I attended this week’s worship at the Downtown Rescue Mission. Faith generally leads the worship service the third Monday of the month. I’ve come to enjoy these services though I wasn’t really expecting anything special. Wow, was I wrong!
Frank started the service with the question, “How do we know that Jesus is with us? What evidence do we have?” Then Nancy woke us all up with a rousing praise song sung as both round and energizer. Jerry then led us in confession and a message of forgiveness. Then Bob provided the message. It was about the bread of life using two passages from John. The second passage was about Jesus predicting his betrayal by Judas; John 13:21-27. The message was a truly Spirit inspired interpretation of Jesus’ identifying Judas by serving him bread. Given Jesus’ complete understanding of the importance of earthly bread and the bread of life he offers, this act was interpreted as both the initiation of the events of his crucifixion but simultaneously also a forgiving of Judas for the role he was about to play. Then Jerry and I served the people croissants; an act of service unlike any I had ever experienced before. It was humbling at the same time as being uplifting.
That service took me from low expectations, to awakeness, to forgiveness, to awe for the gifts of the bread of life and the presence of the Spirit, to truly experiencing a humble act of service. What better proof of the power and presence of Jesus in my life could I want?
But, oh no, He wasn’t done yet! After the conclusion this young woman came over to thank us and bless us for the service with tears in her eyes. She then approached Jerry and gave him a hug; and in that hug melted. The burden was too much and the tears started flowing. Jerry sat with her to pray. I don’t know what was discussed or confessed and I have no need to know. The picture of this woman’s tear filled face, full of both agony and release, in the full fatherly hug of the love of Christ will be forever etched in my memory.
Truly evidence aplenty for those that will open their eyes and see. I witnessed love!
Agape,
Dave
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Whitesburg Workday
Faith Presbyterian volunteers included 13 people last Saturday. This mixture of all ages also included two families bringing their children. The group descended upon the Whitesburg campus about 9:00 am. I perceived it as an example of our Faith Family in action in our neighborhood. We all improved in our pruning, weeding, and clean up skills as we attempted to transform the court yard flower beds, trim the shrubs in the front and other areas of the school campus. Along side us was the principal, not sitting in his office but along side of us as well as the PTA president. Both were with us the entire time working hard to improve the grounds. As we left the campus, I saw visible signs of our efforts- branches of bushes piled high along the street and in the back of a truck, tools in stacks, and a transformed, cleaner campus. It was a good experience, a venturing of the Faith family connecting with neighborhood needs in our midst. I look forward to the next experience to continue the relationship. Hope that others will want to join us for the next venture!!
Sarah Curtis
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Faith@School
The Faith@School ministry is very slowly taking on a shape of its own.
It was originally conceived as a way for Faith to reach out into the community and build strong ties of partnership with a single school. There was an effort to build on a successful reading buddy ministry at West Huntsville elementary school (WHES). The faintest inkling of partnership was budding when it was announced WHES would be merging with Morris elementary school. I say, faintest inkling, because establishing that partnership is a two-way street of trust and commitment, and that takes time to develop.
At the beginning of this school year Faith is trying to reform and restructure this ministry. In order to do that, a partnership of trust must be formed not only with the community but also within Faith Church itself. A luncheon meeting at Faith was held back in August with several school representatives, Second Mile Development, Youth Development Association and about a dozen or so Faith members. This was a very informative meeting highlighting the strong needs of the entire school system for community involvement. Particularly in these times of decreasing budgets, school restructuring, changing demographics, and anticipated rapid growth.
At a following Outreach Committee meeting the question of whether to focus on one school or several was discussed. Several individuals have been making inroads into relationships with several schools. Libba Nicholson is working with Morris Elementary, George Newell is working with Farley Elementary through a group from Redstone Village (not confirmed), and Sara Curtis is working with Whitesburg Elementary. While no formal decisions are being made, it appears this ministry effort is taking the form of multiple paths into involvement with Huntsville City Schools.
Given this direction that the Holy Spirit seems to be leading these folks and schools, the question that remains is what form of leadership and nurture does Faith Church pursue? The efforts of three individuals who happen to be Faith members does not make a Faith ministry and is likely not sustainable in the long run. However, their faithfulness offers Faith the opportunity to provide ministry to our community by ministering to these servants. How can Faith support them? How can Faith nurture more Faith members to engage in this multi-faceted school ministry to provide resources and more importantly a growing and sustainable source of ministry leaders to share the burdens and carry on the work in the long term? How can Faith bring these efforts together as a team rooted in God’s Word and Jesus’ example of servanthood? How can Faith bring them together to share successes and failures and strengthen one another? How does Faith strengthen these servants, and more, to spread out into the community?
