Does your youth group, church, or Sunday School class need a worthy fund raiser? Check out http://humankindwater.org/.
Help end poverty and disease by helping to provide access to clean water--something that no one can do without.
My friend, Lucy, heard the founder T.J. Foltz speak at her church last night, so this is legitimate.
Find ways you can help.
Grace, Kathy
Showing posts with label new ideas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new ideas. Show all posts
July 17, 2014
December 11, 2013
What Attracts People to Your Church and Keeps Them Coming Back?
The answer to that question is as varied as there are people. But there are some obvious answers. Most of which you probably know, but maybe need just a reminder.
People need multiple points of entry to your church. So you have to decide which your church can do. In the case of our church, folks come for the youth program. Others come because they believe in the missions we do in the community. Some come because they are United Methodist and have relocated to our city. Some come because of the worship, preaching, and music. But more and more come because they found us on the Internet.
It used to be that the church front door was at the front of the building. Increasingly, the front door of your church is your Internet page! If your church does not have a page, there are plenty of models and, at least, our denomination provides help to set one up--or just ask a youth in your church or community.
Internet pages are always works in process and need constant updating like any other piece of property. Here are a few examples from churches of all sizes.
http://stpaulsthorofareorg.ipage.com/index.html
http://www.hilldaleumc.net/
http://www.stlukesmethodist.org/
http://www.cor.org/
http://mtzionanywhere.org/
Yesterday, I went to my dentist, David Dickerson. I think my dentist is great and one reason is that he is always on the cutting edge. He is always aware of the latest in dental care, but he also strives to improve his care for us patients. Before I had my appointment, I not only received a phone call reminder, but I got an email. Then after the appointment, I had the next appointment emailed to me to make sure the date was still ok. Then I got an email so I could offer feedback to make his practice even better. You may say that it too many emails, but I like it. And it lets me know that he is working not only to care for my health but to become more efficient and provide a better place for his staff to work.
The point? We need to do more than get people in our church, we need to let them know that the church cares for them and is actively trying to do a better job in caring for them. We need follow-up and follow-through. I recommend my dentist to my friends who are looking for a dentist. Churches can benefit from the same principle.
Please feel free to share your church website and what you are doing to attract people and keep them coming back.
Grace, Kathy
People need multiple points of entry to your church. So you have to decide which your church can do. In the case of our church, folks come for the youth program. Others come because they believe in the missions we do in the community. Some come because they are United Methodist and have relocated to our city. Some come because of the worship, preaching, and music. But more and more come because they found us on the Internet.
It used to be that the church front door was at the front of the building. Increasingly, the front door of your church is your Internet page! If your church does not have a page, there are plenty of models and, at least, our denomination provides help to set one up--or just ask a youth in your church or community.
Internet pages are always works in process and need constant updating like any other piece of property. Here are a few examples from churches of all sizes.
http://stpaulsthorofareorg.ipage.com/index.html
http://www.hilldaleumc.net/
http://www.stlukesmethodist.org/
http://www.cor.org/
http://mtzionanywhere.org/
Yesterday, I went to my dentist, David Dickerson. I think my dentist is great and one reason is that he is always on the cutting edge. He is always aware of the latest in dental care, but he also strives to improve his care for us patients. Before I had my appointment, I not only received a phone call reminder, but I got an email. Then after the appointment, I had the next appointment emailed to me to make sure the date was still ok. Then I got an email so I could offer feedback to make his practice even better. You may say that it too many emails, but I like it. And it lets me know that he is working not only to care for my health but to become more efficient and provide a better place for his staff to work.
The point? We need to do more than get people in our church, we need to let them know that the church cares for them and is actively trying to do a better job in caring for them. We need follow-up and follow-through. I recommend my dentist to my friends who are looking for a dentist. Churches can benefit from the same principle.
Please feel free to share your church website and what you are doing to attract people and keep them coming back.
