Copyright © 2003 The Episcopal Diocese of East Tennessee

National church official keeps participants involved

By Carolyn Dicer
Bishop's Deputy for Program

Terry Parsons, Stewardship Officer for the Episcopal Church, captivated the 120 participants with her stories, humor and stewardship theology. Her insights and suggestions provided knowledge and tools to churches of all sizes and styles.

One person said of the conference, “Her message was priceless. People needed to hear this message, especially our stewardship committee. I hope they are strong enough to live it!”

Workshop leaders the Rev. Dan Matthews Jr., the Rev. Joe Ballard, Dr. Mary Nelle Osborne, Herb Berl and Chuck Estes provided hands-on resources for churches to use in their fall commitment programs and in their year-round stewardship education programs. One portion of the conference divided participants by church size and offered specialized guidance on fall commitment programs.

A new resource just on the market, “Living with Money” encourages dialogue on the subject of money in the context of the Christian faith. Parsons said the video-based program with supporting print materials helps people understand the role, power and impact of money in their lives.

“Living with Money” is appropriate for every sized church, according to Parsons, who wrote the Bible study portion. It can be done in four sessions on Sunday mornings or weekday evenings and is available through the Morehouse Group or the Episcopal Media Center. St. Timothy, Signal Mountain, will offer the series this fall.

Many of Parsons’ conference handouts, including resources for new stewardship chairpersons and congregations who are building a stewardship ministry, are available on the Episcopal Church Web site at www.episcopalchurch.org/congdev/stewardship.

Churches are encouraged to contact Parsons with stewardship questions or comments: tparsons@episcopalchurch.org or 1-800-334-7626.

Additional resources for fall commitment programs or general stewardship education – including a copy of “Living with Money” to borrow or preview – are available from Carolyn Dicer at the Diocesan House, 865-966-2110 or cdicer@etdiocese.net.