At Piedmont Presbyterian Church in West Virginia, generosity comes in all sizes — sometimes even cow-sized.
For Lori Evans, a ruling elder at the church who is currently in the process of becoming a commissioned pastor, nothing brings more joy than seeing the congregation come together to make a big difference through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. “That Giving Catalog is wonderful,” Evans said. “For us, it’s a wonderful resource, it’s a wonderful tool.”
Evans has been part of Piedmont Presbyterian Church for nearly 40 years — she was married there and raised her daughter there. A lifelong churchgoer and daughter of a minister, she stepped in to serve as pulpit supply after the church’s previous pastor resigned. Now in her fourth year under contract, she’s working toward becoming a commissioned pastor through courses at Union Presbyterian Seminary.
During the week, Evans works in a local pathology lab — a vocation she loves. But her ministry work, she said, “is my joy.”
Each Sunday, about 30 worshipers gather at the church in the small mountain town of Piedmont. Most are older adults, many widowed, though there are a few young children, too. “The more we listen to the Holy Spirit,” Evans said, “the better things work.”
The Presbyterian Giving Catalog — available in print and online — has long been a favorite tool for congregations like Piedmont. The latest edition has been reorganized around four cause areas: Provide Clean Water, End Hunger, Sustain Communities and Support Education. With 44 giving opportunities, it’s designed to fit every mission interest and every budget.
“The Giving Catalog is easy. You can tailor it to what your funds are,” Evans said, noting that she finds it to be a great tool for mission committees to make a difference in the wider world.
Cathy Boyce, Debbie Scheermesser and Evans form Piedmont’s Mission Committee. The women look forward to studying the Giving Catalog each year, searching for projects that will have the “biggest bang for the buck.” Their gifts come out of the church’s general fund, and they especially love to focus on projects that help children and provide clean water.
Over the years, they’ve purchased chickens, rabbits and more through the Giving Catalog. “We bought a cow!” Evans said proudly, adding that she feels it has been their most significant gift so far. “Someone’s gift helped us spend the $450 to buy a whole cow” to provide stable income and nourishment to a community.
Piedmont Presbyterian Church feels connected to the Giving Catalog’s invitation to “give with a purpose.” In addition to using the catalog to give globally, the congregation also continues to give locally — with a purpose. The church supports the Burlington Children’s Home and the Union Rescue Mission, and it participates in a community food pantry run by the local ministerial association.
When a major flood hit nearby Western Maryland, the church gave support to the local fire company to help replace lost equipment. “Because we are small, I think it’s easier for us to give money or send money,” Evans said. “Now that our congregation is aging, it’s how we can help.” And the Giving Catalog is a natural aid, helping their gifts reach around the globe.
Evans encourages church members to see every act of giving — large or small— as a step of faith. “Do what you can joyfully,” she said. “Encourage people to step out in faith and find their own gift. If it’s $25 for rabbits, that’s great. If it’s sending a card to someone who’s sick, that’s great. Step out in faith!”
Evans notes that a share of a cow ($50), school supplies ($30), and a share of a garden well ($50) allows them to help with causes the Spirit has placed on their hearts and participate in ways God is at work in the world.
“I’m a big old sinner who loves Jesus,” she said with a smile. “Little things enable us to spread that love — and that’s what we want to do.”
You too can help give a dairy cow! Would you join Piedmont Presbyterian Church in sharing little gifts to spread Christ’s love? Share the good news and tangible resources through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. Click here to get started.
Jana Blazek for Stewardship and Funds Development (Click here to read original PNS Story)
Let us join in prayer for:
T. Clark Simmons, Senior Church Consultant, Engagement & Church Relations, The Board of Pensions
Alejandra Sherman, Administrative Assistant, President’s Office, Administrative Services Group
Let us pray:
Loving God, may we seek your face when our eyes are drawn to lesser things. May we seek your kingdom first and hold fast to the vision Jesus proclaimed, even in the face of the kind of outrage Jesus encountered. For we seek always to follow your ways, for the sake of your reign, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
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