Getting started – about you
With October 1 soon upon us, I would like for us to begin with brief introductions of those who will be participating in the discussion of The Spirituality of Fund-Raising. Specifically, take a few minutes to “tell us about yourself”. One sentence is fine; a small paragraph is better . . . whatever you would like to share with others in the group. I will be particularly interested in learning “where you live” in that we may very well have participants joining us from many interesting parts of the world. You can participate in the discussion whenever you want. I would, however, encourage you to participate over a period of several weeks so that the conversation builds. That, however, is up to you. Take a look at the links to the right. You will see the “Schedule of readings” which provides a list of “short assignments” for each of the six weeks beginning October 1 and concluding with our final week November 12, 2009. One nice thing about The Spirituality of Fund-Raising is that it is very short—39 pages!—so you can be “well prepared” each week in a very short period of time. Do, however, get your copy of The Spirituality of Fund-Raising well ahead of time so we can be “all on the same page” as we move forward. Welcome!
If you do not have a copy of The Spirituality of Fund-Raising, click here to order. Please indicate it’s a rush order!
Click here to watch my video, “Making Space for Wealthy (and Well-Known) People at Your Table” on YouTube.
- Henry
71 Comments »
RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI
Leave a comment
Line and paragraph breaks automatic, e-mail address never displayed, HTML allowed: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <code> <em> <i> <strike> <strong>
October 24th, 2009 @ 1:52 am
Rosie–A much delayed “welcome!”
October 15th, 2009 @ 6:46 am
Hi, I’m Rosie Perera, and I just stumbled upon this reading group belatedly. I’ve read The Spirituality of Fund-Raising before, but would love to read it again and discuss it with you folks. I have just ordered a bunch of copies to give away to friends who are involved in fund-raising in faith-based non-profits. I served for five years on the board of the Regent College Foundation. This booklet was given to me by a friend during that time. I have been a long-time fan of Henri Nouwen’s books since reading The Wounded Healer in ‘97.
October 14th, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
Yvette–Glad you are joining us!
Henry
October 13th, 2009 @ 8:12 am
Hello from NYC,
This year I am a member of the Stewardship Committee in my church, Trinity Wall Street.
My limited experience in fund raising was working as a volunteer for the American Indian Community House in NYC and can appreciate the efforts put in by NPO’s to keep their organizations afloat.
I have found profound wisdom and comfort in the Nouwen books I have read.
October 13th, 2009 @ 5:58 am
Hi everyone,
Sorry I’m a late arrival…..I just received a forwarded email last evening and discovered this group. I have a long history in the non-profit world. Working as Executive Director for a Literacy Council and for a children’s museum. Currently as a volunteer I am working with a group establishing a Naval Museum & Education Center and with a young man establishing a residential campus to compliment his mentoring programfor at risk young men. Excited about being a part of the discussions.
October 7th, 2009 @ 11:20 am
Welcome Amy! What an interesting experience and perspective you will bring to the conversation!
Henry
October 7th, 2009 @ 9:00 am
Hello Henry, I am the Executive Director of Amistad Mission that is dedicated to rescuing abandoned and abused children in Bolivia and to providing transformational programs (health care, water, agricutlure) to the Quechua Indians in the Andes Mountains. I first read the Spirituality of Fundraising last year after also reading Gracias. What a gift the book has been to me. I look forward to joining the discussion moving forward. Thank you.
October 5th, 2009 @ 10:55 am
Chad–Welcome! A small world it is! I’m glad you are joining us.
October 5th, 2009 @ 10:24 am
Hi Everyone,
I am an Area Director with Young Life in Manhattan, KS-the Little Apple, and part of my responsibilities are to lead volunteer men and women to help with our fundraising efforts. So many of them find it to be a difficult and arduous task that they decide to stop helping out or move on to something else. I am really wanting to lead them with the value that fundraising brings people to the feet of Jesus. I read the Spirituality of Fundraising as a part of my training with Young Life back in 2005 and really love it. So hopefully this time together can help me flesh out ways to share with my volunteer committee how this is a value to their spirituality.
