Overview of “We’re On God’s Team” Stewardship Program

This program was based upon Bishop Duane Pederson’s “Hooked on Jesus” Stewardship campaign which our church has used and enjoyed. Since we are a congregation that truly enjoys a border rivalry (Packers/Vikings) we had a great time with this theme. Included with the documents are a timeline, letters, newsletter articles, a skit for each Sunday, pledge cards and bulletin covers. You will need to modify these with your own information and to suit your own needs. Not included but an integral part of what we did was to create a booklet of devotions from our congregation members. Each chose (or had me help choose) a Bible verse and they wrote about the verse and what it meant to be a part of “God’s Team”. We had people writing from all generations. Our youngest was 7. Also, there were temple talks given on the theme of the Sunday by four people from our congregation varying in generation and gender. An activity that we tried involved paying to put football signs in each other’s yards. We charged $20 to place a sign, and $20 to remove it. Insurance against another sign being placed could be purchased for an extra $10. Congregation members were encouraged to wear their favorite team jersey or shirt to worship as a way of participating. Those leading worship also wore jerseys and our acolytes were in referee shirts. I challenged the congregation to an attendance goal – if we met it they could make me wear the jersey of my rival team! They didn’t quite make the goal but they had fun trying. The overall point was to both focus on stewardship and to build up the relationships and camaraderie in the congregation. We had a wonderful time with this program. You are free to use this without any cost. I would enjoy, however, hearing how this worked out in your congregation.

In Faith, Pastor Diane Norstad Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church, ELCA [email protected] [email protected] 715-485-3800