Overcome by hopefulness
Stepping into the church, I was overcome by hopefulness. They had taken risks to serve their community well and it showed.
Yes, I visited a church last week that made me stop in my tracks, literally. I stood in the foyer of Lansing United Church in North York long enough that someone asked if they could help me :)
A hopping church on a Wednesday morning
I had stepped into a bright, open and accessible space. The place was hopping on a Wednesday morning. I could hear kids playing and had already noticed that the best parking spots out front were reserved for daycare pick-up and drop-off. The church has underground parking - no small miracle, as I’m familiar with many churches in less urban locations who debate whether to pave the parking lot or not. I imagine there was a similar debate here - redeveloping a church property takes lots of time, energy and money. Elevators and accessibility are expensive.
Taking risks to serve the community well
To be clear: the type of parking lot does not correlate to the spiritual health of a church! What I saw though, was a church that was clearly willing to take risks in order to create a space which served their community well.
The stained glass windows removed from the old sanctuary looked spectacular in the modern, glass atrium. That particular day, a business group was renting the former sanctuary space which was now a beautiful high-ceilinged meeting room. Multiple congregations worship at Lansing. Church-related organizations rent office space, which is why I was there.
I’m not familiar with the congregation itself, but I’m grateful for their hospitality. I was overcome by hopefulness upon entering their space! Not every church occupies such choice real estate, but all could learn from them about taking risks to serve the community well.
(https://www.lansingchurch.com/ for photos.)
Upcoming
Fundraising Everywhere - Interfaith presentation Thursday October 19th
On Thursday, October 19th, together with my Jewish and Muslim fundraising colleagues, I am presenting at Fundraising Everywhere, a virtual fundraising conference based in the UK but accessible to all. Our interfaith cooperation feels especially important in the current moment.
We are in Room 2, speaking at 10:30 a.m. Toronto Time. It’s quite affordable and there is a stellar line-up of speakers.
https://www.fundraisingeverywhere.com/product/individual-giving-conference-2023/
Free Shipping Tuesdays in October
If you’re interested in 2+ copies of Growing a Generous Church: A Year in the Life of Peace Blossom Church, now is a good time to order them. Simply reply to this email and I’ll get those books in the mail! I have free shipping with Canada Post Tuesdays in October (the 17th, 24th and 31st). 2-9 copies cost $25.20 each and 10+ copies cost $23.10 - including taxes and shipping within Canada.
How can a shrinking church increase generosity?
That’s the title of the next blog. I have some thoughts! Is this email forwarded from a friend? Sign-up for my blog at www.lgreesor.com, scroll down to the bottom.
If you’re still here, reading right to the end, thank you!