As we enter the summer months and end of the Church Year, we reflect on where we have been and all the progress that we have made…it was a wonderful meeting where we started to dream again about our future as a people of God.
We have formed, along with the other pastors at New Beginnings Methodist and St. John’s, a new community foundation called the Fund for Advancement and Community Enhancement in Townsend, known as FACET. It sounds like a daunting title, but it’s a friendly acronym. Townsend is a special place and if we believe Townsend is a jewel for faithful and joyful living, what facet of Townsend is important? Is it young folks, seniors, new and different groups?
As a starting point in funding, up to $5,200 is available as seed funding to start a program or idea. It’s easy to get started, too: what is the program and its social purpose; who does it benefit; how much do you need; who is behind the organizing; is it a one-time event or something that is ongoing and sustainable?
One of the great things about Townsend is when folks get a hold of an idea, they make it happen. But it has to get started somewhere! The benefit of FACET is that the governing board consists of each of the Pastors of the aforementioned churches as well as one congregational member from each church. So the Fund maintains a dedicated social purpose and doesn’t become something that could otherwise be publicly funded, like building a softball field.
So bring your energy. Bring your ideas. I can help with how to approach the foundation (since I’m a director, too) and complete the application. FACET is a wonderful addition to our current outreach (which serves many worthy causes, but they’re not specifically focused on Townsend).
We are also doing an adult confirmation class. Members have seen how wonderful our young kids have blossomed through the process of knowing more about liturgies and histories of the church, hymns, the Bible and its origins, and key stories and parables. That class is Sunday morning at 11 am immediately following worship, and if you want more details, please email John or Pastor Mark to sign up.
Last, I am grateful for all of your hearts and presence. Let’s have a relaxing summer and always remember that we love one another, because Jesus loved us first.
Blessings,
Pastor Mark
Leave a Reply