Virginia Mennonite Missions: Called. Sent. Transformed.

Penny Power is a fun and effective way to contribute to a designated project of VMM. Half the money raised through Penny Power at the Virginia Mennonite Relief Sale (http://www NULL.vareliefsale NULL.com/VRS-Web/DesktopDefault NULL.aspx) each year goes to a VMM project (or two) and half goes to a project of Mennonite Central Committee (http://www NULL.pennypower NULL.org/).

In 2011, Penny Power raised a total $36,667.02 (including matches and donations after the Relief Sale). The funds that this successful annual campaign has raised was divided equally between projects Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and Virginia Mennonite Missions (VMM). The project of MCC built sand dams in Tanzania, a low-cost technology to harvest rainwater, a clean, local water supply for homes and farming. VMM used its portion of the money to dig water wells in Haiti for fresh, clean water. Especially in the aftermath of the devastating 2009 earthquake, clean water has been desperately needed.

This year, funds will go for disaster relief, at home and overseas. The VMM project will help rebuild the many tornado-damaged or destroyed homes and structures in West Liberty, Kentucky. This project will partner with West Liberty Mennonite Church, a congregation of Virginia Mennonite Conference, and Mennonite Disaster Service, which has been working there since the storm hit.

The MCC project will assist the crisis in Syria and Lebanon, which will include sending relief kits, providing emergency food, medicine and supporting the grassroots community to bring peaceful solutions to their communities. (If the Middle East crisis has passed by October, Penny Power funds will be used for similar MCC emergency and disaster responses.)

Results from 2011 Virginia Relief Sale (and matches)

*Miscellaneous donations that were not clearly marked or credited to a congregation



Match your church’s amount!

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 2012. Bring your checks to the Penny Power table at the sale, or if sent after the sale, via mail (made out to VMM, specify Penny Power).

How does my church 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!

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?” a 4-minute DVD from VMM for more information about Penny Power.