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No Small Gifts in the Building Together
Effort
One of the
things I like best is when the whole congregation is working
together in ministry. Of course it is common sense, but it
still amazes me to see how much more can be accomplished when we
work together than when we each just do our own thing. It is
the blessing of being the church together.
Serving communion
one Sunday brought this home in a wonderful example for me. After
serving a line of adults. a preschooler arrived in front of me and I
knelt down to her level and prepared to offer a child's special
blessing. Before I could speak the words, she stretched out her
hand and deposited a piece of paper in my hand. Then she folded her
hands to receive the blessing and quickly ran off after her mother.
I put the paper in my pocket.
After worship, I
pulled the piece of paper out of my pocket to discover that it was
one of the special offering envelopes for Building Together
in Faith. She had written her name on the envelope and
made marks on the address line. A series of colorful stickers were
keeping the envelope securely sealed so that the two quarters did
not fall out. It was a preschooler's special offering to help build
our new church.
Two quarters don't
buy many nails these days but the nails they will buy will be
significant. They will help to fasten securely a part of our new
church and will be a powerful symbol of working together.
Following the
vision that God has placed before us demands that everyone at Our
Redeemer's work together. Every gift is significant to contributing
to this ministry. Every person is a valued and important part of
the team. Working and offering our gifts together is what we are
called to do.
Thank you one and
all for your partnership in this ministry we share at Our
Redeemer's. May God bless our efforts as we continue to be a people
"Building Together in Faith."
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Progress Report
Pledges for the first phase of Building
Together in Faith total just under $800,000. More than $493,000
had been collected as of year end 2007. If you want to be part
of this important ministry, talk to a member of the committee or
anyone on the Our Redeemer's staff.
What is Our Plan for Building Together?
In July 2005, the Congregation voted to create a relocation program and
visioning process to craft a long-range ministry plan for the church and all its members.
Building
Together in Faith is a unique ministry program that provides an opportunity for every household
in our church to make an 'over and above' sacrificial commitment (beyond our ongoing tithes and
offerings) to be given over a three-year period.
Our Redeemer's stewardship program leaders believe
strongly in this program and its success because the program is financially
sound and it affords our congregation the opportunity to respond by faith to
the challenge and opportunities before them.
It allows God to work in the lives of his people
as they seek to do his will.
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