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.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Monday, February 6, 2012
Proton
(Editor’s note: Friends, Proton congregation is a small, country church that is big in spirit. Their size and location out on a quiet country road does not stop them from making a major contribution to their community as you will see below. As you read, add up the financial value of their donations to the many causes they support. That is only the financial part and does not include the ministry and fellowship they offer! Special thanks to Pastors Jack and Shirley Richardson for this post. The Richardsons are also our mission advocates for their group of congregations.)
Proton is a small congregation. We feel fortunate if we have 20 people out on a Sunday. In spite of our small numbers we are very good at serving beef suppers. We have been doing it for years. We have our own church supper the first Saturday after Thanksgiving.
We have a very active little theatre in the village of Dundalk. Some of us have joined the little theatre board, and some of us also take part in their productions. The theatre decided to pair their Saturday night productions with a hot meal and because of that we've been asked several time to serve our wonderful beef suppers, complete with homemade pie.
We have always had a great relationship with the United Church in Dundalk, so we asked if we could rent their church kitchen and dining room. We hold our Christmas breakfast there as well, as we are out in the country. This activity has raised a considerable amount of money and because of this we were able to donate money to different organizations this past year. We donated $2,500 to the local food bank, also $1,500 to the Christmas Cheer fund (connected to the local food bank) as well as $1,500 to World Accord, & Ziontario $3,000. We also were able to offer monetary support to a family struggling to make ends meet. We sponsor a $500 Peace Scholarship each yr, as well as $250.00 to a local school breakfast club.
These actions have certainly helped with our second mission initiative, Abolish Poverty and End Suffering, as well as touching on some others: Develop Disciples to Serve, Experience Congregations in Mission, and Pursue Peace on Earth. It is quite evident from our small numbers and aging congregation that we certainly need to work on Inviting People to Christ, as well as continuing to work on the others.
Thank you for the opportunity to share,
Jack & Shirley.
Friday, February 3, 2012
Interruptions
Here's a quote from Henri Nouwen's book Reaching Out:
"While visiting the University of Notre Dame, where I had been a teacher for a few years, I met an older experienced professor who had spent most of his life there. And while we strolled over the beautiful campus, he said with a certain melancholy in his voice, "You know . . . my whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered that my interruptions were my work."
I've been thinking more about the comment I made last week about "work/life" balance. Of course once something like this is on your mind, you begin to bump into it everywhere! Apparently Henri Nouwen also had some similar thoughts.
As did Adam McHugh, who blogs at Introverted Church. If you'd like to think about this idea some more with us, why not check out his blog? You'll find there some interesting thoughts for us introverts who often feel out-of-step with the prevailing culture and some expectations put on us.
Not many answers today, folks, but I hope to plant some seed thoughts for you to chew on.
Posted by Marion
"While visiting the University of Notre Dame, where I had been a teacher for a few years, I met an older experienced professor who had spent most of his life there. And while we strolled over the beautiful campus, he said with a certain melancholy in his voice, "You know . . . my whole life I have been complaining that my work was constantly interrupted, until I discovered that my interruptions were my work."
I've been thinking more about the comment I made last week about "work/life" balance. Of course once something like this is on your mind, you begin to bump into it everywhere! Apparently Henri Nouwen also had some similar thoughts.
As did Adam McHugh, who blogs at Introverted Church. If you'd like to think about this idea some more with us, why not check out his blog? You'll find there some interesting thoughts for us introverts who often feel out-of-step with the prevailing culture and some expectations put on us.
Not many answers today, folks, but I hope to plant some seed thoughts for you to chew on.
Posted by Marion
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Welcome!
One of the leading principles in the Old Testament, and down into the New Testament, was the principle of hospitality. The people in “bible times” were really serious about their hospitality. All you had to do was show up at the tent, door, well, whatever, and request the hospitality of the “Patriarch” and they were duty bound to provide for you.
