Read Scripture Luke 4: 1-13
Key Verse: Luke 4: 13 “The devil retreated temporarily, lying in wait for another opportunity.”
Jesus had been tempted three times by the devil. Each time Jesus was able to overcome the temptation. Finally, after the third time of tempting Jesus, the devil departed (retreated) but had plans to come back at another time.
We face very similar situations in our Christian journeys. Time after time we are faced with choices. We can either give in to the temptation, or we can stand firm in our commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Verse 13 says that the devil retreated temporarily. By that we know that Jesus continually had to be strong. We too must continually be strong. How can we do this in the face of so many temptations that come our way? We can stay in “the word.” We can read our Bibles and pray. We can stay in a community of faith, living beside fellow Christians who can give us encouragement as we travel along together.
We know that the temptations we face will not completely go away. But we can be like Jesus, and refuse to give in to them.
Prayer:
O God, we know that you are close by us to help us when temptation comes our way. Help us as we travel on our Christian journeys.
Though for the Day: We will stand firm against the temptations the devil places before us.
Nancy D. Higgs,
Member of the Mildred Taylor Sunday School Class
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Trust God for help in Times of Trouble
Read Romans 10:8b-13
Key Verse: Verse 13: “Everyone who calls, “Help. God gives help.”
Trust God for help in Times of Trouble
Our scripture verse tells us that God is ready to help us. We just need to trust in God for help This is hard to do. We want to take control and be in charge and do it ourselves.
Life is difficult. We face many problems today, financial, health, family.
Take a good look at your life today, see where you can live more simply. Look around you and see who needs help. Can you be that person God is sending to help someone. Spend some time these 40 days of Lent reading the scriptures and praying.
God is ready, willing, and able to help you. Ask God today for help.
A beautiful old hymn entitled, “Trust and Obey” comes to my mind. One of the verses says, “Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay, not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” (p. 467 United Methodist Hymnal words by John Sammis, Music by Daniel Towner)
Try trusting , God is ready to help.
Prayer: O God, we trust you for help in times of trouble. Be with us as we call on your name.
Thought for the Day: Trust God for all things.
Nancy DeVore Higgs, Charter Member of COR
Key Verse: Verse 13: “Everyone who calls, “Help. God gives help.”
Trust God for help in Times of Trouble
Our scripture verse tells us that God is ready to help us. We just need to trust in God for help This is hard to do. We want to take control and be in charge and do it ourselves.
Life is difficult. We face many problems today, financial, health, family.
Take a good look at your life today, see where you can live more simply. Look around you and see who needs help. Can you be that person God is sending to help someone. Spend some time these 40 days of Lent reading the scriptures and praying.
God is ready, willing, and able to help you. Ask God today for help.
A beautiful old hymn entitled, “Trust and Obey” comes to my mind. One of the verses says, “Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share, but our toil he doth richly repay, not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross, but is blest if we trust and obey. Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.” (p. 467 United Methodist Hymnal words by John Sammis, Music by Daniel Towner)
Try trusting , God is ready to help.
Prayer: O God, we trust you for help in times of trouble. Be with us as we call on your name.
Thought for the Day: Trust God for all things.
Nancy DeVore Higgs, Charter Member of COR
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Refuge in A Scary Place
Psalm 71:1-14
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;
give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him." Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Key Verses: In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
A Refuge in A Scary Place
The world is a scary place most of the time. I have friends just this week who are grieving the loss of a 3 month old baby, suffering from injuries in a terrible car wreck and waiting by the hospital bed of their 11 year old son to hear good news that he will recover. Everyone needs a place of refuge and hope. The key verses from Psalms remind us that the Lord is our refuge and to remember that we always have hope.
Prayer: Praise to you, our Lord, for a place of refuge in a scary world. Thank you for giving us hope.
Beth Ann Higgs, founding member and Church webmaster
In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
Be my rock of refuge, to which I can always go;
give the command to save me, for you are my rock and my fortress.
Deliver me, O my God, from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of evil and cruel men.
For you have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth.
From birth I have relied on you; you brought me forth from my mother's womb.
I will ever praise you. I have become like a portent to many, but you are my strong refuge.
My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.
Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.
For my enemies speak against me; those who wait to kill me conspire together.
They say, "God has forsaken him; pursue him and seize him,
for no one will rescue him." Be not far from me, O God; come quickly, O my God, to help me.