Where will the Holy Spirit guide Faith Church in this ministry? What is the Spirit revealing to you? Share you thoughts, ideas, and prayers by commenting below.
Agape!
It was originally conceived as a way for Faith to reach out into the community and build strong ties of partnership with a single school. There was an effort to build on a successful reading buddy ministry at West Huntsville elementary school (WHES). The faintest inkling of partnership was budding when it was announced WHES would be merging with Morris elementary school. I say, faintest inkling, because establishing that partnership is a two-way street of trust and commitment, and that takes time to develop.
At the beginning of this school year Faith is trying to reform and restructure this ministry. In order to do that, a partnership of trust must be formed not only with the community but also within Faith Church itself. A luncheon meeting at Faith was held back in August with several school representatives, Second Mile Development, Youth Development Association and about a dozen or so Faith members. This was a very informative meeting highlighting the strong needs of the entire school system for community involvement. Particularly in these times of decreasing budgets, school restructuring, changing demographics, and anticipated rapid growth.
At a following Outreach Committee meeting the question of whether to focus on one school or several was discussed. Several individuals have been making inroads into relationships with several schools. Libba Nicholson is working with Morris Elementary, George Newell is working with Farley Elementary through a group from Redstone Village (not confirmed), and Sara Curtis is working with Whitesburg Elementary. While no formal decisions are being made, it appears this ministry effort is taking the form of multiple paths into involvement with Huntsville City Schools.
Given this direction that the Holy Spirit seems to be leading these folks and schools, the question that remains is what form of leadership and nurture does Faith Church pursue? The efforts of three individuals who happen to be Faith members does not make a Faith ministry and is likely not sustainable in the long run. However, their faithfulness offers Faith the opportunity to provide ministry to our community by ministering to these servants. How can Faith support them? How can Faith nurture more Faith members to engage in this multi-faceted school ministry to provide resources and more importantly a growing and sustainable source of ministry leaders to share the burdens and carry on the work in the long term? How can Faith bring these efforts together as a team rooted in God’s Word and Jesus’ example of servanthood? How can Faith bring them together to share successes and failures and strengthen one another? How does Faith strengthen these servants, and more, to spread out into the community?
Where will the Holy Spirit guide Faith Church in this ministry? What is the Spirit revealing to you? Share you thoughts, ideas, and prayers by commenting below.
Agape!
Lions & Pandas & Falcons, Oh My!
Click on your school mascot to go to
their website!
their website!
Saturday, August 1, 2009
WE’RE HOME!!!
Early Monday morning, July 6, we landed on American soil, exhausted and tired, but with hearts full of gratitude and awe for all that we had experienced! Because of the vastness of new sights, sounds, and experiences, there is no way I can fully describe them, even to myself. So, included here are just a few of the highlights.
Among the most gratifying experiences were the visits we made to some of the ministries in which our Presbytery has been involved for many years. For example, we visited the Alexandra Church, where several of our members had been present for its opening ceremony in 2002, and where the Happy Family Nursery, named in honor of Shan Davidson, for her help in its establishment is housed. And some of us were honored to be participants in the festive dedication ceremony of the Chiawelo Presbyterian Church, where members of our Presbytery had donated money to build the roof.
Other visits included joining in a session with the young women of the Sinentlanta Aids Support group, playing and singing with orphans from the New Jerusalem Orphanage and the Agape Home, and visiting and praying with people - in their own homes - who are dying of aids.
We also spent time with the preschool children and young adults of the “Home Based Care and Care Givers Project” run by a Presbyterian church in one of the poorest of the townships. After joining in a short worship service with them, and being royally entertained with song and dance, we ended with teaching them some of our songs from America.
Then there were the giraffes and lions, who we met when we spent a night in a tent in the Lion Park. Even though we practically froze our tails off - it’s wintertime over there, you know - I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! Besides petting a giraffe and lion cubs, we were able to observe some of the most beautiful creatures in the world in their natural habitat - from a jeep, of course!
And I think none of us will ever forget the wonderful people who made all the arrangements and served as chauffeurs, took us in their homes and served us magnificent meals, and included us in the activities of their own congregations, etc., etc.
It is all of these experiences - and many more - which served as a beautiful reminder of the lasting and blessed effects of our partnership with the eGoli Presbytery. May our partnership continue, through Christ, to grow and bond for many years to come!
Please know how much your support - through your letters, donations and especially prayers - meant to each of us.
