UMVIM (United Methodist Volunteers in Mission)
I had the opportunity to meet some of the district UMVIM representatives at the meeting held Saturday, Dec.13 at St. Matthew’s UMC in Madison. It was a time of sharing, learning and planning … One thing became obviously clear and that is that this world is becoming increasingly complicated, but thank goodness we have people in places who are always ready to help. At this meeting I met D.J. Walker of Travel Pro of Mississippi who is very adept at helping Mississippi volunteer teams traveling overseas; she mentioned the ever changing nature of immigration requirements from all countries throughout the world as well as the ever changing requirements of the Homeland Security at airports as well as the new baggage and other restrictions created by the airlines themselves.
Robert Sharp of Disaster Response reported that to date there have been over 155,000 volunteers come work with the Mississippi UMCOR Disaster Response group down on the Coast; Robert coordinates the work and the logistics of the three camps and warehouses located there as well as the work of the volunteers; did you know that Pennsylvania is the leading state, followed by Indiana, sending volunteers for hurricane recovery. If you would like to partner on building a home call the Disaster Response Team at 866-435-7091 or email (whole house sponsorships are $51,000 – the house is built on the hurricane impacted lot). If you would like to make a donation of any amount please make your check payable to Mississippi United Methodist Disaster Response, Inc., and forward to 1400 Leggett Drive, Biloxi, MS 39530. If you would like a copy of he volunteer recruitment package which contains a four-minute DVD and PowerPoint presentation, posters, broadcast and print advertising materials, please call them at the same number.
Foreign Missions, anyone?
If you or your church are interested in taking volunteer teams in mission you may want to contact the following individuals who can provide you all kinds of information about doing Methodist mission at the particular countries listed by their names …
o For Nicaragua Covenant: David Newton
o For Russian Initiative: Danny Dabbs
o For Mexico missions: Rayford Woodrick
o For Beans and Rice missions (Costa Rica) Marie & Fred Curry
o For Chabadza Covenant to Zimbabwe: Michelle Shrader
o For Liberia, Africa: Nelda Thomas
Please be aware that David Newton listed as the Nicaragua contact is also the Mississippi Conference UMVIM Coordinator and he can give you additional advice about insurance through the United Methodist Church; even if you and your team already have insurance you may want to call him anyway to let him know you are going and he can find prayer partners to pray for your team while they are out of the country.
If you have any questions please call me.
Merry Christmas!!!
Jorge.
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Joy Down In My Heart
Have you sung the song “Joy to the world the Lord is come” this season? What about the children’s classic, “I’ve got the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart”? In Luke 2:10 we read “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.”
This week our Advent focus is Joy. It is a word that we hear and use a lot during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Stop and think for a moment. What is joy? How do you define this word to your congregation, your family, and your neighbors? Where, in your own life, do you derive your joy? Does your joy come from a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, a Christmas bonus check that arrives unexpectedly, or a gift that sits underneath the tree with your name on it?
Or, does your joy come from somewhere deep in your heart and soul? The eternal joy of the Lord is the gift of faith that we experience each and every moment of our lives when we claim for ourselves Jesus Christ as our Savior. The joy of our Lord is not external and temporal. It cannot be measured by our bank accounts, the size of our homes, or even the number of gifts we receive and share this year. The joy of the Lord is internal and eternal!
The 2008 Family Advent Calendar leads us through the last days of Advent with some creative devotions and activities around the word “joy”. I would recommend these to you and to your family. This week as you prepare for the final days in Advent, Christmas Eve Services, and Christmas day celebrations how will you proclaim the true joy of the Lord that the angel first shared with the shepherds long ago?
Enjoy these days of anticipation, excitement, and waiting!
For the joy of the Lord is ours!
Merry Christmas!
Rev. Michelle Foster
This week our Advent focus is Joy. It is a word that we hear and use a lot during the seasons of Advent and Christmas. Stop and think for a moment. What is joy? How do you define this word to your congregation, your family, and your neighbors? Where, in your own life, do you derive your joy? Does your joy come from a cup of coffee first thing in the morning, a Christmas bonus check that arrives unexpectedly, or a gift that sits underneath the tree with your name on it?
Or, does your joy come from somewhere deep in your heart and soul? The eternal joy of the Lord is the gift of faith that we experience each and every moment of our lives when we claim for ourselves Jesus Christ as our Savior. The joy of our Lord is not external and temporal. It cannot be measured by our bank accounts, the size of our homes, or even the number of gifts we receive and share this year. The joy of the Lord is internal and eternal!
The 2008 Family Advent Calendar leads us through the last days of Advent with some creative devotions and activities around the word “joy”. I would recommend these to you and to your family. This week as you prepare for the final days in Advent, Christmas Eve Services, and Christmas day celebrations how will you proclaim the true joy of the Lord that the angel first shared with the shepherds long ago?
Enjoy these days of anticipation, excitement, and waiting!
For the joy of the Lord is ours!
Merry Christmas!
Rev. Michelle Foster
Your Help is Needed
Last week as I went into the post office I witnessed something, I had never seen before.
A man was half way in the garbage can. After he came out of it he began to eat half of a sandwich he had found. My daughter and I looked and wonder how could this happen in America.
Jalisa, my daughter, reached in the back seat and gave me some food to share with him. I later thought about the food I left out overnight, the leftovers we threw away, the $102.00 for football tickets plus food and travel and so many others experiences. I realize that God has truly blessed my family and to those who have received much, much is required.
We, as Mississippi United Methodists, have been highly favored by God. I ask you as a part of that blessed community to join me in supporting the struggling community at Africa University. Most of the African American churches apportionment for Africa University is less than twenty dollars. Middlebrook UMC, where I serve as pastor, is a small membership church but we have given our thirty-six dollars to Africa University. The third verse of the African American national anthem is,”..., may we forever stand, true to our God, true to our native land.”
This Christmas let us give a gift in our apportionments to our, native land.
A man was half way in the garbage can. After he came out of it he began to eat half of a sandwich he had found. My daughter and I looked and wonder how could this happen in America.
Jalisa, my daughter, reached in the back seat and gave me some food to share with him. I later thought about the food I left out overnight, the leftovers we threw away, the $102.00 for football tickets plus food and travel and so many others experiences. I realize that God has truly blessed my family and to those who have received much, much is required.
We, as Mississippi United Methodists, have been highly favored by God. I ask you as a part of that blessed community to join me in supporting the struggling community at Africa University. Most of the African American churches apportionment for Africa University is less than twenty dollars. Middlebrook UMC, where I serve as pastor, is a small membership church but we have given our thirty-six dollars to Africa University. The third verse of the African American national anthem is,”..., may we forever stand, true to our God, true to our native land.”
This Christmas let us give a gift in our apportionments to our, native land.
What's Love Got to do With It?
The truth is, love has everything to do with it! If it were not for love there would not be Christmas. “For God so LOVED the world, that he gave His only beloved Son so that anyone who believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” The gift of Christmas, Jesus Christ, was given to us out of God’s love for us.
In this Advent season of waiting and expectation, how are we anticipating this love that comes to us from God above? How are our words and actions motivated by this godly love that has been given unconditionally and freely to us? In what ways do we go out of our way, stop in all of our busyness, and change our course of direction in order to give love to those who are hungry, naked, homeless, in prison, and on the fringes of society?
What’s love got to do with it? You are encouraged to use the daily devotions and activities found within the 2008 Family Advent Calendar offered by the Mississippi Conference of the United Methodist Church to explore this question and its multitude of answers.
Monday, December 8, 2008
More Diverse People
This past week (December 4-7) a training event took place in Mississippi that provided training to pastors and lay missioners who want to be more involved and intentional in helping get started small communities of faith/churches and community programs geared specifically towards Hispanic people currently living within our conference.
Over a long weekend at a camp retreat 18 folks were involved in an intensive 30 hour program designed to teach pastors and lay missioners basic ministry skills in how to carry on mission and outreach with Hispanic people in our communities. Language, cultural, leadership, worship and other specific subjects dealing with ministry in this environment were explored .
People participating in this bi-lingual training event represented 7 nationalities and some of these folks also reported having spoken 5 native indigenous tongues as their first languages (not counting English or Spanish). This is a witness to the great diversity of backgrounds and cultures with whom anyone dealing with this population will be confronted (education and economic diversity notwithstanding).
Both the pastors and new lay missioners were greatly pleased with the things learned as were the GBGM-trained workshop leaders and conference representative. These highly motivated people expressed not just great commitment and passion, but also the desire to do God’s will.
Remember … In mission and Outreach Pray, Give and Do!!! Sunday, December 14 will be a special offering day for the Children’s Home at your church. Please Give … Generously!!!
Call me, Jorge.
Over a long weekend at a camp retreat 18 folks were involved in an intensive 30 hour program designed to teach pastors and lay missioners basic ministry skills in how to carry on mission and outreach with Hispanic people in our communities. Language, cultural, leadership, worship and other specific subjects dealing with ministry in this environment were explored .
People participating in this bi-lingual training event represented 7 nationalities and some of these folks also reported having spoken 5 native indigenous tongues as their first languages (not counting English or Spanish). This is a witness to the great diversity of backgrounds and cultures with whom anyone dealing with this population will be confronted (education and economic diversity notwithstanding).
Both the pastors and new lay missioners were greatly pleased with the things learned as were the GBGM-trained workshop leaders and conference representative. These highly motivated people expressed not just great commitment and passion, but also the desire to do God’s will.