May my accusers perish in shame; may those who want to harm me be covered with scorn and disgrace.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
Key Verses: In you, O LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame.
Rescue me and deliver me in your righteousness; turn your ear to me and save me.
But as for me, I will always have hope; I will praise you more and more.
A Refuge in A Scary Place
The world is a scary place most of the time. I have friends just this week who are grieving the loss of a 3 month old baby, suffering from injuries in a terrible car wreck and waiting by the hospital bed of their 11 year old son to hear good news that he will recover. Everyone needs a place of refuge and hope. The key verses from Psalms remind us that the Lord is our refuge and to remember that we always have hope.
Prayer: Praise to you, our Lord, for a place of refuge in a scary world. Thank you for giving us hope.
Beth Ann Higgs, founding member and Church webmaster
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Give Generously to God and Community
Read this Scripture: Deut. 26: 1-11
Key Verse: Verse 10 “Celebrate all the good things that God has given you and your family; you and the Levite and the foreigner who lives with you. “
The Message: Give Generously to God and Community
All of us can remember that our family tree has the fruit of abuse and battery, even cruel and savage slavery. Yet we know that God has listened to our voice and with a strong hand has brought us to this place and this time.
God is our covenant friend that has been gracious to us all our years. God has given us life and reason, and placed us in a world filled with glory.
May this season of Lent be a period for us to recapture a new gratitude and generosity for the gifts our covenant God has blessed us with, and out of that remembering, be transformed to give of ourselves generously to the community of life.
Prayer: Thank you God for all that you have done for us. Make us to be as generous and gracious as you. Amen
Lawton Higgs, Sr., founding pastor
Key Verse: Verse 10 “Celebrate all the good things that God has given you and your family; you and the Levite and the foreigner who lives with you. “
The Message: Give Generously to God and Community
All of us can remember that our family tree has the fruit of abuse and battery, even cruel and savage slavery. Yet we know that God has listened to our voice and with a strong hand has brought us to this place and this time.
God is our covenant friend that has been gracious to us all our years. God has given us life and reason, and placed us in a world filled with glory.
May this season of Lent be a period for us to recapture a new gratitude and generosity for the gifts our covenant God has blessed us with, and out of that remembering, be transformed to give of ourselves generously to the community of life.
Prayer: Thank you God for all that you have done for us. Make us to be as generous and gracious as you. Amen
Lawton Higgs, Sr., founding pastor
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Lord let me be a steward
All my life I felt that God never paid any attention. I was a good person I was active in church,I help people when I could and often made sacrifices for others. Many times I felt looked over and un appreciated. I left a many of jobs for the same reason. Alot of times I was miserable because I was spiritually self-centered. Through the grace of God I was able to attend a summit for the homeless. Being practically homeless and I had no job. I began to put all my efforts to ending homelessness and promoting housing for those who could not afford housing I began to speak against injustice and for the rights that were do to all. Soon situations in my life began to change ,peace became my companion . I felt great !
Out of the blue God put a good man in my life He offered me a house and a job to pay my bills. Our treasures are stored in heaven yet he rewards us openly.
Prayer: Lord let me be a steward.
Victor Beard, Member of the Coalition for the Homeless at COR
Out of the blue God put a good man in my life He offered me a house and a job to pay my bills. Our treasures are stored in heaven yet he rewards us openly.
Prayer: Lord let me be a steward.
Victor Beard, Member of the Coalition for the Homeless at COR
Friday, February 19, 2010
The Essential Thought is Mercy
Read this Scripture: Psalms 51: 1-17
The Essential Thought is Mercy
Have mercy on me oh God. According to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression for I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Mercy is not simply feeling compassion but it exists when something is done to alleviate the pain and suffering of our sisters and brothers. Mercy moves the merciful to bestow mercy. Merciful means “full of mercy.” A fountain of mercy that is always ready to reconcile our difference in respect for each other. The merciful person is full of love and one who lives with the love of God and hopefully trust in each other. Having a feeling of sorrow over someone’s bad situations not the mercy described in Psalms 51: 1-17. Mercy is more than just a feeling, it begins with a simple recognition that someone is hurting and it is up to us as stewards to do something about the pain/hurt.
Prayer:
Mother, father and holy God, we beg you to hear our plea and understand our pain. We pray for peach and love for every individual. We must did deep in our own soul so that we do not, in our moments to feel good, dear God, become self-centered in the work we do for the good of others. We pray for a society that will embrace the “toiling majority,” that we live with us each and every day. We thank you Lord Jesus for your everlasting love.
