Dear North American congregations, dear friends,
In past years through many generous gifts, we raised funds for the Priest Child Education Fund. That money was distributed to three North American priest families who were able to send their children to Waldorf schools and pay for additional educational costs as a direct result of these gifts. They were extremely grateful to receive this support.
Why do we need this fund in our region?
Our priest families are supported through the freely given donations of their congregational members that cover the basics of housing, food, utilities, transportation, health care, etc. One key expense that is not typically included in the priest support is the cost of educating their children. A good education, particularly a Waldorf education, is expensive, often too expensive for our priest families, even if the priest’s partner works, and even if they receive financial aid from the school.
The education of our priests’ children is a movement issue, not a congregational one. We are all supported through the collective work of our priests and the health of any individual congregation is also tied to the health of the entire North American Region. Your current priest might be single, or without school-age children, but that could change at any time. As you have no doubt at some point experienced, priests, move. So, this fund is critical to our movement’s future in North America.
How does the fund work?
First, the priest’s congregation is asked for their help as part of the ongoing support of their priest; second, the priest’s family gathers as much as they can from their own resources; and finally, the Education Fund will supplement these resources, to the extent of the need and the funds available. Each link in the fundraising chain will only be expected to cover a portion of the overall tuition, with the Education Fund coming in at the end to hopefully fill any remaining need. Total funds distributed in a given year will not exceed $10,000.
We realize that many of you are already giving generously to the Christian Community, and that support is greatly appreciated. If you are able to do something more to help support our priests and their families so that they can continue to do their essential work in the world, please do so today. Without your generous support, this fund cannot exist.
Our priests and their children thank you! In deepest gratitude,
Bruce Chamberlin
For the Regional Board
Donation Link Here
For Christian Community Priests Child Education Fund
To View PDF CC Priests Child Education Fund Letters with links
Click Here