Last week, I updated my blog with some serious frustration on my part. I was hurt and reacted out of a place of felt personal injury. I have since deleted my previous post. I appreciate everyone that read it and called or e-mailed or facebook messaged me with encouraging words. I needed to hear that.
From here we move forward. I love every single student at our church. I love their parents. And I'm glad to partner with them. For any who read my now-deleted post, I apologize. I was wrong to react like that.
Looking forward to the future,
dw
Monday, November 23, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
oh the times they are a changin'
Not just a good Bob Dylan song, but a reality for us here at Grace. As I type this, our first service is in progress. Today will be our lead pastor's last Sunday with us as he is following God's call to Westminster Nazarene in Denver, Colorado. He will certainly be missed around here. I'm so glad he brought me on staff here at Grace. I honestly had my doubts before moving here if I could do both high school and middle school ministry again. I'm not saying I've got it all figured out, but God has helped me make the transition (which I still feel like I'm in the middle of). I'm learning that I need to depend on Him more and more.
But my thoughts are really today about what this whole thing means for Grace. It will certainly take some time to get used to even an interim pastor. And then when a new pastor is brought on staff here, it will take time for them to get to know the 700+ people that come here every Sunday morning. One of my hopes is that the next pastor will keep us all on staff, and that I will get along with them, and be able to learn from them as I have previous lead pastors.
Though I know pieces of the machine get moved around from time to time, it's reassuring to me that I know I can count on God through it all. Not because I've earned it- I haven't. But because He is good; despite what the circumstances may currently look like. I have hope for the future for my family, for God's church and for the next leader that is to come. Thanks God, that You are trustworthy and faithful.
But my thoughts are really today about what this whole thing means for Grace. It will certainly take some time to get used to even an interim pastor. And then when a new pastor is brought on staff here, it will take time for them to get to know the 700+ people that come here every Sunday morning. One of my hopes is that the next pastor will keep us all on staff, and that I will get along with them, and be able to learn from them as I have previous lead pastors.
Though I know pieces of the machine get moved around from time to time, it's reassuring to me that I know I can count on God through it all. Not because I've earned it- I haven't. But because He is good; despite what the circumstances may currently look like. I have hope for the future for my family, for God's church and for the next leader that is to come. Thanks God, that You are trustworthy and faithful.
Monday, August 3, 2009
insane
We here in America have it easy. I don't mean the economy or whatever. But religious persecution at least to me seems that persecution for Christians here is relegated mainly to being not included in others' plans, being made fun of, or otherwise socially outcast. Here are what some brothers and sisters in Pakistan are dealing with. Read about it here:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/world/asia/03pstan.html?_r=2
Jesus, please encourage and comfort them right now, in your Name.
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/03/world/asia/03pstan.html?_r=2
Jesus, please encourage and comfort them right now, in your Name.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
lesson 18 reflection
The Church needs individuals of all generations committed to a biblical
understanding of whole-life stewardship.
We have to constantly teach the next generation about giving of their time, talent and treasure for the purpose of honoring God. If not, they will miss out on the blessings that come with knowing they're serving the Lord and future generations will not get to know the Lord.
Reflect on your own attitude in each of the six categories from the lesson resource.
Environment- has recently become more important to me, recycling and reusing things like paper and plastic have become normal in my life
Personal lifestyle- offering my gifts and abilities to help people know about the Lord is what my life is dedicated
Faith community- as a Christian, I understand that I'm a part of something larger than myself, I am part of the family of God
Outreach- This area has always been important to me, but could be put a little more passion/thought into
Wealth- I don't view wealth as a bad thing, mainly because we always have enough to meet our needs. I've thought for a long time if we ever get a super-abundance of income, that I would have fun giving to meet others' needs. For now I will give when moved to give and when able, in that order.
General financial commitment- I don't know how many different ways to say this, but I understand that God is my provider of everything, and make sure that in budgeting, He gets the first offering, not what's left over.
understanding of whole-life stewardship.
We have to constantly teach the next generation about giving of their time, talent and treasure for the purpose of honoring God. If not, they will miss out on the blessings that come with knowing they're serving the Lord and future generations will not get to know the Lord.
Reflect on your own attitude in each of the six categories from the lesson resource.