Grace, Kathy
September 5, 2013
From Vibrant to Dying Church
Had a conversation with a friend who recently visited a church. She said that the attendance was slim on Sunday but full during the week, because of the church's preschool ministry. In fact seeing 3 school buses in the marketing lot was what made her choose that church to visit in the first place. During her visit she learned how the church was stuck in the past and refused to grow, driving away prospective new members. With the age of the congregation, it is only a short matter of time before the church will have to close--a very sad story.
But as she talked the name of the church rang a bell in my head. I remember also visiting that same church years before. At that time it was alive and was active in Lay Witness Mission program, which was a successful renewal movement. The church also hosted what was then called "contemporary worship." In fact, several big name Christian music folks got their start performing in that sanctuary. As far as I could see, no church member flinched when the musicians brought in their guitars, drums, and sound equipment.
So what happened? This church went from being on fire for God to being wet blankets, saying "no" to anything new and different.
Perhaps they need to be reminded of their past. Or perhaps their success was frozen into tradition. I don't know, but, as we all know, it is up to every generation to pass along our Christian witness in a way that it will be received by new people; not so that they will do it like us, but so they can adapt it to their own situation and then pass it along to others.
Like it or not, to shine a dependable light into the world's darkness, our Christian faith has to have the Church as an institution. Faith is more than that, we all know, but the Church as a gathering place and organization is necessary. But the Church cannot exist for long without fresh air, which breathing the Holy Spirit provides.
Pray for your church.
Grace,
Kathy
But as she talked the name of the church rang a bell in my head. I remember also visiting that same church years before. At that time it was alive and was active in Lay Witness Mission program, which was a successful renewal movement. The church also hosted what was then called "contemporary worship." In fact, several big name Christian music folks got their start performing in that sanctuary. As far as I could see, no church member flinched when the musicians brought in their guitars, drums, and sound equipment.
So what happened? This church went from being on fire for God to being wet blankets, saying "no" to anything new and different.
Perhaps they need to be reminded of their past. Or perhaps their success was frozen into tradition. I don't know, but, as we all know, it is up to every generation to pass along our Christian witness in a way that it will be received by new people; not so that they will do it like us, but so they can adapt it to their own situation and then pass it along to others.
Like it or not, to shine a dependable light into the world's darkness, our Christian faith has to have the Church as an institution. Faith is more than that, we all know, but the Church as a gathering place and organization is necessary. But the Church cannot exist for long without fresh air, which breathing the Holy Spirit provides.
Pray for your church.
Grace,
Kathy
February 11, 2013
Lent
Lent is known as a time of self-examination and repentance. I grew up in the Episcopal church. Each Sunday during Lent, the children decided what everyone in the church would "give up" throughout the coming week. Ice cream was popular as was television. No one like to do without ice cream, but there was a sense of self-denial in the practice.
Years later, I heard of "taking on" a spiritual discipline or act of service during Lent, with the idea of forming a new habit or focus. Taking on rather than giving up seemed to be a more positive/active was of growing deeper into life with Christ.
I decided this year to take a completely different focus. I am using a book by Juliet Benner, Contemplative Vision - A Guide to Christian Art and Prayer. The book is an exercise in contemplative prayer using art. Reflections and discussion are offered on ten paintings. (There is a color copy of each painting in the center of the book.) A brief biography of each artist is given.
I am excited to take on and learn new ways of seeing - and making more space for God in my heart.
How will you make more room for God in your life during this Lenton Season?
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
September 14, 2012
Do Jews, Christians, and Muslims Worship the Same God?
In a book that will hit the shelves in early November, four experts representing Judaism (Jack Neusner and Baruch Levine), Christianity (Bruce Chilton), and Islam (Vincent Cornell) tackle this deceptively simple question.
Baruch Levine says the question is not: Is God on our side? but Are we on God's side?
And God is on the side of those who keep God’s covenant. This means that for the redemption of humanity and lasting peace, we all must recognize that the modern state of Israel must hold an honored place in the family of nations, free, sovereign, and rejoicing in Jerusalem, God’s holy city. But for the state of Israel to continue under God’s covenant, Jews must negotiate peace with the Palestinians and neighboring nations, most of whom are Muslim, and hence monotheist.
