Category: Building Community

It’s Not How You Start

Posted on by Amy Simons

It’s Not How You Start…

encouraging text: it's not how you start, it's how you finish

… it’s how you finish. 

It’s easy at the end of a choir season to make a break for the finish line. Easter is done. Everyone is tired. There are graduations, open houses, sporting events, etc. And, of course, Pentecost and Trinity Sunday are fast approaching. But is that how you want to end the year? Feeling glad that it’s all over? 

Our brains are wired to prioritize emotional memories, making them more vivid and lasting than factual details. Maya Angelou, famously stated, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”. Okay, okay, while the quote’s origins are debated, it reflects the enduring impact of emotional experiences. And is a good reminder that it’s not how you start, it’s how you finish. 

We encourage you to consider how you will celebrate your ministry and the effort of your volunteers and supporters this year. Will you…

  • Will you sing a sentimental anthem?
  • Publicly thank volunteers?
  • Host a choir party? 
  • Send individual thank you notes?
  • Invite your clergy to come and say a few words of gratitude during one of your final rehearsals?

There are lots of ways to finish well, providing your supporters and volunteers with a feel-good moment. This not only acknowledges there current efforts, but sets the stage to start again with joy. Go ahead! It’s not too late to finish strong. 

Grant Applications that Stand Out

Posted on by Amy Simons
Grant Applications that Stand Out

Grant Applications that Stand Out!

  1. Have a plan. – There are some great ideas out there, but our reviewers want to know if you’ve turned your idea into a plan! If you want new choir robes, let us know how much they cost and where you’ll buy them. If you’re going to a conference, tell us the when, where, and why.
  2. Be Specific. – For instance, using the money for “new choir robes” is good. But using the money for “six new choir robes in child sizes for our new intergenerational choir.” stands out!
  3. Involve the Stakeholders. – If you’re fuzzy on the details, talk to those involved. If your program will need a budget line next year, is your treasurer in the know? What will they need from you? What do you need from them? If you want to start a children’s choir, do you have committed students already?
  4. Ministry is about people. – It’s easy to think about all the stuff we might need to jump start a program, but we’re in the business of ministry – and ministry is about people. Be sure to tell us who you’re ministering to. Will this benefit an individual, a group, or a community? Who are the direct or indirect beneficiaries?
  5. Plan Ahead. – Recipiants are usually announced in June. So if your planning on a conference in July, it’s best to work ahead! 
All of this will help our reviewers put themselves in your shoes and imagine your success! It will also help you get organized so that when more opportunities come your way, you’ll be ready! Good luck! We can’t wait to see what you’re getting started!
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