October 5th, 2009 @ 8:31 am
Kwen–welcome!
October 5th, 2009 @ 5:28 am
Hi All. Sorry to be joining late. I am Kwen and I’m based in Hong Kong. I am the Advancement Director (HK/Asia) for ELIC - we send English teachers into hard-to-reach countries in East Asia. Henri’s book has helped to spiritually ground many of the “ways” we do fundraising, laid down by godly people who came before me. I look forward to learning from all of you.
October 4th, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
Janet, Laura, and Larry–Having been at a Campaign Steering Committee for a client for most of the weekend, I was pleased to return to find that you have joined us. Welcome!
October 3rd, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Hi, my name is Laura Cootsona. This booklet was a gift to me many years ago as it combined two of my main passions: spirituality (and particularly Henri Nouwen) and fundraising. I am a nonprofit management consultant who has specialized in fundraising since the mid-90s. I just finished teaching a 5 week course on Nouwen for my church’s Adult Discipleship program and find in this economy the need to go deeper into the well of what we are doing when we are raising money. I work with many faith based organizations as well as secular ones that need to understand the integration of raising money and stewarding their organizations. Thanks for hosting this blog!
October 2nd, 2009 @ 4:57 pm
Hello. I am Larry Spears from Indianapolis. I have spent the past 20 years working in the area of servant-leadership. From 1990-2007 as President & CEO of The Greenleaf Center, and since 2008 as President & CEO of The Spears Center for Servant-Leadership (www.spearscenter.org). I have published quite a bit on the subject. I have known Henry Freeman for 20 years, having first met through our work with FRIENDS JOURNAL. I had the pleasure of spending time with Henri Nouwen on one occasion, and I have briefly met two of his brothers in the Netherlands. IN THE NAME OF JESUS was the first by Henri that I read years ago, and it remains one of my favorites. Henry Freeman and I are presently working on a one-day workshop focused on Henri Nouwen, Robert Greenleaf, and Servant-Leadership. It is good to be with each of you.–Larry
October 2nd, 2009 @ 4:54 pm
Greetings. I am a retired professor of education from Univ. of Cincinnati and also currently working on an MTS at United Theological Smeinary in Trotwood Ohio (near Dayton). I live in Lebanon OH, halfway between Cincinnati and Dayton Ohio. My husband and I have 3 sons and 5 grandchildren.Our church is beginning a big capital fund raising campaign and I thought reading Nouwen’s book would be helpful, as I am resistant to such campaigns.
October 2nd, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Welcome Cori and Linda! Having spent many years down the road from you (in New Haven), I am very familiar with Hartford–a wonderful city.
This is turning out to be a very interesting mix of people joining the discussion–many from all parts of the US who bring to the table a wide variety of interesting backgrounds and experiences. We also have, I believe, 5 different countries now represented.
Again, welcome to the conversation!
October 2nd, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Greetings! I have worked as a financial manager with (cash-strapped) non-profits for most of my career, and look forward to gathering insights about how to frame raising money in this “new” way. I’m currently volunteering with Cori in the Archdiocese of Hartford in CT, knowing that soliciting donations is critical to our mission, but wondering how to begin to communicate this ministry to a broader audience. It’s an exciting challenge!
October 2nd, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Good morning,
I am the director of the social justice office for the Archdiocese of Hartford. I have about nine years of experience, but this is my first time having to raise money. Intellectually I am completely on board, and even excited, with the idea that this is a ministry and a chance to invite people to share their gifts. However, the feelings that surface when I think about fund raising suggest that I have a ways to go to match my intellectual understanding with my emotional response which is characterized by fear, guilt, and insecurity. It feels daunting. This seems like a great opportunity to explore this more.
Cori
October 2nd, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Welcome to Rachel, Mark, and Sheila! With the three of you now joining the conversation we have many states represented and a wide range of backgrounds and life experience being brought to the table. You, Sheila, also add to a growing list of discussion participants from around the world including Germany, Ireland, Scotland, Japan, and now Guatemala! Having spent many months in neighboring El Salvador working with orphans, I also have fond memories of side-trips into Guatemala…….What a beautiful country (and very friendly people who–like Salvadoreans–have a deep understanding of the word “community”.)
