| The Hagerstown Church of the Brethren |
November 11, 2006
I was a little nervous a couple Fridays ago taking a $1500 check to the bank to
cash it for thirty fifty-dollar bills. And then I wondered if people would be
willing to take the money, multiply it, and help some person or cause in the
name of Christ. I didn’t want to coerce folks into taking it because they felt
obligated. “Opportunity Knocks” was a great idea but I felt people needed to
have a sense of calling to take it on as a project.
Boy was I surprised! My reticence melted as hands went up during those two
worship services on October 29. As it ended up, we probably could have
given out another $500. Not everyone got an envelope that requested it. It
was invigorating to see the response. And I began hearing stories before I left
the building that day about how this money was going to be invested and what
people it was going to help.
For those of you who wanted to participate but were left out, let me know. I’ll
get you some seed money. Let nothing stop us from reaching out to people
who are in need.
That same Sunday evening, I went to the “Together” meeting. Already one
person had put out a donation box for her Opportunity Knocks project.
Several more popped up the next week with a bake sale and ham sandwiches.
And I heard a story of a man who was soliciting matching $50 bills from other
members of the congregation. Making money for Christ’s work never seemed
so easy and fun.
Thanks to all who took on the challenge during this Stewardship emphasis
month. May God bless you as you make your plans and carry them out. Feel
free to use the services of the church to promote your project. There is
plenty of space for you to advertise how the rest of us can participate with you.
One thing we ask: when you conclude your project, let us know what
happened. We all would love to hear your story and to know how this money
is helping others in Christ’s name. Through the newsletter or in Joy and
Concerns time in worship, there will be ample opportunities to tell us how you
have been enriched through this wonderful experience.
This is indeed a season to be grateful!
I was a little nervous a couple Fridays ago taking a $1500 check to the bank to
cash it for thirty fifty-dollar bills. And then I wondered if people would be
willing to take the money, multiply it, and help some person or cause in the
name of Christ. I didn’t want to coerce folks into taking it because they felt
obligated. “Opportunity Knocks” was a great idea but I felt people needed to
have a sense of calling to take it on as a project.
Boy was I surprised! My reticence melted as hands went up during those two
worship services on October 29. As it ended up, we probably could have
given out another $500. Not everyone got an envelope that requested it. It
was invigorating to see the response. And I began hearing stories before I left
the building that day about how this money was going to be invested and what
people it was going to help.
For those of you who wanted to participate but were left out, let me know. I’ll
get you some seed money. Let nothing stop us from reaching out to people
who are in need.
That same Sunday evening, I went to the “Together” meeting. Already one
person had put out a donation box for her Opportunity Knocks project.
Several more popped up the next week with a bake sale and ham sandwiches.
And I heard a story of a man who was soliciting matching $50 bills from other
members of the congregation. Making money for Christ’s work never seemed
so easy and fun.
Thanks to all who took on the challenge during this Stewardship emphasis
month. May God bless you as you make your plans and carry them out. Feel
free to use the services of the church to promote your project. There is
plenty of space for you to advertise how the rest of us can participate with you.
One thing we ask: when you conclude your project, let us know what
happened. We all would love to hear your story and to know how this money
is helping others in Christ’s name. Through the newsletter or in Joy and
Concerns time in worship, there will be ample opportunities to tell us how you
have been enriched through this wonderful experience.
This is indeed a season to be grateful!
| Opportunity Knocks 2006 |
| Blessings and peace! Pastor Ed |
August 15, 2007
How have our fifteen hundred seeds grown?
Community Free Clinic $625.00
Henry Evans Home for Neglected and Abused Children $450.00
Salvation Army $705.00
Children in Need $100.00
Disaster teams $50.00
Community Free Clinic $50.00
Heifer Int., REACH, Hospice, neighbors $761.27
help with chemotherapy for a child $50.00
help neighbor with utility bill $50.00
Bibles for overseas $50.00
The Growing Project $50.00
The Growing Project $50.00
Shepherd's Spring $50.00
house fire victims $120.00
Breast Cancer Awareness $50.00
Holly House $25.00
Union Rescue Mission $25.00
help neighbor with heating $50.00
Growing Project $150.00
Fahrney-Keedy $500.00
Young LIfe $100.00
Bridgewater College $40.00
Brethren Church $60.00
CASA $21.00
Salvation Army Christmas for Kids $150.00
Needy families Christmas $2000.00
help neighbor with utility bill $120.00
John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust $210.00
SightFirst $125.00
$6,667. 27
How have our fifteen hundred seeds grown?
Community Free Clinic $625.00
Henry Evans Home for Neglected and Abused Children $450.00
Salvation Army $705.00
Children in Need $100.00
Disaster teams $50.00
Community Free Clinic $50.00
Heifer Int., REACH, Hospice, neighbors $761.27
help with chemotherapy for a child $50.00
help neighbor with utility bill $50.00
Bibles for overseas $50.00
The Growing Project $50.00
The Growing Project $50.00
Shepherd's Spring $50.00
house fire victims $120.00
Breast Cancer Awareness $50.00
Holly House $25.00
Union Rescue Mission $25.00
help neighbor with heating $50.00
Growing Project $150.00
Fahrney-Keedy $500.00
Young LIfe $100.00
Bridgewater College $40.00
Brethren Church $60.00
CASA $21.00
Salvation Army Christmas for Kids $150.00
Needy families Christmas $2000.00
help neighbor with utility bill $120.00
John Kline Homestead Preservation Trust $210.00
SightFirst $125.00
$6,667. 27
| Hagerstown Church of the Brethren 15 S. Mulberry Street Hagerstown, MD 21740. Telephone: 301-733-3565. Fax: 301-733-3598. Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - noon & 1:00 –4:00 p.m. |
| MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren is to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ and glorify the Lord by striving to live as Christ lived, experiencing the power of God's healing in our lives. We seek to nurture our faith community through prayer, music and the proclaimed Word, while enthusiastically reaching out to others with compassion, respect and love for everyone so that we may grow in faith and commitment together. VISION STATEMENT Journeying with Christ Serving Our Neighbors Uniting at the Master’s Table |