I've come across something that I need some help on from my "blogosphere counselors". In no way will I try to bias your view by what I believe. However, because I'm a bit confused, my feelings might be evident in the following.
The community here has participated in Relay For Life for several years. For those who don't know, RFL is an opportunity to raise money for the American Cancer Society, while recognizing survivors and remembering those who have passed. Without boring you with too many details, teams will raise money and gather at the city park to walk for their pledges. It's an all-night event where organizers hope to have 250-500 people in attendance.
A local church in town had plans to minister at this event. Their plans didn't include having a team walk (although they have participated in the past and plan to do so again in the future). This year, the church had planned to be on site throughout the night and give water, juice, and fruit to those participating in other ways.
The organizers have been made aware of the church's intentions and will not allow the church to complete their plans. The church has been told they're welcome as long as they sell water, juice, and fruit. Leadership at the church has the concern if they sell and then give the money to RFL those who purchase the drinks and fruit will perceive the church selling (instead of ministering by giving). In other words, this is a question of perception. How might the community respond to a church who sacrifices their time to give versus a church that sells products?
In an effort to appease the local organizers, the church has offered to write a check for several hundred dollars and then give. They don't want to be perceived as the rebellious church in town. Once again, they have been told this would not be possible. The organizers have turned down the money because of their policy of giving things away.
Any thoughts here?
longing for a heavenly country
12 hours ago
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15 comments:
I guess my thought is, "Do the organizers of this event work for the government?" Seems to be the kind of logic one often runs into in trying to get something done that actually makes sense. If they don't, perhaps they have a future in politics.
A little rebellion is probably alright. It sounds like a few other questions need answering. The event is being held at a city park, so maybe it is a contractual issue for RFL? It seems odd that RFL would deny any group willing to provide water, juice and fruit, since refreshment will be required for folks volunteering to walk all night?
The bigger question is what is the perception the church is presenting? You have heard me say that perception is often reality! The imediate perception I have is that this is a "giving" church that wants to give by providing volunteers and fruit water and so one. So it is about giving! Maybe that is the way to approach the issues. Not church promotion, but giving.
Maybe they need a little face time with the persons promoting the RFL?
Possibly they they shouldn't participate as a church but as individual volunteers? It just seems odd that a charity group would refuse support!
Do the event without a sign but put you Tees on once it begins..rebell..a little!!
So says a sometime rebellious Mike!
Ps: Why does this question come so often with community events?
If I was this church I would show up out there anyway. It is about giving and nothing else. It is a city park and anyone can be there. And if they choose to hand out free items that is there choice. Just like it is the walker’s choice to walk all night. I would not say that this church is rebelling they are just doing what a church should do and that is giving from there heart. I think RFL needs to revisit this, and if they don’t it looks bad on them and they might loses walkers.
i say play by their rules...and sell the drinks for a penny each...and someone might have to drop a few pennies on the ground, now and then...in front of the booth. oops! someone dropped some pennies here...oh dear...look at that!
penny for your thoughts!
Spherical,
Exactly what I was thinking man! I think that's why I became so frustrated.
Anon/Mike,
- "odd" doesnt begin to describe it
- The perception ? is part of many discussions. In smalltown America, it's so much more important.
- I plan to visit with the "faces" after the event and hope to get something done for '10.
Love ya man!
Anon #2,
I would definitely agree that RFL needs to revisit their policies.
This is a small town. For that reason, the church has to choose their "battles" wisely. The leadership will attempt to be diplomatic (although I'm the Private that wants to take the hill).
nAncY,
Funny! That idea has been discussed. It's a great idea but again seen as being (at least somewhat) rebellious. It's not worth that battle.
I love the way you think!
Interesting is that RFL doesn't want the money or the assistance? Seems this is a group that doen't need money or volunteers?
Find a group that needs money and volunteers and assist them! Some times you just have to turn your back.
So says Rebellious Mike!
Hi! RFL is actually a big, national organization that runs smaller local affiliates. (Think Susan B. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation) These events, though they are for a non-profit charity like cause, really are run just like big business. Your church needs to sell the drinks etc because some other big sponsor was "awarded" the rights to give away/donate the drinks and get the free publicity that goes with their participation. There is a contract written between RFL and the corporate sponsors and in it is a clause that the corporate sponsors get such and such space, such and such advertising space on posters, etc. and the rights to be the only one giving/donating the drinks. I know this sounds goofy but in the non-profit fund raising world this is serious business. It is too bad that someone high up at RFL didn't take the time to explain this to the church and come up with a creative solution to keep everyone happy. Hope this helps! (For the rebellious type- find out who is donating the drinks etc and contact them and pitch your idea. By pass RFL because they cannot break the contract clause)
Rachel,
I hear ya! The corporation is a big part of the problem. I guess what I get frustrated with is the mentality pervades society.
In other words, the "non-profit" description is a joke. Have you seen the way the money from RFL is spent?
Thanks for stopping by.
Hi! I personally do not know about RFL but I have been involved with Susan B Kromen Race for the Cure and I can tell you they do about 85% of fund raising into grants for research or screenings for women with the rest going for administration. That is an awesome percentage for such a big international organization. I am sure RFL is equally as good, which is why they will not upset a sponsor to keep a local church happy. I know it is unfair, but like I said, fund raising is BIG business in the non-profit world. I wouldn't go as far to say non-profits are jokes, but you must realize the national organizations bring in tons and tons of money and they need BIG sponsors to underwrite the fund raising activities so all the money collected can go to their causes. Like I said, someone at RFL should have explained this to your church. You have the right to request from the local RFL branch an audited financial statement and a recap of monies raised & spent on this particular activity. All non-profits must respond to a request for financial info, or risk losing non-profit status.
Looks to me like the church is stuck. A very unfortunate public policy. I don't have time to thoroughly look at the comments here, but that's my take at the moment. Sounds like everything is geared to making money. What Rachel says here is interesting. But we have certainly can't break human laws, even though I've known Christians who disagree with that (unless of course they violate God's word).
Hello Mike. I think it's great that this church desires to partner with this group, and others, for a great cause. Blessings to them for their desire to give of their time and resources. But, it could be time to shake the dust from their feet and partner in another direction? It could be that the organizers have some "issue" or legality with their giving, or, it could be that God is up to something here. Perhaps, God wants them to share His blessings elsewhere?
Is their a school near their church where they could go in and provide refreshments and thank yous to teachers who are exhausted from working all year? I know from experience that it means the world to teachers to have people donate refreshments for big staff meetings. Tachers are under tons of stress these days and a little TLC is a nice way to say thanks.
Just an idea. Sounds like a giving church. God Bless their efforts, wherever they be!
Hi Mike,
hope you're doing well. Just checking in. Blessings.
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