Again, welcome!
October 2nd, 2009 @ 9:36 am
I am a registered nurse in Guatemala as a lay missionary. I am interested in fund raising for our clinic.
October 2nd, 2009 @ 7:15 am
Good Morning All,
Today, at Lees-McRae College, our board of trustees is meeting and Homecoming begins this afternoon. Much excitement. I’m sharing “The Spirituality of Fund-Raising” with our advancement committee. As the Quakers say, I’m holding each of you in the light and please hold us in the light.
Will enjoy our conversations.
Leslie
October 1st, 2009 @ 3:27 pm
Hi. I am Mark P. Fisher, husband of one, father of 5, President and Head Innovation Coach of Sandy Cove Ministries on the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay in North East, MD. This book has been an amazing gift to me. I can’t wait to learn in community with you.
October 1st, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Hi All,
My name is Rachel and I’m a United Methodist pastor serving a medium-sized congregation in the Milwaukee, WI area. I’m joining the discussion for two reasons: 1) I have been inspired by the work of Henri JM Nouwen on more occasions than I can count; and 2) because my congregation is about to launch into a Capital Funds Campaign and I have a longstanding, love/hate relatinship with fundraising and stewardship drives. I could use some consultation as well as spiritual support for this undertaking. Thanks in advance.
October 1st, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
Welcome Doreen and Brian!
October 1st, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Hello. I’m Doreen Tucker and I too am employed by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community. I’ve been working in their development office for nine years. Before then, I worked the same amount of time at a food bank. I’m looking forward to “listening” to your thoughts and sharing information with you.
October 1st, 2009 @ 11:19 am
Good morning, my name is Brian Fort and I have the privilege of serving as Director of Development at Denver Seminary. Four years ago we completed construction on a new 20 acre campus that includes seven buildings. Truly a God sized project which included great work by my good friend Gary Hoag.
I have used the booklet in a number of ways and I am looking forward to the discussion.
October 1st, 2009 @ 10:59 am
Sarah–Welcome. It is nice to have someone from Connecticut. Madison is familiar territory from many years ago when I lived in New Haven. It is, in fact, a very small world………I received in this morning’s mail an invitation to a “storytelling retreat” to be held in March at (where else)–The Mercy Center in Madison, Ct. So, I look forward to both your participation in discussion and also meeting you next Spring when I am out your way!
October 1st, 2009 @ 10:52 am
Hi!
I am a retired pastoral counselor/MFT active if a fundraising group called The Granny Connection. Our goal is to work in solidarity with the grandmothers of Africa who are raising many children orphaned by AIDS. I bought books for most all in the group-very spirited and creative grandmothers and “grandothers”.
October 1st, 2009 @ 9:14 am
Good morning!
I recently took a position with the Sisters of Mercy Northeast as the capital campaign manager for one of their sponsored ministries, Mercy Center in Madison, CT. My supervisor invited me to join in this conversation. I have the great good fortune to have fantastic mentors who have helped shape the way I think about development. I am looking forward to learning from all of you too.
October 1st, 2009 @ 7:12 am
Welcome Mary, Robin, Bernie, and Rose!
October 1st, 2009 @ 3:08 am
Hello-I was invited to participate by a fellow MOMS, Ministry of Mothers Sharing, leader Anne Burczyk. I serve as the MOMS Coordinator at my parish, St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church in Surprise, AZ and also coordinate MOMS at Maggie’s Place, a home for pregnant women who have little or no support system. As a lay volunteer in the church, many times I find myself feeling powerless and unsupported when it comes to ministry and programming and fundraising. We manage to raise the money we need, but it is always a challenge and never something I look forward to doing.
Henri Nouwen has been one of my favorite writers since college. I spent some time at L’Arche Daybreak in Toronto Canada and experienced first hand the beauty and love he shares in his book Adam.
Looking forward to this blog . . .
September 30th, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
I am a fund development professional representing the Northeast Community of the Sisters of Mercy. I cover the areas of Albany, NY, Burlington, VT, ME, NH, RI, and CT.