With love, Nancy, Kerry, Kaylynn, Jasmine, and Becky
Among the most gratifying experiences were the visits we made to some of the ministries in which our Presbytery has been involved for many years. For example, we visited the Alexandra Church, where several of our members had been present for its opening ceremony in 2002, and where the Happy Family Nursery, named in honor of Shan Davidson, for her help in its establishment is housed. And some of us were honored to be participants in the festive dedication ceremony of the Chiawelo Presbyterian Church, where members of our Presbytery had donated money to build the roof.
Other visits included joining in a session with the young women of the Sinentlanta Aids Support group, playing and singing with orphans from the New Jerusalem Orphanage and the Agape Home, and visiting and praying with people - in their own homes - who are dying of aids.
The Sinentlanta Aids Support group
We also spent time with the preschool children and young adults of the “Home Based Care and Care Givers Project” run by a Presbyterian church in one of the poorest of the townships. After joining in a short worship service with them, and being royally entertained with song and dance, we ended with teaching them some of our songs from America.
Rev. Warner Durnell at theAgape Home
Then there were the giraffes and lions, who we met when we spent a night in a tent in the Lion Park. Even though we practically froze our tails off - it’s wintertime over there, you know - I wouldn’t trade the experience for anything! Besides petting a giraffe and lion cubs, we were able to observe some of the most beautiful creatures in the world in their natural habitat - from a jeep, of course!
And I think none of us will ever forget the wonderful people who made all the arrangements and served as chauffeurs, took us in their homes and served us magnificent meals, and included us in the activities of their own congregations, etc., etc.
It is all of these experiences - and many more - which served as a beautiful reminder of the lasting and blessed effects of our partnership with the eGoli Presbytery. May our partnership continue, through Christ, to grow and bond for many years to come!
Please know how much your support - through your letters, donations and especially prayers - meant to each of us.
With love, Nancy, Kerry, Kaylynn, Jasmine, and Becky
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Impressions from the Operation Hungry Picnic
Dave McGhee – July 26, 2009
Yesterday was a wonderful day for a picnic! It was sunny, warm (almost hot) with a slight breeze, and low humidity. This was my first time attending either of Operation Hungry’s yearly events; the Christmas banquet, often held at Faith Presbyterian Church, or the summer picnic, this year held at Brahan Springs Park. I thought I’d put down a few beginner’s impressions.
There were a lot of very nice people there!
First there were the folks from the churches that were helping. St Bartley’s Church was the organizer this year. At the opening prayer there were maybe 5-8 churches recognized as being there. Frank, Charlotte, Doug, and I were there from Faith. We were the minority group. All of the folks were very friendly and had a heart for doing this ministry. It was very well run. If I had to guess, I’d say there were about 25-30 folks from the supporting churches. I’d also say that most of these churches already had some relationship with the hungry that were served.
Of course, there were also the hungry of Huntsville. I’d say there were about 50 folks. I’m not a “mingler” by nature. Frank and Charlotte did most of that from our team. But here are my impressions of those that attended. Now let’s just throw away the stereotype “homeless” images. These were clean, friendly people. They were probably more integrated than the church folk there to serve. Everyone was polite. Several had children. One gentleman had children and a Grandmother; he looked very weary. There were a number of folks that came later as things were wrapping up and I imagine at least some of them were getting off work from jobs they had Saturday morning. It sounds cliché, but honestly they could have been you or I, but by the grace of God! They had there own network, obviously many acquaintances among them. There was lots of conversation and greetings that flew across the group. Yet I could make out very little of it? It was like a different language?
The food was great! One of the churches had a professional smoker/grill going, cooking some great chicken. There was some very good coleslaw there too! There were baked beans, hot dogs, bread, chips, packaged deserts, drinks, and water. Faith was in charge of watermelon. Pat and Frank had worked out a deal with Kroger for a reduced cost on 20 or so watermelons and ice. The Kroger manager (on Drake) said “no charge”! But that was not until he asked Frank to see the check. So “good faith” money has a meaning for charity work as well. Any leftovers were being taken to “Pathfinders”. Frank tells me that is a program that is basically a “3/4” way house for folks on their last steps of recovery and reentry into the world.
So, I would heartily recommend participation in these efforts! I would say this is probably more of a case where Faith can send a team of folks and/or dollars to support the churches that are really active in ministry to the hungry and homeless. We just don’t have the relationships in place to minister directly to them. I would say it is a very safe environment for older elementary and definitely youth to participate in.
Agape!
