Here is the list that Pat has made of tasks remaining at the Laughrun House. Remember, we can't actually start using our new gift until it has been made ready.
You may leave a reply here on the blog to claim your "burning bush," or you can email the church.
Outside Work
- Trim shrubs
- Remove plants from along the edge of the street
- Take down fence
- Reinstall the fence 20 feet back from the street
- Cut down the Norway spruce
- Repair the roof of the shed
- Clean out gutters
- Caulk vent pipe at roof above large bath
- Clean the roof line behind chimney at back edge of roof
Inside Work
- Painting
Maggie’s office
Living room area
Sunday School room
- Electrical
Run ground loop length of house in the basement
Put in ground wire in office receptacles
Install light fixture in breakfast nook
Install motion detector fixture on front right corner of house
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Wisdom from Above: the call & response list from Sunday
Trying to remember those words you repeated aloud on Sunday?
The list, in greater context, is taken from the New English Bible (Oxford U Press 1970) which was one of the first 'modern" translations.
James 3:13 - 18
Who among you is wise or clever? Let his right conduct give practical proof of it, with the modesty that comes of wisdom. But if you are harbouring bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, consider whether your claims are not false, and a defiance of the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes from above; it is earth-bound, sensual, demonic. For with jealousy and ambition come disorder and evil of every kind.
But wisdom from above is in the first place pure; and then peace-loving, considerate, and open to reason; it is straightforward and sincere, rich in mercy and in the kindly deeds that are its fruit. True justice is the harvest reaped by peacemakers from seeds sown in a spirit of peace.
- pure
- peace-loving
- considerate
- open to reason
- straightforward and sincere
- rich in mercy
- kind in deed
The list, in greater context, is taken from the New English Bible (Oxford U Press 1970) which was one of the first 'modern" translations.
James 3:13 - 18
Who among you is wise or clever? Let his right conduct give practical proof of it, with the modesty that comes of wisdom. But if you are harbouring bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, consider whether your claims are not false, and a defiance of the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes from above; it is earth-bound, sensual, demonic. For with jealousy and ambition come disorder and evil of every kind.
But wisdom from above is in the first place pure; and then peace-loving, considerate, and open to reason; it is straightforward and sincere, rich in mercy and in the kindly deeds that are its fruit. True justice is the harvest reaped by peacemakers from seeds sown in a spirit of peace.
Stewardship infects Burnsville First Presbyterian Church!!
It's true. Our congregation is and has been able to discern need and respond faithfully. Now on the heels of our successful capital fund campaign, we need to assure our operating budget for 2007 -- sustaining last year's funding level. While this goal does not reflect the growth in the need for our Master's work, it recognizes the sacrificial circumstances of our current situation.
Nonetheless, our congregation is growing, so we are moving forward in faith. We are seeking 65 pledges for 2007, rather than the 56 pledges received in 2006.
Please pray for our success in 2007 pledging as we enter October – our traditional Stewardship Month and check the blog periodically for our progress reports.
--Bob McFerren
Nonetheless, our congregation is growing, so we are moving forward in faith. We are seeking 65 pledges for 2007, rather than the 56 pledges received in 2006.
Please pray for our success in 2007 pledging as we enter October – our traditional Stewardship Month and check the blog periodically for our progress reports.
--Bob McFerren
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Welcome Baby Gabriel
Welcome Baby Gabriel Glenn Davis - born Sunday September 17.
Please call Wanda (the ridiculously proud grandma) if you would like to arrange a time to bring the new family a meal.
Blessings!
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Celebration
Our total pledges received to date: $294,480Praise be to God.
Thank you to those of you, through your works, prayer, and generosity, helped make God's dream, become our dream, become reality.
And then...
... we celebrated!
Monday, September 04, 2006
PRAISE GOD!
We Have Met Our Goal!
Hallelujah!
And we think there are a few more pledges coming in yet this week. So, COME, attend the Celebration Picnic on Sunday, September 10, after church. Bring a salad or a dessert to share. (We'll provide meat and drink.) We will announce our GRAND TOTAL that Sunday at our celebration picnic.
The "P-word" in this instance is PARTY! God has truly made his love known and we are in awe of his abundant blessings.
Thank you to everyone who was involved with this campaign. Thank you to all those of you who have prayed for us during this time. Thank you to all of you who pledged and contributed.
Thank you, God!
Hallelujah!
And we think there are a few more pledges coming in yet this week. So, COME, attend the Celebration Picnic on Sunday, September 10, after church. Bring a salad or a dessert to share. (We'll provide meat and drink.) We will announce our GRAND TOTAL that Sunday at our celebration picnic.
The "P-word" in this instance is PARTY! God has truly made his love known and we are in awe of his abundant blessings.
Thank you to everyone who was involved with this campaign. Thank you to all those of you who have prayed for us during this time. Thank you to all of you who pledged and contributed.
Thank you, God!
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Psalm 111
Hallelujah!
I give thanks to God with everything I've got--
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.
God's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study--endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.
His miracles are his memorial--
This God of Grace, this God of Love.
He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.
He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter--a gift!
He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last--
Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:
He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
The good life begins in the fear of God--
Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!
I give thanks to God with everything I've got--
Wherever good people gather, and in the congregation.
God's works are so great, worth
A lifetime of study--endless enjoyment!
Splendor and beauty mark his craft;
His generosity never gives out.
His miracles are his memorial--
This God of Grace, this God of Love.
He gave food to those who fear him,
He remembered to keep his ancient promise.
He proved to his people that he could do what he said:
Hand them the nations on a platter--a gift!