As a religious order, it is essential that we begin to talk about development as a ministry and to see that fundraising is indeed beautiful.
It is my hopes that this blog will be of immense assistance and learning.
September 30th, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Hi all -
I never thought to check this before today and you guys have been introducing yourselves for a couple of weeks now, but better late than never. We live in the suburbs of NY and Home Tonight was the first discussion (which ended up being more of a retreat experience), that I had the pleasure to participate in. Like many of you, Henri Nouwen has become my personal Spiritual Director or as some have said “guru”. Although fundraising didn’t speak to me at first, I purchased the book, it has collected dust for the summer and I guess it is time for me to open it but I did give my other copy to someone who said it is very helpful in their ministry. As in the past, I will place all the participants in God’s hands in prayer daily. - Rose
September 30th, 2009 @ 12:25 pm
Hello! I discovered this group on the Sojourners website today and have just ordered my book, so I’m a bit late jumping in. I am the fundraiser/marketer for Harborquest, Inc. in Chicago. We’re a not-for-profit social enterprise that uses intense job-readiness training and a temporary staffing service to move people from chronic unemployment to employment and self-sufficiency. We work with people who’ve been on welfare, live in public housing or are homeless, the formerly incarcerated, and many others who can’t get a foothold in the local economy even during good times. Our organization is going through a hard time — like so many other n-f-ps — and funding is drying up rapidly. I’m worried about our staff and our clients. I think this is the very thing I need right now — a spiritual perspective. I’ve always loved Henri Nouwen’s writing and I’m looking forward to reading this book and the discussion with all of you!
September 30th, 2009 @ 10:14 am
Hello. I am the co-pastor (with my spouse) of a 150-member Unitarian Universalist congregation in south-central Pennsylvania. I am here because I want to encourage financial stewardship of giving generously out of religious commitment in order to more effectively fulfill our church’s mission. I am also an officer of an interfaith environmental advocacy group, the Clean Air Board of Central Pennsylvania (www.cleanairboard.org), which is just starting to think about fundraising. I have just ordered the book, so may be observing more than commenting until it arrives.
September 30th, 2009 @ 9:06 am
My name is Orletta Caldwell from Detroit MI. Don’t cringe a lot of wonderful folks going through a bad time lives here. It has been my desire to build, enhance and reform faith-based organizations to run more efficiently in the 21st century. Whan I saw Mr. Nouwen’s quote in the Indianapolis not for profit news this morning I knew I had to belong because I just had a conversation with a friend who wanted to make fundraising “more spiritual”. I replied it is spiritual. What a comfirmation from the Lord.
September 30th, 2009 @ 12:30 am
I’m looking forward to being a part of this wealth of knowledge and interest in the spirituality of fundraising. Over the summer, I really meditated over the concepts of Henri Nouwen in this book and I can hardly wait to hear everyones thoughts on the different aspects of this reading.
September 29th, 2009 @ 6:52 pm
Hi,
My friend and co-worker, Hiroko and I would like to join the discussion from Japan. The welfare and city government here are encouraging us to establish an NPO designed to work with young people who have dropped out of school. We find our vision growing, but neither of us have experience with fundraising. We were happily surprised at the title of the book, and after I watched your video on inviting ALL the poor to the table, I am hooked. I have ordered the book, but dont have it yet, so will be playing catch up for a little while.
September 28th, 2009 @ 10:49 am
Anne–Welcome to the discussion. It is interesting to see the range of participants and the organizations they represent. You, in your role with Ministry for Mothers Sharing will not be alone as a person participating in the discussion who is seeking insight as to fundraising as ministry in the context of an organization with limited staff and resources. Again, welcome!
September 28th, 2009 @ 8:25 am
Welcome to the most recent folks to join the discussion–Kae and Carroll (who join several others from North Carolina!); Deborah (from Iowa); and Ralph from Orlando, Florida.
I am impressed by the breadth of experience that will be at the table for our discussion. I am particularly pleased that we have among us many people who are already familiar with Henri’s work–and several (such as Deborah) who have participated in earlier Nouwen Society blogs.
