PAT - A Testimony

Last year the world church encouraged each member to try to increase their generous response by $10.00 a week; the cost of a movie or a couple of fast food meals. We were reminded that the increased giving would have the power to really change lives. While $40.00 a month does not seem like a great deal, when you are trying to live on a small pension and already coping with increased living expenses it seemed an impossibility for me.

I was well aware that the majority of our small Wiarton congregation were trying to live on small pensions also. The Wiarton branch has always given generously in the past and I knew they would desire to meet this new challenge; but I wondered “HOW” we could possibly do so.

After prayer, and considerable contemplation of my already tight budget, I decided the answer, for me at least, was preauthorized monthly giving (PAT). I was aware that despite faithful attendance and giving in the past, I was not always faithful in putting in my local offering when I was absent due to illness or attendance at another branch or mission event. (Thankfully however, many in this congregation were already doing so.) Also, I acknowledged that sometimes the current sum in my wallet on Sunday morning had some relationship to my giving. I knew too that I did not always give equally to the world church and the local congregation.

When I estimated the difference a small increase and consistency through PAT could make, I shared my “awakening” with the priesthood, Sunday school and 11:00 a.m worshipers. I do not know how many used my particular method to increase their contribution, but I was thrilled to report to the congregation in January that Wiarton had increased their giving by not 8 or 10%, but by 12.5%, AND it was almost equally distributed between local and world church initiatives.

I just wanted to pass this on. Little changes and “consistency” can make all the difference! It’s a brand new year, give it a try.

- Dorothy Burdette, Co-pastor Wiarton Congregation

Editor's Note: The PAT form can be found on the CEM website or by clicking here.

Spirit of Giving

Windsor Congregation: our numbers are large on the books, but small in the pews, yet this group is mighty when called upon to give.

Each year during the four Sundays of Advent we have chosen a charity to support financially - World Accord, Sleeping Children, Hospice, World Vision.

This year, keeping in mind the Mission Initiative, "Abolish Poverty and End Suffering" we chose Hiatus House, a refuge for battered women and their children.

At Christmas the 42-bed house was full and many were on a waiting list.

In a spirit of over-whelming generosity, our members donated $1022.18, a substantial increase over past Christmas giving.

Even the couple who clean our church building asked if they could give to our Mission this year.That request reminded me that we are always witnessing whether intentionally or not.

As Windsor continues to explore the implications of the five Mission Initiatives, I hope we will discover many ways to witness and be a presence in our Community as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Twyla Glassford

Pastor, Windsor Congregation,

Mission Advocate

Footprints

An early walk on the rain soaked ground has me thinking about footprints this morning. Over the past twenty years, we have each become familiar with the concept of our environmental or ecological footprint. This is a scientific term used to measure the impact of human demand on the earth’s ecosystems. Using methods that have been developed, scientists can compare consumption of resources and resulting pollution with the earth’s ability to regenerate. It was estimated that in 2006, consumption exceeded the earth’s regeneration capacity by 40%. Clearly this has a devastating impact on the quality of such basic and essential elements as air and water.

There are even computerized tools available to let you calculate your own ecological footprint, should you be brave enough to want to know your personal impact on the planet. You can find one such website by clicking here. It all reminds me of a poster I first saw in the 1980s which said

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints.

In more recent years, some augment this slogan to read,

Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time.

My morning musings on footprints are not confined to our environmental impact, however. While we have ecological calculators, I know of no method, scientific or otherwise, to measure our spiritual footprint. Am I contributing to the spiritual well-being of the earth or are we detracting from it? I wonder how one would know.

Isaiah 52:7 says

How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of the messenger who announces peace, who brings good news, who announces salvation, who says to Zion, "Your God reigns."

Are we working for peace? Are we contributing to and sharing good news with the world? Do we help people understand their spiritual connection to the Devine? Are we contributing to the spiritual well-being of those with whom we share the planet or do we merely suck up spiritual energy for our own personal consumption?

As I ask myself these questions this morning, on a strictly personal level I am not sure I am comfortable with the spiritual footprints I am leaving behind.

Posted by Carman

Oblation

As I sit at my kitchen counter writing these words, the TV screen in my living room is suddenly filled with images of devastation in Japan brought about by an earthquake and resulting Tsunami. Another incredible natural disaster brought right into our living rooms! Once again, I know the church will want to help, and I hope we have the funds to do so.

There are many reasons why I personally choose to pay tithing into the church’s oblation fund, but the main one is because I want the church to have the capacity to help people at their point of greatest need. When the earthquake happened in Haiti, Community of Christ had the resources available to help people on the ground. Those resources were there because ordinary people like you and me cared enough to give. I say “ordinary people” because the oblation fund is most often supported by people of average or modest means who pay tithing on whatever they have. Sometimes that is as little as two dollars, but even with that amount, they do so thanking God for the opportunity and capacity they have to give.

