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Disciples congregations who join the Circle of Compassion strengthen the work and witness of Week of Compassion for generations to come.
The Circle of Compassion is for churches that establish a named fund of $10,000 within the Week of Compassion Endowment Fund, giving above and beyond their regular special offering each year. As annual distributions from the endowment are received, it frees up designated dollars to support acts of compassion during times of disaster, displacement, and enduring need. This distribution is included as part of the congregation’s denominational giving record, increasing the church's annual Week of Compassion support.
The term 'circle of compassion' was inspired by an African pastor who spoke about compassion moving as a circle. Sometimes we give, and at other times we receive - but most of the time we cannot tell the difference. We are blessed in both the receiving and the giving, and so the circle continues.
The Circle of Compassion is for churches that establish a named fund of $10,000 within the Week of Compassion Endowment Fund, giving above and beyond their regular special offering each year. As annual distributions from the endowment are received, it frees up designated dollars to support acts of compassion during times of disaster, displacement, and enduring need. This distribution is included as part of the congregation’s denominational giving record, increasing the church's annual Week of Compassion support.
The term 'circle of compassion' was inspired by an African pastor who spoke about compassion moving as a circle. Sometimes we give, and at other times we receive - but most of the time we cannot tell the difference. We are blessed in both the receiving and the giving, and so the circle continues.
Why join the Circle?
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We have a 'From Our Doorsteps…' fund already in place to make local grants toward the needs of our friends and neighbors; we saw this as a chance to create a matching '… to the Ends of the Earth' fund with Week of Compassion, to address the needs of neighbors beyond our own.
- Washington Avenue Christian Church, Elyria OH Standing the morning after Hurricane Charlie barreled through – damage, debris, trees and power lines down, impassable roads, leaders strategizing to connect with members across the city – a cell phone rang: “This is Week of Compassion….how can we help?” The Circle is our touchstone to tell the story, help our words become action, extend God’s compassion, moving others’ hearts from being troubled to finding peace. - Pershing Avenue Christian Church, Orlando FL |
Week of Compassion has long been a beloved offering. We’ve been especially proud of being a part of the Circle of Compassion. Each year we look forward to the report that tells us how much our Circle endowment has earned to support this ministry.
- Battery Park Christian Church, Richmond VA When our small church received a large gift, we knew immediately that we needed to share a portion of this gift with our neighbors in need in Seattle and around the globe. By joining the Circle of Compassion, we partner with Week of Compassion to extend God's love and mercy, where it is needed most, for many years to come. - Northwest Christian Church, Seattle WA |
How do we join?
The Circle of Compassion FAQs cover all the specifics. In the same way Week of Compassion’s mission and ministry unfold across a variety of partnerships, locations, and responses, the ways in which congregations join the Circle of Compassion are as creative, beautiful, and varied as the churches themselves. In just the last few years:
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West Mesa Christian Church (Albuquerque NM) challenged themselves to raise $10,000. A member stepped forward with a matching gift and in a few months, West Mesa reached their goal. For this established congregation, “establishing a fund to perpetuate the work of Week of Compassion is very appealing. We hope we can be a catalyst for other Southwest Region churches.”
While caring for facility improvements, Saint Andrew Christian Church (Olathe KS) also envisioned a portion of capital campaign dollars would create permanent funds focused on justice and witness, including a Circle of Compassion fund. “Usually capital campaigns are about building something or paying off what you’ve built. This was a great chance to think creatively to benefit those beyond us, making a real impact.” When ten Illinois Valley (IL) Cluster churches met together during Lent for Sunday evening worship, the offerings were combined to establish a Circle of Compassion fund in the cluster’s name. First Christian Church (Pekin IL) shared in the establishment of that fund and then was inspired to use outreach budget funds to create an additional Circle of their own. |
First Christian Church (Chattanooga TN) reached their 150th Anniversary and used funds from their outreach endowment to establish a Circle of Compassion fund to celebrate. When First Christian Church (North Kansas City MO) marked their 100th, plans included an offering from their outreach resources to create their Circle fund as well.
At First Christian Church (Sacramento CA), talk among church members, retired pastors, and a long-standing connection to Week of Compassion led to a starting gift, with a congregational covenant to meet the member’s challenge of completing the $10,000 goal. “The church is grateful for this example, and takes the challenge to fulfill this worthwhile obligation to support Week of Compassion’s ongoing work.” A Disciples church and a UCC congregation merged to create Faith First Community Church (Davenport IA). Leaders agreed that proceeds from the sale of one church building would be given to establish a Circle of Compassion fund. Rather than a legacy fund in the name of the sold church, they were inspired to build a Circle of Compassion fund in the name of their newly merged congregation, because “that way, we can continue to add to it.” |
The possibilities are endless! Contact us to learn more about becoming a Circle of Compassion congregation!
Circle of Compassion
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First Christian Church
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