After a decade of visioning, debating, planning, organizing, educating and cultivating donors, the Presbytery of Eastern Virginia has launched the actual fundraising for the Makemie Woods  roots & wings  project.

• LEADERSHIP GIFTS - The Presbytery Council and its committees, clergy, the campaign leadership and clerks of session are currently being solicited to be the first to pledge support.  We are looking forward to 100% participation which will set the stage for overall campaign success!
  

• WITNESS GIFTS - Witness donors are next and solicitation for this phase of the campaign will be completed by the end of March.  The April Presbytery meeting at Makemie Woods will be a special celebration of the project and the results of the “quiet” Leadership and Witness Gift phases will be announced.
  

• PUBLIC CAMPAIGN LAUNCH - Sunday, May 1st will be the public launch of the campaign in our local churches.  Members of our congregations will receive a mailing from the Presbytery the first week in May asking them to give prayerful consideration to the support of  roots & wings.
  

Think of it... by this summer, we will have completed the major fundraising of the project.  At that time, detailed site preparation and construction scheduling can begin!  ~IHL, John & Pollie

We have 46 of 65 directories!  Directories from a few churches are still needed to make the congregational solicitation as seamless and easy as possible.  If your church has not yet submitted your directory to the Presbytery office, please do so or your local church will have the responsibility for mailings and other labor intensive campaign follow up. 

Each church participating in the campaign is asked to plan their own kick-off event on Sunday, May 1st.  CCMs should work with their pastor and other appropriate church leaders to plan an event that will be suitable for their congregation.  Each church will be supplied with a  roots & wings  banner (3 feet long), as well as logo-imprinted small napkins, hot/cold cups and balloons.

Ideas...

• Plan a breakfast or brunch on Sunday morning before Sunday School, use the campaign video/virtual tour and announce the early campaign totals.

• Have a prayer and special announcement during worship, giving brief information on the campaign and reporting on early campaign totals.

• Get the kids involved!  Ask them to share their own camp experience stories or have them sing a few camp songs during or after worship.

If you need help with ideas or resource materials, please contact Jean Knapp at 757-686-2223 or r.rwkjpk@verizon.net.       

Creator God:  When we ponder your creation, we are amazed that you take time for us.  When we ponder all that you have made, we are aware of the special place that you have for all of us.  In Christ, you have called us to be stewards of all that you have given to us and through us.  Holy God, by your Spirit, enable us to be good "users" of your gifts.  Enable us to use our time, talents, wealth, and bodies to your glory and in your service.  We ask this in the name of Jesus.  AMEN