15 South Mulberry Street
Hagerstown, Maryland 21740
301-733-3565
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
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!

                                                                                            Pastor Ed
Opportunity
Knocks
2006
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