Again, welcome!
September 28th, 2009 @ 8:14 am
Hello,
I work with Ministry of Mothers Sharing, MOMS, an outreach ministry of St Paul’s Monastery in St. Paul, MN. I reside in Central Florida, serving as the Regional Coordinator for MOMS. In addition, I volunteer my leadership at the public high school on the booster board as they raise money to supplement programs.
As I read the book, I found a new perspective on money and ministry. I can say, I would rather do anything else for an organization than ask for money. However, I was able to utilize some of the concepts at a recent parent meeting at the high school. I was profound at how comfortable I felt about asking for financial support.
I am looking forward to the discussion to further appreciate the wisdom of Henri Nouwen.
September 27th, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
Hi- My name is Ralph Waterhouse. I’m an Anglican priest and have read several of Henri Nouwen’s books, though never participated in a forum such as this. Very much looking forward to the study and interaction with the group. So, greetings from Orlando, Florida.
September 26th, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
Hello, My husband Carroll and I will be joining the discussion. It is timely for…our church is beginning a facilities study and we would like for the fund-raising aspect to be driven by a vision of what the church can/will mean for future generations and times.
Kae Parker
September 26th, 2009 @ 2:01 pm
Hi! My name is Deborah. I have participated in several of these Henri Nouwen discussions–Henri being a favorite writer. At first I wasn’t sure if I would join in on this one or not. I work with several Christian organizations on a volunteer basis, and my husband is a pastor here in NW Iowa. After looking over the book, however, I thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to participate in this discussion. I hope to learn much from each of you and to grow in another area of my life.
September 25th, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
Welcome Valeri and Ed!
September 25th, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
My name is Ed McKell and my family and I are on staff with Campus Crusade for Christ International. We currently live in Southern Ohio but we will be serving in Germany helping to start spiritual movements to impact the lives of high school aged students throughout Western Europe. We are currently in the process of developing our ministry partner team so the subject of fundraising is an everyday occurence. I have not yet had the privilege to read Henri Nouwen’s booklet but I have placed an order for a copy.
Blessings to you all! I look forward to joining into an enlightening discussion.
September 25th, 2009 @ 10:50 am
Greetings also from Indiana. I am the Events Coordinator for Catholic Charities Indianapolis and also work with the donor database. On a personal note, I have been involved in various committees at my parish, the latest is a Haiti mission committee as a reult of a mission trip this past January.
I have been a fan of Henri Nouwen’s writings since my college days. A friend introduced me to the Henri Nouwen daily reflections.
September 25th, 2009 @ 9:47 am
Will–Welcome! As I indicated in an earlier message I am pleased that it looks like we are going to have a wonderful mix of people who are both “new” to The Spirituality of Fund-Raising and others who have some experience incorporating the book into their work.
Again, welcome!
September 24th, 2009 @ 10:37 pm
Greetings,
I’ve worked with Campus Crusade for Christ for the past two years at the University of Missouri. And am now in the process of raising funds to head to a longer term position in New Mexico. I’ve read Nouwen’s book on fundrasing before and was planning on reading it again before my friend turned me onto this blog. Glad to have all the community I can in the process. It can oft be discouraging and the light of truth needs to shine on us from our Christian family more often in times like this.
Peace,
Will
September 24th, 2009 @ 10:09 am
Warm greetings everyone! For those of you in the New Jersey area, I thought you might like to know that Sr. Sue Mosteller, Henri Nouwen’s literary executrix, will be speaking at two New Jersey parishes on October 22nd. Her talk is entitled “Stewardship Teaches The Spirituality of Fund-Raising”.
Church of the Assumption, 146 S. Pitney Rd. Galloway
(1:00 - 3:00 pm)
St. Agnes Parish, 701 Little Gloucester Rd., Blackwood
(7:00 - 9:00 pm). For more information, please see the Events section at www.HenriNouwen.org
Blessings,
Maureen
Resource Coordinator
Henri Nouwen Society
September 22nd, 2009 @ 10:40 am
Leslie–I noticed from your comments that you spent several years at Sojourners. Given that I have worked as a consultant with Sojourners for many years (and will be with them in DC tomorrow), I am sure we know many people in common ranging from Jim Wallis and Ed Spivey to Joe Roos! I look forward to your participation in the conversation!
