M&S Enthusiasts

Yes, M&S Enthusiasts do ask their congregations to support the work we do as The United Church of Canada, and that means asking for gifts to Mission and Service, which funds most of this work.

It's not easy to ask for money, but it's a key part of the job.

So, how does someone go about asking for money? Marnie Spears, president and chief executive officer of Ketchum Canada, says that building trust is the first step. "After that, you must just ask for the cash. One of the most difficult things is to spit it out. Most people are trained from childhood not to ask for money."

How does this advice relate to M&S Enthusiasts? Most Enthusiasts are working in their own congregations, which usually means that there is an established relationship. To make the asking easier, many of our M&S resources have a built-in " ask"-Minutes for Mission, Lenten calendars, and the Advent Celebration are examples. The M&S Enthusiasts I have met are not lacking in passion. These are people who understand our mission and ministries and are committed to support and talk about them. Our website, Year Book, and Mandate M&S Special Edition magazine are good resources that provide transparency and accountability to those who like to look at numbers. For those who prefer anecdotal reports, you can use Minutes for Mission on paper, off the Web, or on video and CD; suggest Spirit Connection programs; or subscribe as a congregation to Mandate magazine. You will also need help from your minister in developing an understanding of stewardship in your congregation. It has been said that nothing happens to a person's giving until something first happens to the person.

At one Enthusiast meeting, an M&S Enthusiast stood up and said, "We're the cheerleaders for M&S. If we don't ask, who will?" Thank you to all the M&S Enthusiasts who are daring enough to point out the needs of our world and ask for M&S Fund support. 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 the creed.

It takes some daring, but M&S Enthusiasts "Dare to Ask!"