Thought for Today:
Where are we called to serve?
Mary Jones, Lay Leader
The Essential Thought is Mercy
Have mercy on me oh God. According to your steadfast love, according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgression for I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me.
Mercy is not simply feeling compassion but it exists when something is done to alleviate the pain and suffering of our sisters and brothers. Mercy moves the merciful to bestow mercy. Merciful means “full of mercy.” A fountain of mercy that is always ready to reconcile our difference in respect for each other. The merciful person is full of love and one who lives with the love of God and hopefully trust in each other. Having a feeling of sorrow over someone’s bad situations not the mercy described in Psalms 51: 1-17. Mercy is more than just a feeling, it begins with a simple recognition that someone is hurting and it is up to us as stewards to do something about the pain/hurt.
Prayer:
Mother, father and holy God, we beg you to hear our plea and understand our pain. We pray for peach and love for every individual. We must did deep in our own soul so that we do not, in our moments to feel good, dear God, become self-centered in the work we do for the good of others. We pray for a society that will embrace the “toiling majority,” that we live with us each and every day. We thank you Lord Jesus for your everlasting love.
Thought for Today:
Where are we called to serve?
Mary Jones, Lay Leader
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Will You Be God’s Friend?
Read 2 Corinthians 5: 20b-6:10
Key Verse: “…Become friends with God, he is already friends with you”
2 Corinthians 5: 21
The Message: Will You Be God’s Friend?
Are you involved in the social networking on computers called Facebook? If you want to include more people, you invite friends to join you on your Facebook by asking them to “Be your friend.” You can have a Facebook account free by signing up and you can invite others to join you by simply asking them.
Our scripture today asks us to get involved in life by telling others about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. It says that we are Christ’s representatives. It says that our job is to tell others!
As we participate in Lent this year I hope that you will be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Who have you told about Jesus lately?
Prayer: Dear God, Help us to be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Amen
Thought for the Day: Tell someone about Jesus Christ’s love today.
From a Mildred Taylor Sunday School Class Member
Key Verse: “…Become friends with God, he is already friends with you”
2 Corinthians 5: 21
The Message: Will You Be God’s Friend?
Are you involved in the social networking on computers called Facebook? If you want to include more people, you invite friends to join you on your Facebook by asking them to “Be your friend.” You can have a Facebook account free by signing up and you can invite others to join you by simply asking them.
Our scripture today asks us to get involved in life by telling others about Jesus Christ and what he has done for us. It says that we are Christ’s representatives. It says that our job is to tell others!
As we participate in Lent this year I hope that you will be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Who have you told about Jesus lately?
Prayer: Dear God, Help us to be about making friends for Jesus Christ. Amen
Thought for the Day: Tell someone about Jesus Christ’s love today.
From a Mildred Taylor Sunday School Class Member
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Ash Wednesday Devotional - Let’s Get Serious
Read this Scripture: Joel 2: 1-2, 12-17
Key Verse: Verse 14:” And round up everyone in the country; Get them into God’s Sanctuary for a SERIOUS prayer to God.”
The Message Devotional: Let’s Get Serious
Today is Ash Wednesday, beginning a 40 day period in the Christian church called Lent. It is a time of searching, a time of prayer, a time of looking at your life in relation to God’s miracle of resurrection, Easter Day.
In Church of the Reconciler we will gather for a time of prayer and “putting on of the ashes". Kevin, our pastor, will remind us of our commitment to live a life of service and prayer and place on our foreheads the sign of the cross from ashes.
My first experience of receiving the Ash Wednesday ashes was in Joppa. We were there in the St. Peter Roman Catholic Church on a trip to the Holy Land. Our entire group was worshipping in the huge cathedral and everyone lined up down the central isle heading for the alter toward the priest leading the service. I had not grown up with this ritual, but was moved by the beauty of the service. I got in line with everyone else to receive the ashes. I was not denied. From then on I have always included this SERIOUS part of worship to my 40 days of Lenten worship. As Joel reminds us in verse 14 of Chapter 2, we need to “round up everyone and come together for a SERIOUS time of prayer to God.”
Prayer: O God, help us to celebrate Lent this year in a SERIOUS manner of prayer.