September 22nd, 2009 @ 10:34 am
How wonderful it is to have people from the southwest (Tucson) and “across the pond” (Mary in Ireland and Leslie in Scotland) joining us. Welcome!
September 22nd, 2009 @ 7:32 am
Dia Duit (God be with you), from Ireland… Have been serving in Dublin since 1989, with Greater Europe Mission and with Evangelical Alliance Ireland since 2004… which requires signficant personal and corporate fund-raising. As a fan of Henri Nouwen, I couldn’t be more delighted that there is something to learn on this topic from him, and from you all. Trusting in God for finance has been brought to a whole new level for us, during this recession. I look forward to hearing more!!
September 21st, 2009 @ 9:55 pm
Warm greetings from Tucson Young Life! I am the admin and responsible for much of the fundraising in the Tucson Metro area.
September 21st, 2009 @ 5:29 am
Just a quick note to welcome Jim Emrich, board chair of Seeing Things Whole, who will be joining the conversation.
September 20th, 2009 @ 8:16 pm
I am looking forward to conversation even more now as I read the variety of locations — geographical and vocational — from which people are engaging this book.
September 19th, 2009 @ 10:38 am
Terri–Thank you for your comments….and welcome to the conversation. I think it will be helpful to have people participating in the discussion who are both “new to Henri Nouwen and The Spirituality of Fund-Raising” and others–such as yourself–who have some experience applying the concepts presented in the book in their fundraising work. What I have found over the years is that Henri helps “guide us” as fundraiser away from focusing on the “money” part of the equation and more toward fundraising as very much grounded in relationship building and partnership…………with the end result being that people, often, give generously as a result of their feeling a deeper level of connection and commitment. I’ll look forward to your comments and input as the blog and conversation unfolds.
September 18th, 2009 @ 12:58 pm
My name is Terri Mathes and I live in San Diego. I’ve used Nouwen’s booklet The Spirituality of Fundraising in my work as a consultant with the Episcopal Church Foundation, and it’s always a pleasure to see how his approach opens up people who have come into the room saying, “I’ll do anything but ask for money.” So I’m a big fan. But I decided to join the discussion when I saw Ann’s posting. In my volunteer life, I help raise money for a foster home across the border in Tijuana. It’s a small operation that my church rescued just as it was about to close, and like Ann, we’re working on making our program stable and sustainable.
September 18th, 2009 @ 9:30 am
Welcome Ogden! It is interesting to see how the list of discussion participants is unfolding–both in regard to the geographic distribution and the breadth of experience we bring to the table. Having been raised in neighboring South Carolina it is nice to see another southerner (along with Leslie) join the group.
September 18th, 2009 @ 9:01 am
Hey there,
My name is Ogden Tabb. I am the Area Director for Young Life in Augusta, Georgia. We are a Christian Outreach to teenagers. We raise the entirety of our $157K annual operating budget locally. We are pursuing to grow our mission beyond the 3 schools where we currently have a presence. This will require us to hire additional staff and expand our budget considerably.
I’m excited about this discussion group!
September 18th, 2009 @ 8:12 am
Ann–Welcome to the conversation! I will be interested in hearing more about your project and efforts, as a grandmother’s group to help orphans with AIDS in Africa. I spend a year living at an orphanage in El Salvador and, out of that experience, formed a scholarship program in that country–It, also, was the experience that lead to my leaving academia to become a consultant.
If you haven’t already done so, you may want to read Henri’s book (Gracias!) about his time with street children in Latin America……….an incredible book!
I look forward to your insights and thoughts as the blog unfolds October 1!
September 18th, 2009 @ 8:07 am
Leslie–Yes, western North Carolina is a beautiful place to live………which is why I try to get down your way as often as possible. I should mention that I had a conversation the other day with another Major Gifts Officer at one of your neighboring institutions in North Carolina regarding Nouwen’s book and its impact on her understanding of the fundraising process. I am looking forward to learning how people in the fundraising profession have integrated Henri’s understanding of relationship/community-building into their work.
