Two Cents and a Prayer

In today’s economy, two cents hardly seems worth talking about. But for Mennonite women in 1935, two pennies were significant. When combined with prayer, these small gifts were the foundation of an endowment building effort that grew to an amazing $95,000. 

As Gladys Goering wrote in Women in Search of Mission: “The fund grew slowly, but that it grew at all must be attributed to the [women] who adopted it as a part of their projects in 1935.  All members were asked to contribute ‘2 cents a week and a prayer.’ ” Today, interest from this fund continues to support missions and testifies to the wise planning of our foremothers.

In the spirit of those long-ago sisters, we invite today’s women to contribute their two cents (adjusted for inflation to two dollars) and their prayers in growing Mennonite Women USA’s mission and ministry.

What does $2 a month and a prayer do?
• Organizes a Sister-Link prayer partnership that crosses racial/ethnic lines.
• Connects women leaders through a monthly newsletter.

What does $2 a week and a prayer do?
• Helps advance the education of a future church leader through the International Women’s Fund.
• Funds the writing of one Christmas service for many diverse gatherings of women.

The Lydia Circle is comprised of individuals who contribute $500 or more per year to the ministry of Mennonite Women USA.  The Lydia Circle began in 2003 as a response to increased funding needs.

Gifts toward the ministry of Mennonite Women USA are tax deductible.

Here’s a downloadable form to send with your contribution.