Guide us in these 40 days as we contemplate the life of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his resurrection.
Thought for the Day: As Christian people, help us to gather for a SERIOUS Lenten prayer.
Nancy DeVore Higgs
Beginning today, we will have a devotional each day for Lent from Reconciler people.
Todays's is by Nancy DeVore Higgs, one of the founding members of Church of the Reconciler; a Sunday School teacher and member of the Board of Stewards, wife of founding pastor and mother of current pastor.
Key Verse: Verse 14:” And round up everyone in the country; Get them into God’s Sanctuary for a SERIOUS prayer to God.”
The Message Devotional: Let’s Get Serious
Today is Ash Wednesday, beginning a 40 day period in the Christian church called Lent. It is a time of searching, a time of prayer, a time of looking at your life in relation to God’s miracle of resurrection, Easter Day.
In Church of the Reconciler we will gather for a time of prayer and “putting on of the ashes". Kevin, our pastor, will remind us of our commitment to live a life of service and prayer and place on our foreheads the sign of the cross from ashes.
My first experience of receiving the Ash Wednesday ashes was in Joppa. We were there in the St. Peter Roman Catholic Church on a trip to the Holy Land. Our entire group was worshipping in the huge cathedral and everyone lined up down the central isle heading for the alter toward the priest leading the service. I had not grown up with this ritual, but was moved by the beauty of the service. I got in line with everyone else to receive the ashes. I was not denied. From then on I have always included this SERIOUS part of worship to my 40 days of Lenten worship. As Joel reminds us in verse 14 of Chapter 2, we need to “round up everyone and come together for a SERIOUS time of prayer to God.”
Prayer: O God, help us to celebrate Lent this year in a SERIOUS manner of prayer.
Guide us in these 40 days as we contemplate the life of Jesus Christ, his teachings, and his resurrection.
Thought for the Day: As Christian people, help us to gather for a SERIOUS Lenten prayer.
Nancy DeVore Higgs
Beginning today, we will have a devotional each day for Lent from Reconciler people.
Todays's is by Nancy DeVore Higgs, one of the founding members of Church of the Reconciler; a Sunday School teacher and member of the Board of Stewards, wife of founding pastor and mother of current pastor.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Memorial Service for Homeless Who Died in the Cold - Thursday 2/11 - 10:30 AM
The memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at the Church of the Reconciler (corner of 2nd Ave North and 14th Street) for Lisa Coburn, 51, who died in a tent Jan. 19 at a homeless camp, and Jimmy "Pops" Smith, who was in his 70s, who died in his van on Feb. 6. "We are calling for clergy to join us ... to show that the lives of homeless people are valuable and precious," said Rachael Martin, assistant pastor.
The regular CAC subcommittee meeting on homelessness will take place at Church of the Reconciler as we accompany the homeless and other advocates--this time for a real funeral. It is one thing to hold a mock funeral, as we did for the 10 Year Plan in October; but quite another to have to hold a real one for people whose deaths would most probably have been prevented if the long-delayed plan had been implemented.
The Birmingham News story, on page 1 of the Local News,Homeless advocates call for Birmingham to act on chronic homelessness in city, includes links to the 10-Year Plan and to the upcoming Homeless Summit. Part of the story is pasted below. It was gratifying to read more supportive than ignorant comments on the story, but they also showed how much public education still needs to be done.
The regular CAC subcommittee meeting on homelessness will take place at Church of the Reconciler as we accompany the homeless and other advocates--this time for a real funeral. It is one thing to hold a mock funeral, as we did for the 10 Year Plan in October; but quite another to have to hold a real one for people whose deaths would most probably have been prevented if the long-delayed plan had been implemented.
The Birmingham News story, on page 1 of the Local News,Homeless advocates call for Birmingham to act on chronic homelessness in city, includes links to the 10-Year Plan and to the upcoming Homeless Summit. Part of the story is pasted below. It was gratifying to read more supportive than ignorant comments on the story, but they also showed how much public education still needs to be done.
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Weekly Update - February 3, 2010
Remember that this Saturday is our Leadership Retreat, and we very much need you to join us as we discuss and make plans for several of our ministries. We’ll meet from 9 am until noon, and we’ll have lunch for you when we finish. Please hit ‘reply’ and let me know whether or not you plan to attend, so I can make sure we have sufficient food.
