CONNECTIONS

Introducing our Ecumenical Representatives, Pastor Chris Markert and Sandra Barnes

by Bishop Michael Rinehart

I ask not only on behalf of these but also on behalf of those who believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.
— Jesus, John 17

Ecumenical is not a common word. It means tending to the unity of the church, particularly cooperation between the various denominations. A more common word might be interdenominational. We also tend to relationships between the various faiths. A more common word might be interfaith or inter-religious.

Jesus prayed that his church might be one, so that the world might believe… We sure have made a mess of that one. We cannot magically heal all the divides, but we are able to work together in various circles, where we can, and celebrate the things we have in common.

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Impact Stories, Vision and Relationships in Fundraising

by Campus Pastor Jerry Wirtley, Treehouse Ministries: Brazos Valley Campus Ministry

A few years ago, the Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE) changed their name to Association for Christian Fundraising (ACF). This opened the doors to those who are not Lutheran to be a part of the association to broaden their perspectives and allow for greater learning in fundraising and related fields. As a campus pastor, one of the many hats I wear is fundraising. Recently, I was able to attend the last gathering of the ACF at their Faith and Fundraising Conference in February in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for 4 days of discussion about, well, faith and fundraising, in a beautiful setting on the beach.

I wondered as I entered the gathering if I was in the right place. I am not one to normally fit in, but I commented to one of the exhibitors that as a campus pastor I really felt out of place there. I was wearing my normal shorts and T-shirt, and all the other members of ACF were in business casual. I felt out of place but soon realized that this was a gathering of mostly Lutheran folks, and while I didn’t seem to fit in, I was accepted as one of the many people who work to help others use the resources God has blessed them with to be a blessing for others.

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Stewardship

by Mark Warpmaeker

In 2010, after 13 years as a pastor, I believed I had a solid grasp of stewardship after leading congregational appeals and stewarding donors before and after their gifts. I was confident in my abilities and thought I had enough experience to be a full-time fundraiser. However, when I took on the role of Executive Director at a nonprofit, I was humbled to realize that I still had much to learn.

After 14 years of leading and raising funds for four different ministries, I know I still have a lot to learn, but almost every week, something happens that causes me to think, “I wish I knew that when I was serving a congregation.” I mentioned this to Bishop Mike a few months ago, and he asked me to make a list and write an article about it.

Four lessons I’ve learned as a fundraiser that I wish I’d known when I was a pastor. (Humbly offered as practical advice.)

1. Asking good questions always trumps talking.
2. Don’t assume you know WHY a person, church, or foundation is giving.
3. Changes in giving are often leading indicators for other changes.
4. You can’t provide too many updates or check in too often.

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Lisa’s Pieces: Creation Care Tips from the Synod Lutherans Restoring Creation Team

by Lisa Brenskelle

The mission of Lutherans Restoring Creation is to promote incorporation of care for creation into the full life and mission of the church, working in five areas: worship, education, discipleship, building & grounds, and public ministry/advocacy.

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April and Early May Creation Care Events

• Earth Month Ecochallenge – Conservation – April 1-30, online, Join the Lutherans Restoring Creation – Gulf Coast team!
• Faithful Resilience: A Study on Climate Resilience for Faith Communities – Mondays thru April 29, 6pm, online
• Living the Change Weekly Discussion Group Tuesdays thru April 2, 6pm, online
• Composting for Faith Communities – Sunday, April 7, 2pm, online
• Justice Advocacy Event – Sunday, April 14, 9am-1pm, Christ the King, 2353 Rice Blvd., Houston
• Cool Congregations Cohort – 3rd Mondays throughout 2024, 7pm, online
• Walk for the Wild – Sunday, April 21, 7am, Houston Zoo, Join the Lutherans Restoring Creation Team!
• Spring 2024 Interfaith Environmental Stewardship Event – Sunday, April 21, 1:30-4:30pm, Willow Waterhole Greenspace, Houston
• Sunday Evening Conversations on Creation: Native Plants & Prairies – Sunday, April 28, 6pm, online
• Pocket Prairie & Great Grow Out Workshop – Sunday, May 3, 2-4pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Katy

Contact gcs.lrc@gmail.com for details on any of these events.