Jack Neuser looks at the question from the vantage point of Classical Judaism.
Accordingly, only Classical Judaism affirms authentic monotheism and only when we all accept this can we have true interfaith dialogue. Because Christianity and Islam are not monotheist, they can lay no claim to unique possession of the truth and there can be no common ground for discussion. Judaism stands in judgment of Christianity and Islam because it alone sets the standard for true monotheism.
Bruce Chilton answers this way: Being able to make comparisons about how we believe God acts does not mean that we actually believe in the same God. Likewise, comparing the theologies of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can give us common ground, but it does not mean that we start or conclude with belief in the same God.
Vincent Cornell says that Islam stands in a medial position between Judaism and Christianity. Do they worship the same God? In the case of Judaism, yes. In the case of Christianity, it depends on who Christians worship. If they worship Jesus, the answer is no; but if they worship God, the answer is that there is more room for conversation. Even so, it is still not possible to bridge the differences between Islam and Christianity enough to create some kind of Abrahamic world theology, but at least a strictly Trinitarian Theology of worship can provide some common ground. Interreligious conversation derives its greatest benefits from counterpoint rather than comparison.
Then Martin Marty writes in his epilogue that the conversation surrounding the question of whether Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God can and must proceed. And amazingly through this difficult and complex discussion, we can all learn and reap unexpected benefits.
This book will be worth your time and energy to digest. The title is, Do Jews, Christians, and Muslims Worship the Same God? Here is the ISBN: 9781426752377.
Grace, Kathy
Baruch Levine says the question is not: Is God on our side? but Are we on God's side?
And God is on the side of those who keep God’s covenant. This means that for the redemption of humanity and lasting peace, we all must recognize that the modern state of Israel must hold an honored place in the family of nations, free, sovereign, and rejoicing in Jerusalem, God’s holy city. But for the state of Israel to continue under God’s covenant, Jews must negotiate peace with the Palestinians and neighboring nations, most of whom are Muslim, and hence monotheist.
Jack Neuser looks at the question from the vantage point of Classical Judaism.
Accordingly, only Classical Judaism affirms authentic monotheism and only when we all accept this can we have true interfaith dialogue. Because Christianity and Islam are not monotheist, they can lay no claim to unique possession of the truth and there can be no common ground for discussion. Judaism stands in judgment of Christianity and Islam because it alone sets the standard for true monotheism.
Bruce Chilton answers this way: Being able to make comparisons about how we believe God acts does not mean that we actually believe in the same God. Likewise, comparing the theologies of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam can give us common ground, but it does not mean that we start or conclude with belief in the same God.
Vincent Cornell says that Islam stands in a medial position between Judaism and Christianity. Do they worship the same God? In the case of Judaism, yes. In the case of Christianity, it depends on who Christians worship. If they worship Jesus, the answer is no; but if they worship God, the answer is that there is more room for conversation. Even so, it is still not possible to bridge the differences between Islam and Christianity enough to create some kind of Abrahamic world theology, but at least a strictly Trinitarian Theology of worship can provide some common ground. Interreligious conversation derives its greatest benefits from counterpoint rather than comparison.
Then Martin Marty writes in his epilogue that the conversation surrounding the question of whether Jews, Christians, and Muslims worship the same God can and must proceed. And amazingly through this difficult and complex discussion, we can all learn and reap unexpected benefits.
This book will be worth your time and energy to digest. The title is, Do Jews, Christians, and Muslims Worship the Same God? Here is the ISBN: 9781426752377.
Grace, Kathy
January 5, 2012
"Be Still" is a ministry in the Indiana Conference for clergy spouses who need a listening ear or a word of encouragement. I am putting together an information booklet to use with the program. I wonder if there are other conferences which have a booklet or information pamphlet given to clergy spouses when his/her spouse begins ministry?
If you are interested in sharing with me and my committee I would be grateful. My email is jreed46038@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for helping.
God, we your children are mindful that we must care for each other in the way that you would. Guide the ministry that is beginning to reach out to those spouses who need your touch. Amen.