As a matter of fact, this principle of hospitality was so very important that scriptures tell us that the lack of hospitality was one of the major “sins of Sodom” and the reason for its destruction. In the Bible, hospitality packed quite a punch!Let’s bring this down to today. Imagine if you will, a 19 to 20 something, dressed in black combat boots, jeans, a black t-shirt, a red and black “lumber jacket”, jet black hair hanging over half of his/her face, comes strolling through your church doors on Sunday morning. What might your reaction be?
Let me tell you about a reaction that truly impressed me.
I travel a fair bit in the Mission Centre and speak at Community of Christ congregations and other congregations of different denominations. My oldest son has been doing a bit of travel with me and we stumbled onto something. I started dropping Palmer off at the door, going and parking and then coming in myself. What we have experienced was really quite surprising!
At a Community of Christ congregation that is really serious about the Mission Initiative, “Experience Congregations in Mission”, when I came in I was greeted by a dear old friend but Palmer was nowhere to be seen. As soon as he had come through the door someone had spotted him, told him that everyone who came to that church had breakfast in their fellowship hall, took him there, got him set up with what he would need and went to get him a coffee. Another person asked him if he played any musical instruments and he replied that he played the bass guitar. Hearing that she exclaimed, “Wow! We really need a bass guitarist!”
The people who were with Palmer were later surprised when one of their own children told them that I was Palmer’s dad. Later that day, as I was taking Palmer home, he said, “WOW Dad, I could go to that church. The people were great!”
I guess that my question would be, what might happen if we all took the lesson of hospitality to heart? What kind of difference might it make today? How might generous hospitality serve in the Mission Initiative, Invite People to Christ or even Develop Disciples to Serve? What kind of “punch” might hospitality pack in the 21st century Community of Christ?
Take a stand to the side some Sunday, what do you see? The Canada East Mission Centre is ready to help with hospitality. Mike Hewitt has an excellent course on Hospitality that he can bring to you!
Poster is John Nichols
Monday, January 30, 2012
Casa (house)
I spent the past two weeks in Honduras having my first experience on a World Accord build. World Accord building projects are having a positive impact on life in rural Honduras, especially the school builds. Life is improving there, although many people still live in real poverty. Our project was to provide additional space to an existing technical school in the village of Horcancitos. This is excellent because teaching students how to do electrical and other work in the trades gives them skills with which to earn a good living. Education is clearly the key to the future.
On the first day of this adventure, we took a trip, riding in the back of Al Wigood’s pickup truck, up through the beautiful mountain country near La Buena Fe.
It was in one of the small villages there that I met Reyna, a woman whose situation touched me deeply. Reyna stood on her one leg and crutches, shook my hand, looked me directly in the eye and spoke to me in Spanish. My limited Spanish did not allow me to understand many of her words, but the passion and gratitude she was expressing for the work of World Accord was unmistakable. She then invited us to visit her in her casa (home).
Reyna lives with her husband Pablo in their mud and stick house up on a hill on the side of the mountain. It is accessed up a rough, stony path, which Reyna navigates easily on her crutches. Pablo earns a subsistence living working in the coffee fields. Al tells me that Pablo is crippled up with arthritis which means they both have physical barriers they cheerfully overcome.
Reyna’s house is one of the poorest I have ever seen. She did not seem to be the least bit self-conscious or embarrassed about that, but warmly welcomed us in for a visit. Clearly her attitude was, “Me casa es tu casa”, My home is your home.
The exterior walls are leaning and falling apart, making the house look like it could fall down at any minute, which is probably true. The interior walls consist of a plastic tarp, suspended from the roof to provide rooms. There is a dirt floor and no chimney, which means the smoke from the cooking fire fills the house and eventually finds its way out under the eaves of the tin roof, which it has no trouble doing.
As the days progressed, I could not help thinking of Reyna’s house. I talked with Al and we both agreed that, clearly, something needs to be done. Al and Freddie, our foreman on the build, said they would build her a new home, starting as early as February. I said I would try to raise the money.
