Clergy, wardens, treasurers, and others interested in church fundraising turned out in good numbers for the Faithful Givers Roadshow, held at St. John’s, Bangor on Friday, May 29 and St. Mary’s, Falmouth, on Saturday, May 30. Billed as a “one-day intensive in all things giving,” the event was conceived by a development working group comprised of leaders from the Trustees of Diocesan Funds, the Standing Committee, and Diocesan Council and funded thanks to a generous donation from Trustee Liz McMullan.
The two days followed the same agenda, beginning with a welcome and opening prayer from Bishop Brown, who also introduced the diocese’s new Stewardship Advisor, Joyce Kennedy. (Learn more about Joyce and how to contact her here.) After additional introductions by working group member and Trustee, the Rev. Timothy Boggs, and a keynote address from the Rt. Rev. Mark Hollingsworth, the retired eleventh Bishop of Ohio and a York County resident, attendees heard presentations by four panelists who each focused on a different aspect of fundraising. Marisa Swystun of AllianceBernstein, a Boston-based investment firm that works with the Trustees to invest some of the $40+ million they manage, spoke about endowments; the Rev. Jon Fuess, currently associate rector of St. James’, Los Angeles and soon to be canon to the ordinary in the Diocese of Los Angeles, detailed St. James’ successful capital campaign for significant building improvements; and the Rev. Matthew Dayton-Welch, rector of Church of the Epiphany in New York City, explained how his congregation launched a major renovation project just before the pandemic, and in the course of the effort, also survived a fire and a flood, all of which gave him expertise in keeping fundraising momentum going when the circumstances are challenging. The panel also include two Maine priests who shared their experiences in increasing annual stewardship: the Rev. Amanda Gerken Nelson, rector of St. Bart’s, Yarmouth in Bangor and the Rev. Elaine Hewes, rector of St. Brendan the Navigator in Deer Isle, in Falmouth.
The day continued over a working lunch in breakout rooms, in which participants had a change to engage with panelists and peers in a more intimate and casual setting.
Despite the relative seriousness of the subject matter, the mood at both venues was upbeat, as was the feedback. Several participants commented that the event had surpassed their expectations, and one said that she had woken up that morning feeling grumpy about having agreed to attend, but found the day to be especially valuable, and fun. If you missed the Faithful Givers Roadshow, you can watch the keynote and presentations here, and download presenters’ materials here.
Stay tuned for more to come from this exciting new initiative!