Jacquie Reed,
Fishers, Indiana
If you are interested in sharing with me and my committee I would be grateful. My email is jreed46038@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for helping.
God, we your children are mindful that we must care for each other in the way that you would. Guide the ministry that is beginning to reach out to those spouses who need your touch. Amen.
Jacquie Reed,
Fishers, Indiana
December 13, 2011
The Day the Church Gave Us Money
Last Sunday, the third Sunday in Advent, had an interesting twist toward the end of the service. The ushers passed baskets containing envelopes to everyone. Each person, including the children, chose an envelope. Inside was either a five or one dollar bill, with a few lucky persons received twenty dollar bills. There were two cards in each envelope. One gave instructions about hos to give the money to a stranger; the other was a holiday greeting from the church to be given with the money.
A few years ago, Mike did something very similar at our church. On that Sunday, a gentleman came to him after the service and wanted to take him to lunch. After the meal, the man said, "I never liked you. However, when you gave me money in church a few weeks ago, I started to like you, because you gave me an opportunity to do something for someone else." Now, I don't know why the man had never felt inclined to help others, but at least he was honest.
When we got our envelopes this Sunday, my husband, Mike, immediately had a person in mind to give his five dollar bill to; but I am still waiting for God to bring someone to me. The church giving us money? Yes, it happened as a way to help us spread love at this season of hope and expectation.
God, there are times when unexpected opportunities come in your name to spread love in the kingdom. Wherever we are open our eyes to guide us to those who need your love and encouragement not only in Advent, but all the time. Amen.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
A few years ago, Mike did something very similar at our church. On that Sunday, a gentleman came to him after the service and wanted to take him to lunch. After the meal, the man said, "I never liked you. However, when you gave me money in church a few weeks ago, I started to like you, because you gave me an opportunity to do something for someone else." Now, I don't know why the man had never felt inclined to help others, but at least he was honest.
When we got our envelopes this Sunday, my husband, Mike, immediately had a person in mind to give his five dollar bill to; but I am still waiting for God to bring someone to me. The church giving us money? Yes, it happened as a way to help us spread love at this season of hope and expectation.
God, there are times when unexpected opportunities come in your name to spread love in the kingdom. Wherever we are open our eyes to guide us to those who need your love and encouragement not only in Advent, but all the time. Amen.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
December 8, 2011
Ministry for Clergy Spouses
"Be Still" is a ministry in the Indiana Conference for clergy spouses who need a listening ear or a word of encouragement. I am putting together an information booklet to use with the program. I wonder if there are other conferences which have a booklet or information pamphlet given to clergy spouses when his/her spouse begins ministry?
If you are interested in sharing with me and my committee I would be grateful. My email is jreed46038@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for helping.
God, we your children are mindful that we must care for each other in the way that you would. Guide the ministry that is beginning to reach out to those spouses who need your touch. Amen.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
If you are interested in sharing with me and my committee I would be grateful. My email is jreed46038@hotmail.com. Thank you so much for helping.
God, we your children are mindful that we must care for each other in the way that you would. Guide the ministry that is beginning to reach out to those spouses who need your touch. Amen.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
November 9, 2011
Picture This: No Hungry Children
No hungry children? Is that possible? I'm here to tell you that in our county, thanks to F.U.E.L., we are helping feed hungry elementary school children on weekends. And here's our goal: no hungry children, period.
What if there were no more hungry children anywhere? But where to start?
After an Emmaus weekend and reading about children having free lunches in school and then not having any food on the weekend, Denise Skidmore found her answer. She began at home, then her home church, and then her home community. She simply started. F.U.E.L. stands for “Full Uv Emmaus Love.” In addition to her full-time job and family responsibilities, she began. This meant developing networks to coordinate with school administrators, community and business leaders, and a host of volunteers. It still means giving up family time, nights, and weekends to speak and advocate for FUEL in communities and in churches across the region. Denise Skidmore is an extraordinary Christian woman with a passion to care for hungry children. She saw a need and put a plan in motion to meet that need, and she's inspired many others to join her.
