7 Ideas for Celebrating Members’ Giving

I recently received an email from a friend who leads one of our United Methodist Foundations. She had received a request from a local church for a service for consecrating an endowment their church had established. I responded that I didn’t have anything, but it sounded like a great idea, and I would work on one. I found the existing liturgy for consecrating a building (in our United Methodist Book of Worship) and adapted it to be used for consecrating an endowment or a bequest. We have a liturgy to celebrate the gift of brick-and-mortar buildings, but how well do we regularly celebrate the gifts of time, talents, and money that empower mission and ministry in our local communities and worldwide?

Generosity is a reflection of God’s love at work in our lives and is worthy of celebration! Whether it’s the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44) or the early church sharing all they had (Acts 2:44-45), scripture reminds us that every gift matters. Yet, in many churches, expressions of gratitude often focus on large financial contributions, leaving others wondering if their gifts—financial or acts of service—are genuinely valued. John Wesley emphasized that Christian stewardship is not about the size of the gift but the spirit in which it is given. With that in mind, here are seven ways churches can celebrate generosity without making distinctions between big and small gifts, ensuring that all are honored as faithful stewards of God’s blessings.

Below are suggestions for ways your church might develop some new traditions for celebrating the gifts of all members. I don’t expect any congregation to adopt all these, but one or two might make congregation members feel more appreciated for the many ways they give. Perhaps, these new traditions will inspire growth in their generosity!

1. CONSECRATION OF FINANCIAL ENDOWMENTS

When a church receives an endowment, it represents a commitment to sustaining ministry for future generations. Holding a special service of consecration allows the congregation to honor the generosity behind the gift, express gratitude to God, and remind members that long-term planning is an act of faithfulness and stewardship. This liturgy can also inspire others to consider planned giving as a way to leave a lasting legacy. A PDF of the liturgy is available for download here.

2. ANNUAL GRATITUDE SUNDAY

Each year, set aside a Sunday focused on gratitude. During worship, lift up testimonies of generosity—not just financial giving, but also gifts of time, leadership, and service. Highlight stories of how faithful giving made an impact on the church’s mission, such as funding scholarships, supporting missions, or maintaining a welcoming space. Consider using Philippians 1:3 (“I thank my God every time I remember you”) as a guiding scripture to express appreciation for every act of generosity.

3. HANDWRITTEN NOTES FROM CHURCH LEADERS

In today’s digital age, handwritten notes are a powerful way to affirm and appreciate generosity. Church leaders—pastors, finance team members, or lay leaders—can commit to writing personalized thank-you notes throughout the year. John Wesley encouraged Methodists to “give thanks in all things” (1 Thessalonians 5:18), and a heartfelt note can reinforce that every gift is seen and valued. These should be sent without reference to donation size—perhaps to every giver once a year or rotating through different groups each month.

4. A 'STORIES OF GENEROSITY' SERMON SERIES

Create a sermon series that explores biblical examples of generosity—such as the boy who shared his loaves and fish (John 6:9) or the Good Samaritan’s selfless care (Luke 10:25-37). Pair these messages with testimonies from church members who have experienced the blessings of giving and receiving. This kind of series reinforces a culture of gratitude and generosity, making it clear that every act of giving—large or small—is part of God’s unfolding story in the church.

5. CELEBRATING SERVICE AS GENEROSITY

Generosity isn’t just about money; it’s also about offering our time and talents. Recognize those who give through teaching, music, hospitality, mission work, or behind-the-scenes service. Consider a Sunday where the congregation celebrates all who serve—ushers, Sunday school teachers, tech volunteers, and those who provide meals or visit the sick. Wesley’s teaching on “works of mercy” reminds us that generosity includes how we serve others in love.

6. LEGACY AND GENEROSITY TESTIMONIES

Encourage members to share their personal giving stories—not the amounts they give, but why they give. Invite older members to share why they include the church in their will, or ask young adults to explain why they give, even on a tight budget. These testimonies help normalize generosity as part of discipleship and inspire others to reflect on how they, too, might invest in God’s work.

7. A VISUAL REPRESENTATION OF GIVING'S IMPACT

Create a display, bulletin board, or video montage that shows the impact of the church’s generosity. Pictures of mission projects, youth ministries, worship enhancements, and community outreach remind people that every dollar given translates into transformed lives. Wesley taught that we are to “earn all we can, save all we can, and give all we can.” Visual storytelling helps illustrate how the church lives that out together.

Generosity is not just about financial transactions; it’s about discipleship, faith, and gratitude. These ideas offer ways for churches to express thanks without making distinctions between large and small gifts. You don’t need to implement all of them—just start with one or two that fit your congregation. The goal is simple: to cultivate a spirit of gratitude where everyone knows their gifts are valued, their generosity is seen, and their contributions—whether financial, service-based, or prayerful—are shaping the future of the church.

Discipleship Ministries staff created this resource with the support of AI tools.