Tapestry 2023 Survey Results

Tapestry 2023 Survey Results

Tapestry is the print publication that CCS prepares twice a year to report to donors on the impact they are having—on what our students are learning, through the leadership of our alumni, and in the church and community where diaconal ministry is happening.

In the summer of 2023 many of our readers of Tapestry, gave CCS feedback about what they like to read.  We heard back from 19 people.  Here’s what those donors said when we asked:

  1. What was your favourite story in the recent summer Tapestry?
  • 37 % of our respondents liked the cover story “Rural Ministry Needs You”, which profiled Cathie Clow, Heather Sandilands, and Jackie Van’t Voort’s experiences in responding to rural ministry needs.
  • 26 % liked the donor profile with Karen Tjaden’s story about how her “Diaconal Roots Nurture Community”
  • 11 % liked “A Word from Alan Lai”
  • 16 % liked “Your Generosity Boosts ‘Pop-up Outreach’” where the work of students Jamie Miller and Kim Inglis is reported
  1. What other stories or people do you care about and want to hear more of?
  • I love to listen to CCS Fridays exploring different facets of Spirituality in REAL world experience
  • Other forms of ministry being carried out by students or graduates
  • Lots of variety in ministry.
  • The impact of the Centre for Christian Studies on the staff, students and recipients.
  • Stories about social justice ministry
  • Reconciliation good news stories
  • Climate stories, justice stories.  Doing risky stuff is inspiring.
  • Diaconal work outside the church—bringing ministry into secular work and the world
  • What diaconal ministers are doing.
  • Themes and things the United Church is involved in like the Climate Strike and Ethical Investments
  • Online Admissions Orientation.
  • Hearing from students what they are doing
  • How diaconal ministry is expressed in different regions in the country
  • Seeing stories of people of the past
  • The forefront of the church—needs, jobs, how students are prepared
  • Those who go on to get a degree after the CCS diploma
  1. How does Tapestry help you, as a donor, know about the good you are doing?
  • Tapestry is like a light in the dark. As a donor, I need to hear more than the pleas of struggling students. I need to hear how their hearts are being nourished by the work they are called to do every day. Thanks so much for sharing these stories of unique adventures in ministry.
  • It is good to see the ongoing work resulting from the generous donations given.
  • It is a good window into current ministry. 
  • Helps bring things into focus in lived experiences.
  • Staying in touch with CCS
  • Tells me meaningful stories, which demonstrate skills learned at CCS are being put into practice.
  • The incredible value of the CCS and how crucial you are in going forward. You are a Spiritual lifeline.
  • I like to know about the current students and about new grads–what they are planning to do after they graduate
  • What we are doing not what we are saying. Action
  • Reminder of the good work CCS does—like the personal story of a donor which shows anyone can donate in ways that make a difference
  • Feel more connected—giving is about relationships and connectedness
  • Highlight students who are benefitting now gives immediate feedback and reporting
  • Gives a clue how money is absolutely necessary to train students for work in the church
  • See that it’s the focus and how money is working for you
  • Stories well told with concrete examples of how diaconal ministers are making a difference in practical ways
  • Helps you know what is going on in community and at CCS, various responses to the world, helps know if what you spend your money on is relevant

Thank you for taking time to reply to the survey. It was very helpful. You can watch for future stories inspired by your suggestions.