As our church prepares to re-tool our approach to small groups and expand our definition of what will constitute a small group at Broadway I have run across some great resources. Here are four videos from a group called RealLife. Enjoy.
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Church. Show all posts
Monday, March 02, 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
Thoughts on “Contribution”
(a conversation between a father and his son)
Son, this contribution thing that we do was one of the first things I remember about church. It was one of the first places I remember getting to participate. The time would come and my mom or dad would pass along a dollar or two to me from their money, sometimes just some change. I would then try my best to place it in the plate as it passed being careful not to drop it. I remember seeing all those folded checks and bills of $1, $5, and even $20’s. Later as I reached my teen years and had a job I began to take part in this weekly ritual and began to put my own money in the plate.
I didn’t really understand what all this (contribution stuff) meant till years later. In fact, I’m still learning and I learn more every year I live.
There are a couple of things I have learned about this collection: You can’t really fake it. (You can sometimes get away with faking it at singing or listening or praying or even talking to friends about God).
Second: Others can’t judge it. Oh, they might have an opinion. Others may join us in holding us accountable, but this is between you and God. Contribution is truly between God and … your heart and your soul. But its weird, we can’t avoid judging it for ourselves (Mom said, “a true judgment of ones character is when … you can’t lie to yourself”). We should really think about our contribution. It says a lot to God about us.
Third: It is our opportunity for joy (not shame) The God who created our blessings allows me to give it back, as a gift. I love giving money to my kids to see what they will do with it … to see what they value … to see where they bless with their gifts.
Jesus taught more said about riches (possessions, money, treasure; things we value, hold dear and strive for) than about any other single subject in the New Testament. He said over and over that how we value our possessions says a lot about our relationship to him. If we value our “stuff” over our relationship with God, they have become our idols. Plain and simple; if it isn’t a sacrifice … it is not a gift and it is not pleasing to God. Giving, without sacrifice, is not what we are called to!
“Ben, I’ve got a question. Sacrifice … what is that?”
He gives a simple answer, “Sacrifice is when you give up something. And it usually hurts, … at least a little.”
I continue, “How much money do you get each week for chores and allowance?” Ben answers, “$5”.
“Who gave you your talents?” His humble voice states the truth, “God did.”
“How much would you need to give each week for it to be a real sacrifice? But don’t need to answer, it’s our decision?”
So, my advice and council on this is to give till it hurts a bit, then give a little more.
The question for each of us is what exactly are we willing to sacrifice for? That newest game for Xbox, fishing pole, new outfit, a new car, new house, $6 popcorn and $5 sodas at sporting events and movies, season tickets to our favorite sporting events? More/better/newer/ STUFF.
Remember … It’s not so much about making the budget (bulletin). That’s important but inarguably secondary. Its about personal sacrifice made from a perspective of what God has given us. If we give sacrificially, the budget is met and there is money to spare. If we all gave, as God gives to us, we’d never need to worry about a budget. The elders and finance committee would have to meet extra times just to figure out where God wanted us to extend these additional blessings.
There will always be stuff we want, trips we plan, and expenses to life, but they should never interfere with what we have dedicated to God as our sacrificial return to the one who gave it all for us.
Your mom and I decided early-on in our marriage that we would set aside, first, what we would contribute. That’s what we are taught in scripture … to give our first fruits, … to give first to what we value most, …, That’s not always easy, but if you move your sacrifice to God anywhere else down the list, it says something about your priorities. If you can move giving back to God, who gave you everything … to anywhere on the list but first, … you’ll have a hard time sacrificially giving to back God at all
So remember, its not about the amount you give … its about the personal sacrifice your giving represents. For you (Ben)… your sacrifice is as pleasing (as valuable) to God as my giving … or frankly, the gift given by any person in this room, even though the amount may be different. God is as pleased with a sacrificial gift from you as he is with the biggest check in the plate (and more so if you have been more sacrificial (remember the story of the widow’s mite?)
He wants your life, (sure) and your sacrifice, just like he wants mine and just like he wants everyone’s. Heart, mind, body, soul … then the treasures will become very easy to give, sacrificially.
PRAYER
Father, Repair our hearts from the selfish, consumptive people the world leads us to be.
Restore the joy of sacrificial giving. May we open our hearts to you and let our gifts flow freely. May our joy over flow as we give.
You have given so much to us, … for us. We can never repay. But we ask that our gifts to you on this day will glorify you, because of our sacrifice, much in the way that your sacrifice saved us.
Son, this contribution thing that we do was one of the first things I remember about church. It was one of the first places I remember getting to participate. The time would come and my mom or dad would pass along a dollar or two to me from their money, sometimes just some change. I would then try my best to place it in the plate as it passed being careful not to drop it. I remember seeing all those folded checks and bills of $1, $5, and even $20’s. Later as I reached my teen years and had a job I began to take part in this weekly ritual and began to put my own money in the plate.