F.U.E.L. is now not just in our county, but more and more counties across our state and in some other states as well.
Denise's dream is also God's dream. God wants no hungry children too.
If you want information about started a similar program in your community, please contact me and I'll connect you with Denise.
Grace, Kathy
What if there were no more hungry children anywhere? But where to start?
After an Emmaus weekend and reading about children having free lunches in school and then not having any food on the weekend, Denise Skidmore found her answer. She began at home, then her home church, and then her home community. She simply started. F.U.E.L. stands for “Full Uv Emmaus Love.” In addition to her full-time job and family responsibilities, she began. This meant developing networks to coordinate with school administrators, community and business leaders, and a host of volunteers. It still means giving up family time, nights, and weekends to speak and advocate for FUEL in communities and in churches across the region. Denise Skidmore is an extraordinary Christian woman with a passion to care for hungry children. She saw a need and put a plan in motion to meet that need, and she's inspired many others to join her.
F.U.E.L. is now not just in our county, but more and more counties across our state and in some other states as well.
Denise's dream is also God's dream. God wants no hungry children too.
If you want information about started a similar program in your community, please contact me and I'll connect you with Denise.
Grace, Kathy
October 12, 2011
Whi Is Building Your House
Each year the Indiana Conference has a retreat for clergy spouses. This year the theme was 'Who Is Building Your House?' based on 2 Samuel 7:27-29. Our bishop, Mike Coyner, gave the opening address, "Ten Foundations for Your House." A summary of each foundation follows:
1. Faith - Faith has to be part of your own life, marriage, family. You may need faith supports beyond your congregation.
2. Fidelity - Your marriage is more important than your spouse's ministry. Be faithful to each other. Be your spouse's best supporter not another critic.
3. Family - Don't give your family short-shift because of ministry. Plan family time far ahead and get on your calendar.
4. Friends - Feel free to develop friendships and keep them after you move. Don't go back for pastoral duties but for friendships.
5. Flexibility - You and your family have to be flexible. Ministry is not a 9 to 5 job, but don't let it become a 5 am to 9 pm either. You can also use that flexibility for your own needs.
6. Finances - You and your family need a financial plan. You may need to be the one who handles your finances. Use a tax firm or tax person, it will pay for itself.
7. Furnishings - Enjoy your parsonage and make it your home. Respect and appreciate your house, but be honest too. Have an annual evening with trustees and SPRC chair. Furnish with flexibility and with an eye to the future.
8. Freedom - Ministry provides a lot of freedom, so use it. Freedom to have friends beyond one congregation. Freedom to know you are part of something bigger (UMC). Freedom to know you have immediate respect. Freedom to participate as you choose (old "pastor's wife" rules are dead).
9. Fun - Make your life and ministry fun. Take God seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.
10. Future - Think long-term (parsonage, kids, your life). Think "legacy." Hope for the future and work for it.
The retreat was held September 16, 17, and 18 and was attended by 60 spouses, including one husband, from all over the state.
I felt that Bishop Coyner's foundations gave fresh energy to old, familiar topics in ministry.
Thank you God for times of retreat and renewal. Amen.
Jacquie Reed, Fishers, Indiana
1. Faith - Faith has to be part of your own life, marriage, family. You may need faith supports beyond your congregation.
2. Fidelity - Your marriage is more important than your spouse's ministry. Be faithful to each other. Be your spouse's best supporter not another critic.
3. Family - Don't give your family short-shift because of ministry. Plan family time far ahead and get on your calendar.
4. Friends - Feel free to develop friendships and keep them after you move. Don't go back for pastoral duties but for friendships.
5. Flexibility - You and your family have to be flexible. Ministry is not a 9 to 5 job, but don't let it become a 5 am to 9 pm either. You can also use that flexibility for your own needs.
6. Finances - You and your family need a financial plan. You may need to be the one who handles your finances. Use a tax firm or tax person, it will pay for itself.
7. Furnishings - Enjoy your parsonage and make it your home. Respect and appreciate your house, but be honest too. Have an annual evening with trustees and SPRC chair. Furnish with flexibility and with an eye to the future.