September 18th, 2009 @ 7:24 am
Hi! I am a retired Family therapist and pastoral counselor living in Indiana. I have a heart for mission and after several trips to Africa I recently started a grandmother’s group in my community. Our main focus is fundraising for the “gogos” or grandmothers caring for children orphaned by AIDS. We are newly formed and dependent upon grant money for projects at this point as we are giving all the money we make away. We need help to become a sustainable entity. I ordered the books for many in our group who will have interest I am certain and look forward to the online education!
September 18th, 2009 @ 6:08 am
Good Morning Henry,
Yes,I am certain we know a number of people in common. Please plan a visit here next time you are in Brevard….what a beautiful area. And I have always loved Asheville.
Again, looking forward to the discussion.
Best to all,
Leslie
September 17th, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
Welcome Sharon! Maureen mentioned that you have participated in a number of the Nouwen Society blogs. It is good to have you! It is interesting seeing how small the world is when it comes to connecting points. As I mentioned in response to Leslie, I have many NC contacts–both family and otherwise. Noting that you are from Detroit, I spent many years in Ann Arbor and was for several years on the Detroit Friends School board.
Again, welcome!
September 17th, 2009 @ 11:34 am
Leslie–Glad you will be joining us! With family in Brevard, NC (near Asheville)and having been raised in the Carolinas I am very familiar with both Lees-McRae and Elon. Indeed, my guess would be that we know a number of people in common.
Again, welcome!
September 17th, 2009 @ 11:02 am
Hello, my name is Sharon Hall. My husband and I live in the Detroit, Michigan area. I am a layperson in church and participate in many activities. We often have fundraisers in our church–Girl and Boy Scouts, pastie sales to raise money for charitable causes, etc., etc., etc. The youth of the church often sell things to help the school band, various school activities they participate in. Currently we are having a rummage sale to help defray the cost of sending used clothing to Liberia. We do a lot of fundraisers but I am concerned that sometimes or maybe often we don’t keep ourselves aware of the deepest reasons for doing what we do and we end up coming too close to what looks more like worldly transactions instead of Christ-centered relationships. I think it’s kind of important to discern some distinctions and am thankful Henri Nouwen wrote this book to help. I have great appreciation for his spirituality and that nothing is left out–all our decisions are important to our faith and mission in this world. And also for how the world sees us. I look forward to reading the blog.
September 17th, 2009 @ 9:46 am
Good Morning,
My name is Leslie Carter, I am director for major gifts, alumni relations and church relations at Lees-McRae College in Banner Elk, NC (several other titles but this one captures most of my current responsibilities!). We are in the Southern Appalachian Mountains (center of the universe!!) and we educate young people from this important area and beyond. I’ve been a follower of Henri Nouwen since my college days (Elon College, now University) in the ’70’s. Looking forward to the discussion.
September 15th, 2009 @ 5:45 am
Welcome Della and Jaree! Having worked with you at INHEM over the summer, I have appreciated your thoughtful insights regarding Henri’s work and “what he has to say” about fundraising. I especially appreciate your input into the planning for the blog to begin October 1……And thanks also for “starting us off” with your comments! I have talked with a number of people around the country in the past few days who will be joining us. It should be an interesting discussion!
September 14th, 2009 @ 7:29 am
Hello,I’m Jaree Weeks a graduate student at the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy. I became familiar with the Spirituality of Fundraising through my internship at INHEM. As a student interested in fundraising as a career, I found Nouwen’s book very interesting and I’m looking forward to being a part of the discussion.
September 11th, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
Hi! I’m Della Stanley-Green. I serve as Executive Director of Indiana Network for Higher Education Ministries (INHEM), which serves people and organizations who care about students’ spiritual lives. Until I began my ministry at INHEM, I had never done fund-raising (other than being involved in — what was sheer torture for me as a shy, rather introverted young girl — trying to sell Girl Scout cookies)!