The next date you need to put on your calendar, if you haven’t already, is April 23. That’s the night of our banquet. We had to move to a Friday night this year, so if you are able to help with set up on Friday, we’ll probably need some extra hands to replace the folks who will be at work. Stay tuned for announcements of planning meetings and ways you can help make this our most successful banquet ever.
This Thursday is Alabama Arise Lobby Day. We’ll have a full van of folks heading to Montgomery to join people from all over the state. Please be in prayer for a safe and effective trip for them.
Jim Walker is starting a new support program. After worship and our meal on Sunday, the church van will be going to Aldi each week for a shopping trip. The program is for those people who have found housing and have an income. We are not providing money for groceries, but are providing support and transportation, especially to folks who have recently found housing through the support of the church.
After many years of preparation, we have finally begun to find housing for many of the homeless people who are part of our ministry. We’ll soon have 20 people ready to move into apartments through the Shelter Plus housing program, and thanks in large part to the knowledge and efforts of Jim Walker, we are making headway in getting folks into public housing as well. We celebrate every time we are able to help someone get off the street and into a home, but that’s not the end of our relationship with that person. We help newly housed folks furnish their homes and provide whatever support we can to help make them successful in this endeavor. If you have any furniture, household goods, linens, or even food that will help a newly housed person settle into his or her home more comfortably, please call the church office.
Have a great week, and I hope to see you on Saturday.
Peace,
Marti
The next date you need to put on your calendar, if you haven’t already, is April 23. That’s the night of our banquet. We had to move to a Friday night this year, so if you are able to help with set up on Friday, we’ll probably need some extra hands to replace the folks who will be at work. Stay tuned for announcements of planning meetings and ways you can help make this our most successful banquet ever.
This Thursday is Alabama Arise Lobby Day. We’ll have a full van of folks heading to Montgomery to join people from all over the state. Please be in prayer for a safe and effective trip for them.
Jim Walker is starting a new support program. After worship and our meal on Sunday, the church van will be going to Aldi each week for a shopping trip. The program is for those people who have found housing and have an income. We are not providing money for groceries, but are providing support and transportation, especially to folks who have recently found housing through the support of the church.
After many years of preparation, we have finally begun to find housing for many of the homeless people who are part of our ministry. We’ll soon have 20 people ready to move into apartments through the Shelter Plus housing program, and thanks in large part to the knowledge and efforts of Jim Walker, we are making headway in getting folks into public housing as well. We celebrate every time we are able to help someone get off the street and into a home, but that’s not the end of our relationship with that person. We help newly housed folks furnish their homes and provide whatever support we can to help make them successful in this endeavor. If you have any furniture, household goods, linens, or even food that will help a newly housed person settle into his or her home more comfortably, please call the church office.
Have a great week, and I hope to see you on Saturday.
Peace,
Marti
Friday, January 15, 2010
City and Birmingham Peace Project Reach Compromise on MLK, Jr. Day March with Homeless Coalition and Rosa Clemente
ALL PERMITS GRANTED! !
WE WILL MARCH AGAINST PERPETUAL WAR AND ON BEHALF OF THE HOMELESS!
BPP Attorney David Gespass, "We are gratified that the city has come down on the side of free speech and trust the problems we encountered were an aberration that will not be repeated."
Visit BPP Webpage: http://dianemcnaron.com/bhampeaceproject.html
Birmingham Peace Project has reached a full compromise with the City and will exercise our First Amendment Rights by marching as planned with the Homeless Coalition and our Sponsors and Endorsers on MLK, Jr. Day! All permits are in hand! The hearing in Federal Court has been canceled. See new Step-Off Place and Time!
WHAT: City and Birmingham Peace Project Reach Compromise on MLK, Jr. Day March with Homeless Coalition and Rosa Clemente
WHEN: Monday, Jan 18, 8:00 AM Assembly for Coffee and Signs, March and Rally
WHERE: North End of Twentieth Street by Linn Park at 8th Ave. No. X from Boutwell ("Short-Twentieth")
"Breaking the Silence: Perpetual War = Perpetual Poverty"
WE WILL MARCH AGAINST PERPETUAL WAR AND ON BEHALF OF THE HOMELESS!
