| Stewardship NotesSaying Thanks Makes Cents
By Dr. Randy Casey-Rutland
Florida Conference Treasurer
 Does
your church say “thank you” for the gifts it receives? Many
churches dutifully mail quarterly statements listing each contribution
and add a generic: “Thank you for your gifts.” Quarterly
statements or receipts are good for tax purposes, but a poor way to
express appreciation.
Have you ever received a preprinted thank-you
note for a wedding gift? Would you send a form letter saying “thanks
for care received” during an illness? Of course not. Gifts and
expressions of gratitude are statements of our faith and character.
Failing to say “thanks” shortchanges not only the giver, but the
recipient, as well.
Experts say successful non-profits say “thank
you” three times for each gift. Financially healthy churches find a
variety of ways to say “thank you” for gifts of money, time,
expertise and other support.
The pastor says “thank you” from the pulpit.
The bulletin says “thank you” every Sunday. The lay leader and
church council chair write “thank-you” notes to volunteers.
Newsletters carry stories of how gifts of money or service help the
church and change lives. The finance chair says “thanks”
periodically during Sunday services. Energetic youth stand up and say
“thanks” to those who funded a mission trip or a cookout and
movie. Kindergartners color “thank-you” pictures that are enclosed
with those quarterly statements.
The church that says “thanks” in creative,
personal and powerful ways cultivates generosity and, consequently,
seems to have more to say thanks about. Gratitude nurtures generosity—it’s
good theologically and economically.
On behalf of the whole church, I want to say,
“Thank you!” to you. Your gifts enable your church, the Florida
Conference and United Methodists around the world to care for the
needy, search for the lost, make new disciples and follow God’s
call. Thank you for your generous gifts to apportionments and advance
specials. Thank you for regular gifts in the Sunday offering plate and
for lifetime gifts through trusts and wills. Thank you for the dollars
you give your children to give to the church. All these gifts touch
lives and change people.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!
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