DATE: Thursday, October 4, 2018
TIME: 10:00 am, Central Daylight Time (Chicago, GMT-05:00)
PRESENTER:Â Rosanna Anderson
Pastors know that they ought to preach about stewardship, but may feel challenged when talking about money. Famous preachers have recommended methods for delivering effective stewardship sermons. How do todayâs ministers reach the hearts, minds, and lives of people in their congregations for greater generosity? Rosanna Anderson, formerly the Associate Director of Stewardship Ministries, has analyzed over one hundred contemporary sermons on giving. In this sixty-minute session, learn about the highlights of her research and consider insights to apply in your church context as you encourage people to embrace the joy of holistic generosity.
Note: the webinar will be made available in the webinar archive for those who are unable to attend the live event. |
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Children's Messages & Family Devotions
Yes, we can find hope and wisdom in the book of Job! As I prepared the Children's Messages for Worship or Family Devotions, God revealed one verse each week to help us engage with this Mystery of faith. For the four weeks of October, we journey with Job, his wife, his friends, and God who answers. It's a process of feeling Disoriented, Deserted, and Silenced, but ultimately Restored. Go to the Worship page, then the Faith Formation tab, and click on Children/Family Resource. For an overview of the complete series, click here.
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Grateful for UMC Children's Ministry in Tanzania
Letter from Rev. Naftali Nkika in Tanzania
âKeep praying for all the children and teachers who attended the Childrenâs Camp in our Diocese so that God speaks to them so that they grow and serve the Lord. The theme of this camp comes from the book of Joshua 1:9, âI hereby command you: be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.â
"We planned to receive 650 children from different parishes. The total was more than we expected: 820 children. We divided them into 8 classes, but one had more than 100 students. We thank God that we had 23 groups of children here in the camp. The picture shows some of the children who were singing and praising God in September.
âSend my greetings to all in Christ Jesus.â
Rev. Naftali Nkika has worked in the childrenâs department since 2002 and now is a student at Uganda Christian University in child development for a childrenâs ministry degree. He will graduate next year in July. Letâs keep him and his colleagues in our prayers!
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A Prayer by John Wesley
âO God, eternal fountain of all wisdom, I cannot see You or know You except by means of Your own light. Manifest Yourself to my soul and teach me to know You truly, and Jesus Christ whom You sent. O blessed Sun of Righteousness, with healing in Your wings, scatter the clouds of folly and ignorance that tend to cover my soul. Open my eyes to see the wondrous things Your love has made and done. Do not let me remain in darkness about anything at all I need to know, so I can have peace and eternal glory. Amen.â Prayers for Children by John Wesley, 1772, quoted in Wesleyâs Daily Prayers: Prayers for Every Day in the Year, edited by Donald E. Demaray (Bristol House, 1998, page 30)
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| Book Review
Let's influence kids today to become âGeneration G,â or âGeneration Gratefulâ! Jeffrey Froh and Giacomo Bono coined this term (page 228) to describe the goal of shaping the character of children to work together for a better future. They believe that gratitude is âa quality that can be learned and strengthened with practice" (8). Gratitude leads us to treat others with generosity at home, school, in our congregation, and local community. This book offers simple, effective practices for kids and families. Read more.
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Funding Ministry with Loaves & Fishes
What do you already have that could bear fruit when placed in the Lord's hands? In this archived webinar, church planter Rosario Picardo, the executive pastor of New Church Development at Ginghamsburg United Methodist Church, shares ideas from his book published by Abingdon. Engage in questions to prompt creative thinking and hear about innovative methods that are working in different contexts. The book is available at Cokesbury.
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Recommended Resource
This delightful book by Amy Houts is great for preschool ministry. It presents each of the selected Bible stories with a brief introduction and a rhyming song to the tune of "Frère Jacques." The term "fingerplays" refers to the simple hand motions that engage students in acting out the words to the song. Kids and leaders will enjoy using these messages. You may buy ithe book at Cokesbury.
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Feedback Corner: How Is God Working in Your Life?
Do you have a faith story that you want to share? Let us know! E-mail us, and maybe your story will appear here in the next edition. |
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