In March 2018, the Presbyterian Women Circles of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church in York, South Carolina, came together with an idea – they wanted to donate a Farm Bundle through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. However, they wondered how their small congregation was going to raise enough money for this $1,300 item.
After putting their heads together, they decided to raise money by creating a “much needed church cookbook.” A committee was formed to collect recipes, which included a section of recipes from beloved members and friends who were no longer living, but whose “recipes would continue to live on.”
In October 2018, their order of 600 cookbooks arrived, a true “labor of love.” Yet, they realized that they would have to do more than just sell to their members, so they began holding fundraisers such as yard sales and bake sales. They even held a vendor fair so successful that they plan to do it again this year.
The first page of the cookbook includes a dedication to the Special Offerings and Presbyterian Giving Catalog:
The Presbyterian Women of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church thank you for contributing to our 2018 ministries supported by the Special Offerings – GIVE THE WHOLE FARM BUNDLE.
As a commitment to good stewardship, profits from your purchase will go directly to provide people in need with a sustainable source of income and nourishment. The Farm Bundles we will purchase includes chickens, goats, and other livestock, as well as seeds, tools, and training to help support successful farming.
Grace and Gratitude: As Presbyterians, we are a people rooted in the grace of Jesus Christ. It is our gratitude for God’s grace that moves us to join in God’s mission in the world, with ministries of love and justice, reconciliation and peace.
“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” — Acts 20:35
Ten months later, the congregation was able to donate not one, but TWO Farm Bundles through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. They have also been able to give 10% of their profits back to their church. And with a little over 300 cookbooks left, they plan to continue in their fundraising efforts until all cookbooks are sold.
At the Presbyterian Mission Agency, we will be celebrating this congregation with a Grace and Gratitude Potluck on #GivingTuesday (December 3, 2019) where staff members will prepare dishes based on recipes from the cookbook.
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