This is not really about our project, its just been on my heart as 2008 exits the stage.
A few days ago some bad storms came through our area. One night there was a big clap of thunder and I heard little feet hit the floor, our door open, and we had my little girl in bed with us. A little later another big boom and more little feet, door opens, and one of my boys was in bed with us. It is a blessing that my God has transformed me into a Dad who is a safe refuge for his kids.
Most of us are not afraid of thunder, but 2008 has certainly had its share of storms for most of us. Lost loved ones, lost relationships, lost jobs, lost income, uncertain prospects for future employment... storms come in all flavors.
When I went to God and asked where we go, He brought one of my very favorite Psalms back to me:
Ps 31:1-5
In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Free me from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hands I commit my spirit; redeem me, O Lord, the God of truth.
This Psalm has helped me get through some rough times.
I'll see you all on the 23rd. Be blessed.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
On the www.ngumc.org
Under RESOURCES select Demographics/Statistics:
There is a link to Link2Lead
You will see the following information...
For Demographics/Statistics:Link2Lead.com is a website for local church pastors and lay leaders like yourself. It is brought to you by Percept, the leading information provider to religious organizations since 1987...
This tool is free for all of our local church pastors and lay leaders. Through Link2Lead.com, you will find a hands-on tools to better understand the demographics in your area.Once you register, you will be able to login and find information ordered into sections:
1 Getting Started - Here's where you find out what this site is about, who's behind it and how to get your browser ready for action.
2 My Self - This section provides you an opportunity to find out more about yourself and how you deal with change.
3 My Community - Just how well do you know your community? Here's a section that allows you to explore the latest demographic information for your ministry area.
4 My Congregation - Ever wonder how your congregation compares with the larger community you serve? Here's a section with tools to explore that critical connection further.
5 My World - This section features a Story of the Week, alternating between QuickInsight: The One-Minute U.S. Trends Report, and QuikStory: Using Demographics in Ministry, a feature article about the ministry of a Link2Lead church.
MY Experience with the site:
I set up an account and was able to obtain some basic information about the community around Rush Chapel. It might be a good idea if each of us set up an account and gatheres some basic information about our respective congregations and communities. This could help us focus on the "figurative" walls that exist and how to approach building church without walls.
Information I gathered :
Current Population
Projected 5 YearPopulation Change
Largest Lifestyles Group
Non-Anglo Population
Fastest GrowingRacial/Ethnic Group
Households with NoFaith Involvement
Average Age
Average Household Income
Single Parent Households
College Graduates
Suggested programs and community preference in the following areas:
1. Cultural Programs (Music, Drama, Art, etc.)
2. Care for the Terminally Ill
3. Sports or Camping Programs
4. Adult Theological Discussion Groups
5. Twelve Step Recovery Programs
6. Church-Sponsored Day School
7. Spiritual Retreats
8. Active Retirement Programs
9. Parent Training Programs
10. Bible Study Discussion/Prayer Groups
11. Divorce Recovery
12. Food and Clothing Resources
13. Day Care Programs
14. Personal or Family Counseling
15. Family Activities and Outings
16. Youth Social Programs
17. Marriage Enrichment Opportunities
Lillian
Under RESOURCES select Demographics/Statistics:
There is a link to Link2Lead
You will see the following information...
For Demographics/Statistics:Link2Lead.com is a website for local church pastors and lay leaders like yourself. It is brought to you by Percept, the leading information provider to religious organizations since 1987...
This tool is free for all of our local church pastors and lay leaders. Through Link2Lead.com, you will find a hands-on tools to better understand the demographics in your area.Once you register, you will be able to login and find information ordered into sections:
1 Getting Started - Here's where you find out what this site is about, who's behind it and how to get your browser ready for action.
2 My Self - This section provides you an opportunity to find out more about yourself and how you deal with change.
3 My Community - Just how well do you know your community? Here's a section that allows you to explore the latest demographic information for your ministry area.
4 My Congregation - Ever wonder how your congregation compares with the larger community you serve? Here's a section with tools to explore that critical connection further.
5 My World - This section features a Story of the Week, alternating between QuickInsight: The One-Minute U.S. Trends Report, and QuikStory: Using Demographics in Ministry, a feature article about the ministry of a Link2Lead church.
MY Experience with the site:
I set up an account and was able to obtain some basic information about the community around Rush Chapel. It might be a good idea if each of us set up an account and gatheres some basic information about our respective congregations and communities. This could help us focus on the "figurative" walls that exist and how to approach building church without walls.
Information I gathered :
Current Population
Projected 5 YearPopulation Change
Largest Lifestyles Group
Non-Anglo Population
Fastest GrowingRacial/Ethnic Group
Households with NoFaith Involvement
Average Age
Average Household Income
Single Parent Households
College Graduates
Suggested programs and community preference in the following areas:
1. Cultural Programs (Music, Drama, Art, etc.)
2. Care for the Terminally Ill
3. Sports or Camping Programs
4. Adult Theological Discussion Groups
5. Twelve Step Recovery Programs
6. Church-Sponsored Day School
7. Spiritual Retreats
8. Active Retirement Programs
9. Parent Training Programs
10. Bible Study Discussion/Prayer Groups
11. Divorce Recovery
12. Food and Clothing Resources
13. Day Care Programs
14. Personal or Family Counseling
15. Family Activities and Outings
16. Youth Social Programs
17. Marriage Enrichment Opportunities
Lillian
Monday, December 1, 2008
Hallelujah! I'm baaaack. This is Bob "lost in the wilderness" Knowles signing on after wading thru the the Google briar patch. I read some of your early posts and also have identified a few books and other sources. However, I'm particularly interested in the book mentioned by Vivian as being available through an online bookstore. Will see if I can find/obtain it. Meanwhile:Have we gotten anywhere in planning our closing service for end of January? Happy to help anyway I can. in His service, Bob Knowles
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