I didn’t really understand what all this (contribution stuff) meant till years later. In fact, I’m still learning and I learn more every year I live.
There are a couple of things I have learned about this collection: You can’t really fake it. (You can sometimes get away with faking it at singing or listening or praying or even talking to friends about God).
Second: Others can’t judge it. Oh, they might have an opinion. Others may join us in holding us accountable, but this is between you and God. Contribution is truly between God and … your heart and your soul. But its weird, we can’t avoid judging it for ourselves (Mom said, “a true judgment of ones character is when … you can’t lie to yourself”). We should really think about our contribution. It says a lot to God about us.
Third: It is our opportunity for joy (not shame) The God who created our blessings allows me to give it back, as a gift. I love giving money to my kids to see what they will do with it … to see what they value … to see where they bless with their gifts.
Jesus taught more said about riches (possessions, money, treasure; things we value, hold dear and strive for) than about any other single subject in the New Testament. He said over and over that how we value our possessions says a lot about our relationship to him. If we value our “stuff” over our relationship with God, they have become our idols. Plain and simple; if it isn’t a sacrifice … it is not a gift and it is not pleasing to God. Giving, without sacrifice, is not what we are called to!
“Ben, I’ve got a question. Sacrifice … what is that?”
He gives a simple answer, “Sacrifice is when you give up something. And it usually hurts, … at least a little.”
I continue, “How much money do you get each week for chores and allowance?” Ben answers, “$5”.
“Who gave you your talents?” His humble voice states the truth, “God did.”
“How much would you need to give each week for it to be a real sacrifice? But don’t need to answer, it’s our decision?”
So, my advice and council on this is to give till it hurts a bit, then give a little more.
The question for each of us is what exactly are we willing to sacrifice for? That newest game for Xbox, fishing pole, new outfit, a new car, new house, $6 popcorn and $5 sodas at sporting events and movies, season tickets to our favorite sporting events? More/better/newer/ STUFF.
Remember … It’s not so much about making the budget (bulletin). That’s important but inarguably secondary. Its about personal sacrifice made from a perspective of what God has given us. If we give sacrificially, the budget is met and there is money to spare. If we all gave, as God gives to us, we’d never need to worry about a budget. The elders and finance committee would have to meet extra times just to figure out where God wanted us to extend these additional blessings.
There will always be stuff we want, trips we plan, and expenses to life, but they should never interfere with what we have dedicated to God as our sacrificial return to the one who gave it all for us.
Your mom and I decided early-on in our marriage that we would set aside, first, what we would contribute. That’s what we are taught in scripture … to give our first fruits, … to give first to what we value most, …, That’s not always easy, but if you move your sacrifice to God anywhere else down the list, it says something about your priorities. If you can move giving back to God, who gave you everything … to anywhere on the list but first, … you’ll have a hard time sacrificially giving to back God at all
So remember, its not about the amount you give … its about the personal sacrifice your giving represents. For you (Ben)… your sacrifice is as pleasing (as valuable) to God as my giving … or frankly, the gift given by any person in this room, even though the amount may be different. God is as pleased with a sacrificial gift from you as he is with the biggest check in the plate (and more so if you have been more sacrificial (remember the story of the widow’s mite?)
He wants your life, (sure) and your sacrifice, just like he wants mine and just like he wants everyone’s. Heart, mind, body, soul … then the treasures will become very easy to give, sacrificially.
PRAYER
Father, Repair our hearts from the selfish, consumptive people the world leads us to be.
Restore the joy of sacrificial giving. May we open our hearts to you and let our gifts flow freely. May our joy over flow as we give.
You have given so much to us, … for us. We can never repay. But we ask that our gifts to you on this day will glorify you, because of our sacrifice, much in the way that your sacrifice saved us.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Homeless in Lubbock
Broadway and the entire Lubbock community are banding together to bring awareness to the breadth of the homeless dilemma in Lubbock.
Join us if you can.
www.innercitylubbock.org
This is a reminder and an update on the movement to provide shelter for our homeless friends in Lubbock, TX this winter.
Reminder: Prayer Vigil for the Homeless this Saturday, Oct. 18th from 8-9pm at the Mahon Library downtown (1306 9th St). Participants are also invited to spend the night on the sidewalk alongside the homeless.
The Point: Together we will ask God to provide shelter for the homeless of Lubbock, TX this winter and in the future.
Logistics:
From 8-9pm we will have a focused time of prayer during which several community leaders as well as some of our homeless and formerly homeless friends will lead prayers asking God to hear our cries and respond.
There will be access to toilets.
The ground is concrete and will be cold and hard! Participants are invited to make this experience as real as they like (e.g., sleep on cardboard, newspaper, etc.), but if you need sleeping pads they are also welcome.
During the night participants are invited to sleep, pray and get to know each other. But please be aware of those who need to sleep! Those wanting to pray or talk are asked to do so in the parking lot west of the Library.
