What One Congregation Can Do...
Ideas and stories of bringing God's mission of global reconciliation alive in the congregation
How to Get Started
Lallie Lloyd offers these eight principles for starting an MDG ministry in your congregation.
1. Partner up -- find others with time & energy to give to the MDGs.
2. Do everything as a team.
3. Know your local context (history and leadership) about the MDGs.
4. Build on existing learning and gathering opportunities (worship, education, etc.)
5. Organize an event you can manage (make it fun, easy to come to, include food and build in time for people to connect).
6. Invite peopls personally.
7. Know what you're aiming for and make sure your first step heads in that direction.
8. Invest in relationships that encourage and support you for the long haul.
...and let's add one more:
START WITH YOUTH! The Millennial Generation is outward looking and wired for relationship. The MDGs are a natural channel for this energy. But don't just co-opt youth and young adults into the ideas of older people. They have to be given power (and that means giving them control over funds and the ability to create programs and make change happen) and shown that the Church really does want, value and take seriously their leadership. Support young people in their global travel. Let them preach. Let them lead educational forums. Give the youth group control of the 0.7% MDG line item in your budget and let them discern where God is calling you to use it for God's mission of global reconciliation.
Click here for more ideas and resources for children, youth and young adults and the MDGs.
Ideas and Starter Kits
What One Congregation Can Do: A Guide to Developing a MDGs Ministry in Your Congregation - a starter kit of ideas and resources compiled by the Rev. Jay Lawlor.
What One Can Do -- a starter list of ideas for congregations and individuals.
Stories of What One Congregation Can Do
"MDG Sunday" at Trinity Church, Newtown, CT - They wrapped their sanctuary in a white band, used prayers and music from around the world, had a great children's liturgy ... and more. Read about St. James, Potomac, MD's MDG Sunday, too.
Using the arts to bring the MDGs home -- Read about Trinity Church, St. Louis and their exhibition of MDG art from parish artists.
Engaging Youth
A 30-hour famine for middle & high school youth - Read about what St. James' Episcopal Church in Potomac, MD did.
Raising Money
Invitational MDG Challenge - St. Mark's, Berkeley (Diocese of California) challenged ministry guilds to select a gift from the ERD Gifts for Life catalogue to sponsor. As of March 2, 2008, the guilds raised $3,939.00 - in one week of pledging. The challenge continues with parishioners now invited to match those gifts. In connection with the challenge, the Social Concerns Committee presented a PowerPoint slide show entitled "The Millennium Development Goals - Living Out the Gospel One Goal at a Time." The presentation is available at request. For more information, please contact Rev. Ellen Ekstrom, Deacon.
Relationships Across Borders
Building a Companion Parish Relationship - Read about Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Richmond, VA and their growing relationship with St. John's Parish and School in the Diocese of Rift Valley, Tanzania
A Partnership with a Church and Clinic -- That's what Transfiguration, Dallas has with the people on La Ceiba, Honduras.
