Primate's World Relief and Development FundDiocese of Fredericton
Primate's World Relief and Development Fund
Diocese of Fredericton
On Being a PWRDF Parish Representative
Betty McNamara
The commitment to be a parish rep must be something that flows from your heart and strengthens your faith. It should become your ministry, but it is also important to have the support of your priest. Keep your priest informed of what you are doing, at the same time try not to increase his or her workload.
Being a parish rep means you will strengthen PWRDF as a vital part of the ministry of the whole parish. Many parishioners simply do not know what it is all about. They might be familiar with the name, but do not really understand it is a ministry designed for every Anglican. It is the task of the rep to teach the facts; including the history, and the work being done today, or more simply put, this is what PWRDF is and this is what it does. People should feel a vital part of this important ministry.
Getting the information to the people can be accomplished by doing something as simple as maintaining a bulletin board at the back of each church. This must be kept up to date, using the latest posters and pamphlets available, and information on current world conditions. I personally write a short but informative weekly insert for the church bulletin. This can serve to keep the world issues of war, poverty, and social justice fresh in everyone's mind. If your parish does not have a bulletin, during the announcements, bring the latest facts to the people. Be brief. If there are other services, ask someone else to read this for you.
Talk to the Sunday school teachers; perhaps they can teach a unit focused on themes of justice and partnership or sharing.
Encourage giving by having envelopes available in the church, or ask the parishioners to indicate their donation on their regular envelope. Ask the envelope secretary to consider using the PWRDF numbered and boxed envelope sets, which contain special envelopes for PWRDF donations.
At least once a year, the parish should celebrate PWRDF with a special service or event. The second Sunday in Lent is our diocesan PWRDF Sunday, but it can be any time you and your priest wish. In my parish, we held a special 4 PM service in October, just after celebrating a bountiful harvest. Materials to help with this event are readily available by contacting www.pwrdf.org. This office will supply posters, bulletin covers, placemats, and a guide for conducting the service. I found this order of service to be very helpful, and may be followed as closely as desired.
Being a parish rep for PWRDF is a rewarding experience. I know that I cannot go to Africa to help nurse the babies born with Aids, but I can inform others about this epidemic and together we can make a difference. I see the givings increase after an information session and it is good. The people in my parish know what the letters PWRDF mean, and that is good.
Last updated 2003 January 07