Remember … In mission and Outreach Pray, Give and Do!!! Sunday, December 14 will be a special offering day for the Children’s Home at your church. Please Give … Generously!!!
Call me, Jorge.
Hopeful or Hopeless
An article I read this week included these words, “one way to appreciate the hope of Christmas is to envision a world devoid of Christmas, a world with no Christ, no hope – just hopelessness.” As I read this, my mind began to imagine what our world would be like without Christ, without church, and without Christmas. In those moments, I tasted hopelessness and despair.
As we move into the second week of Advent, our calendar focus will turn towards hope and the excited anticipation that the season of Advent brings to us. As Christians, we celebrate and proclaim hope each day because Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem! He grew up among us, redeemed the world and showed us what God is like. God is essentially a God of Hope, a God who makes all things new. Therefore, the excitement and expectation that children of all ages feel at Christmas is altogether appropriate. When we imagine for a moment a world without Christ, it causes us to decorate our homes, give presents, and sing carols in such a way that celebrates the hope of Christmas with passion and joy! Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again – this is the kind of hope that we cannot live without!
As you consider our hope-full and hope filled world, I invite you to use the Family Advent Calendar to discover some ways that you and your church may partner with Moore Community House and Methodist Children’s Homes in offering hope to children and families throughout our state. This week you also find ways to share and explore, in Bible study and song, what hope means for us today.
Need a copy of the Family Advent Calendar? Go Here...
As we move into the second week of Advent, our calendar focus will turn towards hope and the excited anticipation that the season of Advent brings to us. As Christians, we celebrate and proclaim hope each day because Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem! He grew up among us, redeemed the world and showed us what God is like. God is essentially a God of Hope, a God who makes all things new. Therefore, the excitement and expectation that children of all ages feel at Christmas is altogether appropriate. When we imagine for a moment a world without Christ, it causes us to decorate our homes, give presents, and sing carols in such a way that celebrates the hope of Christmas with passion and joy! Christ has died, Christ is risen, Christ will come again – this is the kind of hope that we cannot live without!
As you consider our hope-full and hope filled world, I invite you to use the Family Advent Calendar to discover some ways that you and your church may partner with Moore Community House and Methodist Children’s Homes in offering hope to children and families throughout our state. This week you also find ways to share and explore, in Bible study and song, what hope means for us today.
Need a copy of the Family Advent Calendar? Go Here...
Monday, December 1, 2008
Fundamentals of Mission & Outreach
Whose Mission Work is it?
Mission and outreach are fundamental to the health of a congregation. They provide the foundation for all the rest of the church’s work in making disciples, building up the church, alleviating suffering, and promoting justice, freedom, and peace.
Central to any mission and outreach effort is the recognition that we all are participants in a work that begins with God, belongs to God, and is being fulfilled by God now and unto the end of time. So while we may be God’s hands and feet, it is God who empowers and sustains the work and the workers.
Who is our neighbor?
Jesus taught us in the parable of the Good Samaritan that anyone in need becomes our neighbor; Jesus’ call for us is to share our material and spiritual bounty with those who are spiritually or materially needy, whether they are next door or across the globe.
What about leadership?
Leadership is an essential element in the success of any group, including the missions and outreach group at the church, however, not everyone is gifted to be a leader. But, while we may not be called to be leaders, some of us can take responsibility for the selection of leaders, and everyone in the church is responsible with supporting the leaders and keeping them accountable.
Experts on the subject of leadership have identified 4 characteristics of good leadership: vision, character (or integrity), empowerment and passion. In our Christian context a dimension of the mission and outreach ministry is that it must have servant centered leadership which is rooted in love. It is not surprising to observe that all leadership characteristics modeled by Jesus to his disciples are recorded in the gospels and should be the model of leadership which we all need to follow so that our praying, giving, and doing are effective.
Call me and we’ll talk mission and outreach at your church.
Jorge.
Mission and outreach are fundamental to the health of a congregation. They provide the foundation for all the rest of the church’s work in making disciples, building up the church, alleviating suffering, and promoting justice, freedom, and peace.
Central to any mission and outreach effort is the recognition that we all are participants in a work that begins with God, belongs to God, and is being fulfilled by God now and unto the end of time. So while we may be God’s hands and feet, it is God who empowers and sustains the work and the workers.
Who is our neighbor?
Jesus taught us in the parable of the Good Samaritan that anyone in need becomes our neighbor; Jesus’ call for us is to share our material and spiritual bounty with those who are spiritually or materially needy, whether they are next door or across the globe.
What about leadership?
Leadership is an essential element in the success of any group, including the missions and outreach group at the church, however, not everyone is gifted to be a leader. But, while we may not be called to be leaders, some of us can take responsibility for the selection of leaders, and everyone in the church is responsible with supporting the leaders and keeping them accountable.
Experts on the subject of leadership have identified 4 characteristics of good leadership: vision, character (or integrity), empowerment and passion. In our Christian context a dimension of the mission and outreach ministry is that it must have servant centered leadership which is rooted in love. It is not surprising to observe that all leadership characteristics modeled by Jesus to his disciples are recorded in the gospels and should be the model of leadership which we all need to follow so that our praying, giving, and doing are effective.
- His vision was and is redemption for a lost, needy, and wayward people.
- His character was and is mission-driven and people-centered; he was and is a teacher and a friend. He was, is, and always will be God; yet he modeled servant-hood. He was and is forgiving. His character was tested but he was always the same; he acted with integrity.
- Jesus empowered his disciples with the power of the Holy Spirit to make more disciples and equipped them to perform miracles of healing and compassion.
- Jesus taught, ministered, and served with passion. He displayed righteous anger toward the money changers, washed his companions’ feet, fed the hungry and healed the sick.
Call me and we’ll talk mission and outreach at your church.
Jorge.
FAITH
Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
How would you define faith? How do you live out your faith in your home? Your office? Your community? How does faith prepare you for the season of Christmas?
Utilizing the 2008 Family Advent Calendar developed by the Office of Connectional Ministries of the Mississippi Conference, our devotional time this week focuses on faith - the faith of the shepherds long ago, the evidence of faith in our own lives, the faithful journey of Abraham and Sarah, and the ministries of faith that are evidenced in the work of the Good Shepherd Center, Edwards Street Fellowship Center and Wesley House.
Yesterday we began our journey through the season of Advent. As we walk forward toward Bethlehem to welcome the babe in the manger, I invite you to find ways to share this calendar with others in your congregation. It can be used as a tool to explore the sacred meanings of the chosen Advent words in your worship services, bible studies, personal devotions, and Sunday school classes in the days and weeks to come. It is my hope that these words will help aid us in living in the Advent season even as we anticipate and prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Downloadable and printable copies are available on the conference website at 2008 Advent Calendar.
How would you define faith? How do you live out your faith in your home? Your office? Your community? How does faith prepare you for the season of Christmas?
Utilizing the 2008 Family Advent Calendar developed by the Office of Connectional Ministries of the Mississippi Conference, our devotional time this week focuses on faith - the faith of the shepherds long ago, the evidence of faith in our own lives, the faithful journey of Abraham and Sarah, and the ministries of faith that are evidenced in the work of the Good Shepherd Center, Edwards Street Fellowship Center and Wesley House.
Yesterday we began our journey through the season of Advent. As we walk forward toward Bethlehem to welcome the babe in the manger, I invite you to find ways to share this calendar with others in your congregation. It can be used as a tool to explore the sacred meanings of the chosen Advent words in your worship services, bible studies, personal devotions, and Sunday school classes in the days and weeks to come. It is my hope that these words will help aid us in living in the Advent season even as we anticipate and prepare for the birth of Jesus Christ our Lord.
Downloadable and printable copies are available on the conference website at 2008 Advent Calendar.
Blessings to you as you walk by faith into a new season of our church year!
Babies, Disciples, and Advent
Yesterday we had the perfect celebration of Advent at Forrest Hill UMC. We baptized little Matthew. It had been a long time since we had shared in an Infant Baptism. The family stood proudly by and covenanted to provide him with a faith filled home and the congregation promised that they would do the same. Big brother Ethan stood there proudly beaming. It was so powerful. Why?
We are becoming the
Let the children come unto us.
Please join me in prayer about this…but more than that, become the answer to those prayers!
Let us lead them to Christ. That, my friends is true Christmas!
Monday, November 24, 2008
Every Home is a School
This sign is displayed outside a church that I pass each day on the way home. Everyday my mind gets to racing…I wonder what my children would say is taught in our homes….I wonder what I taught today as we hurriedly readied ourselves for school and work….I wonder what my children are understanding about our teachings on love, responsibility and grace…I wonder what I might be teaching my children and my husband about my faith in God?
How are we, as leaders in the church, equipping our parents, grandparents and caregivers to be the best teachers they can be in their “homeschools?” There are numerous resources available to assist family “teachers” in their efforts.
Here are some curriculum resources to assist you in your efforts:
Conversations for Life: Talking with Your Child
Conversations for Life: Talking with Your Teenager
Created by God - a curriculum about human sexuality
Some books I would recommend:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey
Children and Prayer by Betty Shannon Cloyd
Raising Great Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Hand in Hand: Growing Spiritually with Our Children by Sue Downing
Some workshops that I can offer in your district, cluster or local church:
Parenting in the Pew – Designed for parents and worship leaders, this workshop will explore the ways we can best engage, encourage and assist children in their experiences of church and worship.