If this story has touched your heart at all, you are invited to help. The cost of building a new, cement block home for Reyna and Pablo is approximately $2,000 Canadian. Its not a huge sum, and we can do this. If you would like to assist, please send your cheque, payable to World Accord and mail it to:
World Accord
1C-185 Frobisher Dr.
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2V 2E6.
Mark you donation for the “Families for Families” program. All donations are tax deductible, and receipts will be issued at the appropriate time. Thank you for even being willing to consider this request.
Together we can help abolish poverty and end suffering for this gracious lady and gentleman.
Posted by Carman
On the first day of this adventure, we took a trip, riding in the back of Al Wigood’s pickup truck, up through the beautiful mountain country near La Buena Fe.
It was in one of the small villages there that I met Reyna, a woman whose situation touched me deeply. Reyna stood on her one leg and crutches, shook my hand, looked me directly in the eye and spoke to me in Spanish. My limited Spanish did not allow me to understand many of her words, but the passion and gratitude she was expressing for the work of World Accord was unmistakable. She then invited us to visit her in her casa (home).
Reyna lives with her husband Pablo in their mud and stick house up on a hill on the side of the mountain. It is accessed up a rough, stony path, which Reyna navigates easily on her crutches. Pablo earns a subsistence living working in the coffee fields. Al tells me that Pablo is crippled up with arthritis which means they both have physical barriers they cheerfully overcome.
Reyna’s house is one of the poorest I have ever seen. She did not seem to be the least bit self-conscious or embarrassed about that, but warmly welcomed us in for a visit. Clearly her attitude was, “Me casa es tu casa”, My home is your home.
The exterior walls are leaning and falling apart, making the house look like it could fall down at any minute, which is probably true. The interior walls consist of a plastic tarp, suspended from the roof to provide rooms. There is a dirt floor and no chimney, which means the smoke from the cooking fire fills the house and eventually finds its way out under the eaves of the tin roof, which it has no trouble doing.
As the days progressed, I could not help thinking of Reyna’s house. I talked with Al and we both agreed that, clearly, something needs to be done. Al and Freddie, our foreman on the build, said they would build her a new home, starting as early as February. I said I would try to raise the money.
If this story has touched your heart at all, you are invited to help. The cost of building a new, cement block home for Reyna and Pablo is approximately $2,000 Canadian. Its not a huge sum, and we can do this. If you would like to assist, please send your cheque, payable to World Accord and mail it to:
World Accord
1C-185 Frobisher Dr.
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2V 2E6.
Mark you donation for the “Families for Families” program. All donations are tax deductible, and receipts will be issued at the appropriate time. Thank you for even being willing to consider this request.
Together we can help abolish poverty and end suffering for this gracious lady and gentleman.
Posted by Carman
Friday, January 27, 2012
Toolbox, continued
#3/ Practicing Passion: Youth and the Quest for a Passionate Church
Author: Kenda Creasy Dean.
ISBN-10: 0-8028-4712-9
ISBN -13: 978-0-8028-4712-6
When I picked this book up I figured it was a “How To” guide for youth and young adult ministry. I was mistaken.
Ms Dean is an Associate Professor of Youth, church at the Tennent School of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary and this book is more of a scholarly work about “passion” and “youth and young adult” type ministries but it is from a more “fundamental” point of view and does not easily adapt to current Community of Christ Theology.
I enjoyed reading this book (though, unlike the two before this and the one that follows) it is not an easy read but tends to be fairly heavy. I feel I picked up a good deal of information and knowledge that I did not have before but would not suggest this book if you were looking for a quick and easy “how to” when it comes to youth and young adult ministries. I do feel it would be beneficial for people who are involved in those ministries to provide them with knowledge and a good background base for these ministries.
My rating:
As a How to for getting your ministry going: 2 out of 5.
As a resource for background and knowledge: 3.5 - 4 out of 5. (It takes a fair bit of stretching to make it Community of Christ friendly).