8. Freedom - Ministry provides a lot of freedom, so use it. Freedom to have friends beyond one congregation. Freedom to know you are part of something bigger (UMC). Freedom to know you have immediate respect. Freedom to participate as you choose (old "pastor's wife" rules are dead).
9. Fun - Make your life and ministry fun. Take God seriously, but don't take yourself too seriously.
10. Future - Think long-term (parsonage, kids, your life). Think "legacy." Hope for the future and work for it.
The retreat was held September 16, 17, and 18 and was attended by 60 spouses, including one husband, from all over the state.
I felt that Bishop Coyner's foundations gave fresh energy to old, familiar topics in ministry.
Thank you God for times of retreat and renewal. Amen.
Jacquie Reed, Fishers, Indiana
August 24, 2011
The Universe Is Running Away
Yes, it is true. According to the latest science, the universe is expanding at an ever-accelerating pace. It is like, as one scientist said, throwing a ball into the air; and instead of it slowing down and then falling, the ball just keeps going up higher and higher and faster and faster. Hard to imagine, but that is the current thinking. We live in a universe of energy and dark energy, matter and dark matter.
This brings up so many questions, like: What is the universe expanding into? Or do words like "into," "up," "down" have any meaning in that context? We think we know so much, but, in truth, we are so ignorant.
The same is true in our thinking about God. Where is God? What does it really mean to have a relationship with God? We have inklings; we have Jesus; but that is about it, or maybe that is enough. But is also hopeful--every reaching to discover and know more. When I get tired of reading the news, I pick up a copy of Discover Magazine or Scientific American. Here is a lesson that we, the Church, need to keep in view:Hope is vital to our world and if we short-change hope, we as Christians have nothing real to offer.
In these days when it is popular to criticize the Church and bemoan our system of organization, we might remember that we are also the Body of Christ and we should act that way, even with each other. But we must also beckon our dark and broken world, to the Light of our Salvation.
The universe may be running away, but we must embrace, then share, the hope of Christ.
Grace, Kathy
This brings up so many questions, like: What is the universe expanding into? Or do words like "into," "up," "down" have any meaning in that context? We think we know so much, but, in truth, we are so ignorant.
The same is true in our thinking about God. Where is God? What does it really mean to have a relationship with God? We have inklings; we have Jesus; but that is about it, or maybe that is enough. But is also hopeful--every reaching to discover and know more. When I get tired of reading the news, I pick up a copy of Discover Magazine or Scientific American. Here is a lesson that we, the Church, need to keep in view:Hope is vital to our world and if we short-change hope, we as Christians have nothing real to offer.
In these days when it is popular to criticize the Church and bemoan our system of organization, we might remember that we are also the Body of Christ and we should act that way, even with each other. But we must also beckon our dark and broken world, to the Light of our Salvation.
The universe may be running away, but we must embrace, then share, the hope of Christ.
Grace, Kathy
April 11, 2011
Forging a Path toward Understanding
There are many ways to gain meaning from scripture. One way I tried recently lead me to an interesting path. Here's what I did. I found one of my favorite verses. I wrote the verse on a piece of paper. Then the last word, became the first word of the next line. Each sentence that followed was based on reflection with the verse. I kept writing, until I realized it was time to stop--with a surprise at the end.
The scripture I used was Genesis 50:20, where Joseph is speaking to his brothers.
"You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good."
My reflections follow:
GOOD can come from bad circumstances.
CIRCUMSTANCES do not need to determine how I respond to life.
LIFE can bring many challenges.
CHALLENGES can make me more dependant on God.
GOD is the constant in chaos.
CHAOS often leads to confusion which can make staying present difficult.
DIFFICULT times come to everyone.
EVERYONE has the ability to control how he/she responds to life.
LIFE comes from God.
GOD is a real presence in my life.
LIFE is good.
God I thank you for a new way to come to you. Fresh ways to enter your presence give me joy. Amen.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
The scripture I used was Genesis 50:20, where Joseph is speaking to his brothers.