The importance of the church having both that capacity and priority was already brought front and centre earlier this week with the news that our church members and others in Ivory Coast are needing to flee their homes because of the very real threat of violence. These are ordinary people, like you and me, who find themselves at risk because of serious political discord. If you have not already done so, you can read President Veazey’s heartfelt comments about that situation by clicking on it here.

Oblation is a big part of our giving. From the earliest days of the church, giving to support those in need has had a high priority. As early as 1831, Joseph Smith Jr. brought direction to the church that made it clear just how important such giving is.

And remember in all things, the poor and the needy, the sick and the afflicted, for he that doeth not these things, the same is not my disciple. (Doctrine and Covenants, Section 52:9c)

The priority of giving to the needs of others is also highlighted by the fact that on the first Sunday of every month, all offering funds not designated to go somewhere else go to the oblation fund. The first Sunday of every month; it is that important.

Now-a-days, many of us give by means of “PAT” or Pre-Authorized Transfer. This is an excellent method because it means that the money is given whether we happen to be at church on Sunday or not. Hopefully we have remembered to include the Oblation Fund in that automated process.

If you would like to use PAT to make your donations regular, you can find the Pre-Authorized Transfer form here. If you do so, I encourage you to include the oblation fund in your giving.

Posted by Carman

Volunteer

I sought for happiness and happiness eluded me, I turned to service and happiness found me. - Confucius

Volunteerism was in the news several times in 2010. For instance there was a story I can no longer find (was it in the Auditor General’s report?) that claimed the number of Canadians volunteering has declined by something like 18%. Upon hearing that, I remember thinking that the implications of that were huge for many organizations, and especially for Community of Christ which functions almost totally on the work of volunteers.

Then in October, David Johnston was sworn in as the new Governor General of Canada. In his speech given as part of that ceremony, Johnson emphasized service to country, family and community. He went on to articulate what he sees as the three pillars of a “smart and caring nation”: supporting families and children, reinforcing learning and innovation, and encouraging philanthropy and volunteerism.

Many people offer their services as volunteers in a wide variety of causes. They give time to raise money for charitable organizations like World Accord or the Cancer Society. They serve on the boards of not for profit organizations, tutor at-risk children, assist older seniors, support their faith communities; the list goes on and on.

Why do they do it? There are a wide variety of reasons. Probably first and foremost, many volunteers report wanting to “give something back.” These are people who know they have been blessed and who want to do something for someone else. Others get involved in volunteering because of a personal experience. For example, cancer survivors who have benefited from the generosity of others in their therapy may find themselves more willing to work on the annual fundraising campaign, or be a volunteer driver taking others to the clinic for treatment. Others volunteer as a way of living out their religious convictions, whether Sikh, Christian, Muslim, or any other.

Volunteering is not a one-way street, however, since those who give of their time and talents also reap great personal benefits for their service. Numerous studies indicate that not only do those who give of themselves experience the joy of giving, they report being happier, healthier, and even living longer. For example, the Harvard Study of Adult Development found that people who give of themselves for community building and guiding the next generation triple their chances that their seventies will be a time of joy rather than despair. Other studies demonstrate that volunteering with children seems to be especially rewarding, particularly for seniors.

There is much that could be said on this subject; more than can be articulated here so I will stop but you don’t need to. What has brought you joy in your volunteer experience? As 2011 begins, do you plan to give of your time? Where will you serve?

Posted by Carman

Keeper

I’ve just read an essay about how the Chronicles of Narnia shaped the writer’s life! After the Bible, says pastor Julie Clawson this work was the most formative in her developing character and theology. Narnia was never part of my literary life, either in childhood or adulthood, although my children and grandchildren claim ownership of this C.S.Lewis classic.

As Christmas approaches and some of us are seeking out that keeper book to give to the readers on our gift list, perhaps we, like Clawson, are recalling some of the books that brought meaning to our own lives, and would be likely gifts to give to a learning to read child (maybe Charlotte’s Web? Or Stuart Little?). Who is ready to meet the Hobbits for the first time? Or maybe Black Beauty, or Treasure Island or the Robinsons (Crusoe, or the Swiss family)?

My reading grandchildren are great library users, but sometimes there are some books that you just need to own for yourself, to keep and be able to read again, or at least to let them live on your very own bookshelf. For example, I see those colourful volumes of Harry Potter everywhere! Those are the ones I try to figure out and find for them.

