Grand Canyon photo © 2007 Rev. Glenn Jenks
Alleluia Fund for Mission
Questions & Answers:
- Q: To what am I being asked to contribute?
- A: The Alleluia Fund for Diocesan Mission.
- Q: How exactly is my contribution to the Alleluia Fund used?
- A: The Alleluia Fund is used entirely for both new church plants and for new growth initiatives in existing congregations.
- Q: So it is not used for Diocesan operating expenses?
- A: The Alleluia Fund is a separate account, wholly independent from the Diocesan budget. Its sole use is for new plants and new initiatives.
- Q: Why plant new churches when our existing churches need assistance?
- A: This is not an either/or situation, but a challenge to do both. Jesus calls us to "go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing and teaching them..." For us to be faithful to this call means both growing our existing congregations and planting new ones, especially in this state where so much population growth is happening all around us!
- Q: Who determines where new churches are planted?
- A: In 2004-05, the Bishop created the Diocesan Strategic Planning Committee, comprised of lay and clergy members from throughout the Diocese. This group worked intensively over many months, utilizing demographic data, to develop a list of feasible places to develop new Episcopal congregations.
- Q: How can existing congregations apply for grants from the Alleluia Fund?
- A: An application form for New Growth Initiative Grants is available from Diocesan House, or may be downloaded here:
- Q: Can I claim my contribution on my taxes?
- A: All contributions are tax-deductible. They should be made out to "The Episcopal Diocese of Arizona" and memoed for the Alleluia Fund.
- Q: May I designate exactly where I want my contribution to go?
- A: While the Diocese cannot create countless separate accounts within the Alleluia Fund for every specific request, it is entirely appropriate to clarify your desire as you give, either verbally or in the memo section on your check.
- Q: Who oversees the management of the Alleluia Fund?
- A: The Alleluia Fund is managed by the Bishop and Diocesan Investment Committee, utilizing the services of Contango Financial Advisors. The Alleluia Fund Steering Committee, a separate group of individuals personally invited by the Bishop, helps seek out and welcome new donors.
- Q: How much money is needed for each new church plant?
- A: The primary cost at the beginning of a congregational start-up is personnel and an initial program budget, which together amount to approximately $100,000. This cost is per year for a minimum of three years, and does not include funding for land or construction.
- Q: Why don't we start with land and a building?
- A: The strategy is to put an ordained church planter on the ground, supported financially through the Alleluia Fund and surrounded by a Launch Team of committed, visionary laity. As the congregation comes together and forms a coherent identity, they can begin to search out possibilities for land. The Diocese will assist the congregation in this process, but does not have the necessary funding at this time to purchase land outright for congregations.
- Q: When does a church plant become a viable congregation?
- A: There is a canonical process by which a church plant may be presented to Diocesan Convention as an official mission of the Diocese, and then later, upon fulfilling the necessary requirements of financial self-sufficiency and governance, may be admitted as a parish. It should be noted that the timing of this process will be different for each particular congregation.
- Q: How do I know that my contribution is a wise and profitable investment?
- A: It is understood that a gift for medical research or educational scholarships is an investment in the future. Even so, a gift to the Alleluia Fund is both a faithful response to the Great Commission to grow God's Church and a responsible sowing of seeds that will grow and develop before our eyes.
Arizona is growing, we're called to grow as well . . . .
O gracious God: Grant that, by the prayers and labors of your holy Church, others may be brought to know and worship you. Amen.
CafePress site open for business
Greta Huls
Diocesan Communications Officer
- Apparel
- Baby
- Houseware
- Hats & Bags
- Stickers, Buttons & Magnets
- Posters, Prints and More!
- Pets
This is an easy way to evangelize as well as promote the diocese and its website. More items will appear soon.
Since we have no production costs the entire 10% proceeds will go to the diocesan Alleluia Fund. (Psst! The next Alleluia Fund Sunday is Apr. 6.)
On the net: http://www.cafepress.com/azdiocese
We welcome your questions.
Please contact:
Carol D. Maher
Alleluia Fund Coordinator
(623) 455-9515
alleluiafund@azdiocese.org
Please send donations directly to:
Alleluia Fund
c/o Episcopal Diocese of Arizona
114 W. Roosevelt. St.
Phoenix, AZ 85003-1406