Now, I know Marion Smith has suggested the following book to many people but I would like to add it to my own, “Must Read” list and would highly recommend it!
#4/ The Disciple Making Church: From Dry Bones to Spiritual Vitality
Author: Glenn McDonald.
ISBN 978-1-932902-67-9
Wow! This book is a “Must Have” for every “Toolbox for Mission”.
The book is in two parts.
Part 1 is an excellent and easy read and takes you a Journey through “Disciple Making Relationships. Part 1 would make an excellent workshop, with a little adaptation and fits well with current Community of Christ Theology.
Part 2 is very good, though with theology of a bit more fundamental nature, but it is still well worth reading and can be adapted to be a good fit with current Community of Christ Theology.
This book is an excellent resource for the switch from a “strategy of programs” to a “strategy of relationships” and will help you to see just how Disciple-making is a one -to- one activity that transforms groups. The book was easy to read and really makes sense in the Community of Christ setting and is a wonderful book for anyone who would like to live in a more “sacramental manner”.
Look for this book on the “book tables” at future CEM events. Consider it a must read for priesthood and leadership throughout the mission centre. I will be certain to ask you, “who is your Barnabas” and “who is your Timothy” (along with a couple of other questions that you will discover as you read the book)!
My rating: 4.9 out of 5.
Stay tuned for other exciting books that you can make a part of your “Toolbox for Mission”!
Poster John Nichols
Author: Kenda Creasy Dean.
ISBN-10: 0-8028-4712-9
ISBN -13: 978-0-8028-4712-6
When I picked this book up I figured it was a “How To” guide for youth and young adult ministry. I was mistaken.
Ms Dean is an Associate Professor of Youth, church at the Tennent School of Christian Education at Princeton Theological Seminary and this book is more of a scholarly work about “passion” and “youth and young adult” type ministries but it is from a more “fundamental” point of view and does not easily adapt to current Community of Christ Theology.
I enjoyed reading this book (though, unlike the two before this and the one that follows) it is not an easy read but tends to be fairly heavy. I feel I picked up a good deal of information and knowledge that I did not have before but would not suggest this book if you were looking for a quick and easy “how to” when it comes to youth and young adult ministries. I do feel it would be beneficial for people who are involved in those ministries to provide them with knowledge and a good background base for these ministries.
My rating:
As a How to for getting your ministry going: 2 out of 5.
As a resource for background and knowledge: 3.5 - 4 out of 5. (It takes a fair bit of stretching to make it Community of Christ friendly).
Now, I know Marion Smith has suggested the following book to many people but I would like to add it to my own, “Must Read” list and would highly recommend it!
#4/ The Disciple Making Church: From Dry Bones to Spiritual Vitality
Author: Glenn McDonald.
ISBN 978-1-932902-67-9
Wow! This book is a “Must Have” for every “Toolbox for Mission”.
The book is in two parts.
Part 1 is an excellent and easy read and takes you a Journey through “Disciple Making Relationships. Part 1 would make an excellent workshop, with a little adaptation and fits well with current Community of Christ Theology.
Part 2 is very good, though with theology of a bit more fundamental nature, but it is still well worth reading and can be adapted to be a good fit with current Community of Christ Theology.
This book is an excellent resource for the switch from a “strategy of programs” to a “strategy of relationships” and will help you to see just how Disciple-making is a one -to- one activity that transforms groups. The book was easy to read and really makes sense in the Community of Christ setting and is a wonderful book for anyone who would like to live in a more “sacramental manner”.
Look for this book on the “book tables” at future CEM events. Consider it a must read for priesthood and leadership throughout the mission centre. I will be certain to ask you, “who is your Barnabas” and “who is your Timothy” (along with a couple of other questions that you will discover as you read the book)!
My rating: 4.9 out of 5.
Stay tuned for other exciting books that you can make a part of your “Toolbox for Mission”!
