Bored with bakesales? This contest was for you.

The diocesan MDG Committee selected three winners.

Creative types from across the diocese submitted nearly twenty ideas in a diocesan contest to raise money for the Millennium Development Goals.
The MDG committee sorted through the ideas, and, unable to select a single winner, chose three winners who will be introduced to Presiding Bishop Katherine Jefferts Schori at Council in January. Jefferts Schori has made MDG work a centerpiece of her ministry as primate of the Episcopal Church.

The winners are:

The Rev. Deborah Hunley

Christ Church, Roanoke

Every month, select an organization that will receive your Feed the Hungry Offering for that month. Place special envelopes in the pew racks, announce the recipient each Sunday, write a paragraph about the recipient in each week’s service leaflet, and have details about the organization and its mission on display in the parish hall.
Our parish supports local ministries with the money raised through these dedicated envelopes, but about a year ago, we decided to focus more of our efforts on international development. Our last MDG-related offering purchased drought-resistant seeds through Episcopal Relief & Development. ERD’s “Gifts for Life” brochure has many other suggestions. This kind of offering appeals especially to children (my daughter has been a frequent contributor) and to newcomers, who haven’t pledged yet and are impressed with the idea that the parish cares about others.

Nancy Strachan

St. John’s, Bedford

When dining out, order tap water instead of sodas, tea, or alcohol for a week, a month- or, even better, for the rest of your life! Keep track of what is saved on the restaurant tab for whatever length of time is chosen and donate it to a water-based ministry such as Living Water International (given the full 4-star rating by Charity Navigator).
Through our common work in Rwanda, the LWI president recently informed me that they have successfully drilled seven wells in Rwandan villages serving 11,000 people. The average cost for a successful shallow well drill for a village is approximately $10,000. I would like to see us take this “I’ll Have Water, Please” challenge to our diocese to raise enough to drill at least one well in a third world country, perhaps even Rwanda.

Sharon Massie

RE Lee, Lexington

Do you have clean, safe, running water in your home? Think of those that don’t. Every time that you pay your water bill, say a prayer of gratitude for the clean water in your household, write a check for 10 percent of the amount owed and send it to the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia or ERD to further the cause of the MDGs. //

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Here were the Inspired Change contest rules:

Come up with a creative idea that could be used by parishes or individuals to raise money to support the Millennium Development Goals. Several of the best potential projects will be shared in an upcoming issue of Epiphany. The winner of "Inspired Change" will be recognized at diocesan Council in January 2008 and will be introduced to Presiding Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori.

The Fine Print:

This contest is open only to clergy and members of parishes of the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. The diocesan MDG committee will judge submissions on creativity and how well the idea can be implemented by individuals or parishes.

EXTENDED Deadline: September 30, 2007.