WHAT: City and Birmingham Peace Project Reach Compromise on MLK, Jr. Day March with Homeless Coalition and Rosa Clemente
WHEN: Monday, Jan 18, 8:00 AM Assembly for Coffee and Signs, March and Rally
WHERE: North End of Twentieth Street by Linn Park at 8th Ave. No. X from Boutwell ("Short-Twentieth")
- 8:30 March Step-Off
- 9:30 Rally at Greater Birmingham Ministries with Green Party 2008 VP Rosa Clemente
(2304 12th Ave No, B'ham, AL 35234)
~Tabling, Speakers, Music, Breakfast and More!
Speakers:
Rosa Clemente, David Gespass, Rodney Cole, Singer Diane McNaron and the "Proclamation" Band from Miles College!
Thursday, November 05, 2009
November Update and Christmas information
Here are a few dates for you to put on your calendar:
Rachael is working on having another church take on the kids’ bags. If she is successful, we only need to collect ‘stuff’ for the adults. Typically we try to have knit hats, gloves, socks, underwear, personal hygiene items, sweatshirts, and candy/snacks. If you can donate, or if you know of a group who is planning to donate, please let us know what items you’ll be collecting so we don’t double up unnecessarily.
We took a vanload of 18 people to Sewannee last week to hear Rev. Michael Battle. Ask someone who went to tell you what the trip meant to them!
- Friday, Nov. 20, there will be a ‘Blanket In” at Kelly Ingram Park in honor of the National Coalition of the Homeless Homeless Day. Members of the Birmingham Coalition of the Homeless will be organizing and participating in the event.
- November 22. The children will enjoy a special ‘music camp’ with guests after worship.
- The church office will be closed Nov. 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving.
- Saturday, Nov. 28 at 9:00, we’ll meet at the church to clean and decorate for Advent.
- Wednesdays, Dec. 2 and 9, packing Christmas bags at 6:30.
- Sunday, Dec. 13. We’re working on having a Christmas party for the kids after church on this day. We’ll let you know if it works out.
- Sunday, Dec. 20. The children will present a special holiday program during worship, and we’ll hand out the Christmas bags to worshippers following the service.
About those Christmas Bags...
We will pack 250 bags for men, 100 for women, and 40 for kids.We currently have 9 people in Shelter Plus housing with 10 more who have recently been referred. If you have any household goods for people who are setting up a home...linens, dishes, pots and pans, etc...Jo Dobbins has graciously offered to store items until they are needed.
Visits to our Sunday Health Center are growing dramatically. We can use over-the-counter medications, band-aids, and other supplies. Mary Wade says anything you would keep in your medicine cabinet or first aid kit can be of use in our Health Center. (We do not keep prescription meds at the church. Those requiring stronger than OTC meds are given referrals to Cooper Green or Bham Healthcare.) We also need baggies to put the supplies in when we distribute them.
Needs for our children’s program: We need a group or groups to provide lunch on first Sundays. Eight large pizzas or 10 medium pizzas will generally feed our crowd. One church brings hot dogs. The kids enjoy hamburgers too. We always need juice boxes.
Have you started social networking? You can become a fan of Church of the Reconciler on Facebook. And visit our web site www.churchofthereconciler.org. Click on ‘Blog’ at the top of the page for current information about activities and needs. Or add your own comment on the blog.
Peace,
Marti
Saturday, October 17, 2009
one-day trip to Sewannee on Oct. 29 for the DuBose lecture by the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle
If you are available to go with us for a one-day trip to Sewannee on Oct. 29 for the DuBose lecture by the Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, please plan to attend. We’ll take Reconciler vans and the event is free. More details to follow, or visit http://theology.sewanee.edu/dubosemedia for more information.
Sunday school for the children will resume on Oct 25.
There will be no Sunday School for our kids this week. A couple of our teachers are out of town, and we’ll have our hands full with the new lunch system. Sunday school for the children will resume on Oct 25.
new system for serving the common meal
We are going to institute a new system for the common meal on Sunday. The line has been getting more and more difficult to manage of late, so from now on, we’ll seat people in the sanctuary and take them in to the lunch room, in the order they arrive, 75 at a time. The plates will be served to them at the table, and they’ll have 20 minutes to eat. When the room is cleared, we’ll bring in another room full and they’ll have 20 minutes to eat as well. Those who wish to have more than one plate will leave by the 2nd Ave N door and re-enter from the 14th St door to wait in the sanctuary for their next turn. We’ll continue in this way until the food is gone.