He manufactures truth and justice;
All his products are guaranteed to last--
Never out-of-date, never obsolete, rust-proof.
All that he makes and does is honest and true:
He paid the ransom for his people,
He ordered his Covenant kept forever.
He's so personal and holy, worthy of our respect.
The good life begins in the fear of God--
Do that and you'll know the blessing of God.
His Hallelujah lasts forever!
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Friday, August 25, 2006
Friday Morning Update
This is the update from Friday Morning - though I didn't get it posted until this afternoon.
Our Goal: $279,000
Pledges Received: $253,450
# of Pledges: 63
nearly 91% of our goal
Our meeting this morning had a different tone: one of praise to God. While we are not done yet, we realized importance of grateful thanksgiving for the miracles God is able to make happen. Yes, we have 9% to go, but instead of anxious imploring, we prayed in joyful recognition of the 91% and the marvel that is.
Our Goal: $279,000
Pledges Received: $253,450
# of Pledges: 63
nearly 91% of our goal
Our meeting this morning had a different tone: one of praise to God. While we are not done yet, we realized importance of grateful thanksgiving for the miracles God is able to make happen. Yes, we have 9% to go, but instead of anxious imploring, we prayed in joyful recognition of the 91% and the marvel that is.
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Wednesday Update
Our Goal: $279,000
Pledges Received: $245,170
Number of Pledges: 55
88% of our goal
So many have already been so generous, please help us reach our goal. Your pledge may be the one that puts us over the top and makes all of the other pledges complete.
Back to the baseball analogy - let's bring that runner home!
Pledges Received: $245,170
Number of Pledges: 55
88% of our goal
So many have already been so generous, please help us reach our goal. Your pledge may be the one that puts us over the top and makes all of the other pledges complete.
Back to the baseball analogy - let's bring that runner home!
Monday, August 21, 2006
Monday Morning Update
And then came the total from the pledge cards received in the offering plate and after church:
$237,470
85% of our goal
51 pledges
Please continue to pray.
$237,470
85% of our goal
51 pledges
Please continue to pray.
Prayer
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
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
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Sunday Update - Praise Be
At the end of 2nd service, the total came to over $202K!
72% of our goal.
Thank you to those who returned pledge cards this morning.
We are well on our way with only 12 more days left in the Growing With Faith drive.
Now, for this last "little" bit... keep praying.
72% of our goal.
Thank you to those who returned pledge cards this morning.
We are well on our way with only 12 more days left in the Growing With Faith drive.
Now, for this last "little" bit... keep praying.
Saturday, August 19, 2006
A Sense of Urgency
During our committee meeting Friday morning we were filled with a jolt of energy when we realized:
There are only 13 days left before we are to close on the house*!
Our last update shows that we are only at 57% of our goal.
Many visits have been made, but there are still many pledge cards that have not yet been returned. While we appreciate that you have been asked for sacrificial gifts and are thankful for your careful consideration, we need to know where we stand. Whatever you give is graciously accepted.
If you still have your pledge card, please bring it to church on Sunday and drop it in the replica house. We will announce at the close of each service our grand totals . (For those of you attending the 1st service, the total after the 2nd service will be posted here as soon as I get home from church.)
Our goal is to round that $200,000 mark on Sunday.
If we all do our parts, we can.
Please continue to pray.
*Please note that while we are closing on a "house," what this house really represents is church life : the ability to include seniors, youth, and those needing private counseling (or intimate conversation) in church programs.
There are only 13 days left before we are to close on the house*!
Our last update shows that we are only at 57% of our goal.
Many visits have been made, but there are still many pledge cards that have not yet been returned. While we appreciate that you have been asked for sacrificial gifts and are thankful for your careful consideration, we need to know where we stand. Whatever you give is graciously accepted.
If you still have your pledge card, please bring it to church on Sunday and drop it in the replica house. We will announce at the close of each service our grand totals . (For those of you attending the 1st service, the total after the 2nd service will be posted here as soon as I get home from church.)
Our goal is to round that $200,000 mark on Sunday.
If we all do our parts, we can.
Please continue to pray.
*Please note that while we are closing on a "house," what this house really represents is church life : the ability to include seniors, youth, and those needing private counseling (or intimate conversation) in church programs.
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Luke 11
from The Message
One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, "Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
So he said, "When you pray, say,
Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."
Then he said, "Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don't have a thing on hand.'
"The friend answers from his bed, 'Don't bother me. The door's locked; my children are all down for the night; I can't get up to give you anything.'
"But let me tell you, even if he won't get up because he's a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he'll finally get up and get you whatever you need.
"Here's what I'm saying:
Ask and you'll get;
Seek and you'll find;
Knock and the door will open.
"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing--you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"
One day he was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said, "Master, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples."
So he said, "When you pray, say,
Father,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil."
Then he said, "Imagine what would happen if you went to a friend in the middle of the night and said, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread. An old friend traveling through just showed up, and I don't have a thing on hand.'
"The friend answers from his bed, 'Don't bother me. The door's locked; my children are all down for the night; I can't get up to give you anything.'
"But let me tell you, even if he won't get up because he's a friend, if you stand your ground, knocking and waking all the neighbors, he'll finally get up and get you whatever you need.
"Here's what I'm saying:
Ask and you'll get;
Seek and you'll find;
Knock and the door will open.
"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This is not a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your little boy asks for a serving of fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? If your little girl asks for an egg, do you trick her with a spider? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing--you're at least decent to your own children. And don't you think the Father who conceived you in love will give the Holy Spirit when you ask him?"
Monday, August 14, 2006
Sunday, August 13, 2006
Prayer
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
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
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