The 5 Love Languages of Children – Based on the book by Drs. Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, this workshop will offer parents insight and understanding into the ways their child best expresses and receives love. Together, parents will discover how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will encourage and strengthen their family for the rest of their lives. This workshop has also been adapted into a session offered to leaders who work with children and youth in order to improve the ways that we communicate, discipline and engage with one another.
How are we, as leaders in the church, equipping our parents, grandparents and caregivers to be the best teachers they can be in their “homeschools?” There are numerous resources available to assist family “teachers” in their efforts.
Here are some curriculum resources to assist you in your efforts:
Conversations for Life: Talking with Your Child
Conversations for Life: Talking with Your Teenager
Created by God - a curriculum about human sexuality
Some books I would recommend:
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey
Children and Prayer by Betty Shannon Cloyd
Raising Great Kids by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Hand in Hand: Growing Spiritually with Our Children by Sue Downing
Some workshops that I can offer in your district, cluster or local church:
Parenting in the Pew – Designed for parents and worship leaders, this workshop will explore the ways we can best engage, encourage and assist children in their experiences of church and worship.
The 5 Love Languages of Children – Based on the book by Drs. Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, this workshop will offer parents insight and understanding into the ways their child best expresses and receives love. Together, parents will discover how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will encourage and strengthen their family for the rest of their lives. This workshop has also been adapted into a session offered to leaders who work with children and youth in order to improve the ways that we communicate, discipline and engage with one another.
Doing Good All the Time
Recently, Wesley House has been transformed from the inside out with new building remodeling and targeted new programs, specially designed, to help people in the community be productive and healthy, with a staff that is professionally trained and called to serve.
The face of poverty is changing across the nation and in Meridian and surrounding area it is no different today. One half of the clients now being served at Wesley House are first time "askers" with…one third of those having college degrees … Some, more than one!
Wesley House wants to make a real difference in the lives of those who come to the "community house" where they are treated with the idea in mind that they were all created with a specific design and purpose by our Creator. While there will always be poverty, the Bible does not say that the same people have to live there all of their lives!
So, Wesley House is concentrating on helping those who are ready to help themselves. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis, and all people are treated with the same love and respect, whether they live under the bridge or are in the same Sunday School class as the staff…it simply does not matter. At this time of year Wesley House is asking people to make an investment … That’s right an investment in their community through the lives of the men, women and children that come their way. It is important to realize the impact of the work being done there is "God-driven."
With your help, He will allow folks at the Wesley House to serve those who come knocking on their door.
For a full length copy, please email Ginger Grissom Stevens, Director at gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736.
The face of poverty is changing across the nation and in Meridian and surrounding area it is no different today. One half of the clients now being served at Wesley House are first time "askers" with…one third of those having college degrees … Some, more than one!
Wesley House wants to make a real difference in the lives of those who come to the "community house" where they are treated with the idea in mind that they were all created with a specific design and purpose by our Creator. While there will always be poverty, the Bible does not say that the same people have to live there all of their lives!
So, Wesley House is concentrating on helping those who are ready to help themselves. Each case is dealt with on an individual basis, and all people are treated with the same love and respect, whether they live under the bridge or are in the same Sunday School class as the staff…it simply does not matter. At this time of year Wesley House is asking people to make an investment … That’s right an investment in their community through the lives of the men, women and children that come their way. It is important to realize the impact of the work being done there is "God-driven."
With your help, He will allow folks at the Wesley House to serve those who come knocking on their door.
For a full length copy, please email Ginger Grissom Stevens, Director at gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736.
Thank You
Sometimes in our rush to Advent and Christmas we run right past Thanksgiving.
This past week I was privileged to attend the Development Summit sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries. Mission agencies and board members from across the denomination gathered to learn how to resource their missions.
It was an incredible experience for several reasons.
This past week I was privileged to attend the Development Summit sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries. Mission agencies and board members from across the denomination gathered to learn how to resource their missions.
It was an incredible experience for several reasons.
- The event was such a quality experience with excellent leaders and resources.
- I was reminded that there are thousands of people serving God in hundreds of ways every day around this world through the United Methodist Church.
- I was reminded that development isn't about money as much as it is about telling incredible stories of what the money is and can do!
- Finally, I was reminded of my manners. Say "please" and "thank you".
One of the ideas we were given was to have a "thank-a-thon".
Take time to thank those who make your ministry and mission happen. Cool.
So here is the beginning of my "thank-a-thon".
Thank you for all you do and have done. We are so blessed in the Mississippi Annual Conference to have so many generous and faithful servants of God! I thank God for you and for the congregations in the 1138 places where the Kingdom is coming. I have been blessed by you!
Let me close with a passage from Ephesians. Ephesians 1:3 "How we praise God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we belong to Christ"Our whole lives should be a "thank-a -thon."
Happy Thanksgiving!
Live loved,
Steve
Monday, November 17, 2008
Letter from Tommy Miller
We hear a lot these days about the bad economy and how many people are struggling to make ends meet, and this is true. But God has so richly blessed so many of us United Methodist that we tend to forget how much God has really done for us. With the holidays coming up Good Shepherd Community Center in Vicksburg, one of our Mississippi United Methodist Community Centers, is helping to make a difference in the lives of people in need.
Good Shepherd will be giving out meals to 200 families this Thanksgiving. Through donations of food and money we will be able to give these families a feast for their Thanksgiving meal that we all would be proud of and food for at least 7-8 more meals for their family. With the number we have signed up we should give out almost 4,000 meals the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. You can help by providing canned goods or by your donation to this ministry.
Christmas is right around the corner and we have adopted 275 children to provide toys and clothes for this year. You cannot imagine the joy on the parent's faces when they pick up those toys on December 18th and hear the reports of how special Christmas was for their family because of our shared ministry. You can help by adopting a family or a child to provide Christmas.
Please be in prayer for all of our outreach ministries this year as we continue to work in our communities to meet the needs of so many. Your continued support of our ministries will help us continue to be hands and feet of Jesus in our hurting and lost world.
Thank You - Rev. Tommy Miller
Good Shepherd will be giving out meals to 200 families this Thanksgiving. Through donations of food and money we will be able to give these families a feast for their Thanksgiving meal that we all would be proud of and food for at least 7-8 more meals for their family. With the number we have signed up we should give out almost 4,000 meals the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. You can help by providing canned goods or by your donation to this ministry.
Christmas is right around the corner and we have adopted 275 children to provide toys and clothes for this year. You cannot imagine the joy on the parent's faces when they pick up those toys on December 18th and hear the reports of how special Christmas was for their family because of our shared ministry. You can help by adopting a family or a child to provide Christmas.
Please be in prayer for all of our outreach ministries this year as we continue to work in our communities to meet the needs of so many. Your continued support of our ministries will help us continue to be hands and feet of Jesus in our hurting and lost world.
Thank You - Rev. Tommy Miller
Monday, November 10, 2008
Children and Politics
My two elementary children have been swept up in the hype of this presidential election. Over supper, on more than one occasion, both have engaged their father and I in conversations about the politics of our next president, his family, and how the choices of our government might affect them.
Is it even appropriate that my two young boys are already becoming aware of the political society in which we live? Is it helpful that they know what some of the issues are at the forefront of everyday conversations? What is the right language that I, as their parent should use, to speak with them about such a complex issue?
Finally, it came to me. I need to speak to them about the issues that they understand. I need to speak into the situations that they find themselves in daily as they engage with other children and families at school, at church and in our extra-curricular activities. Some of the issues that we now discuss in our car rides, around our dinner table, and in conversations on the back deck include:
Education – We discuss the importance of education and its gift to shape and form our lives into the person God has created us to be. A staggering 35% of students who enter school in Mississippi do not graduate. We share with our children the expectation that we have to see them graduate from high school and continue their education in college.
Poverty – 30% of Mississippi’s children live in poverty. We find ways to let our children see poverty first hand so that they have a point of reference for our discussions. We talk about the ways that we have been blessed through God’s goodness and how through our own hard work and commitment we are able to provide for our family. We discuss some of the different situations that people encounter as they live in poverty. Constantly, we encourage our children to live out the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Money - Who isn’t talking about money right now? We have just recently started paying our 8 year old a weekly allowance for certain household chores that he completes. There are some responsibilities that are “part of being a family” and he doesn’t earn money for these things. Every week he must divide his allowance into three categories: tithe, savings, and spending. As we go to various stores, he now uses his own money for toys, candy, etc. This provides many opportunities for us to talk about delaying gratification, the importance of tithing, and the importance of saving for various unplanned event that may arise in life. The bi-product in this is that we are able to help our children understand that money is not in endless supply!
The point of all of this: The issues being discussed in the coffee shops, at lunch, and around the watercooler at the office affect us all, regardless of age. We need to understand exactly what is being said and unsaid. Most importantly, we need to ask the question “How does this effect the children?”
If we really want to be about making disciples for the transformation of the world, then we have to be active in transforming the world from what it is to what it can become for our children and all the generations to come.
Will you be a part of these conversations with the children in your life?
I hope you will!
Is it even appropriate that my two young boys are already becoming aware of the political society in which we live? Is it helpful that they know what some of the issues are at the forefront of everyday conversations? What is the right language that I, as their parent should use, to speak with them about such a complex issue?
