Activity time: 10 minutes

Materials for Activity

• Leader Resource 1, Special Monies
• Posted newsprint sheets from Activity 1

Preparation for Activity

• Read Leader Resource 1, Special Monies, for scholarly background information on how and why we earmark special money. If you wish, copy the leader resource to distribute to the group.

Description of Activity

Referring to the lists created in Activity 1, introduce special money. Say:

“Special money” is money we designate, or earmark, for a particular use, limit to particular users, or categorize differently based on its source or intended purpose. Earmarking has gained a negative reputation in our sociopolitical discourse. Here, however, we are going for a broader understanding of the term.

Ask:

• How do we differentiate between everyday money and special money?
• When is earmarking a constructive tool? When can it be a barrier?
• How do we see earmarking at work in our congregation?

Ask participants to review the newsprint lists of congregational inflow and outflow and identify areas where special money comes into play in congregational life. Invite participants to consider how earmarking can be used as a tool to intentionally direct the flow of congregational money toward a larger purpose.