Poster John Nichols
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Toolbox
This posting is from John Nichols. John wears many hats, one of them being that of a reliable source of book information. John's on the lookout for resources you can use. He'll offer his rating and whatever initial thoughts he has about how to get the most out of the books he's suggesting.
"Toolbox for Mission"
Hi folks! I have been seeking out books with lots of interesting ideas to help all of us gear up for Mission! Looking specifically for some “how to” guides for helping us “Develop Disciples to Serve.”
I’ve just completed four different books that could help with that Mission Initiative.
I do have to say, prior to starting the reviews, that buying books is great! Reading books is wonderful! Applying what you learn from the books is essential! And, without further ado, here are some of the books that I am currently recommending!
#1/ Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry; Creative Plans and Programs that Really Work!
Author, Diana Davis. ISBN978-0-8054-4723-1
My wife pointed me to this book as a potential good resource, likely also very saleable on a Reunion Book Table. Cringing a little, I plunged into it anyway. My verdict: This resource would be valuable for men AND women alike.
Written for other “mainline” churches, its ideas are easily adaptable to a Community of Christ context. Ms Davis takes you on a step by step process for developing a Women’s Ministry and would be an excellent resource for congregations, camps, retreats.
AND, guys, with a few adaptations and different ideas it could easily be used for “Men’s Retreats” or a Men’s Group, as well. If you are looking at developing ministries of these kinds, I would heartily suggest you pick up this book!
#2/How To Mobilize Church Volunteers
Author: Marlene Wilson. ISBN 978-0-8066-2012-1
This book was, again, written more for the “mainline protestant group” but with a few slight adaptations it is really good for the Community of Christ! Ms Wilson takes you on a step by step journey from assessing the needs, recruiting the volunteers, building the congregational team, training the volunteers, all the way to nurturing and managing the volunteers. Do you need to build a team for specific things in your congregation? How about for your Reunion, camp or retreat? This step by step guide is really useful!
This resource could be easily adapted into a workshop and for helping to prevent “burn out.”
My rating: 4.75 out of 5.
More tomorrow.
Posted by John Nichols
"Toolbox for Mission"
Hi folks! I have been seeking out books with lots of interesting ideas to help all of us gear up for Mission! Looking specifically for some “how to” guides for helping us “Develop Disciples to Serve.”
I’ve just completed four different books that could help with that Mission Initiative.
I do have to say, prior to starting the reviews, that buying books is great! Reading books is wonderful! Applying what you learn from the books is essential! And, without further ado, here are some of the books that I am currently recommending!
#1/ Fresh Ideas for Women’s Ministry; Creative Plans and Programs that Really Work!
Author, Diana Davis. ISBN978-0-8054-4723-1
My wife pointed me to this book as a potential good resource, likely also very saleable on a Reunion Book Table. Cringing a little, I plunged into it anyway. My verdict: This resource would be valuable for men AND women alike.
Written for other “mainline” churches, its ideas are easily adaptable to a Community of Christ context. Ms Davis takes you on a step by step process for developing a Women’s Ministry and would be an excellent resource for congregations, camps, retreats.
AND, guys, with a few adaptations and different ideas it could easily be used for “Men’s Retreats” or a Men’s Group, as well. If you are looking at developing ministries of these kinds, I would heartily suggest you pick up this book!
#2/How To Mobilize Church Volunteers
Author: Marlene Wilson. ISBN 978-0-8066-2012-1
This book was, again, written more for the “mainline protestant group” but with a few slight adaptations it is really good for the Community of Christ! Ms Wilson takes you on a step by step journey from assessing the needs, recruiting the volunteers, building the congregational team, training the volunteers, all the way to nurturing and managing the volunteers. Do you need to build a team for specific things in your congregation? How about for your Reunion, camp or retreat? This step by step guide is really useful!
This resource could be easily adapted into a workshop and for helping to prevent “burn out.”
My rating: 4.75 out of 5.
More tomorrow.
Posted by John Nichols
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