Safety: Come in peace and expect to stand (or lie down) alongside our friends. There is no reason to fear this community or the idea of spending the night. There will be plenty of people around, we will have Police proximity and the area is well lit. But please be wise about how you participate. Here are a few tips to ensure safety:
Please stay in groups and do not go anywhere with people you do not know.
PLEASE DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ALONE WITH SOMEONE OF THE OPPOSITE SEX.
Please keep track of your valuables! Do not leave purses, cell phones or other items unattended.
If you are spending the night, try to sleep next to a few people you know.
Please do not give cash to the people on the streets; if there is a need you want to meet please try and meet the need directly (i.e., if they're hungry, give them food or a gift card)
Creativity: Most of us will be guests to the Library which has served as a "home" to many homeless people over the years. As guests we want to be a positive presence. Feel free to bring food, bottled water, hot chocolate, breakfast burritos! or anything else to share with those in need.
Shelter: Currently we do not have a facility to use as a shelter this winter! This is our main concern this winter: finding a facility with floor space, toilets and a heater. For information concerning a facility, property or donation for a shelter facility please contact Dale Milhauser at 1745@suddenlink.net or (806)368-7334.
Backup: Carpenter's church has decided to continue the prayer vigil on a nightly basis starting Nov. 1st through March 15th. We will continue to ask God to provide shelter for the homeless and we will invite our homeless friends to join us in prayer each night from 8pm to 8am until that happens. All of those who are interest in volunteering to be on a rotation for prayer and supervision please contact volunteers@innercitylubbock.org or call Chad Wheeler at (806)543-0526.
Standing together with God we can do anything! Let us stand together with the marginalized and forgotten of our society and we will house the homeless!
Check out this video produced by Aldersgate about homelessness in Lubbock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8CeCoj-kP0
Let me know if you have any questions and see you Saturday night!
Chad Wheeler
Carpenter's Church
chadwheeler@innercitylubbock.org
(806)543-0526
Join us if you can.
www.innercitylubbock.org
This is a reminder and an update on the movement to provide shelter for our homeless friends in Lubbock, TX this winter.
Reminder: Prayer Vigil for the Homeless this Saturday, Oct. 18th from 8-9pm at the Mahon Library downtown (1306 9th St). Participants are also invited to spend the night on the sidewalk alongside the homeless.
The Point: Together we will ask God to provide shelter for the homeless of Lubbock, TX this winter and in the future.
Logistics:
From 8-9pm we will have a focused time of prayer during which several community leaders as well as some of our homeless and formerly homeless friends will lead prayers asking God to hear our cries and respond.
There will be access to toilets.
The ground is concrete and will be cold and hard! Participants are invited to make this experience as real as they like (e.g., sleep on cardboard, newspaper, etc.), but if you need sleeping pads they are also welcome.
During the night participants are invited to sleep, pray and get to know each other. But please be aware of those who need to sleep! Those wanting to pray or talk are asked to do so in the parking lot west of the Library.
Safety: Come in peace and expect to stand (or lie down) alongside our friends. There is no reason to fear this community or the idea of spending the night. There will be plenty of people around, we will have Police proximity and the area is well lit. But please be wise about how you participate. Here are a few tips to ensure safety:
Please stay in groups and do not go anywhere with people you do not know.
PLEASE DO NOT GO ANYWHERE ALONE WITH SOMEONE OF THE OPPOSITE SEX.
Please keep track of your valuables! Do not leave purses, cell phones or other items unattended.
If you are spending the night, try to sleep next to a few people you know.
Please do not give cash to the people on the streets; if there is a need you want to meet please try and meet the need directly (i.e., if they're hungry, give them food or a gift card)
Creativity: Most of us will be guests to the Library which has served as a "home" to many homeless people over the years. As guests we want to be a positive presence. Feel free to bring food, bottled water, hot chocolate, breakfast burritos! or anything else to share with those in need.
Shelter: Currently we do not have a facility to use as a shelter this winter! This is our main concern this winter: finding a facility with floor space, toilets and a heater. For information concerning a facility, property or donation for a shelter facility please contact Dale Milhauser at 1745@suddenlink.net or (806)368-7334.
Backup: Carpenter's church has decided to continue the prayer vigil on a nightly basis starting Nov. 1st through March 15th. We will continue to ask God to provide shelter for the homeless and we will invite our homeless friends to join us in prayer each night from 8pm to 8am until that happens. All of those who are interest in volunteering to be on a rotation for prayer and supervision please contact volunteers@innercitylubbock.org or call Chad Wheeler at (806)543-0526.
Standing together with God we can do anything! Let us stand together with the marginalized and forgotten of our society and we will house the homeless!
Check out this video produced by Aldersgate about homelessness in Lubbock: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z8CeCoj-kP0
Let me know if you have any questions and see you Saturday night!
Chad Wheeler
Carpenter's Church
chadwheeler@innercitylubbock.org
(806)543-0526
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