigns and features prominent writers from throughout the Episcopal Church.

Blessed to Be A Blessing is a six-week series inviting reflection and discussion on stewardship principles and practices based on the Gospel readings from Mark for each Sunday from Oct. 7 – Nov. 11.

According to the Rev. Laurel Johnston, program officer for stewardship, “Blessed to Be A Blessing is designed to complement and support a congregation’s annual giving campaign, each of the six contributing writers explores stewardship, giving, gratitude and generosity in connection with the Gospel lection for each Sunday during the month of October through November.”

She added, “The series is ideal for those leading stewardship formation, and each week participants can download Blessed to Be a Blessing bulletin inserts as well as a pledge card with a proportional giving chart.”

Contributing to the Blessed to Be A Blessing series are: the Rt. Rev. Catharine Waynick, bishop, Diocese of Indianapolis; the Very Rev. Walter B.A Brownridge, dean of the Cathedral Church of St. Andrew, Diocese of Hawaii; Lelanda Lee, member of St. Stephen’s in Longmont, Diocese of Colorado, and a member of Executive Council; Cindy Ruiz, member of St. Elizabeth’s in Fort Worth, Texas, Diocese of Fort Worth; the Rev. Tim Schenck, rector, St. John the Evangelist Hingham, Diocese of Massachusetts; and the Rt. Rev. Michael Curry, bishop, of the Diocese of North Carolina.

“The month of October is when most congregations across the country embark on their annual giving campaign,” Johnston said. “The purpose of an annual giving campaign is not only to raise support for the life-giving ministries of the congregation, but to also help members of the faith community explore intentional and proportional giving as a spiritual practice that reflects gratitude for the blessings received.”

For more information contact Johnston at ljohnston@episcopalchurch.org