We anticipate some resistance to this new plan at first, but we feel that once the adjustment is made, it will be a calmer and more civil way to serve food on Sunday and during the week as well. We can use all the help we can get for this first run, however. (The church staff has been announcing the change all week, so many will come to church on Sunday expecting the new procedure.) If you are free to help direct folks and keep traffic moving in the correct direction on Sunday, come prepared to volunteer from noon until we have served everyone (or run out of food).
We anticipate some resistance to this new plan at first, but we feel that once the adjustment is made, it will be a calmer and more civil way to serve food on Sunday and during the week as well. We can use all the help we can get for this first run, however. (The church staff has been announcing the change all week, so many will come to church on Sunday expecting the new procedure.) If you are free to help direct folks and keep traffic moving in the correct direction on Sunday, come prepared to volunteer from noon until we have served everyone (or run out of food).
Monday, August 17, 2009
Hosted a first-of-its kind homeless summit
Check out the link for more information on what was discussed. The summit was covered in an article in The Birmingham News on Sunday, August 16th.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Vacation Bible School!
We are having Vacation Bible School this week. Thanks to all the volunteers that are helping us have a great week for our kids.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
June 7-12, 2009 Update
This is a quickie, but here’s a few things to keep in mind:
This Friday, the church will be closed for Annual Conference.Friday, June 12, the office will be closed as well, as our pastors need to be elsewhere. (There may be some meetings, but the Day Program won’t be open for business.)
There’s an education team meeting on June 10 at 5:30 p.m., before the Wednesday night prayer meeting. We’re hoping to include all Sunday school teachers and folks who work with our kids in any way, so please plan to attend if at all possible.
Don’t forget Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 22-26. We can always use more help, so feel free to drop by if you are able!
Have a great week,
Marti
This Friday, the church will be closed for Annual Conference.Friday, June 12, the office will be closed as well, as our pastors need to be elsewhere. (There may be some meetings, but the Day Program won’t be open for business.)
There’s an education team meeting on June 10 at 5:30 p.m., before the Wednesday night prayer meeting. We’re hoping to include all Sunday school teachers and folks who work with our kids in any way, so please plan to attend if at all possible.
Don’t forget Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 22-26. We can always use more help, so feel free to drop by if you are able!
Have a great week,
Marti
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Reconciler Update from Marti Slay
This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, so we won’t be picking up kids for Sunday school. Teachers who are going to be there may be needed to work with a few kids who show up on their own, but Mary Wade won’t be there to do music. I’ll be out of town too. Remember that we also won’t have our usual Sunday school on July 5, and Sept. 6, because we have too much trouble getting shepherds on holiday weekends and we’re usually shorthanded on teachers as well.
Our new District Superintendent is Ron Schultz. Kevin met with him recently and said he had a very productive meeting. We look forward to having Ron join us sometime this summer for worship.
We’re working on getting out an issue of the RoundTable very soon. Let me know if you have any news items that need to be included.
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 22-26. Plans are coming along nicely, but we can always use extra hands, if you are able to volunteer. We’re still working on the meals. If you are able to donate anything or know of someone who can, call Rachael or Nancy.
We need to have an education committee meeting soon. We’re looking at setting one on an upcoming Wednesday night at 5;30, before the usual prayer meeting. If you work with the children in any way, we hope you’ll be able to be there. Specific date and time to come soonest.
Finally, thanks so much for all the kind words, calls and cards during my father-in-law’s recent illness and following his death. The support of my church family was a source of strength during this difficult time, and I love you all.
Have a great Memorial Day!
Marti
Our new District Superintendent is Ron Schultz. Kevin met with him recently and said he had a very productive meeting. We look forward to having Ron join us sometime this summer for worship.
We’re working on getting out an issue of the RoundTable very soon. Let me know if you have any news items that need to be included.
Vacation Bible School is scheduled for June 22-26. Plans are coming along nicely, but we can always use extra hands, if you are able to volunteer. We’re still working on the meals. If you are able to donate anything or know of someone who can, call Rachael or Nancy.
We need to have an education committee meeting soon. We’re looking at setting one on an upcoming Wednesday night at 5;30, before the usual prayer meeting. If you work with the children in any way, we hope you’ll be able to be there. Specific date and time to come soonest.
Finally, thanks so much for all the kind words, calls and cards during my father-in-law’s recent illness and following his death. The support of my church family was a source of strength during this difficult time, and I love you all.
Have a great Memorial Day!
Marti
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