STEWARDSHIP EDUCATION TOPICS OFFERED 2011

Friends and Philanthropy: Quakers don’t like to talk about money. This sentiment is commonly repeated among Friends. Might we examine this assumption, and discern whether to make adjustments in our thinking and our actions? This program invites participants into a frank and comfortable discussion about Quakers, money, need, recognition, and the ways in which traditional fundraising practices may and may not apply to Friends. Includes a brief exercise that provides a context in which Friends may consider their personal giving. Time: 45 minutes to an hour, depending on discussion.

What’s in a Yearly Meeting?: All who worship at Monthly Meetings within BYM are part of the Yearly Meeting community – but many Friends don’t know what their Yearly Meeting is or does. This talk provides an overview of the people and programs of Baltimore Yearly Meeting, and invites Friends to consider how BYM can best serve Friends in our time. Time: 45 minutes

Monthly Meetings Raising Money: Monthly Meetings carry a number of financial responsibilities. They must meet their daily operating needs, provide for their buildings and properties, contribute apportionment, and plan for future needs. A number of Meetings within BYM struggle with these things to some degree. This talk aims to help Meetings become more comfortable with aspects of fundraising: planning, asking, thanking, and stewarding, and including the “best practices” that I compile as I visit Meetings around the region. Time: 45 minutes to an hour, depending on discussion.

Money, Values and Spirit: Theologian John Wesley admonished the faithful to “earn all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” Contemporary religious commentator Jim Wallis of Sojourners reminds us that “a budget is a moral document.” How are today’s Friends to navigate demands and desires to move toward sufficiency, sanity and Spirit in financial matters? This program – developed for a retreat setting – invites participants into an open and supportive dialogue about Quakers, money, gratitude, generosity, and how we might increasingly make financial choices that are in line with our deepest values. Time: min. 1.5 hours. Includes worship sharing, small groups, and a brief exercise to aid personal discernment.

Philanthropy as a Spiritual Practice (NEW): As Friends, we carry many concerns about the state of our society and the world. We may be led to respond with prayer, with activism, and/or with our financial support. This workshop focuses on the latter – How are we able to use our money to make positive change? – with attention to the effect that giving has on us as givers, as well as on the recipients of our gifts. The session is intended for Friends with all levels of experience: those who are seasoned donors, as well as those who would like to begin making intentional giving a part of their lives. Let us learn from each other about how to practice joyful and spirit-led giving in support of the world we would like to see. Come prepared to tell about an organization or cause you support, and why you are moved to do so. (You will not be required to share if you prefer not to).

For more information, or to schedule a visit, contact:

Robinne Gray
Development Director
Baltimore Yearly Meeting
301-774-7663
rgray@bym-rsf.org