leads to stagnation. Today, our preacher spoke on how we should use the gifts that God gave us. He said that all receiving and no giving (all study and no service) leads to stagnation. He also spent a part of the service highlighting some of the different services our church provides to the community. One service is the Mobile Medical Unit ( http://365project.org/kerristephens/365/2010-10-10) which provides free medical care to the community (particularly, he told us today, sonograms, free immunizations, early childhood care, and several other services). Another service includes one in which home maintenance is provided to those in the community (for example, fixing an elderly woman's air conditioning). We were told that we must combat the old mindset that ministries, and God's gifts, are relegated to a few select professionals (the preacher, band members, or soloists) and that we've all been given gifts that God wants us to use. He also reminded us of our need to be community oriented and our need to reach out into the community. As it says on our church website, "We are not about “doing church.” Instead, we are completely focused on “being the church.” That distinction is crucial to those who are in need. We are the body of Christ—the hands that reach out and the voice of hope—in Tucson and the surrounding communities."
This is one of the things I love about my church! We are community oriented.
I recently moved from Tucson, Arizona to Modesto, California.
I finished my Ph.D. in Political Science focusing on American Government and International Relations. I have a...
You bring out a very important point Kerri, church is about being. Too many people think its about going to church every Sunday (nothing wrong with that at all) but that is a far as it goes with some people. We need to live it out every day in everything we do, in everything we say. Anyone can talk the talk, but show me someone who lives it inside and outside the church walls and there you will have the true meaning of church. Thank you for that reminder.
Our church has the same kind of vision. Our mission is, "Reaching out with Christ to an ever-changing world" No doubt about it, since the world is changing you must find new ways to share God's message. You have some great community activities and you certainly captured my attention with those eye balls!
