The United States Government will begin issuing checks this week as part of the 2008 Economic Stimulus Package. The Government is hoping that Americans will use the checks for large purchases in an effort to stimulate the economy. The Church is hoping that members will see the opportunity to create a “Stewardship Stimulus Package” as well.

Several suggestions and creative examples of how to maximize your tax rebate check have come from around the denomination. The Office of the General Minister and President is encouraging congregants to consider one of four “Stewardship Stimulus” options. With over 750,000 members receiving on average $600 (not counting children and youth), Disciples are set to receive $450,000,000 which is more than the reported 2006 offering to our congregations. If every member gave at least 10 percent, our congregations would receive $45,500,000 in over and above gifts. If every congregation shared 50 percent of this with the larger church, Disciples Mission Fund (DMF) would more than double for 2008 over 2007! Not to mention that those persons who itemize on their 2008 income tax return would also have an increase in their charitable deductions.

Here are some creative ways to consider encouraging your church to give and donate for church-wide initiatives, suggested by Todd Adams, Associate General Minister and Vice President. 

First, take up a ‘special or second offering’ on May 18 of gifts and pledges toward special projects that benefit the congregation and split the offering 50/50 with Disciples Mission Fund. Remember to receive pledges, as many will not have received their stimulus checks yet. Special congregational projects might be a new roof, an upgrade to the sound system, and new computers or printers for the staff. Sharing the gift with DMF will provide support to clergy and congregations, provide critical resources for transformation projects, equip our global ministry partners, help start new churches, increase the resources for Ministerial Relief Pensions, and many other mission critical ministries.

Second, encourage congregants to double what they already planned to contribute to the Pentecost Special offering for new church ministry. You could also take up a second “over and above” offering for a new church or a church in transformation to assist with a special project like a computer, a capital repair, or even a copy machine.

Third, select a specific outreach project. Raise an offering for a special project through Week of Compassion. You can visit www.weekofcompassion.org for ideas, projects, and associated costs. You can contact your regional or area office to see if the church camp could use a new roof, new appliances for the kitchen, or a new tractor.

Fourth, be creative. Use these gifts to send your pastor to the Sept. 8-10 General Minister and President Pastor’s Conference (see: www.disciples.org/watkins/pastorsconference to register), to send children and youth to church camp, to purchase gas cards and mail them to our seminaries for use by commuter students to help offset the rising cost of gasoline.

By giving to special projects, you are helping to stimulate the economy and the church. You are encouraged to e-mail your ideas, suggestions, and stories of what your church did to create a “stewardship stimulus package” to tadams@ogmp.disciples.org.