"You plotted evil against me, but God turned it into good."
My reflections follow:
GOOD can come from bad circumstances.
CIRCUMSTANCES do not need to determine how I respond to life.
LIFE can bring many challenges.
CHALLENGES can make me more dependant on God.
GOD is the constant in chaos.
CHAOS often leads to confusion which can make staying present difficult.
DIFFICULT times come to everyone.
EVERYONE has the ability to control how he/she responds to life.
LIFE comes from God.
GOD is a real presence in my life.
LIFE is good.
God I thank you for a new way to come to you. Fresh ways to enter your presence give me joy. Amen.
Jacquie Reed
Fishers, Indiana
April 6, 2011
Do Muslims and Christians Worship the Same God?
If you have a chance, check out the April issue of Christianity Today. There is an interview with Miroslav Volf, noted author and professor at Yale. Volf believes that our ability to live together in peace depends on how we answer this question.
In the interview, Volf says that all Christians don't worship the same God, and all Muslims don't worship the same God.
What do you think?
Kathy
Clarksville, TN
In the interview, Volf says that all Christians don't worship the same God, and all Muslims don't worship the same God.
What do you think?
Kathy
Clarksville, TN
March 14, 2011
Great Ministry: Give Your Bible Away
Last fall, the Common English Bible (CEB) was introduced with the release of the New Testament. This new translation represents the work of more than 500 men and women from 22 faith traditions, including 118 translators, 10 editors and 77 reading group leaders. The translation work began in 2008 and will end in Fall 2011, with the release of the complete Bible, including the Apocrypha.
The Common English Bible is not simply a revision or an update of an existing translation. It is a bold, new translation designed to meet the needs of Christians as they work to build a strong and meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The CEB is written at a comfortable level for more than half of all English readers by translating ancient everyday speaking styles into modern English. The end goal being this: A translation that is relevant, readable and reliable will enhance church worship and participation, and personal Bible study.
This new Bible is great and you can get copy very inexpensively to give away in your community. Or invite your friends at church to give them to other friends and family who may not attend church. It's a great ministry. Spread the Word; give your Bible away.
For more information, see:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/
http://lentenblogtour.wordpress.com/about/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reading-the-Bible/156994314317608?ref=ts
Grace, Kathy
The Common English Bible is not simply a revision or an update of an existing translation. It is a bold, new translation designed to meet the needs of Christians as they work to build a strong and meaningful relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The CEB is written at a comfortable level for more than half of all English readers by translating ancient everyday speaking styles into modern English. The end goal being this: A translation that is relevant, readable and reliable will enhance church worship and participation, and personal Bible study.
This new Bible is great and you can get copy very inexpensively to give away in your community. Or invite your friends at church to give them to other friends and family who may not attend church. It's a great ministry. Spread the Word; give your Bible away.
For more information, see:
http://www.commonenglishbible.com/
http://lentenblogtour.wordpress.com/about/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Reading-the-Bible/156994314317608?ref=ts
Grace, Kathy
January 14, 2011
Need Your Help
I have recently been praying about the start-up of a national network of Tent Ministers for youth travel sport tournament weekends. Many well intentioned Christians miss out on Sunday worship due to being in a hotel miles away watching their children play soccer or cheer in cheer competitions or (name the sport). The idea is to set up a tent at these tournaments and offer several services on Sunday mornings. Many large churches could spare an associate pastor to meet this need AND to evangelize to the lost during these events.
The name I came up with is... T-E-N-T-S (Tent Evangelism Network for Travel Sports). Not married to this name, but you get the idea. Please pray with me about this ministry and let me know your thoughts or revelations.
Sincerely in Christ,
Scott E. Minnette, J.D., B.S.
Newburgh, IN
sminnette@hotmail.com
The name I came up with is... T-E-N-T-S (Tent Evangelism Network for Travel Sports). Not married to this name, but you get the idea. Please pray with me about this ministry and let me know your thoughts or revelations.
Sincerely in Christ,
Scott E. Minnette, J.D., B.S.
Newburgh, IN
sminnette@hotmail.com
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