I was delighted to join PWRDF diocesan reps, the board of directors, and their staff team for their annual national gathering in October. How wonderful to have such animated conversations on our work including the Mapping the Ground We Walk On exercise, fundraising and supporter relations, PWRDF news across the country by diocese, tips and tricks for engagement (very useful for parishes), fundraising, legacy and planned giving and we closed with a beautiful prayer for the departed who left us during the last 2.5 years.
It was a full session to say the least. What was perhaps the most poignant of all was to hear about the incredible on-the-ground impact from Josephine Kizza from St. Jude's Family Projects in Uganda. They have succeeded in training thousands of individuals each year in sustainable agricultural practices, and they are focused on a massive tree planting project. You can learn more about St. Jude's at: From the ground up - The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (pwrdf.org).
Don't forget to order your 2022 Christmas cards while they last at: Christmas Cards 2022 - The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (pwrdf.org). They are a suggested donation of $25 for 12 cards, and I also still have a good supply of one of last year's model which are $10 for 12. Also, as we approach Christmas giving please remember to explore the World of Gifts, and even consider putting a goat or two on your own wish list. Shop our World of Gifts - The Primate's World Relief and Development Fund (pwrdf.org).
Our next PWRDF meeting is Tuesday November 29th at 7 PM. Here is your Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83223881927?pwd=SjdBT2kzS2UzQ1I5amRDeStEeHhKUT09. During this meeting we will focus on welcoming new members, reviewing some great programs, and hearing from you what your hopes and dreams are for your parishes. Everyone is welcome to attend to learn, share information and ask questions about PWRDF.
For those of you who are interested and concerned about the environment, I am reading a wonderful book right now called "Commanding Hope—The Power We Have to Renew a World in Peril" by Thomas Homer-Dixon. I will leave you with a passage that resonated with me and one which reminds me of how critical it is for us as Christians to be that beacon of hope and leadership when it comes to creation care:
"Our capacity and need for hope, as long as we keep hope honest, is a precious gift, because it encourages us to keep open a space for possibilities, and to use our imagination to create possibilities in that space. That hope thrives on uncertainty is not a weakness but its greatest strength."
PWRDF provides us with the perfect vehicle to make a difference in the lives of others and help them be responsible stewards of our planet.
Five great programs for more leaning:
Useful resources: