What if a five-gallon bucket could provide the help someone needed? What if you could provide that five-gallon bucket? Would you?
The United Methodist Committee on Relief’s (UMCOR) level of flood buckets has fallen dangerously low following the 2008 hurricane season. These buckets are a part of the Sager Brown Depot through the General Board of Global Ministries. The buckets contain supplies such as bleach, sponges and trash bags – all vital to the cleaning up process from a hurricane.
These buckets are vital to those in need and who are trying to recover from the disaster. You can send completed buckets, bulk materials or a monetary donation to purchase supplies.
If you can’t provide a flood buckets, UMCOR also provides other buckets/kits that are in need.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Running on Empty
Just a few weeks ago the Nashville area ran out of gas.
There was lots of talk about whether there really was an interruption of supply due to the hurricanes south of us, or if there was just rumors that were flying. Rumors that there wasn’t going to be enough, so that everyone took every car and every container to the gas station on the same day to hedge their bets. Whichever reason was correct (probably a combination of both) the results were the same. Long lines, frayed nerves, curtailed travel plans, and some panic.
When that scarcity mentality grabs a hold of us, there is no telling what we might do. We had some police officers stationed at gas stations by me. I didn’t see anyone act up. In fact, when a young driver ran out of gas while waiting on line, some of the other drivers got out and were helping him inch his car up in the line until he got his turn at the pump.
Now all we hear about is the economy, stocks in the toilet, banks going under or getting bought out, Congress bailing out financial institutions. It’s not hard to get alarmed, to be frightened, to pull our heads into our shell and say, “it’s time for me to worry about me and mine.”
That’s not what the church does. We follow that guiding principle that when things get tough, you stick closer together. There is a whole world that is being rocked by the unstable nature of the financial realities. And there are more opportunities for ministry now than ever. There are more reasons for United Methodists to pull together, to let our strength and our numbers empower our ministry, than in any time in recent memory. The challenges are great, but the potential for life changing ministry is even greater.
I think of Jesus on that hillside along the Sea of Galilee. The crowd has pressed in on him, and the disciples want Jesus to send the crowd away because they don’t have any food to share. Scarcity mentality has set in big time. One boy has offered up what he has: some loaves and a few fish. In Jesus’ hands, it is an abundance.
So, lets use our resources wisely, but lets see clearly our abundance and boldly share it. We are not running on empty, not in regard to compassion, or hunger for justice, or enthusiasm for evangelism, or concern for the poor. Let generosity – extravagant generosity – still be the rule that claims us. Let us put what we have into Jesus hands and let Jesus show us the abundance!
--Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Communications Ministry Group, United Methodist Communications
There was lots of talk about whether there really was an interruption of supply due to the hurricanes south of us, or if there was just rumors that were flying. Rumors that there wasn’t going to be enough, so that everyone took every car and every container to the gas station on the same day to hedge their bets. Whichever reason was correct (probably a combination of both) the results were the same. Long lines, frayed nerves, curtailed travel plans, and some panic.
When that scarcity mentality grabs a hold of us, there is no telling what we might do. We had some police officers stationed at gas stations by me. I didn’t see anyone act up. In fact, when a young driver ran out of gas while waiting on line, some of the other drivers got out and were helping him inch his car up in the line until he got his turn at the pump.
Now all we hear about is the economy, stocks in the toilet, banks going under or getting bought out, Congress bailing out financial institutions. It’s not hard to get alarmed, to be frightened, to pull our heads into our shell and say, “it’s time for me to worry about me and mine.”
That’s not what the church does. We follow that guiding principle that when things get tough, you stick closer together. There is a whole world that is being rocked by the unstable nature of the financial realities. And there are more opportunities for ministry now than ever. There are more reasons for United Methodists to pull together, to let our strength and our numbers empower our ministry, than in any time in recent memory. The challenges are great, but the potential for life changing ministry is even greater.
I think of Jesus on that hillside along the Sea of Galilee. The crowd has pressed in on him, and the disciples want Jesus to send the crowd away because they don’t have any food to share. Scarcity mentality has set in big time. One boy has offered up what he has: some loaves and a few fish. In Jesus’ hands, it is an abundance.
So, lets use our resources wisely, but lets see clearly our abundance and boldly share it. We are not running on empty, not in regard to compassion, or hunger for justice, or enthusiasm for evangelism, or concern for the poor. Let generosity – extravagant generosity – still be the rule that claims us. Let us put what we have into Jesus hands and let Jesus show us the abundance!
--Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Communications Ministry Group, United Methodist Communications
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Stewardship and the mandate
I was reading an article on The United Methodist Church website titled "United Methodists call for stewardship over greed" by Kathy Gilbert and found an excerpt of interest.
...Corporate greed must be replaced by the biblical mandate of stewardship," the statement said.
The "statement" is referring to an article published by the General Board of Church and Society in response to the bailout bill.
Sometimes I think we forget that stewardship is indeed a mandate of the bible, and not a suggestion from the church. I don't remember reading the verse 'If you have money left over,' sayeth the Lord, 'give some to the church. If you don't, it's OK - I'll catch you next time.'
Instead, the God instructs us to give a tithe of all that he has given us. A tithe is known as a tenth part - or 10%. But, it doesn't stop with a tithe. Jesus spoke about bringing your tithes and offerings - an offering of sacrifice above the tithe. Many times people give their 10% title and think they have done their part, but there are many other opportunities to give!
The United Methodist Church, in my opinion, follows Jesus' thoughts about giving tithes and offerings. The church has seven apportioned funds which serve as the "tithe" and then have six churchwide Special Sundays and The Advance which are the "offerings."
Let us heed the mandate of the bible and remember that stewardship isn't optional - even in difficult economic times. Remember, God only asks a small portion of what He has blessed us.
--Tracy Wood, Web Coordinator, Connectional Giving Team
...Corporate greed must be replaced by the biblical mandate of stewardship," the statement said.
The "statement" is referring to an article published by the General Board of Church and Society in response to the bailout bill.
Sometimes I think we forget that stewardship is indeed a mandate of the bible, and not a suggestion from the church. I don't remember reading the verse 'If you have money left over,' sayeth the Lord, 'give some to the church. If you don't, it's OK - I'll catch you next time.'
Instead, the God instructs us to give a tithe of all that he has given us. A tithe is known as a tenth part - or 10%. But, it doesn't stop with a tithe. Jesus spoke about bringing your tithes and offerings - an offering of sacrifice above the tithe. Many times people give their 10% title and think they have done their part, but there are many other opportunities to give!
The United Methodist Church, in my opinion, follows Jesus' thoughts about giving tithes and offerings. The church has seven apportioned funds which serve as the "tithe" and then have six churchwide Special Sundays and The Advance which are the "offerings."
Let us heed the mandate of the bible and remember that stewardship isn't optional - even in difficult economic times. Remember, God only asks a small portion of what He has blessed us.
--Tracy Wood, Web Coordinator, Connectional Giving Team
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Motivation...
As I was reflecting on what to write this blog entry (and I promise they will be more frequent), I continued to think about motivation. What motivates people to give? And I don't just mean money, but also time, talents and possessions.
What motivates people to give? Is it for the tax benefit? Is it for positive publicity? Is it because people inherently want to give back? Is it to emulate a good example to others? Is it a conviction of duty? Is it expected?
So, then I reflected on myself. What motivates me to give?
I consistently think the same thing: I give because I never know when I might be the one in need.
For example, I donated to Light the Night because God forbid one of my children should be diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma.
I give to my church because I'm financially able to and there may come a day where I need to rely on others generosity for food or clothing.
I consistently give to Goodwill because I want to give others a job and there may come a time when I may rely on Goodwill for clothing.
I give my time and talent to the handbell choir at church so that others can hear God's love through beautiful music.
I offer possessions on my local Freecycle group because it's not important to resell everything for a profit - if I'm able to give it away for free to someone who needs it, then I'm helping others.
I give money to V-Day because I believe that we have to stop violence against women.
And I give to Nothing But Nets because global health is every one's responsibility. I can skip two Frapuccino's and give a bed net to a family in Africa.
No matter what the motivation, giving is a good thing. Giving money, time, talents and possessions makes this world a better place. But most importantly, "its better to give than to receive." And that's the truth. I LOVE seeing someones face when they open a gift or know that someone has changed their lives. (And it's even more amazing when you can do it anonymously!)
So, what motivates you to give?
What motivates people to give? Is it for the tax benefit? Is it for positive publicity? Is it because people inherently want to give back? Is it to emulate a good example to others? Is it a conviction of duty? Is it expected?
So, then I reflected on myself. What motivates me to give?
I consistently think the same thing: I give because I never know when I might be the one in need.
For example, I donated to Light the Night because God forbid one of my children should be diagnosed with leukemia or lymphoma.
I give to my church because I'm financially able to and there may come a day where I need to rely on others generosity for food or clothing.
I consistently give to Goodwill because I want to give others a job and there may come a time when I may rely on Goodwill for clothing.
I give my time and talent to the handbell choir at church so that others can hear God's love through beautiful music.
I offer possessions on my local Freecycle group because it's not important to resell everything for a profit - if I'm able to give it away for free to someone who needs it, then I'm helping others.
I give money to V-Day because I believe that we have to stop violence against women.
And I give to Nothing But Nets because global health is every one's responsibility. I can skip two Frapuccino's and give a bed net to a family in Africa.
No matter what the motivation, giving is a good thing. Giving money, time, talents and possessions makes this world a better place. But most importantly, "its better to give than to receive." And that's the truth. I LOVE seeing someones face when they open a gift or know that someone has changed their lives. (And it's even more amazing when you can do it anonymously!)
So, what motivates you to give?
Friday, September 19, 2008
Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, I will do as You say?”
As I was listening to “The Best from Rebecca St. James,” I reflected on the song Here I Am. An excerpt from the song:
God asks the question, “Whom shall I send?”
Now what will we answer?
Will we go and do as He says?
All that He wants is a heart, ready,
willing and waiting.
It’s easy to say “Yes, I will go and do as you say” if we don’t have to take immediate action. In theory, we would absolutely say yes.
But what if God asked you to sell your possessions and move your family to Burundi and set up a free health clinic? Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, I will go and do as You say?”
What if God asked you to sponsor an impoverished student to go to college, though it would require you to give up vacations and “extras?” Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, I will do as You say?”
What if God called your child to North Korea to be a missionary? Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, go and do as He says?”
What if God called you to be an ambassador for World Communion Sunday in your congregation? Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, I will do as You say?”
The last scenario is probably the easiest one to say “yes” to. God asks “Whom shall I send?” and He may just be seeking YOU. World Communion Sunday is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. The offering provides scholarships for U.S. (racial- and ethnic-minority) and international students. Students who receive scholarships study in a wide variety of fields: family pastoral care, Christian-Muslim relations, clinical psychology, peace and governance, crop production, law, health, rural development and more.
When God calls, I hope my heart will be ready, willing and waiting without hesitation to say “yes, I will do as You say” – if that means giving $50 to World Communion Sunday or living without the “extras” so someone else can go to college and have a better future.
Tracy Wood, Web Coordinator, Connectional Giving Team
United Methodist Communications
God asks the question, “Whom shall I send?”
Now what will we answer?
Will we go and do as He says?
All that He wants is a heart, ready,
willing and waiting.
It’s easy to say “Yes, I will go and do as you say” if we don’t have to take immediate action. In theory, we would absolutely say yes.
But what if God asked you to sell your possessions and move your family to Burundi and set up a free health clinic? Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, I will go and do as You say?”
What if God asked you to sponsor an impoverished student to go to college, though it would require you to give up vacations and “extras?” Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, I will do as You say?”
What if God called your child to North Korea to be a missionary? Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, go and do as He says?”
What if God called you to be an ambassador for World Communion Sunday in your congregation? Would you without hesitation say, “Yes, I will do as You say?”
The last scenario is probably the easiest one to say “yes” to. God asks “Whom shall I send?” and He may just be seeking YOU. World Communion Sunday is one of the six churchwide Special Sundays of The United Methodist Church. The offering provides scholarships for U.S. (racial- and ethnic-minority) and international students. Students who receive scholarships study in a wide variety of fields: family pastoral care, Christian-Muslim relations, clinical psychology, peace and governance, crop production, law, health, rural development and more.
When God calls, I hope my heart will be ready, willing and waiting without hesitation to say “yes, I will do as You say” – if that means giving $50 to World Communion Sunday or living without the “extras” so someone else can go to college and have a better future.
Tracy Wood, Web Coordinator, Connectional Giving Team
United Methodist Communications
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Africa University Rises to Zimbabwe Challenges
This week, news outlets reported that Zimbabwe’s annual inflation rate rocketed to 11.2 million percent in June, the highest in the world.
This news comes only a few weeks after I visited Zimbabwe to participate in the Africa Central Conference on the campus of Africa University. During that visit, the cost of a soft drink was 250 billion Zimbabwean dollars – or about $1.80 in U.S. currency. The Federal Reserve Bank has since dropped 10 zeroes from the currency, turning 10 billion dollars into a single dollar.
As I arrived in Zimbabwe, the three parties in the country’s political crisis had just signed an agreement to end the political violence and negotiate to find a peaceful resolution to months and months of violence. The violence has ebbed, but the political crisis continues without a full resolution.
Amid the tension, the country is calm and Africa University is open. At one point during the crisis, Africa University was the only university in the entire country to remain open, holding classes, making payroll, and feeding its students and thousands of its neighbors. Our university is an inspiration in this troubled land.
This is not to say things are not difficult at Africa University. They are.
Hyperinflation makes it increasingly difficult to keep up. At this point, the reserves are basically depleted. Africa University has to do a juggling act in order to pay bills and keep up with expenses. University fees—in Zimbabwe dollars—have to be reviewed every month because of the rapidly escalating costs, though fees paid in U.S. dollars remain the same. Monthly salary increases are necessary in order to hold on to the workforce.
Our churches’ help is needed so Africa University can continue to educate future leaders and serve as a shining example for the continent. The best way to assist is to send in your Africa University apportionments for 2008 early—and to pay 100 percent.
While money is important to Africa University, your prayers are the foundation for its success. Please pray without ceasing for Zimbabwe and the university.
--James Salley, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Africa University
This news comes only a few weeks after I visited Zimbabwe to participate in the Africa Central Conference on the campus of Africa University. During that visit, the cost of a soft drink was 250 billion Zimbabwean dollars – or about $1.80 in U.S. currency. The Federal Reserve Bank has since dropped 10 zeroes from the currency, turning 10 billion dollars into a single dollar.
As I arrived in Zimbabwe, the three parties in the country’s political crisis had just signed an agreement to end the political violence and negotiate to find a peaceful resolution to months and months of violence. The violence has ebbed, but the political crisis continues without a full resolution.
Amid the tension, the country is calm and Africa University is open. At one point during the crisis, Africa University was the only university in the entire country to remain open, holding classes, making payroll, and feeding its students and thousands of its neighbors. Our university is an inspiration in this troubled land.
This is not to say things are not difficult at Africa University. They are.
Hyperinflation makes it increasingly difficult to keep up. At this point, the reserves are basically depleted. Africa University has to do a juggling act in order to pay bills and keep up with expenses. University fees—in Zimbabwe dollars—have to be reviewed every month because of the rapidly escalating costs, though fees paid in U.S. dollars remain the same. Monthly salary increases are necessary in order to hold on to the workforce.
Our churches’ help is needed so Africa University can continue to educate future leaders and serve as a shining example for the continent. The best way to assist is to send in your Africa University apportionments for 2008 early—and to pay 100 percent.
While money is important to Africa University, your prayers are the foundation for its success. Please pray without ceasing for Zimbabwe and the university.
--James Salley, Associate Vice-Chancellor for Institutional Advancement, Africa University
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
It's about TIME
Actually, it’s all about time. We all have only so much of it. The decisions we make about how we use it, what we do with it, to whom we give it. We can waste it, we can kill it, or we can make the most of it.
A friend reminded me of a line from the movie Steel Magnolias, “I’d rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” Time can be that precious, or it can be something that can’t slip away from us fast enough.
So what does this have to do with Connectional Giving? Well, it is our time we give to the church that makes a difference. How many United Methodists will spend vacation days this summer taking part in mission trips, VIM Work Teams, Volunteering a vacation Bible School? Connectional Giving is not just about the dollars we put in the plate, but the time we put in to make our church – individually and collectively – effective in its ministry.
In fact, those monetary gifts we put in the plate reflect our time as well. The hours we’ve put in at work this week. The years we’ve worked in the past to secure an income in our retired years, and the ability to continue to support the work of the church.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, is quoted as saying “Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” It is not a call for us to build big portfolios and stockpile money to buy our security. It is a call to first be a good steward of our time, to make the best use of each minute.
All of us will trade our time, our hours and minutes and seconds for the things that matter to us. For the time you have given to empower both the local and the global ministry of The United Methodist Church, I say a heartfelt “thank you!”
--Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Director of Communications Ministry, United Methodist Communications
A friend reminded me of a line from the movie Steel Magnolias, “I’d rather have thirty minutes of wonderful than a lifetime of nothing special.” Time can be that precious, or it can be something that can’t slip away from us fast enough.
So what does this have to do with Connectional Giving? Well, it is our time we give to the church that makes a difference. How many United Methodists will spend vacation days this summer taking part in mission trips, VIM Work Teams, Volunteering a vacation Bible School? Connectional Giving is not just about the dollars we put in the plate, but the time we put in to make our church – individually and collectively – effective in its ministry.
In fact, those monetary gifts we put in the plate reflect our time as well. The hours we’ve put in at work this week. The years we’ve worked in the past to secure an income in our retired years, and the ability to continue to support the work of the church.
John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist movement, is quoted as saying “Make all you can, save all you can, give all you can.” It is not a call for us to build big portfolios and stockpile money to buy our security. It is a call to first be a good steward of our time, to make the best use of each minute.
All of us will trade our time, our hours and minutes and seconds for the things that matter to us. For the time you have given to empower both the local and the global ministry of The United Methodist Church, I say a heartfelt “thank you!”
--Rev. Dr. Ken Sloane, Director of Communications Ministry, United Methodist Communications
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