Finally, it came to me. I need to speak to them about the issues that they understand. I need to speak into the situations that they find themselves in daily as they engage with other children and families at school, at church and in our extra-curricular activities. Some of the issues that we now discuss in our car rides, around our dinner table, and in conversations on the back deck include:
Education – We discuss the importance of education and its gift to shape and form our lives into the person God has created us to be. A staggering 35% of students who enter school in Mississippi do not graduate. We share with our children the expectation that we have to see them graduate from high school and continue their education in college.
Poverty – 30% of Mississippi’s children live in poverty. We find ways to let our children see poverty first hand so that they have a point of reference for our discussions. We talk about the ways that we have been blessed through God’s goodness and how through our own hard work and commitment we are able to provide for our family. We discuss some of the different situations that people encounter as they live in poverty. Constantly, we encourage our children to live out the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Money - Who isn’t talking about money right now? We have just recently started paying our 8 year old a weekly allowance for certain household chores that he completes. There are some responsibilities that are “part of being a family” and he doesn’t earn money for these things. Every week he must divide his allowance into three categories: tithe, savings, and spending. As we go to various stores, he now uses his own money for toys, candy, etc. This provides many opportunities for us to talk about delaying gratification, the importance of tithing, and the importance of saving for various unplanned event that may arise in life. The bi-product in this is that we are able to help our children understand that money is not in endless supply!
The point of all of this: The issues being discussed in the coffee shops, at lunch, and around the watercooler at the office affect us all, regardless of age. We need to understand exactly what is being said and unsaid. Most importantly, we need to ask the question “How does this effect the children?”
If we really want to be about making disciples for the transformation of the world, then we have to be active in transforming the world from what it is to what it can become for our children and all the generations to come.
Will you be a part of these conversations with the children in your life?
I hope you will!
Building Bridges
Galatians 3:28
(New International Version)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
(New International Version)
There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008. I witnessed something that I thought would never happen. Senator Barack Obama, an African American, was elected president of the United States of America.
Millions of Americans voted without regard to race.
This presidential campaign was historical for several other reasons also. Senator Clinton and Governor Palin also opened the doors for females. Millions of voters showed that gender does not have to be a factor. Governor Richardson reminded us that American is not just black and white. The election was historical because of the record number of people who registered and voted. There were more voters, more younger voters, and more diverse voters in this election.
Across America, we saw people coming together without regard to gender, age or race. As I watched this take place I wonder where does my home state of Mississippi stand.
Many claim that we are a state weighed down by the past. They say that we are not able to look beyond color. Sadly enough, this was only reinforced when after the election of Senator Obama students in Pearl, Mississippi, were told they could not say his name. When students are punished for saying the name of the president elect of the United States of America, what does that say about us as a state?
I pray that we do not allow our great state to be defined by the misguided action of a few. I call upon the the body of Christ which resides in the “Great State of Mississippi” to stand together as black, white, red, yellow and brown, showing the world that we are not defined by race but by our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity to show that love is greater than hate and Jesus is bigger than racism.
Lighter Partners is one way you and your church can make a difference. If you are not a Light Partner, today is a great day to start.
Time will not change things, it is Christ filled people who in time bring about change.
Bits & Pieces
The word compassion is not used very often these days, but Jesus showed compassion towards all the needy people he encountered all through his ministry and thus modeled for us how we should respond to human suffering and need. He responded with action. The hope is closely linked to faith and suggests to us that we can put our faith into action and by doing this show compassion and give hope to those who need help.
Because the poor will always be with us until the Lord returns there is no shortage of mission and outreach projects in which we and our churches can get involved …
This Sunday the West Jackson District started a 4 day revival and Charge conference combination meeting that also features four mission initiatives. The theme is “To Revive the Church, to Reconnect Us. To Resource God’s People and to Reach Out in Christ’s Name.” The following four preachers, churches and ministries will be featured: Connie Shelton, Joe May, Rob Hill and Keith Tonkel; Good Shepherd Mission, Bethlehem Center, Society of St. Andrew, and Stop Hunger Now; Anderson UMC, Jackson, FUMC Clinton, FUMC Yazoo City and Hawkins UMC in Vicksburg.
What a Great Idea!!!
Pray, give and do for the least, the last and the lost of your community and the world!!!
Do you need help getting your missions committee started?
Please contact me (Jorge) and I will be glad to help.
Because the poor will always be with us until the Lord returns there is no shortage of mission and outreach projects in which we and our churches can get involved …
- Is there a jail near where you live where you and your church can come and visit and share the gospel, teach the inmates how to read and write or perhaps coach and encourage them to get their GED?
- If there is a hospital, nursery home nearby why don’t you call and find out how your church missions group can help?
- Is there a need for a soup kitchen or food pantry, clothes closet or other similar program to help the poor?
- Have you thought about needs by looking at people in groups such the elderly, children, immigrants, at risk teens?
This Sunday the West Jackson District started a 4 day revival and Charge conference combination meeting that also features four mission initiatives. The theme is “To Revive the Church, to Reconnect Us. To Resource God’s People and to Reach Out in Christ’s Name.” The following four preachers, churches and ministries will be featured: Connie Shelton, Joe May, Rob Hill and Keith Tonkel; Good Shepherd Mission, Bethlehem Center, Society of St. Andrew, and Stop Hunger Now; Anderson UMC, Jackson, FUMC Clinton, FUMC Yazoo City and Hawkins UMC in Vicksburg.
What a Great Idea!!!
Pray, give and do for the least, the last and the lost of your community and the world!!!
Do you need help getting your missions committee started?
Please contact me (Jorge) and I will be glad to help.
Mission PRoP
Spiritual formation and reformation often happens in such a surprising place. Michelle Shrader says God is always up to "Holy mischief". Amen! Well this weekend I was gifted with some of God's unusual blessings from a very unusual source.
This year at Annual Conference we will begin with what we are calling a "1 Plus Day." Thursday, June 11th we will have some extraordinary guests lead us in worship and conversation about our call to serve. One of the people we invited is Chris Lahr of Philadelphia, Pa. Chris is a part of a ministry called Mission Year. It is an incredible ministry that invites young adults to spend a year in service with the poor and homeless in inter-city Philly.
In preparation for the AC, I went to Philly this weekend to meet Chris and to see the ministry first hand. It was great timing because they were having a "PRoP" weekend. A PRoP weekend is a right of passage weekend. Chris talked about the rights of passage, so many cultures have and the fact that our culture has really lost that crossing point into adulthood. So on these weekends young people are invited to "cross over."
The weekend began with a gathering with the team and a conversation/devotional about poverty and homelessness. There is a movie and open discussion about the nature of homelessness. Then the participants are taken to a thrift store to get their wardrobe for the next day. Then they are given their night "shelter meal" of peanut butter and jelly, chips and a warm soda. This group was then taken to Chris's church building (Iglasia del Barrio) in the middle of one of the poorest Hispanic communities in Philly. They are instructed not to turn on lights or to use the water or toilets. There are a few flashlights given out and they are on their own (only able to bring three (3) items with them, excluding any electronic devices). They sleep there.
The next morning they are awakened at 6:30 (the time many shelters force their residents to leave) and given another sack lunch like the night before. They are then instructed to go to a particular part of town to spend the day with the homeless...no money, no ID, just their clothes on their back.
They are instructed to fulfill a checklist.
This weekend rocked my world. I thought I was so in tune with the poverty thing. Wrong! I was changed because I joined the group for most of the weekend (some I helped Chris prepare). It was one of a series of life changing gifts God has given me lately. One was the Delta Meeting about two months ago, secondly was a trip to our own HOPE mission for the poor and Homeless in Greenville, where I spent the day with Matthew Pharis who is appointed there. All of this is happening in the context of our General church initiatives for the next four years. One is centered in "Poverty".
As I reflected on the weekend and all that is happening, I have been reminded of our missional roots in Wesley. I am also reminded that the A2 indicators told us we are losing our passion for community mission. We are missing one of God's greatest gifts. Not the things we can do for the poor, but what they can bring to us.
After this weekend I have a new vision of Jesus words,"the poor will be with you always." It isn't a condemnation it is a gift. These people are our barometer for the health of our world and they will be here until "the Kingdom comes" because it cannot be until they have led us all to serve each other.
Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation. We have been forever! We can change that if we let the poor teach us. I hope to help us develop our own "Mission Year" here. It is time to change the numbers.
There are more poor now than before Dr. King's "Poor Peoples Campaign."
This isn't the Dream...but it ain't over yet!
Join me as I pray and dream. E-mail if you feel a passion for this. If you want to read more check out my blog later this week as I begin a series of reflections on the experience.
I am so glad I went through this right of passage.
Wanna come?
Live loved,
Steve
This year at Annual Conference we will begin with what we are calling a "1 Plus Day." Thursday, June 11th we will have some extraordinary guests lead us in worship and conversation about our call to serve. One of the people we invited is Chris Lahr of Philadelphia, Pa. Chris is a part of a ministry called Mission Year. It is an incredible ministry that invites young adults to spend a year in service with the poor and homeless in inter-city Philly.
In preparation for the AC, I went to Philly this weekend to meet Chris and to see the ministry first hand. It was great timing because they were having a "PRoP" weekend. A PRoP weekend is a right of passage weekend. Chris talked about the rights of passage, so many cultures have and the fact that our culture has really lost that crossing point into adulthood. So on these weekends young people are invited to "cross over."