Environment- has recently become more important to me, recycling and reusing things like paper and plastic have become normal in my life
Personal lifestyle- offering my gifts and abilities to help people know about the Lord is what my life is dedicated
Faith community- as a Christian, I understand that I'm a part of something larger than myself, I am part of the family of God
Outreach- This area has always been important to me, but could be put a little more passion/thought into
Wealth- I don't view wealth as a bad thing, mainly because we always have enough to meet our needs. I've thought for a long time if we ever get a super-abundance of income, that I would have fun giving to meet others' needs. For now I will give when moved to give and when able, in that order.
General financial commitment- I don't know how many different ways to say this, but I understand that God is my provider of everything, and make sure that in budgeting, He gets the first offering, not what's left over.
Lesson 19 reflection
Reflect on your own attitude about tithing and giving. I believe in tithing and have never really had an issue with it. I cannot remember a time where I wish I had the tithe money for myself. I do my best to give to special offerings whenever I can. We also sponsor a child in Nepal through Nazarene Compassionate ministries.
- Reflect on your commitment, and history in tithing.
I made a commitment early on to practice tithing, and as far as I know, have stuck with it since then. I did find an envelope buried in the back of a drawer the other day that was supposed to be given a couple months prior. So I just turned it in with the rest of my tithe the next Sunday.
- the "Big Idea"
Whole-life stewardship recognizes God as the ultimate source of all things. (2 Cor 9:8)
Whole-life stewardship is God‘s method for supporting the local church. (1 Cor 9:6-14)
God is the one who provides our every need, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental. He provides our shelter, food, clothing and jobs.
Not only does our tithe help us support the church financially, our gifts and talents help support the leadership of the local church; lifting their burdens and allowing others to experience God's grace as well.
- Reflect on your commitment, and history in tithing.
I made a commitment early on to practice tithing, and as far as I know, have stuck with it since then. I did find an envelope buried in the back of a drawer the other day that was supposed to be given a couple months prior. So I just turned it in with the rest of my tithe the next Sunday.
- the "Big Idea"
Whole-life stewardship recognizes God as the ultimate source of all things. (2 Cor 9:8)
Whole-life stewardship is God‘s method for supporting the local church. (1 Cor 9:6-14)
God is the one who provides our every need, spiritual, physical, emotional and mental. He provides our shelter, food, clothing and jobs.
Not only does our tithe help us support the church financially, our gifts and talents help support the leadership of the local church; lifting their burdens and allowing others to experience God's grace as well.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
lesson 17
Reflect on your own attitude toward stewardship your own personal giving.
My mom and dad taught me about tithing and modeled giving to me from early on, so this has never been a big issue to me at all. I understand and practice stewardship from the Bible's perspective.
The Big Idea: Stewardship is about lifestyle issues.
It's easy for us to single out finances as the one issue of stewardship, but really it's our whole lives that need to reflect a submission to God. Our actions and reactions with people should show that we belong to God.
My mom and dad taught me about tithing and modeled giving to me from early on, so this has never been a big issue to me at all. I understand and practice stewardship from the Bible's perspective.
The Big Idea: Stewardship is about lifestyle issues.
It's easy for us to single out finances as the one issue of stewardship, but really it's our whole lives that need to reflect a submission to God. Our actions and reactions with people should show that we belong to God.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
lesson 16 reflection
How do you personally feel about your responsibility for apportionments? I feel like maybe we're a little top heavy. I grew up in the Nazarene church and still need to understand better the role of the DS. Is it necessary? What do they actually do? We have a good DS and he'll do a good job. I've honestly felt like the apportionments is like the Nazarene tax. I guess I'm selfish and would like to see us as a local church be able to do more in/for our community. I understand why and where it goes and believe in it; just seems a little much. I also think the budget should be a flat rate, not based on how large your church is or how many staff people you have. That part is ridiculous.
How will that affect your congregation? I will be supportive of the denomination.
The Big Idea: Through denominational channels the ministry of the local church
extends to the community and the whole world.The Nazarene church does well in its organization.
How will that affect your congregation? I will be supportive of the denomination.
The Big Idea: Through denominational channels the ministry of the local church
extends to the community and the whole world.The Nazarene church does well in its organization.
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