(Adapted from pastor Allison Byerly)
Note: This exercise is intended to nurture an awareness of our blessings and a renewed realization that many people struggle for lack of things that we take for granted. As you consider the good things in your life, may you be filled with gratitude and an urge toward generosity.
The monetary amounts listed below are merely a suggestion. You may wish to increase the amounts, or you could simply make tally marks instead of giving money. If you will collect some amount of money, set a giving bag up in your house and decide who you will give the money to during Holy Week.
FEBRUARY
17 In a world where half the people go to bed hungry, put 2 cents in your bag for every pound of meat in your refrigerator and freezer.
18 Millions of people walk through life with no shoes, add 1 cent for each shoe you have in your closet.
19 During Lent we draw near to Christ and his story. Add 10 cents for each Bible in your home.
20 Many children do not receive the medical care they need to thrive. Contribute 5 cents for each growing healthy child in your life.
21 Sunday-Engage the church worship materials and join our Zoom sharing time. Contribute 2 cents for each person on our Zoom call.
22 Not everyone has ready access to electricity. Please give 1 cent for every light bulb in your home.
23 In a nation where more than half a million people are estimated to be homeless, add 5 cents for each room in your house.
24 Clean water is a continuing problem for many people. Add 10 cents for each faucet in your home—and 20 cents for any filtered water dispensers (like on your refrigerator).
25 A good night’s rest is a great blessings. Contribute 10 cents for each bed you own.
26 Illiteracy is one of the challenges facing our world. Add 5 cents for every year of school you completed.
27 Many people struggle to have enough healthy food. Give 5 cents for each slice of bread you eat today.
28 Sunday-Engage the church worship materials and join our Zoom sharing time. Contribute 2 cents for each person on our Zoom call.
MARCH
1 Each day we learn something about the world about us. Put 5 cents in your bag for each magazine or newspaper you read. (Online counts.)
2 Our homes are filled with labor saving devices. Please donate 2 cents for each large or small electric appliance you have.
3 Tired people everywhere feel the need of a resting place. Add 2 cents for every chair or couch in your home.
4 There are many lonely people throughout the world. Please contribute 25 cents if you are loved by someone—which you are!
5 Like Jesus, millions of people have no place to lay their heads. Add 2 cents for each pillow in your home.
6 A refreshing drink is not within the reach of everyone. Add 5 cents for each glass of tea, cup of coffee or soft drink you have today.
7 Sunday-Engage the church worship materials and join our Zoom sharing time. Contribute 2 cents for each person on our Zoom call.
8 Unhoused people are often victimized by violence and have no sense of physical security. Add 2 cents for every lock in your home.
9 We spend part of each day being informed or entertained. Add 3 cents for each radio, TV, video game console or smart phone in your home.
10 For unhoused people, extreme temperatures can be life threatening. What temperature is your thermostat set to? Put that many cents in your bag.
11 Many people have do not have reliable transportation. Donate 1 cent for every mile you travel today.
12 Cold is a real and present worry for many people. Contribute 5 cents for every coat you own.
13 Time is a gift from God. Add 5 cents for each watch and clock in your home.
14 Sunday-Engage the church worship materials and join our Zoom sharing time. Contribute 2 cents for each person on our Zoom call.
15 We are a generation of snack food eaters. Add 5 cents for each sugary beverage, serving of chips, or dessert you have today.
16 Adequate medical care is not available to all the world. Add 25 cents if you have a family doctor, plus 10 cents if you have been to a dentist in the past year.
17 We often take for granted our ability to wash our hands and bathe. Give 5 cents for each bar or bottle of soap in your home.
18 Eyes are the window of the soul. Add 25 cents if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
19 We are privileged to be able to engage in politics. Give 10 cents if you are a registered voter, another 10 cents if you voted in the last election.
20 Many people in the world barely make enough money to sustain themselves from day to day. Contribute 25 cents for each savings account you have.
21 Sunday – Sunday-Engage the church worship materials and join our Zoom sharing time. Contribute 2 cents for each person on our Zoom call.
22 Friendship is a blessing. Add 2 cents for every Facebook friend you have, or for every personal friend in your address book.
23 Give a gift of thanks to God for your life. Give a number of cents to match your birthday. (For example, if you were born on the 12th of the month, give twelve cents.)
24 In the name of the Great Physician, contribute 5 cents for each part of your body that is pain-free and working well. (You can be as general or specific as you like with this one.)
25 Our emotions are also a gift from God. Give 5 cents for each emoji you’ve used in a text, email, or social media message this week.
26 Make a list of your five favorite things. Give 5 cents for each one.
27 Have you seen spring flowers this week or have you heard a bird’s song. Give 25 cents in the name of the Great Creator.
28 PALM SUNDAY-HOLY WEEK BEGINS—Send your collected money to the group of your choice.
Peace Mennonite Church 