Yesterday was a wonderful day for a picnic! It was sunny, warm (almost hot) with a slight breeze, and low humidity. This was my first time attending either of Operation Hungry’s yearly events; the Christmas banquet, often held at Faith Presbyterian Church, or the summer picnic, this year held at Brahan Springs Park. I thought I’d put down a few beginner’s impressions.
There were a lot of very nice people there!
First there were the folks from the churches that were helping. St Bartley’s Church was the organizer this year. At the opening prayer there were maybe 5-8 churches recognized as being there. Frank, Charlotte, Doug, and I were there from Faith. We were the minority group. All of the folks were very friendly and had a heart for doing this ministry. It was very well run. If I had to guess, I’d say there were about 25-30 folks from the supporting churches. I’d also say that most of these churches already had some relationship with the hungry that were served.
Of course, there were also the hungry of Huntsville. I’d say there were about 50 folks. I’m not a “mingler” by nature. Frank and Charlotte did most of that from our team. But here are my impressions of those that attended. Now let’s just throw away the stereotype “homeless” images. These were clean, friendly people. They were probably more integrated than the church folk there to serve. Everyone was polite. Several had children. One gentleman had children and a Grandmother; he looked very weary. There were a number of folks that came later as things were wrapping up and I imagine at least some of them were getting off work from jobs they had Saturday morning. It sounds cliché, but honestly they could have been you or I, but by the grace of God! They had there own network, obviously many acquaintances among them. There was lots of conversation and greetings that flew across the group. Yet I could make out very little of it? It was like a different language?
The food was great! One of the churches had a professional smoker/grill going, cooking some great chicken. There was some very good coleslaw there too! There were baked beans, hot dogs, bread, chips, packaged deserts, drinks, and water. Faith was in charge of watermelon. Pat and Frank had worked out a deal with Kroger for a reduced cost on 20 or so watermelons and ice. The Kroger manager (on Drake) said “no charge”! But that was not until he asked Frank to see the check. So “good faith” money has a meaning for charity work as well. Any leftovers were being taken to “Pathfinders”. Frank tells me that is a program that is basically a “3/4” way house for folks on their last steps of recovery and reentry into the world.
So, I would heartily recommend participation in these efforts! I would say this is probably more of a case where Faith can send a team of folks and/or dollars to support the churches that are really active in ministry to the hungry and homeless. We just don’t have the relationships in place to minister directly to them. I would say it is a very safe environment for older elementary and definitely youth to participate in.
Agape!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
To Whom Do We Reach Out?
by Dave McGhee, July 14, 2009
To whom do we reach out; and why?
These are two very big questions with answers that are really, at their core, very simple. First, as a previous blog from The Missional Church Network shows, God truly has shown a heart for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners throughout his biblical story. Second, as Christians, Jesus reminds us that we have been commanded to reach out to our neighbor in what is known as "the Great Commandment."
Now most people in the world these days can get behind the second part of the Great Commandment even though they don't like the commandment part. There is generally a strong altruistic desire, particularly among younger people, to help those in need. After all, it's the right thing to do. Our capitalistic society shows this is true. Businesses tap into this desire because it makes them money. News and political organizations know this because it gets them ratings and votes. So it is a basic part of our make up to have this desire. The good stuff just gets lost in the bad stuff.
So what is different about Christians and their motives for doing good? Contrary to popular opinion, and some bad choices made in church history, Christians do not do good works to earn their way into heaven. Rather, when we start developing a relationship with Jesus and experiencing all the good things that brings, we feel compelled to share that with others. Now we're all human and we're all at different stages of that relationship with Jesus but the bottom line is that we try to respond to, not earn, the love that God has shown us through his son Jesus and pass it on.
Mission in Christian terms is following Jesus’ example in delivering his message. Mission is about building relationships that allow us to do that.
To whom do we reach out; and why?
These are two very big questions with answers that are really, at their core, very simple. First, as a previous blog from The Missional Church Network shows, God truly has shown a heart for the poor, widows, orphans, and foreigners throughout his biblical story. Second, as Christians, Jesus reminds us that we have been commanded to reach out to our neighbor in what is known as "the Great Commandment."
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments." - Matthew 22:36-40The trouble usually comes when we try to find wiggle room and try to fit that commandment into our comfort zones. Check out Luke 10:25-37 and you'll find a story you're probably familiar with. Jesus was not about making us comfortable!
