The Big Give
GIVING AWAY THE BIG GIVE
The BIG GIVE yielded an amazing $12,800 over and above the amount distributed to the congregation during Lent. Forest Hill folks were faithful and creative stewards of the “talents” entrusted to them! Thank You!
The Ministry of Justice and Mission allocated:
- $3,000 to finish building the school we support in Ghana
- $2,500 to support the efforts of E-City
- $2,500 to strengthen the Interfaith Hospitality Network
- $1,800 to show our appreciation for the Montreat Conference Center AND
- $3,000 to fund a program or programs to support sustainability
RECAP OF THE BIG GIVE!
Sunday, March 29, was like a birthday, Christmas, and anniversary party all rolled into one. While children shrieked with excitement and adults traded astonished grins with each other, Rev. John Lentz explained why the ushers had just handed every single worshipper their own $50 bill.
After a sermon about living out of abundance instead of scarcity, John recounted the Parable of the Talents in which 3 servants were given huge sums of money by their master. The master told them to take the money, invest and return it to him. John challenged each worshiper to look at their lives, and at the world, not through the lens of scarcity, but the lens of abundance.
“There is enough,” he said. “Use your gifts. Lighten your grip and open your hands to let go AND receive. Open your mind to learn, to think and to imagine. Open your eyes to see the gifts and to look for God. Open your heart to give. “
Some who received a $50 bill might have felt some tension or some pressure to live up to a high standard. But they were reminded that there would be no gnashing of teeth and no consignment to the outer darkness for those who choose not to participate or were unable to double their money. The only thing everyone had to do…was return the original $50 at the end of the 10 weeks!
As John said, “Out of the abundance, risk: live abundantly, return abundantly. All God yearns for you is to use your gift, whatever it is; offer it, risk it and see what happens.”
Want to know more about what Forest Hill folks did with their $50?
BIG GIVE FESTIVAL!
After write-ups in the Plain Dealer, The Sun Press, and the Heights Observer and after making local television news in Columbus, Cleveland and Ft. Wayne Indiana(!), the Big Give Festival was held on Saturday, May 16. There were over 40 tables of crafts, food, white elephants, and even a big screen TV raffle (won by Peter Tuttle.) All the vendors set their own prices and gave a portion to the Big Give project.
Even though the threat of rain caused the festival to be held inside, it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the vendors or the guests who streamed in from 8:45 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Once Bill Eberhard turned on the hits from the 1970’s the spirit was on and the energy thriving. Morag Keefe’s bratwursts and burgers filled the shoppers with good cheer. Barb Cloud was back at it with her ice cream wonders. Several visitors were so impressed with the program that even though they didn’t buy anything they made a contribution to the church. One guest was so excited by the idea of the Big Give that she paid double for every item she bought!
Don and Nancy Grube count The Big Return on Pentecost Sunday
THE BIG RETURN!
On Pentecost Sunday participants returned their original $50 plus whatever they collected above and beyond that. A preliminary count revealed almost $25,000 was returned…with money still coming in. The entire amount was returned to the Ministry of Justice and Mission for our work in the community and the world.