The weekend began with a gathering with the team and a conversation/devotional about poverty and homelessness. There is a movie and open discussion about the nature of homelessness. Then the participants are taken to a thrift store to get their wardrobe for the next day. Then they are given their night "shelter meal" of peanut butter and jelly, chips and a warm soda. This group was then taken to Chris's church building (Iglasia del Barrio) in the middle of one of the poorest Hispanic communities in Philly. They are instructed not to turn on lights or to use the water or toilets. There are a few flashlights given out and they are on their own (only able to bring three (3) items with them, excluding any electronic devices). They sleep there.
The next morning they are awakened at 6:30 (the time many shelters force their residents to leave) and given another sack lunch like the night before. They are then instructed to go to a particular part of town to spend the day with the homeless...no money, no ID, just their clothes on their back.
They are instructed to fulfill a checklist.
- Spend an hour alone.
- Only travel in groups of three (3) or less
- Panhandle for money
- Dumpster dive
- Spend time with the homeless
- Don't stay in buildings longer than 30 min. Then they are sent out with a token for the L-train with instructions about where to meet for pick up.
This weekend rocked my world. I thought I was so in tune with the poverty thing. Wrong! I was changed because I joined the group for most of the weekend (some I helped Chris prepare). It was one of a series of life changing gifts God has given me lately. One was the Delta Meeting about two months ago, secondly was a trip to our own HOPE mission for the poor and Homeless in Greenville, where I spent the day with Matthew Pharis who is appointed there. All of this is happening in the context of our General church initiatives for the next four years. One is centered in "Poverty".
As I reflected on the weekend and all that is happening, I have been reminded of our missional roots in Wesley. I am also reminded that the A2 indicators told us we are losing our passion for community mission. We are missing one of God's greatest gifts. Not the things we can do for the poor, but what they can bring to us.
After this weekend I have a new vision of Jesus words,"the poor will be with you always." It isn't a condemnation it is a gift. These people are our barometer for the health of our world and they will be here until "the Kingdom comes" because it cannot be until they have led us all to serve each other.
Mississippi is the poorest state in the nation. We have been forever! We can change that if we let the poor teach us. I hope to help us develop our own "Mission Year" here. It is time to change the numbers.
There are more poor now than before Dr. King's "Poor Peoples Campaign."
This isn't the Dream...but it ain't over yet!
Join me as I pray and dream. E-mail if you feel a passion for this. If you want to read more check out my blog later this week as I begin a series of reflections on the experience.
I am so glad I went through this right of passage.
Wanna come?
Live loved,
Steve
Monday, November 3, 2008
Happy Anniversary BMCR!!!
The Southeastern Jurisdiction (SEJ) of the Black Methodist for Church Renewal, Inc (BMCR) celebrated their 40th anniversary on the Mississippi Gulf coast.
There were 16 different conferences represented including New York and New Mexico. The Mississippi and Western North Carolina Conference had the largest number to register, with eighteen. Mississippi Conference Officers elected for 2009 included Rev. Z. Beasley, vice-coordinator and Rev. J. Barnes, nomination committee.
Dr. D. Beckley and Rust College were thanked for hosting Harambee 2008. Rust College welcomed over two hundred and sixty youth from across the SEJ. A presentation of the event was shown at the meeting. Representation from Rust College did a wonderful job representing the Mississippi Conference. Dr. Beckley greeted the youth by riding his motorcycle on stage. Due to the large success of Harambee, Haaambee II is being planned. Harambee is for youth and Harambee II will be for college students/young adults.
Rev Z. Beasley and the Mississippi planning team are to be commended for a job well done.
Important details about the business session will be reported at a later date.
There were 16 different conferences represented including New York and New Mexico. The Mississippi and Western North Carolina Conference had the largest number to register, with eighteen. Mississippi Conference Officers elected for 2009 included Rev. Z. Beasley, vice-coordinator and Rev. J. Barnes, nomination committee.
Dr. D. Beckley and Rust College were thanked for hosting Harambee 2008. Rust College welcomed over two hundred and sixty youth from across the SEJ. A presentation of the event was shown at the meeting. Representation from Rust College did a wonderful job representing the Mississippi Conference. Dr. Beckley greeted the youth by riding his motorcycle on stage. Due to the large success of Harambee, Haaambee II is being planned. Harambee is for youth and Harambee II will be for college students/young adults.
Rev Z. Beasley and the Mississippi planning team are to be commended for a job well done.
Important details about the business session will be reported at a later date.
Mission and Outreach the Methodist Way
It may be surprising, but not all Methodists in the state know about the following six community centers in the Mississippi conference that are in the front lines of doing mission and outreach in our state; the work they do provides indispensable mission programs to the communities being served and is central to the church’s mission and outreach work in the state.
Your church can be in mission with these folks by praying for their staff and volunteers and the thousands of men, women and children they serve; you can give of your time, treasure and talent to their mission; and you can certainly call and ask what you can do by volunteering to work alongside.
Wesley House Community Center, Meridian
Feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, healing the sick; Wesley House has been ministering to and serving the needs of the least, the last and the lost in the Meridian area since 1904. With six mission agencies under one roof consisting of Christian relief, education, child advocacy/victim’s services, free clinic and community center Wesley House is the go to place for these services to over 33,000 people in need in 15 counties surrounding Meridian.
Ginger Stevens, Director, gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736
St. Andrew’s Mission, McComb
SAM has been serving the McComb area since its incorporation in 1997 as a community center serving the many needs of senior citizens 55 and over as well as operating a free clinic which is staffed with doctors, nurses and clerical personnel for people of all ages. In addition it offers a special food service for handicapped seniors and a diner which is open to all and serves hot meals twice a week. SAM also operates a thrift store and provides many other services such as GED classes, parenting classes, and even a parish nurse who provides holistic health care in the community.
Ed Codding, Director, edcodding@yahoo.com – Phone 601-684-4678
Moore Community House, Biloxi
Since 1924 Moore CH has been in ministry to the Coast community in East Biloxi it provides quality childcare education and programs for community development and comprehensive family assessment and referrals. Since January, the former Biloxi Epworth United Methodist Church has been restored into a temporary facility for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while Moore Community House completes its new child development center which was destroyed by Katrina and is now under construction; when the new center is completed Epworth will be turned over to the community as a community center. Moore offers programs to help single mothers working and/or going to school to help them gain self sufficiency including new job training programs in cooperation with HUD and the Biloxi Housing Authority.
Carol Burnett, Director, cburnett@mschildcare.org Phone – 228-669-4827
Good Shepherd Center, Vicksburg
Good Shepherd Center ministers to the least, the lost, the lonely and the last in the name of Jesus Christ through its varied ministries of daycare, GED program, free clinic and its Thanksgiving and Christmas food distribution programs.
Tommy Miller, Director, gscc@canufly.net – Phone 601-636-7687
Edwards Street Fellowship Center, Hattiesburg
Located in the southeast corner of Hattiesburg ESFC has served this low income community for almost 30 years. The center’s programs include quality multi-cultural pre-school care and educational services for children between the ages of six weeks and five years; a recently built food pantry has increased its capacity to provide food assistance to over 125 families each week; Cub, Boy Scout and Girl Scout children 6-16 meet here; and there are special programs to help girls’ develop their unique gifts and self image take place here; computer classes and social activities for older adults are also offered through ESFC.
Iva Brown, Director, esfcenter@comcast.net – Phone 601-544-6149
Bethlehem Center, Jackson
The Bethlehem Center is a National Mission Institution related to the United Methodist Church. Serving in one of Jackson’s poorest neighborhoods for the past 70 years, the Center serves low-income families and individuals through affordable quality childcare, a free income tax assistance program, a counseling center, and various community development initiatives. Recently it has expanded its program to include an infant room.
Tajuana Thicklen, Program Director, bethlehemcenter601@live.com – Phone 601-355-0224
Your church can be in mission with these folks by praying for their staff and volunteers and the thousands of men, women and children they serve; you can give of your time, treasure and talent to their mission; and you can certainly call and ask what you can do by volunteering to work alongside.
Wesley House Community Center, Meridian
Feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, clothing the naked, healing the sick; Wesley House has been ministering to and serving the needs of the least, the last and the lost in the Meridian area since 1904. With six mission agencies under one roof consisting of Christian relief, education, child advocacy/victim’s services, free clinic and community center Wesley House is the go to place for these services to over 33,000 people in need in 15 counties surrounding Meridian.
Ginger Stevens, Director, gingerstevens@bellsouth.net – Phone 601-485-4736
St. Andrew’s Mission, McComb
SAM has been serving the McComb area since its incorporation in 1997 as a community center serving the many needs of senior citizens 55 and over as well as operating a free clinic which is staffed with doctors, nurses and clerical personnel for people of all ages. In addition it offers a special food service for handicapped seniors and a diner which is open to all and serves hot meals twice a week. SAM also operates a thrift store and provides many other services such as GED classes, parenting classes, and even a parish nurse who provides holistic health care in the community.
Ed Codding, Director, edcodding@yahoo.com – Phone 601-684-4678
Moore Community House, Biloxi
Since 1924 Moore CH has been in ministry to the Coast community in East Biloxi it provides quality childcare education and programs for community development and comprehensive family assessment and referrals. Since January, the former Biloxi Epworth United Methodist Church has been restored into a temporary facility for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years while Moore Community House completes its new child development center which was destroyed by Katrina and is now under construction; when the new center is completed Epworth will be turned over to the community as a community center. Moore offers programs to help single mothers working and/or going to school to help them gain self sufficiency including new job training programs in cooperation with HUD and the Biloxi Housing Authority.