You’ll not be surprised to learn that two of the authors I favoured as a child were Louisa May Alcott and her writing heroine “Jo March” and L.M. Montgomery’s Anne (with an “e”) Shirley, also a scribbler. The latter even more appreciated because of her Canadian roots and the rural context I could recognize. That row of dull green covers still sits in a place of honour on my own top shelf. I’ve only recently read Jane Urquart’s short but revealing biography of Montgomery and have developed an even greater appreciation for this writer and the literary value of her work. (Check it out here .) I think I'll be pulling one or more of those dear volumes down to re-read over my Christmas holiday.

So my question for the day is not: what are you reading now? But what book or books shaped your life? What are the keepers for you? And if you want to be very generous, share a line or two about why a particular book has been important in your life.

Posted by Marion

Zerin Appeal

Thirty years ago, a handful of London, ON church members had a vision of developing an affordable apartment building for senior citizens to live in. They began to meet together to explore and plan, and 25 years ago this month, Zerin Place, a forty unit apartment building, was opened. It was a proud accomplishment.

On December 5, 2010, the present members of the Zerin Board got together with the current residents of Zerin Place to celebrate the resulting 25 years of community. A few of the people on hand for this occasion were Apostle Susan Skoor, financial administrator Ian Rowett, current property manager Raisa Romanchik, and the chair person of the original development committee, Jack German. It was a wonderful day.

On that occasion, board chair Tim Stanlick was handed a letter from several tenants asking for help. In response, Tim has created the following appeal, most of which I am taking the liberty of reprinting here.

From Tim:

The letter was from several tenants that use and take care of some of the recreational activities available to them in a community room. The request was for re-furbishing the pool table top (less cost than purchasing a new one) and updating accompanying supplies. The Community of Christ is the sponsoring body of this facility. Funds cannot come from the housing project budget.

Other tenants tell a story of crocheting rugs, making quilts, etc for people in need. These are mostly sent to Haiti. This is fabulous work and a great way for tenants to mingle and enjoy activities together. Other activities they do include board games, large puzzles, painting, quilting, knitting, tea socials and many more.

I am on a mission to secure $2,000 to be split with these two groups within the Zerin community. Let me remind you that almost half of the tenants are on subsidized rent and most have limited income. These are seniors that are very grateful for an apartment building such as theirs, in which each one doesn't call their apartment but the whole building home. What a great testimony to "living community".

Help me, help them. Please make cheques payable to Zerin Development Corporation and note “Rec Fund Donation” on the memo line. Please send to:

Zerin Development Corporation (4U)
453 Hale Street
London ON
N5W 1G6

Please share this information at your next church service and with anyone who wishes for a seniors Christmas to come true. Due to the timing, this fund raiser will continue until reached. Thank you.

Amounts over $10.00 will be given a 2010 charitable receipt. I will provide updates to reaching my goal.

Merry Christmas to all and best wishes for good health for the coming year.

Tim Stanlick
President - Board of Directors
Zerin Development Corporation
London Ontario

Posted by Carman

Spaghetti

The following post was lifted entirely (and shamelessly!) from the Wiarton Community of Christ Facebook page. Thanks to Pastor and Mission Advocate Linda Porter for leading and sharing with the rest of us, and to the Wiarton Congregation for sharing with their community. We love you!

Today 400 packages of spaghetti will be donated to the Wiarton Christmas Food Hamper at the Salvation Army. This was possible only because of the generosity of the TOPS, Wiarton church members, friends and everyone who attended the Nov. Cluster Weekend with the Apostle. THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!
A very Merry Christmas to all!

A very Merry Christmas, and a big "THANK YOU" to the members and Friends of the Wiarton Congregation.

Alright, the rest of you, what is your congregation up to?

Posted by Carman

Wrap

This past Sunday afternoon, our beloved little community known as Fired Up met for a party. In addition to visiting, playing games, drinking pop/juice and eating cookies, this was a wrapping party. That is a wrapping party, not a rapping party. In other words, the community gathered to wrap gifts, not to rap lyrics. (Smile!)

The wrapping party was organized to sort, group, and box or bag an assortment of gifts that were purchased two weeks ago at an earlier Fired Up event. The selection included items such as socks, mitts, hats, toiletries, children’s books, and even a few baby clothes. The recipients of these gifts are people who have never heard of Fired Up, or perhaps even Community of Christ. The recipients will be homeless youth or others who are in need. I do not know their circumstances, but I am certain they will each appreciate that someone, somewhere, cares.

Of course this is not the first time Fired Up has done this kind of project, but it is encouraging to see the group starting out in such a positive direction. Their desire to reach out and bless the lives of people in the surrounding community is not only heartening but exciting in its own small way. If every Christian congregation had the same desire, it would definitely make our communities better places for all to live, and probably go a long way towards relieving some of the negative stereotypes many people have of Christians and churches.

