Bulletin insert example: compassionate, timely fund-raising for current spring disasters

When disaster happens, some of the first responders are always the churches. Their work doesn't often make the evening news, but I know it brings joy to our Lord.

How we respond is also a powerful witness to our world, not only in our work, but our works. A blog linked to the ECLA disaster site (http://blogs.elca.org/disasterresponse/) quoted one pastor who challenges us during this Lenten season before Easter: “There is resurrection even in this life. You can live again in houses that looked like tombs." That is a message we all need to hear and share with our world.

Disaster assistance is costly and raising money for it always a challenge. I've long been a fan of the power of church bulletin inserts and I just received one as I was finishing up my newsletter to church communicators that I wanted to pass on to you. There are few other tools that can be quickly and easily created plus providing immediate impact to and a plan for action for your congregation.

This example is from the ECLA church. The example is to the left and if you click on the image you can download a copy of it.

It is an excellent example of this type of publication because:

• It states the need clearly and concisely
• It asks for help
• It tells you what will happen to your donation

I'm passing this along to you,  not only as a great example of what can be done to tell your congregation about needs and to ask for donations, but if your church does not have an outreach program like this, I'm sure ECLA wouldn't mind at all if you used theirs.

Take a minute to pray

In the midst of your busy day, take a minute to pray for all the people going through these very hard times.

• Pray  for victims and first responders.
• Pray for those who clean up and rebuild.
• Pray for strength, peace, and healing of communities.
• Pray for comfort for those who have lost loved ones and healing for the injured.
• Pray that the church of Jesus Christ will bear a strong witness to the world that no matter what the storms of life (literally and figuratively) that we have Savior who is with us in the storm and who will see us safely home.