Carol Burnett, Director, cburnett@mschildcare.org Phone – 228-669-4827
Good Shepherd Center, Vicksburg
Good Shepherd Center ministers to the least, the lost, the lonely and the last in the name of Jesus Christ through its varied ministries of daycare, GED program, free clinic and its Thanksgiving and Christmas food distribution programs.
Tommy Miller, Director, gscc@canufly.net – Phone 601-636-7687
Edwards Street Fellowship Center, Hattiesburg
Located in the southeast corner of Hattiesburg ESFC has served this low income community for almost 30 years. The center’s programs include quality multi-cultural pre-school care and educational services for children between the ages of six weeks and five years; a recently built food pantry has increased its capacity to provide food assistance to over 125 families each week; Cub, Boy Scout and Girl Scout children 6-16 meet here; and there are special programs to help girls’ develop their unique gifts and self image take place here; computer classes and social activities for older adults are also offered through ESFC.
Iva Brown, Director, esfcenter@comcast.net – Phone 601-544-6149
Bethlehem Center, Jackson
The Bethlehem Center is a National Mission Institution related to the United Methodist Church. Serving in one of Jackson’s poorest neighborhoods for the past 70 years, the Center serves low-income families and individuals through affordable quality childcare, a free income tax assistance program, a counseling center, and various community development initiatives. Recently it has expanded its program to include an infant room.
Tajuana Thicklen, Program Director, bethlehemcenter601@live.com – Phone 601-355-0224
Holidays and Hospitality
"As you do it to one of these...you do it also to me" Matthew 25:40
We are in the season of thanksgiving, soon to be followed by Advent and then Christmas. People will be coming "home" for the holidays, others will be looking for a church to call their home. As we prepare for the holidays, let us do so by looking at our buildings, worship bulletins, and liturgies through the eyes and feet of a visitor. Here are some things to consider:
Consider having congregational greeters - it is their job to greet people, both known and unknown, as they find their place in the sanctuary.
We are in the season of thanksgiving, soon to be followed by Advent and then Christmas. People will be coming "home" for the holidays, others will be looking for a church to call their home. As we prepare for the holidays, let us do so by looking at our buildings, worship bulletins, and liturgies through the eyes and feet of a visitor. Here are some things to consider:
- Are parking lots clean and visitor spaces marked? Is it clear where to park and where not to park?
- Are entry ways welcoming and inviting? Is anyone at the doors to greet people as they arrive?
- Is your building welcoming to those in wheelchairs, on walkers, or crutches?
- Are there appropriate signs throughout the building identifying nurseries, classrooms, restrooms, sanctuary, choir room, church office, etc.?
- Is the bulletin user-friendly to those who are not familiar to our style and context of worship?
- Is The Lord's Prayer printed in the bulletin?
- If communion is to be shared, is it clear who can partake and how to partake?
- Is there an invitation extended to join the church?
- Are words of welcome offered to those who are gathered for worship?
- Are your members welcoming to those who are "strangers" to them?
Consider having congregational greeters - it is their job to greet people, both known and unknown, as they find their place in the sanctuary.
- What about the children and youth?
- What is happening in the service that would capture the attention of the children?
- How are children and youth involved in the leadership and planning of worship?
- Is the bulletin formatted in such a way to encourage children in their worship experience? If not, consider developing a children's bulletin that will aid them in their worship.
- How do you know who the visitor's are among you? How do you follow-up with them following the service to let them know of your gratitude for their presence?
- How is your church inviting people in the community and beyond the walls of the church to come "home" and to make their home in your church?
Let us be a people of welcoming grace and hospitality.
Investment
So how is your financial picture?
What a question! In light of the current economic situation what does the faith community have to say to the world?
What is it that we can share that will help folks find some hope?
I attended Catalyst (a conference in Atlanta for leaders) a couple weeks ago and heard Dave Ramsey speak. He talked about “unity” and afterwards he was asked what he had to say about the current crisis. He shot back quickly…”If you had done what I have been telling you to do you wouldn’t have to worry.” Dave is a big “debt free” person. He believes in being debt free, having an emergency fund, and in living within your means. He speaks often about tithing, but more about the fact that all we have is God’s and we are just stewards of it. We know that, but do we live into it…do we practice it?
Many of our churches face budgetary challenges. Many of our mission centers and institutions are in a financial crunch. It is easy to allow the pressures of this challenge to pull us apart. We have to pay bills and salaries and bank notes… it can be overwhelming. It seems like there just isn’t enough to go around. We have to choose what we pay first and what we must cut. It can get ugly fast. People can lose jobs and entire communities can be devastated. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of panic and pessimism. At the local church and conference levels there is talk of short falls and lack of resources. Blame is cast and tension rises. This doesn’t solve anything! How we deal with this issue is a witness to the type of people we are and to what we value most. How would God have us act?
Now is when the “Church” can live into its true identity. We are the children of God. This God is a God of abundance. In God’s Kingdom there is always enough for everyone! What does that look like? Maybe the Second chapter of Acts captures the picture.
“Everyone around was in awe--- all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.” (Acts 2:42-ff Peterson’s Message)
Maybe what we have to teach and learn is that what we think we need isn’t really need and what we want isn’t always what is best. We live in a culture of individualism and abundance. Many around us have been in economic crisis for all their life. We are (even in this crisis) for the most part still very wealthy! We have bountiful resources. Best of all we have each other. All of this is God’s gift to us. We have a chance to be awesome in the eyes of this world by just sharing what we do have with those who don’t have. Sound too simple? It is. We make it complicated. We decide that we have to have all this stuff in our churches and our houses and all the time there are those who have no stuff or houses. Maybe the scare of losing what we have shouldn’t drive us to fearfully hoard all we can, maybe it should drive us to remember who’s it is and what God would have us do with it. What if our spirit was that of those first century saints who found the riches of God’s kingdom in each other and not in their banks? What if our churches weren’t asking how can we make budget or keep our building open, but who needs what we have to survive? Some will say this is niave. The truth is that we often justify our indulgence and call it need. We have much to learn together. I cannot wait to see how God will perform the signs and wonders that will lead us forward in faith.
As stewards of this great bounty we have will God find us faithful? Will the world see us share and be drawn in by our generosity and compassion? If we want more people, more young people, more diverse people…let’s model this Biblical stewardship and love the people in need with our resources and not just our prayers.
This is Thanksgiving time. We have so much to be thankful for. Many have nothing. Could we set a place at the table for them? Could we sell what we have to help them? If we did I think it would look like a Kingdom Feast. It is time for a return to a simpler way, to a time where people are more important that things. We need to be communities where relationship is our primary currency and love our treasure. Money will not and cannot save us! Let this season be a time for generosity and sharing. “For God so loved the world …”, this is how we are saved! What an awesome God! See you at the feast and I hope you’re not alone.
Live Loved,
Steve
What a question! In light of the current economic situation what does the faith community have to say to the world?
What is it that we can share that will help folks find some hope?
I attended Catalyst (a conference in Atlanta for leaders) a couple weeks ago and heard Dave Ramsey speak. He talked about “unity” and afterwards he was asked what he had to say about the current crisis. He shot back quickly…”If you had done what I have been telling you to do you wouldn’t have to worry.” Dave is a big “debt free” person. He believes in being debt free, having an emergency fund, and in living within your means. He speaks often about tithing, but more about the fact that all we have is God’s and we are just stewards of it. We know that, but do we live into it…do we practice it?
Many of our churches face budgetary challenges. Many of our mission centers and institutions are in a financial crunch. It is easy to allow the pressures of this challenge to pull us apart. We have to pay bills and salaries and bank notes… it can be overwhelming. It seems like there just isn’t enough to go around. We have to choose what we pay first and what we must cut. It can get ugly fast. People can lose jobs and entire communities can be devastated. It is easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of panic and pessimism. At the local church and conference levels there is talk of short falls and lack of resources. Blame is cast and tension rises. This doesn’t solve anything! How we deal with this issue is a witness to the type of people we are and to what we value most. How would God have us act?
Now is when the “Church” can live into its true identity. We are the children of God. This God is a God of abundance. In God’s Kingdom there is always enough for everyone! What does that look like? Maybe the Second chapter of Acts captures the picture.
“Everyone around was in awe--- all those wonders and signs done through the apostles! And all the believers lived in a wonderful harmony, holding everything in common. They sold whatever they owned and pooled their resources so that each person’s need was met.” (Acts 2:42-ff Peterson’s Message)
Maybe what we have to teach and learn is that what we think we need isn’t really need and what we want isn’t always what is best. We live in a culture of individualism and abundance. Many around us have been in economic crisis for all their life. We are (even in this crisis) for the most part still very wealthy! We have bountiful resources. Best of all we have each other. All of this is God’s gift to us. We have a chance to be awesome in the eyes of this world by just sharing what we do have with those who don’t have. Sound too simple? It is. We make it complicated. We decide that we have to have all this stuff in our churches and our houses and all the time there are those who have no stuff or houses. Maybe the scare of losing what we have shouldn’t drive us to fearfully hoard all we can, maybe it should drive us to remember who’s it is and what God would have us do with it. What if our spirit was that of those first century saints who found the riches of God’s kingdom in each other and not in their banks? What if our churches weren’t asking how can we make budget or keep our building open, but who needs what we have to survive? Some will say this is niave. The truth is that we often justify our indulgence and call it need. We have much to learn together. I cannot wait to see how God will perform the signs and wonders that will lead us forward in faith.
