As director of development, I have the privilege of visiting and getting to know many of MennoMedia’s generous supporters, both individuals and congregations. In March I represented MennoMedia at the Ohio Mennonite Conference’s (OMC) Annual Assembly at Central Christian School (CCS) in Kidron, Ohio. While at that event, which was attended by more than 300 delegates, I helped Norma Duerksen, the Conference Resource Advocate, staff the MennoMedia book table, set up in the school gym along with many other Mennonite Church USA agency’s displays. OMC’s annual assembly is often our biggest single conference sales event. This year it did well, bringing in more than $1,500.
Before and after the assembly, I traveled through Ohio stopping in eight cities where I visited four congregations and a dozen MennoMedia donors. It is always a joy to meet with generous supporters and to be able to put a face with their names. Most often I meet in their homes but occasionally I am invited into their offices as well.
On this trip, Rupp Seed Inc. chairman Roger Rupp, gave me an extensive tour of two of the company warehouses. For over 65 years Rupp Seeds Inc. has been serving its customers. Their slogan, “See What Good Yields,” refers not only to the bountiful crops produced by their quality seeds, but to the abundance God brings when we give generously to the work of extending God’s Kingdom. Rupp Seeds donates their products to an OMC church’s Community garden, and to many other non-profit organizations. To learn more about Rupp Seeds Inc. click here.
I was also encouraged by a report from Bethany Nussbaum, advancement director at Central Christian School in Kidron. To view their web site click here.
Bethany told us they raised $362,000 for the school in a single morning through their annual auction. Of course there were many people involved, and months of planning and hard work, in advance of that morning’s event. I also learned of an anonymous donor who approached the school’s superintendent with a desire to make an impact for God’s Kingdom through the school’s music program. He encouraged them to “think big” and come back with a proposal. They presented their plan and he funded it to the tune of $400,000. This will allow CCS to take their music program to the next level. I was amazed at the generosity which allowed this small, rural Mennonite school to raise $.8 million this spring.
MennoMedia also relies on the generosity of its supporters to continue its ministry. If you are a MennoMedia customer, enjoying the books, music and curricula we produce, but have not yet made a contribution to support our ministry, I encourage you to give generously to MennoMedia. I promise we will use your tax deductible gift wisely as we “seek to engage and shape church and society with resources for living the Christian faith from an Anabaptist perspective.”
You don’t have to give a half of a million dollars to have an impact. Your financial support is much needed and greatly appreciated. If you are in the U.S. you can give using Pay Pal card by clicking here, or by credit card by clicking here.
For those in Canada click here.
You may also mail a check to MennoMedia, 1251 Virginia Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22802 or in Canada to: Mennonite Church Canada, 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 0M4, Canada (designated for MennoMedia).
Thank you for your interest in MennoMedia.
Steve Carpenter
Shine Curriculum introduces Shine Everywhere
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