Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale

What is Penny Power?

Penny Power is a fun and easy way to raise money for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Virginia Mennonite Missions (VMM).

How does it work?

Collect coins in a container in your church, Christian school, home or business. Bring the coins to the Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale on October 2-3, 2009 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds near Harrisonburg, Va. After volunteers sort the coins on special sorting tables, staff from the Park View Federal Credit Union calculate the total value of each congregation’s coins based on weight. Currency and checks are also
welcome.

Where does the money go?

The money raised this year will be divided equally between Mennonite Central Committee and Virginia Mennonite Missions. The money MCC receives will partner with churches in western DR Congo that help provide medicine, supplies and equipment to hospitals, which will train medical workers. VMM will use its portion of the money to support ministries to the deaf in education and faith settings around the world.

How do we get started?

Tape the enclosed label onto a jug, jar or can. Blue water jugs are the most popular option, and can be picked up at Virginia Mennonite Missions, 901 Parkwood Drive, Harrisonburg, Va. Place promotional materials in a prominent spot in your church or organization near the jug(s). Then simply drop your coins into the container and watch it fill up!

Is there a goal this year?

Yes! Our goal is to raise $37,000 for this year’s Penny Power projects. In 2008, congregations and
individuals contributed a total of $35,640.16!

Let’s continue the momentum from last year! Please consider matching the amount of your church’s contribution. This is a great incentive for people to drop lots of coins in the Penny Power jug. Checks should be made payable to “Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale,” designated for Penny Power 2009. Bring your checks to the Penny Power tab le at the sale, or if sent after the sale, via mail (made out to VMM, specify Penny Power).

How can our church promote Penny Power?

Here are just a few creative ideas:
• Designate Penny Power as the offering project for Vacation Bible School.
• Give all or part of the money from a church fund-raiser to Penny Power.
• Highlight Penny Power during your Sunday morning worship service. This could be every Sunday or just once a month. One church sings a special song during this time.
• Have children fill a small container with coins at home, then give them a reward for each full container of coins they bring to church.
• Borrow “Rhythm of Change: What can you do for
Penny Power?” 4-minute video or DVD from VMM
for more information about Penny Power.
• Show DVD from VMM about Deaf ministries.

For more information...
Contact Virginia Mennonite Missions at
540-434-9727, 1-800-707-5535, or info@vmmissions.org