As stewards of this great bounty we have will God find us faithful? Will the world see us share and be drawn in by our generosity and compassion? If we want more people, more young people, more diverse people…let’s model this Biblical stewardship and love the people in need with our resources and not just our prayers.
This is Thanksgiving time. We have so much to be thankful for. Many have nothing. Could we set a place at the table for them? Could we sell what we have to help them? If we did I think it would look like a Kingdom Feast. It is time for a return to a simpler way, to a time where people are more important that things. We need to be communities where relationship is our primary currency and love our treasure. Money will not and cannot save us! Let this season be a time for generosity and sharing. “For God so loved the world …”, this is how we are saved! What an awesome God! See you at the feast and I hope you’re not alone.
Live Loved,
Steve
Monday, October 6, 2008
Online 2009
“Online 2009” is the newest ministry project that will be launch by SBC21. This ministry did not originate in the conference office. It was introduce to the SBC21 Team by two individual who felt a calling from God. Ms. Sandra Randall and Mr. Gilbert Victorare offering their services to help Strengthen The Black Church for the 21 Century.
The plan is as follows:
SBC-21 Technology Goals
* Provided E-mail addresses for all pastors
* Provided assistance in establishing website
* Provided computer networking assistance
* Provided assistance in management software selection, installation and training
CHURCH INVESTMENT
Websites
* provide information for the site
* pay to reserve domain name (less than $10 per year)
* agree to provide 2-3 youth to be trained to update the website
Networking
* Churches agree to provide 2-3 youth to be trained to assist in the installation and upkeep of the network
* Churches purchase all equipment needed for their network
Church Administration Software
* Churches provide 2-3 people to be trained to use the software
* Churches provide computer equipment for software to be installed
RETURN
* Decrease Technology Gap between Ethnic Minority and Ethnic Majority Churches
* Provide means for church to reach out to local and world community
* Centralized place for information about the church
* Facilitate communication among church members, District and Conference
* Youth trained with marketable skills
* Investment in the life and ministry of the church
* Establishes Worldwide presence for the church
The plan is as follows:
SBC-21 Technology Goals
* Provided E-mail addresses for all pastors
* Provided assistance in establishing website
* Provided computer networking assistance
* Provided assistance in management software selection, installation and training
CHURCH INVESTMENT
Websites
* provide information for the site
* pay to reserve domain name (less than $10 per year)
* agree to provide 2-3 youth to be trained to update the website
Networking
* Churches agree to provide 2-3 youth to be trained to assist in the installation and upkeep of the network
* Churches purchase all equipment needed for their network
Church Administration Software
* Churches provide 2-3 people to be trained to use the software
* Churches provide computer equipment for software to be installed
RETURN
* Decrease Technology Gap between Ethnic Minority and Ethnic Majority Churches
* Provide means for church to reach out to local and world community
* Centralized place for information about the church
* Facilitate communication among church members, District and Conference
* Youth trained with marketable skills
* Investment in the life and ministry of the church
* Establishes Worldwide presence for the church
Here to Serve!!!
The 2004 Book of Discipline, paragraph 607, lists six things that Connectional Ministries is responsible for:
- envisioning the ministries necessary to live out the mission of the church in and through the annual conference;
- creating and nurturing relationships and connections among the local, district, annual conference, and general church ministries;
- providing encouragement, coordination ,and support for the ministries of nurture, outreach, and witness in districts and congregations for the transformation of the world;
- ensure the alignment of the total resources or the annual conference to its mission;
- developing and strengthening ethnic ministries, including ethnic local churches and concerns;
- providing for advocacy and monitoring functions to ensure that the church is consistent with its stated values.
We are servants of the Lord first and of the AC secondly. Dr. Lovett Weems reminded me that we are responsible to look out for the big picture of the entire state and the ministry of the annual conference. What a challenging proposition. Your connectional ministry staff is aligned with this task. Here is what we can do for you and what we do for the AC.
As director, my job is to be “keeper of the vision” which is “to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world”. I am responsible for facilitating the leadership team. I am responsible for continually seeking to make sure we are bringing leadership to the core values of the AC. I am also available to do leadership and training events in the areas of visioning, local church leadership development, small membership church leadership, and congregational care ministry. I am also available to help interpret the ministries of the Ac to local churches and districts.
Please take this as our invitation to you to invite us to serve you. We love our God and we love this church. Let us share that love with you. I cannot wait to see how God will use us all to transform this world!
Live Loved,
Steve
Resourcing the Local Church
Provide encouragement, coordination and support for the ministries of nurture, outreach, and witness in districts and congregations for the transformation of the world; create and nurture relationships and connections among the local, district, annual conference and general church ministries – this is the role of Connectional Ministries.
How can we do all of this?
By connecting one with another and sharing the gifts that God has
given us. Together, our gifts, our lives and our service can develop relationships and connections that make disciples and change the world!
Below you will find workshops that are offered to help the local church in its ministries of making disciples and changing the world. All of these workshops are offered to the local church at no cost. To schedule a workshop, please contact Rev. Michelle Foster at 601-354-0515 ext. 28 or michelle@mississippi-umc.org.
Safe Sanctuaries
Safe Sanctuaries 101 – This workshop is designed to introduce people to the concept and Biblical understanding of Safe Sanctuaries. During our time together, the local church will be given practical tools to aid them in their work to make their church as safe as possible for children and youth and those that serve as their leaders.
This workshop is most helpful for the Board of Trustees, the Staff Parish Relations Committee, Children and Youth Ministry groups, and Church Administrators (both clergy and lay).
Ethics and the Internet – This hands-on workshop explores the ways the internet and other forms of media are used for ministry in ways that are both helpful and exploitative of our children, youth and young adult populations.
This workshop is most helpful for leaders of youth ministry, the Staff Parish Relations Committee, parents and children 12 years and older.
Nurturing the Nursery – Welcoming young children into the church is a great joy! Once we welcome them, we need to be prepared to nurture and care for them. This workshop will help the local church to do just that! Using some tried and true experiences coupled with some basic safety procedures, this workshop provide you the tools to transform your nursery into a space that beckons children and parents alike to come and be a part!
Family Ministries
Family Ministries 101 – Designed to introduce the local church to Family Ministries, this workshop is explore questions such as: Why do we need family ministries in the local church when we have age graded ministries? What are some “best practices” in family ministry? How do we begin a conversation about family ministries in our local church? Participation in this workshop will offer the local church new ideas, renewed enthusiasm, and practical tools for ministry.
Parenting in the Pew – Designed for parents and worship leaders, this workshop will explore the ways we can best engage, encourage and assist children in their experiences of church and worship.
Help! We Need Teachers –This workshop will provide you with appropriate tools to “beef up” your small group ministry, nurture existing teachers and grow new ones, consider the various ways in which we can and do teach, and explore the ways that the role of teaching has expanded and changed in the last several years. This workshop is suitable for pastors and teachers, regardless of the age that they lead.
I Am Willing to Teach…But I Don’t Know What to Teach!? – Often in our midst there are those who are willing to teach but want to be given some guidance as to the material to teach. This workshop is offered in conjunction with the Mississippi Conference Media Center for church educational leaders, pastors, Sunday school teachers, and small group leaders to share with churches the various resources available to them, some at no cost, to be used in their local church.
The 5 Love Languages of Children – Based on the book by Drs. Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell, this workshop will offer parents insight and understanding into the ways their child best expresses and receives love. Together, parents will discover how to express unconditional feelings of respect, affection, and commitment that will encourage and strengthen their family for the rest of their lives.
This workshop has also been adapted into a session offered to leaders who work with children and youth in order to improve the ways that we communicate, discipline and engage with one another.
Marriage Ministry: Changing Our Community, Changing Our World – Did you know that 51% of marriages in Mississippi end in divorce? That is just over 1 out of every 2 marriages! The church can and should respond to this problem by finding ways to nurture existing marriages, cultivate healthy and sustainable relationships with those that are engaged, and educate and shape the understanding of marriage for those dating or exploring the possibilities of dating. Local church leaders that participate in this workshop will be given a wealth of knowledge, practical tools for ministry application, and a beginning plan for further growth.
Congregations for Children – This workshop introduces the local church to the ministry of Congregations for Children, our partnership with the Roman Catholic and Episcopal churches in our state. It provides an understanding into our role as advocate on behalf of children; our community and legislative responsibilities; and, ways in which we can be a positive force of change for the children in our world.
Growing Our Mission Outreach Ministry
Have you or your church been thinking about starting a new or revamping an existing mission outreach ministry lately but do not know where or how to get started?
Try jotting down the answer to the following “Things to Ponder” list of questions and you will be on your way to putting together a preliminary plan.
Additionally, check out the Mission Outreach Handbook (by clicking on the link below) and go to Appendix 1A on pages 17-23 for some handy planning sheets; consult also pages 5-7 for an outline to a planning retreat. This is the link to the PDF file containing the entire 40 page handbook …
Things to Ponder (as a mission outreach group)
- Who are we?
- What are we about?
- Why do we do missions?
- How long we been around?