Each of us are in the process of living out our Christian discipleship, and it is easier to do that when we work together with our community/congregation. In addition to providing encouragement and support, we can celebrate our successes together. If your congregation is doing something to bless or help people who live nearby this Christmas, would you be willing to share that story here? Just click on the comments button and tell the rest of us what is going on? After all, it is almost Christmas, so lets wrap (or rap)!

Posted by Carman

Pastor

This week we have been having a fascinating conversation about church. It began with Tuesday’s post entitled Distinctives, and continued with Marion’s Wednesday’s post, Wisdom.

That conversation continues, and this morning I am thinking about a central figure in this discussion; the pastor. After all, it was the vision, and the passionate sense of calling of the pastor of the congregation described in Distinctives that brought that church to new life.

The stimulus for this morning’s pondering is probably Ann’s comment yesterday about paid pastors. Add to that, the situation of two of our congregations that are having difficulty finding a pastor, and you have the making of a whole lot of questions. Is a full-time, paid pastor the answer? We have that now in one CEM congregation. Is that the way we need to go in others?

Any conversation about paid pastors quickly leads to talking about money. For easy figuring, let’s assume we pay our pastor a modest salary of $50,000 per year. Add in the cost of benefits and pension contributions, then throw in a little expense money, and that quickly brings us to a total cost of $75,000 or more. How would we pay for that?

Fifteen years ago, a young woman of our acquaintance began attending a new church in Waterloo, ON. If memory serves, that congregation was started by eight families, each of whom pledged to give $10,000 a year for five years. Allowing a little for inflation, lets round that figure up to $1,000/month. Would you be willing to give that amount to cover the cost of a pastor?

At the recent World Conference, the Presiding Bishops provided some helpful facts. Eighty percent of church members give 20% of World Mission Tithes, and Twenty percent of members give the other 80%. Further, the average giving by the first eighty percent is $200/year while the twenty percent who carry the load gives $2,200. Of course that is only “World Mission Tithes,” so the total giving by both groups is at least double, but it still doesn’t seem like a lot of money does it?

Paid pastors are not the answer for many of our congregations, but it may be for some. If you think full-time pastors are the way of the future, are you willing to increase your giving to support that?

Please join this fascinating conversation!

Posted by Carman

The Season (continued)

The season. It sounds so…singular! In fact, it is anything but. It is a multi-faceted, multi-location, multi-level program. Consider the following numbers.

¨ One Kids Camp
¨ One Senior High Camp
¨ One Music Camp
¨ Two Camp Quality(s)
¨ Two Junior High Camps
¨ Four campgrounds with four campground boards.
¨ Six Family Camp/Reunions
¨ Twelve or more retreats
¨ Several off-site ventures like Canoe Camp, SPEC, Women’s Retreat, and Encounter World Religions
¨ Hundreds of staff, all volunteers
¨ Thousands of meals generously prepared by so few cooks and eaten by so many hungry campers
¨ Thousands of hours of work, all donated with loving care by hundreds of people.

Why do they do it?

Why do they do it? Because somewhere along the line, their hearts have been touched and blessed at camp and they want the same experience for you. They do it because they love camp, and because they love you.

Its true! It is all done in the hope and trust that somewhere during the course of the camping season, there will be persons who find themselves touched and blessed, or as Doctrine and Covenants 163:2b put it so eloquently, "restored to healthy or righteous relationships with God, others, themselves, and the earth. "

The season is definitely coming and the buzz is getting louder. Can you hear it?

Posted by Carman

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving; the very word conjures up images and memories! For some, it means a crowded table laden with turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, squash and steaming vegetables followed by pumpkin pie and other delectable treats. For others the word evokes memories of trips to Grandma’s house, there to meet with aunts, uncles, cousins and more. For those who are now the grandparents, the word may be synonymous with homecoming; when the children and their children assemble for a wonderful day of family reunion and celebration. For all of these things, we may be very grateful indeed as we celebrate this warm and wonderful time of year.

Thanksgiving. The word has a wonderful structure, being made up of two words: thanks and giving. It is almost as if the two words have grown together, and been together so long that we hardly notice anymore. But isn’t that structure indicative of the way it should be? Shouldn’t thanks and giving naturally go together? Doesn’t giving somehow naturally grow out of being thankful?

Thanksgiving. What if there were no tables laden with food, no family visits, no squeals of delighted children greeting their cousins and playing together? It’s a different image isn’t it? Sad and lonely somehow.

This Thanksgiving, may we be truly thankful for all those blessings and memories we cherish, and may we also be giving, to those who do not have so much to be thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.