We’re likely all familiar with Black Friday and Cyber Monday and have heard stories about long lineups, frantic shoppers and recall thinking how it might be a good idea to put on some hockey gear before heading out into the crowds. It can often be hard to resist some of crazy deals that retailers have (I get it!).
It’s part of our culture but do we have to buy into it? It’s another clear reminder of the commercialization of Christmas. Yes, it’s a boost to the economy and it’s a good opportunity to help support businesses. But inevitably it will leave us feeling empty, unfulfilled, and only a good story about the best deal we got.
Last year something new started that may give us a different perspective – Giving Tuesday. It began in New York and has has now spread to Canada (http://givingtuesday.ca). The goal was to create a day of giving to the things we believe make a difference in our communities and our world. Black Friday and Cyber Monday are good for the economy where Giving Tuesday is good for the community. Giving Tuesday is an opportunity for you to give financially as well as consider volunteering with a local charity.
Tuesday December 3rd is the day set aside for #GivingTuesdayCa in Canada. On Tuesday, we’d like to challenge you to give to our shared mission. As nearly 460 churches in Atlantic Canada, what we do together fuels mission here and around the world. Everything cent of every dollar given for ministry and mission goes to ministry and mission. Everything we do together Impacts Leaders, Infuses Culture and Ignites Mission locally in our churches, regionally in the CABC, and globally.
Tweeting? Use #GivingTuesdayCa
Did you know: As a member of a CABC church you own and are a part of:
- 2 schools that offer quality educational opportunities (Acadia Divinity College & Crandall University)
- 16 facilities (and growing) that offer seniors housing and nursing home care (Atlantic Baptist Housing)
- $200,000+ given to churches for ministry initiative grants (Atlantic Baptist Mission)
- $80 million+ in financial assets for grants, building loans for churches, RRSPs (Atlantic Baptist Foundation)
- Food security, community development, leadership formation, AIDS education, and more globally (Canadian Baptist Ministries)
- A wider family of more than 1100 Baptist churches across Canada and more than 177,000 Baptist churches all over the world (Baptist World Alliance).
The CABC exists solely for the churches. We are a partnership of churches doing mission together.
When you give to the CABC (United in Mission Fund), you are directly impacting:
- church planting initiatives,
- ministry grants for churches reaching out into their community,
- assisting pastors and churches in transition,
- educational opportunities (Acadia Divinity College & Crandall University),
- intercultural ministry,
- clergy formation and wellness,
- supporting youth & children’s leaders, youth events, family mission opportunities,
- developing lay pastors,
- pension and insurance options for pastors and churches,
- credentialing,
- leadership development,
- and so much more.
As you consider your giving above your commitment to your local church, please prayerfully consider what and how you might give on Giving Tuesday. The option is there to give monthly as well. Use this link to give to the CABC: https://atlanticbaptist.ca/donate.
Thank you for your support and partnership in our shared mission to Impact Leaders, Infuse Culture and Ignite Mission.
The CABC is a registered partner with http://givingtuesday.ca. View our profile here: http://givingtuesday.ca/partner-profile/?id=1224