Now most people in the world these days can get behind the second part of the Great Commandment even though they don't like the commandment part. There is generally a strong altruistic desire, particularly among younger people, to help those in need. After all, it's the right thing to do. Our capitalistic society shows this is true. Businesses tap into this desire because it makes them money. News and political organizations know this because it gets them ratings and votes. So it is a basic part of our make up to have this desire. The good stuff just gets lost in the bad stuff.
So what is different about Christians and their motives for doing good? Contrary to popular opinion, and some bad choices made in church history, Christians do not do good works to earn their way into heaven. Rather, when we start developing a relationship with Jesus and experiencing all the good things that brings, we feel compelled to share that with others. Now we're all human and we're all at different stages of that relationship with Jesus but the bottom line is that we try to respond to, not earn, the love that God has shown us through his son Jesus and pass it on.
Mission in Christian terms is following Jesus’ example in delivering his message. Mission is about building relationships that allow us to do that.
- We build relationships with those we help.
- We build relationships with those we serve with.
- We build relationship with God when we pursue His work.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
The Downtown Rescue Mission & Faith – A Reciprocal Ministry
By Chris Hyde
One mark of a good outreach ministry is that it spiritually renews and refreshes those involved in carrying out the ministry. That trait is evident with Faith’s monthly ministry at the Downtown Rescue Mission. When returning from a service at the DRM, I often feel a little guilty that I may have benefited more than those who where supposedly on the receiving end of this ministry. By the end of a service I am not always sure who was ministering to whom but I know that the Holy Spirit was present and I was witnessing God at work in people’s lives.
There is nothing quite like witnessing the unmistakable work of God’s transforming power in the lives of his people to strengthen one’s faith. Yes, I have also seen that at FPC but to be honest it has not always been easy for me to see. Maybe it’s spiritual laziness but I don’t always want to have to work to see how God is making a difference in people’s lives. At the typical DRM service you don’t have to work at it.
The expression of humble, thankful witness to being given the opportunity of a second chance is common place. There is much gratitude to God for the basics of life and it is obvious that many of the residents feel that they have been saved in every sense of the word. Because of the testimony that is regularly offered by mission residents and FPC participants, I leave feeling spiritually renewed and thankful for the blessings that God has given to me and others.
Faith has been leading a monthly worship service at the DRM for over 15 years. This is a growing outreach ministry for us with participation by Faith members more than doubling over the past two years. It is also a family friendly ministry where children often attend and participate. Currently the 30 minute evening service occurs on the third Monday of each month from 7:00 to 7:30, in the chapel of the new DRM complex located at the former Westminster Academy facility off of University Drive. We gather at FPC from 6:15-6:30, for prayer then carpool to the mission; returning to Faith by 8:00. All Faith members are welcome to join in this ministry by either taking part in the service or by simply joining us for this time of worship. For questions or to receive email reminders about the DRM ministry contact Frank Broyles at fbroyles@presby.org.
One mark of a good outreach ministry is that it spiritually renews and refreshes those involved in carrying out the ministry. That trait is evident with Faith’s monthly ministry at the Downtown Rescue Mission. When returning from a service at the DRM, I often feel a little guilty that I may have benefited more than those who where supposedly on the receiving end of this ministry. By the end of a service I am not always sure who was ministering to whom but I know that the Holy Spirit was present and I was witnessing God at work in people’s lives.
There is nothing quite like witnessing the unmistakable work of God’s transforming power in the lives of his people to strengthen one’s faith. Yes, I have also seen that at FPC but to be honest it has not always been easy for me to see. Maybe it’s spiritual laziness but I don’t always want to have to work to see how God is making a difference in people’s lives. At the typical DRM service you don’t have to work at it.
The expression of humble, thankful witness to being given the opportunity of a second chance is common place. There is much gratitude to God for the basics of life and it is obvious that many of the residents feel that they have been saved in every sense of the word. Because of the testimony that is regularly offered by mission residents and FPC participants, I leave feeling spiritually renewed and thankful for the blessings that God has given to me and others.
Faith has been leading a monthly worship service at the DRM for over 15 years. This is a growing outreach ministry for us with participation by Faith members more than doubling over the past two years. It is also a family friendly ministry where children often attend and participate. Currently the 30 minute evening service occurs on the third Monday of each month from 7:00 to 7:30, in the chapel of the new DRM complex located at the former Westminster Academy facility off of University Drive. We gather at FPC from 6:15-6:30, for prayer then carpool to the mission; returning to Faith by 8:00. All Faith members are welcome to join in this ministry by either taking part in the service or by simply joining us for this time of worship. For questions or to receive email reminders about the DRM ministry contact Frank Broyles at fbroyles@presby.org.
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