In last Wednesday's Prayer Meeting people kept coming back to this passage:
(from The Message translation)
Romans 5
By entering through faith into what God has always waned to do for us -- set us right with him, make us fit for him -- we have it all together with God because of our Master Jesus. And that's not all: We throw upon our doors to God and discover at the same moment that he has already thrown open his door to us. We find ourselves standing where we always hoped we might stand -- out in the wide open spaces of God's grace and glory, standing tall and shouting our praise.
There's more to come: We continue to should our praise even when we're hemmed in with troubles, because we know how troubles can develop passionate patience in us, and how that patience in turn forges the tempered steel of virtue, keeping us alert for whatever God will do next. In alert expectancy such as this, we're never left feeling shortchanged. Quite the contrary -- we can't round up enough containers to hold everything God generously pours into our lives through the Holy Spirit!
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Monday, July 17, 2006
Q. Who will use this space and how?
A. We all will use this space for many of our church ministries:
Small Group Ministries (1st Floor Meeting Space) We need a quiet space to have committee meetings, Sunday School, and small group gatherings on the first floor. Those who are handicapped or uncomfortable using stairs need a viable option to be able to participate in church events. The fellowship hall is simply maxed out as a multi-purpose space.
Pastor/Staff Ministries (Offices) In the current arrangement, neither our pastor nor our programs director is able to have meetings in their offices. For them to continue ministering to individuals, small groups, as well as the congregation, they need more space. Further, with the amount of activity at the church, and because of the location of their offices, they are constantly interrupted as they attempt to complete their many assignments. (And one office is inconveniently located in the basement.) It is also imperative for the people they serve that their offices be located on a first floor.
Youth Ministries After a certain age, a playground will not be sufficient space for the youth. Already we were finding ourselves pressed during VBS to find a room for all the indoor and outdoor activities for the children. The amazing yard behind the house will be home to tag, volleyball, Frisbee, soccer, and our frequent water balloon activities!
Mission Since First Presbyterian was begun with school and education playing a prominent role (being the first school in Yancey county), continuing our mission of service through education by hosting the Church Street Preschool is important. This non-profit preschool is like none other around, serving all socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and children from a four-county area. This ministry at the local level, through education of our youth, fills a need in the community not being met elsewhere. It is our gift of space (though they do pay a token amount to cover utilities) that allows this school to be operational.
Parking Well, parking isn’t really a ministry… but if you think of it in terms of how vital parking is to our continued ability to grow and be welcoming, you will see that additional parking space is a need.
Small Group Ministries (1st Floor Meeting Space) We need a quiet space to have committee meetings, Sunday School, and small group gatherings on the first floor. Those who are handicapped or uncomfortable using stairs need a viable option to be able to participate in church events. The fellowship hall is simply maxed out as a multi-purpose space.
Pastor/Staff Ministries (Offices) In the current arrangement, neither our pastor nor our programs director is able to have meetings in their offices. For them to continue ministering to individuals, small groups, as well as the congregation, they need more space. Further, with the amount of activity at the church, and because of the location of their offices, they are constantly interrupted as they attempt to complete their many assignments. (And one office is inconveniently located in the basement.) It is also imperative for the people they serve that their offices be located on a first floor.
Youth Ministries After a certain age, a playground will not be sufficient space for the youth. Already we were finding ourselves pressed during VBS to find a room for all the indoor and outdoor activities for the children. The amazing yard behind the house will be home to tag, volleyball, Frisbee, soccer, and our frequent water balloon activities!
Mission Since First Presbyterian was begun with school and education playing a prominent role (being the first school in Yancey county), continuing our mission of service through education by hosting the Church Street Preschool is important. This non-profit preschool is like none other around, serving all socio-economic levels, ethnic backgrounds, and children from a four-county area. This ministry at the local level, through education of our youth, fills a need in the community not being met elsewhere. It is our gift of space (though they do pay a token amount to cover utilities) that allows this school to be operational.
Parking Well, parking isn’t really a ministry… but if you think of it in terms of how vital parking is to our continued ability to grow and be welcoming, you will see that additional parking space is a need.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Daily Prayer for Growing With Faith
Dear God, be with us every step of the way as we pray and work toward our goal for expansion. You know the needs of our Church, and You have led us to engage in this campaign for much needed funds.
Help us to keep in mind that it is your work.
Give us a deep desire to want your will in all that we do. May our endeavors for this campaign draw us closer in community and stronger in our commitment to serve You and your people most in need.
Inspire us to be as dedicated in prayer for our goal as we are generous with our resources.
Make us ever grateful for all the blessings you pour into our lives. Help us to be aware that your grace is always with us, and without You we can do nothing.
We pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen
Help us to keep in mind that it is your work.
Give us a deep desire to want your will in all that we do. May our endeavors for this campaign draw us closer in community and stronger in our commitment to serve You and your people most in need.
Inspire us to be as dedicated in prayer for our goal as we are generous with our resources.
Make us ever grateful for all the blessings you pour into our lives. Help us to be aware that your grace is always with us, and without You we can do nothing.
We pray in the name of Jesus.
Amen
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