- What have we done in the last three (3) years?
- What have we learned in those same three (3) years?
- What does Jesus want us to do in the next three (3) years?
- Has He given us a dream/ a project to start or grow the outreach ministry?
- What have we done to respond to that calling? What will we do now?
- How many materially or spiritually needy people have we helped last year?
- What is the need in our community?
- How many more folk can we help?
- What kind of resources does it take to carry on our Mission Outreach ministry today?
- How much more resources will be needed? How much more time, effort, new talents and prayer support will be required next year? In the next three (3) years?
- Do we know our church people and their gifts and graces? The needs of the population-and individuals- we can serve? Do they match?
- How will we recruit the team of volunteers, find the talents and finance the vision next year? In the next three (3) years?
- What does our church, our volunteer team, prayer supporters and the folk we serve want (expect) from us?
- Most importantly, what does God want us to do?
Who … What … Is needed to achieve the goals of our mission outreach ministry?
When and … How will these worthy goals be achieved?
Got Plan?
If you would like for me to come to your cluster meeting or to a district training and do a planning retreat for your group or if you want a hard copy of the Mission Outreach Handbook e-mail me your mailing address to jorge@mississippi-umc.org or just call me 1-866-647-7486 Ext. 20
Monday, September 29, 2008
More people, younger people, more diverse people…
There are over 50,000 Hispanics in the state of Mississippi, according to government statistics, and they certainly fit the description listed above. By and large these are younger, working people from many countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean the majority of who are not churched. In order to reach this significant number of folk our office in conjunction with the General Board of Discipleship will be conducting the first of 3 Module training events leading to certification as a lay missioner.
The overall purpose of Pastor/Mentor Lay Missioner Training Module 1 is to equip lay missioners and pastors in a team work style in the development of faith communities, creation of new and revitalization of existing congregations and community ministries. The curriculum of the training program will focus on training clergy and laity to work together to reach the Hispanic community. Hispanic and non-Hispanic clergy will have a crucial role in this partnership and this training will provide tools that will strengthen and present methods and principles to develop successful ministries with Hispanics communities.
This module consisting of five units is, usually, presented in the course of a week but will be presented in 30 hours in the course of 3 days and one evening. Each unit is self-contained and all 5 should be completed before proceeding to Modules II and III.
Basic requirements to Enter Training
Active participation in and commitment to a local UMC and demonstrated appreciation for its tradition and doctrine;
Recommendation from the local pastor or appropriate local church committee or group, in which participant is a member;
Upon termination of this training, the participants shall receive a certificate of completion of Module I of the initial training.
The overall purpose of Pastor/Mentor Lay Missioner Training Module 1 is to equip lay missioners and pastors in a team work style in the development of faith communities, creation of new and revitalization of existing congregations and community ministries. The curriculum of the training program will focus on training clergy and laity to work together to reach the Hispanic community. Hispanic and non-Hispanic clergy will have a crucial role in this partnership and this training will provide tools that will strengthen and present methods and principles to develop successful ministries with Hispanics communities.
This module consisting of five units is, usually, presented in the course of a week but will be presented in 30 hours in the course of 3 days and one evening. Each unit is self-contained and all 5 should be completed before proceeding to Modules II and III.
Basic requirements to Enter Training
God’s Economy and World Communion Sunday
These are fascinating times. The financial sector in our country is in the midst of incredible turbulence. In the face of these challenges it is good to remember the faithfulness of our God.
Sunday is World Communion Sunday and the special offering will help provide international and ethnic scholarships. Two years ago I was in Zimbabwe at the Hilltop UMC serving communion to a group of people who were beneficiaries of this offering. I will never take this Sunday for granted. To be in another country, breaking bread with perfect strangers who become my family through this sacrament of love was life changing. I heard the hymns sung in a different tongue, but to the same tune. I heard the order shared in a different language, but at the same table with the same elements. “One Body” is such a powerful phrase now!
Did you know that last year we gave $16,690 through the World Communion Offering? Did you also know that Mississippians received 33 Ethnic scholarships to the tune of $34,900? As a matter of fact, last year Mississippians gave $23,857 to be used for student aid through the General Church and 105 students in our state received $152,579 in loans and scholarships! What a return on investment.
In times of scarcity God reminds us that the Kingdom economy operates differently! God needs no governmental bailouts…it is all God’s. Come to the Table Sunday and break bread with the World. Come to the table Sunday and give your offerings to the one who can multiply fish, loaves, and student financial aid…cool…way cool! I cannot wait to see the numbers.
Live Loved,
Steve
Sunday is World Communion Sunday and the special offering will help provide international and ethnic scholarships. Two years ago I was in Zimbabwe at the Hilltop UMC serving communion to a group of people who were beneficiaries of this offering. I will never take this Sunday for granted. To be in another country, breaking bread with perfect strangers who become my family through this sacrament of love was life changing. I heard the hymns sung in a different tongue, but to the same tune. I heard the order shared in a different language, but at the same table with the same elements. “One Body” is such a powerful phrase now!
Did you know that last year we gave $16,690 through the World Communion Offering? Did you also know that Mississippians received 33 Ethnic scholarships to the tune of $34,900? As a matter of fact, last year Mississippians gave $23,857 to be used for student aid through the General Church and 105 students in our state received $152,579 in loans and scholarships! What a return on investment.
In times of scarcity God reminds us that the Kingdom economy operates differently! God needs no governmental bailouts…it is all God’s. Come to the Table Sunday and break bread with the World. Come to the table Sunday and give your offerings to the one who can multiply fish, loaves, and student financial aid…cool…way cool! I cannot wait to see the numbers.
Live Loved,
Steve
Monday, September 22, 2008
Tag, You’re It!!!
It is a great idea!!!
We have designed a specialty car tag for MS United Methodist and the proceeds go to the community centers this year.
All you have to do is go to the Conference web site and click on the sample tag then follow directions or you can call the conference office and ask about it.
All you have to pay now is $31 and if we get 300 people to register before October 15 the community centers will get a little boost.
With over 180,000 United Methodists in Mississippi we can do this.
Right now we have about 165 people who have committed.
I did…so tag….you’re it!
Don’t wait, get yours today and ask a friend to get one too.
National Observance of Children's Sabbath
National Observance of Children’s Sabbath
October 17-19, 2008
As you prepare for the Observance of Children’s Sabbath in your congregations, I offer these Top 10 Ideas to you and your congregation. I would love to receive your pictures and stories of Children’s Sabbath. We are a creative conference that engages in ministry in such unique and varied ways! Let’s celebrate our ministries even as we seek to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
- Fulford UMC, in Miami Beach, Florida, included in their bulletin a history of the Children’s Defense Fund and highlighted the quote from Marian Wright Edelman: “If every one of us looked at each child as a child of God, we wouldn’t stand for the injustice that kids suffer.” They observed a moment of silence at the start of the worship service. The church bell chimed once at 10 seconds, then at 35 seconds, at 36 seconds, 41 seconds. Next, someone stood and stated: “Every 10 seconds a high school student drops out. Every 35 seconds a child is abused or neglected. Every 36 seconds a baby is born into poverty. Every 41 seconds a baby is born without health insurance.” The service concluded with a blessing of the children at the altar. Resources and representation from various community organizations that meet children’s needs were available after worship.
- Christ Episcopal Church, in Springfield, Missouri, used lessons from the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths manual. The Executive Director of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks spoke to adult classes. Following worship, there was a community BBQ dinner. The afternoon featured a Fun Day of games and events in the park for children in the community. Other members of the congregation did basic home repairs and clean-up for community residents.
- Shakeel Syed, Executive Director of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California, reports that over twenty mosques participated in the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Celebration on Friday, October 19, 2007. Khutbahs focused on the more than nine million children in
- The Benedictine Sisters of
- Temple Emmanu-El in Edison, in New Jersey, invited a speaker from the Children’s Defense Fund to speak for their Children’s Shabbat. The ongoing refrain was, “How is it for the children?” Following the service, people signed-up for a writing campaign to elected officials. The Social Action Committee of the synagogue will focus on children’s justice for their upcoming Mizpah Days event and are planning a community Children’s March.
- Greater St. Mark AME in
- Newport Lutheran Church, in Newport, Minnesota, involved the youth group in the worship service. The youth made and presented a Power Point presentation on the needs and concerns of children. The Sunday School classes made quilts that included positive messages of hope and blessing to children. These quilts were displayed during the service, blessed, and then given to the local St. Joseph Home for Children. The congregation made the Children’s Defense Fund their mission focus for the month of October. Money raised during this time will be split between the Children’s Defense Fund and the St. Joseph Home for Children.
- Everyone was welcome at the Interfaith Children’s Sabbath service celebrated in
- The United Methodist Women of First United Methodist Churches of Beach Haven Terrace and Kynett, in Longbeach Township, New Jersey, coordinated their 2007 National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Celebration and incorporated its theme, “My Boat Is So Small: Creating a Safe Harbor of Hope and Health Care for All Children” throughout their service. A string of colored origami boats with children’s drawings was hung from the altar rail, alongside life jackets, fish nets, and oars. During the Children’s Sermon, the leader folded an origami boat as she talked with the children about our nation’s nine million children without health insurance. At the conclusion, each child received a boat as a reminder to pray for children. The church convened a team to follow up on the National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths Celebration by finding ways they can help connect eligible families with the state Children’s Health Insurance Program.
- The
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