M&S Enthusiasts

If the Mission and Service Fund connects United Church people to the world, the Enthusiasts connect us to M&S!

The Mission and Service Fund Enthusiasts are active supporters of M&S. These dedicated people (and sometimes committees) bring M&S to life in the congregation, educating members, creating fun ways to learn about and support M&S, and asking on behalf of those who cannot ask.

Thank you to all the M&S ENTHUSIASTS who are so creative, faithful, and diligent in telling the Mission and Service Fund stories week after week and who were daring enough to point out the needs of our world and ASK for M&S Fund support. And it does take some daring to ASK. Not everyone is comfortable about asking for money, but our Enthusiasts know that they are asking for help on behalf of those who cannot ask, and they are offering an opportunity to United Church members and supporters to live out their faith and honour our creed.

Thank you also to all of those interested and dedicated individuals who are unofficial M&S enthusiasts. Please think about stepping forward and joining us officially so that you can be an Enthusiast with a capitol "E". The Mission and Service Fund needs all the enthusiasm we can give it. Being an Enthusiast means that you will join the ranks of some very interesting folks who support each other with ideas and suggestions through our regular Newsletters and our blog, MaST.

If you would like to receive updated resources and ideas from time to time, please send your e-mail address to the M&S Office. We also want to hear your concerns and challenges as well as your great ideas.

Read on for a short history of M&S Enthusiasts...

Starting in 1999 it was decided to attempt to recruit, train, and support a Mission and Service Fund Enthusiast (or Enthusiasts) in every congregation of the United Church. Certainly, we had dedicated M&S Fund supporters and promoters in congregations throughout the country already, and doing great work. By and large, they didn't have a specific role or title related to M&S. They hadn't had ongoing training or backup support in their efforts to excite their congregations about the good work of M&S. That's what the M&S Fund Enthusiast program is all about.

The Enthusiast is a true believer in the Mission and Service Fund, ordering and making use of resources; reporting to the congregation about the progress of the M&S Fund throughout the year. Starting in 1999, every congregation was asked to name their "Enthusiast" or "Enthusiasts". Most Conferences now have "M&S Fund Enthusiast Trainers" whose job it is to train, equip, and encourage the Enthusiasts in their Conference.

It is the role, privilege, and joy of the M&S Enthusiast to inform and excite our members about the Mission and Service Fund. We also encourage pride in The United Church of Canada, its work, and the difference we can make in the world when we speak with one voice. This means that the Enthusiast not only informs about the M&S Fund but also generates a preference for the M&S Fund as one of the chief ways that United Church members reach out to others. The Mission and Service Fund is our ONE VOICE. We commend churches on their various outreach projects, but we lift up and celebrate our support of the Mission and Service Fund. It has been said that for Christians, giving is not an option; for United Church members, the Mission and Service Fund shouldn't be.

If you are proud of our United Church tradition, excited about the powerful work we accomplish together through the Mission and Service Fund, and ENTHUSIASTIC about future possibilities, please join us. You have a critical role to play in our United Church of Canada! Speak with your minister, call your Conference office, or e-mail our Mission and Service Fund Office.