The Giving Circle

Sometimes what we have to offer is an example for others to follow.

Then Jesus called the twelve together and gave them power and authority over all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal. He said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, no staff, nor bag, nor bread, nor money—not even an extra tunic. Whatever house you enter, stay there, and leave from there. Wherever they do not welcome you, as you are leaving that town shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them." They departed and went through the villages, bringing the good news and curing diseases everywhere. Now Herod the ruler heard about all that had taken place, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had been raised from the dead, by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the ancient prophets had arisen. Herod said, "John I beheaded; but who is this about whom I hear such things?" And he tried to see him. On their return the apostles told Jesus all they had done. He took them with him and withdrew privately to a city called Bethsaida. When the crowds found out about it, they followed him; and he welcomed them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed to be cured. The day was drawing to a close, and the twelve came to him and said, "Send the crowd away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and countryside, to lodge and get provisions; for we are here in a deserted place." But he said to them, "You give them something to eat." They said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish—unless we are to go and buy food for all these people." For there were about five thousand men. And he said to his disciples, "Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each." They did so and made them all sit down. And taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the crowd. And all ate and were filled. What was left over was gathered up, twelve baskets of broken pieces. - Luke 9:1-17

There is a common belief that you cannot do a lot if you don't have a lot.

Jesus set out to show the twelve that they have much more to offer than what they carry with them on their journey.

They set out, two together, so that each would have company on the way, and each would have someone else to help them if they encounter trouble.

He had them take only what they wore, no money to attract robbers, no food, bag or extra clothing.  They were to be invisible so they wouldn't be targets.

They were to be dependent on others to welcome them in, to offer them food and drink, to give them shelter from the night.

They returned with stories to share of the generosity and hospitality of the people they met, and so Jesus took them to a place where they could experience how that generosity could grow and spread.

We tend to think the solution to the problems we see around us is complicated and expensive, that we need large sums of money and huge government agencies to administer help to those in need.

But needs are much more easily addressed one at a time, in close contact with those who live and work near us, near those who need the help.

There is a movement that is growing in popularity.  It is called the giving circle.

Giving Circles are groups of individuals who come together to share a meal and talk about the needs of the community.  But they don't just talk about it.  They each contribute a sum of money, a set amount each, from five dollars to thousands, and they decide together which organizations to give the money to.

Alone, each contributor could do only so much, but together, they could do much more.

Like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, where everyone had enough to eat, the giving circle hopes to spread the wealth, share the small amounts with many, producing big results.

Non profits love giving circles, because the relationship with the giving circle is so much more powerful than individual relationships could be, if the non profit could even find a way to go and talk to each.

So, while we all go out, two by two, seeking the generosity of those along the way, groups gather and bring what little they can offer together to do even more.

It is community in action and it is a sign of love.

So, why not invite a few friends to dinner and share the idea of starting a giving circle.  And they will bring a few friends, and so on.

More to come...