Greetings!

Inspiring Generosity is a new e-newsletter of the Massachusetts Conference United Church of Christ. It provides articles and resources for the local church suitable for cutting-and-pasting into your newsletter or bulletin.

Massachusetts Historical Commission Grants
The Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program established in 1984 to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites (cultural resources) listed in the State Register of Historic Places. The application deadline for Round 13 grants is February 21, 2007. Read more... Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund

New Charitable IRA legislation passed
New landmark legislation has been passed to allow charitable gifts to be made from IRA accounts. Read more... Charitable IRA Rollovers

Book Review: Ask, Thank, Tell
Three simple verbs provide a clear plan for year round development of stewardship in the local church. A must read for all those involved in local church stewardship. Read more... Book Review: Ask, Thank, Tell

Planned Giving Tip of the Month
The number one reason people make gifts to an organization is that they were asked. Are you asking your congregation to consider planned gifts? Here is a tip: On an on-going basis, place at the bottom of your Sunday Bulletin, and somewhere in your newsletter the line: “Have you remembered [Your Church’s Name] U.C.C. in your will?”

Legacies of Love: Stories of Planned Gifts
“The Woman Who Saved the Meetinghouse” A story of giving. Read more... A Story of Giving

Year-End Giving
The stock market is up again, and now is the time to consider the advantages of a year-end gift of stock to you church. Read more... A Year-End Gift To Your Church

Humor
In New England, where the collection plate is rarely full, a pastor in a small church was taking the offering. When the plate came back to the pastor to pray over the offering, he saw that the few pennies in it were even less than usual. He held the plate up in front of him and said, "Well Lord, we thank you for the safe return of the plate.”

Have You Made Your 2007 OCWM Pledge Yet?
Your pledge to Our Church’s Wider Mission provides for a multitude of ministries which strengthen the local church. To make your church’s pledge, click here. Your 2007 OCWM Pledge

Reflection: What is Enough?
Paul wrote to 1st century Christians, “God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.” But for us in the 21st century, what is enough? Read more... What is Enough?