This past year, our kids and congregation brought in non-perishable items each week for a local food bank. We weighed all the items each month or so and kept track with a North American animal of that weight-- so at 395lbs we had a harp seal, 621lbs polar bear, 794lbs grizzly bear, etc. The deacons came on board and encouraged the whole congregation to help too, we ended up donating a total 1129lbs of goods... a (smallish) moose!
What a timely post! As our deacons are in the throws of creating next year's offering schedule, many were surprised to notice that the majority of the CRC recommended agencies are ones already receiving funding through Ministry Shares... not leaving many services left to dedicate to other ministries both within and without our denomination. We love the idea of pooling our resources together to create a global presence for the Church and for God's kingdom but wondered if that is being done at the sake of actually being the hands and feet of Christ where we worship, work, and live-- ground level. We know that many congregations are struggling with this as well.
Last week our Council members received those boxes with circles that you mentioned... and were pretty confused! Most saying things like, "What is this?, What do I do with it? Oh no, now I can't get it back together!" :) I'm not sure how effective a promotional tool that was...
This is a really great topic, one that I definitely struggle with. I think we so often feel like if we're busy doing "God's work" then there couldn't possibly be conflict at home (how can it be bad if it's for a good, Godly cause?) Finding balance is SO hard... especially when there are SO many needs, committees, and ministries that are short-handed. I've had to learn to say no to some really great things, I don't flatter myself by thinking I'm the ONLY solution but yet it's hard for me to pass up a plea for help when "I guess there's no reason I couldn't do it" and I want to help. It's a constant struggle but I'm pretty sure God doesn't want burnt out servants spreading themselves so thin so that the work isn't effective. I know that in my church, it seems like a dedicated few do the bulk of the work, how can we encourage "new blood" to get involved, refresh our ministries, and lighten the load so that people's gifts can be used more effectively?
Posted in: The Sunday School Offering
This past year, our kids and congregation brought in non-perishable items each week for a local food bank. We weighed all the items each month or so and kept track with a North American animal of that weight-- so at 395lbs we had a harp seal, 621lbs polar bear, 794lbs grizzly bear, etc. The deacons came on board and encouraged the whole congregation to help too, we ended up donating a total 1129lbs of goods... a (smallish) moose!
Posted in: Looking Beyond The Trees
beautifully written! :)
Posted in: You Add, God Multiplies
What a timely post! As our deacons are in the throws of creating next year's offering schedule, many were surprised to notice that the majority of the CRC recommended agencies are ones already receiving funding through Ministry Shares... not leaving many services left to dedicate to other ministries both within and without our denomination. We love the idea of pooling our resources together to create a global presence for the Church and for God's kingdom but wondered if that is being done at the sake of actually being the hands and feet of Christ where we worship, work, and live-- ground level. We know that many congregations are struggling with this as well.
Last week our Council members received those boxes with circles that you mentioned... and were pretty confused! Most saying things like, "What is this?, What do I do with it? Oh no, now I can't get it back together!" :) I'm not sure how effective a promotional tool that was...
Posted in: Working For The Church While Your Family Dies
This is a really great topic, one that I definitely struggle with. I think we so often feel like if we're busy doing "God's work" then there couldn't possibly be conflict at home (how can it be bad if it's for a good, Godly cause?) Finding balance is SO hard... especially when there are SO many needs, committees, and ministries that are short-handed. I've had to learn to say no to some really great things, I don't flatter myself by thinking I'm the ONLY solution but yet it's hard for me to pass up a plea for help when "I guess there's no reason I couldn't do it" and I want to help. It's a constant struggle but I'm pretty sure God doesn't want burnt out servants spreading themselves so thin so that the work isn't effective. I know that in my church, it seems like a dedicated few do the bulk of the work, how can we encourage "new blood" to get involved, refresh our ministries, and lighten the load so that people's gifts can be used more effectively?
Posted in: Children's Offering Causes/Projects
Thanks, Renee! I've ordered the materials :)
Posted in: Children's Offering Causes/Projects
Thanks, Kelly! I'll look into it :)