Parable of the Talents Challenge

For more information, click on the following links :

The Story Behind the Parable of the Talents Challenge
What are others are doing?
What could I possibly do?
More ideas to consider
Frequently asked questions
Download information brochure and registration form (pdf)
Registration form

THE STORY BEHIND THE PARABLE OF THE TALENTS CHALLENGE

Jesus said, "And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, to another, one talent, each according to his ability and told them go forth and do good!”

Today, the Mercy Prayer Center is challenging all those who care about this special ministry to help ensure it will be here for generations to come To do so, its staff and leadership have created the ‘Parable of the Talents Challenge.

It is an idea borrowed from a sermon and remarkable challenge by The Rev. Hamilton Throckmorton to his church in Chagrin Falls, Ohio One Sunday, he reminded his parishioners of Jesus parable of the talents …a story which tells of the master who entrusts three servants with a sum of money (talents) and instructs them to go forth and do good The master lavishes praise on the two servants who double their money, but chastises the one who is so afraid to take a risk that he buries his share.

Taking it one step further, and like the master in this story, the pastor told his flock that he would entrust each one with fifty dollars or "talents" (given in advance by generous donors). He asked each of them in the next seven weeks to find ways to use their talents" to double their money for the church missions "Live the parable of the talents!", Throckmorton exhorted, as assistants handed out hundreds of red envelopes stuffed with crisp $50 bills

We would like to duplicate Rev. Throckmorton's great idea here in Rochester, NY with our First Annual Parable of the Talents Challenge beginning with a Kickoff on April 30, 2009 and concluding with a Celebration of Stories on June 18, 2009. back to top

I DON'T HAVE ANY TALENTS -- WHAT COULD I POSSIBLY DO?

You're probably saying, "I don't have any talents; what could I ever do or make with my $50".

Well, you're not alone, on two fronts. First, you are probably like most people you don't think you can do anything special; and second, you might surprise yourself if you just sit down and think (and pray) about it.God gave you more talents and skills than you could ever want; you just have to recognize them.

Your first hurdle is probably thinking too big -- Remember the KISMIF Rule - Keep it simple, make it fun. You should also consider your resources and amount of time you have to devote to this project.

Here are some questions that might help:

What do I do for fun?
What are my hobbies?
What resources do I have?
Who do I know that can help me?
Do you know a group or club that can help?
What would I like to do but never had the opportunity?
What can I do that will build my community?

You are free to use your $50 Talent Grant any way you choose.You might need supplies or to buy postage and cards for invitations, or make posters for promotion.

There is only one expectation, and that is that you raise at least $50 to cover your original talent grant.

If you are combining efforts with another person, each of you can get a $50 talent grant.That way, you can do twice as much.

If you have a larger group such as a club, a school,classroom or company team, we will consider a larger amount.
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WHAT ARE OTHERS DOING?

Here are some of the projects from 'Talent Volunteers' already registered. You can copy or expand on one of these, or create an entirely new project. Get creative.

Make and sell fine silver charms with MPC logo - Nancy Szklany, with help from her daughter	Give professional massages for a discount - Kathy Vernam
Host an In-home Music Concert -- Jody Kearney RSM	Organize sales to help sell goods that others have made - Jean Galofaro & Barb Stinard RSM, with Mercy Associates
Design & sell Easter Greeting Cards - Jody Kearney RSM	Make and sell Handmade Pillows -- Diane Marie Erskine RSM
Host a 'Lasagna Supper' - Cathy and Andy Zona, Goldie Rogers	Give haircuts to friends - Fran Wegman RSM
Make & sell Gourmet Chocolate Sauce - Jackie Reichart RSM	Provide Personal Fitness Training Session - Diane Ferrucci, Certified Personal Trainer
Make & sell 'Annie's Hot Mustard' - Ann Cullen RSM	Host a Tea Party Fundraiser - Therese Richardson RSM & Giovina Caroscio
Make & sell Fudge & Spiced Pecans - Christine McGraw	Provide a Tutoring Session in Homiletics - Barbara Moore RSM
Make & sell 'Peace Tea Lights' - Anne Maloney & Young Sapling Pottery	Make & sell 'Jerry's Homemade Soup' - Jerry Lupien
Organize a garage sale or craft sale - Jane Stave	Give private tutoring lessons in Homiletics - Barbara Moore, RSM
Tutor Math Sessions - Pam Keyes	Give talks on "Spirituality and Mental Illness" - Barbara Smullen

HERE ARE SOME MORE GREAT IDEAS

Put in an extra hour of overtime at work or work someone else's shift
Give airplane rides (only if you're a pilot)
Host a card party or 'game night'
Write & record a song and sell the CD's
Make and sell craft or art pieces
Get your club or group to hold a raffle or other fundraiser
Baby sit, mow lawns, do house cleaning or spring clean-ups
Sell something you own on
Craig's List or Ebay
Give motorcycle rides
Design a website
Rent a popcorn machine and sell popcorn in the school cafeteria
Photograph a wedding
Give a computer lesson
Give a music lesson
Host a dinner party
Provide an hour of professional services

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ?

How do I participate?
Every "Talent Volunteer" participating is asked to do two things:
Use your gifts to provide a service or Make and Sell Something that will help Build Community and raise much needed funds to help support Mercy Prayer Center. And - Come to the Kickoff and Closing Celebrations.

How do I get my $50 'Talent Grant'?
It's easy. Just register and then come to the kickoff on April 30; get 'all charged up' and then pick up your Talents Challenge Envelope with your $50 Talents Grant.

What do I do with my $50?
You can use your $50 'Talent Grant' to purchase supplies or to help promote your project.

Where can I get ideas on what to do?
There are lots of ideas on pages 2 & 3 of this booklet. You can ask family and friends for ideas. You can even call the prayer Center at (585) 473-6893 and we will help you pick your brain.

When can I start my project?
You can start any time. You don't have to wait for the kickoff. But you should complete your project by June 18.

Can my spouse or friend come too ?
If you would like to "join forces" with another person you can get another $50 for that person. Just sign up as a team.

What about groups?
Groups can participate too. Youth groups, school groups, company teams and even bridge clubs can participate. Call us to arrange for an amount that will cover your group's expenses.

When and where do I go?
Our Kickoff is Thursday, April 30 at 7:00 PM and our Closing Celebration of Stories is on Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 PM. Both events are held at St. Anne's Parish Hall, 1600 Mount Hope Ave, Rochester.

Are my donations tax-deductible?
Outright cash donations are deductible. However, if a product or service is purchased, the fair-market value is not tax-deductible.

Where do I get more information?
See pages 2 & 3 of this brochure or call us at 585-473-6893

How do I Sign up?
Just fill in the attached registration form and send it into Mercy Prayer Center, then pick your project and GO FOR IT!