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In order to give us a precise and clear example of humility in the perfection of love, [Jesus] took a towel and washed his disciples' feet. So what about you, living entirely on your own, how will you ever discover such humility? Whose feet will you wash? Whom will you care for?
Basil the Great
Bishop of Caesarea
329-379 A.D.
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Greetings!
Welcome to the early spring issue of GENERO$ITY, an American Baptist e-resource for pastors and church leaders who are involved in the important ministry of nurturing generous disciples to serve as the hands and feet of Christ." When I was very young my family lived in Oklahoma City while my grandparents lived more than six hours away, on a chicken farm near Hope, Arkansas. Because of the distance we only visited the farm once or twice a year - not nearly often enough for my inquisitive mind to explore the nooks and crannies that were so much more fascinating than my own backyard. On one particular springtime trip, my grandmother asked me to go along with her to the far edges of the property - places I was never allow ed to go alone, usually not even in the company of other cousins. We walked far longer than my short little legs thought possible, finally stopping at a dogwood tree laden with millions of brilliant blossoms. Grandmother placed one of the intricate flowers in my hand and carefully explained how the shape of the petals and their markings symbolized Jesus' crucifixion. Then she said, "When you understand Jesus' death on the cross and that God raised him from the dead, you will begin to know the greatest gift God has given you." That adventure walk took place over forty-five years ago and, most days, I think I am still at the very beginning of understanding God's infinite and abundant love, lived perfectly in God's Son, Jesus Christ. Likewise, I continue to grow in my own gratitude towards God, knowing that receiving God's gifts and being grateful are the first steps towards living a generous life. During this season of Lent and Resurrection, I invite you to join me as together we grow in our expressions of living grateful and generous lives in Christ.
Soozi Whitten Ford, Stewardship Facilitator
Mission Resource Development
American Baptist Churches USA
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Book Review
| | The NI V Stewardship Study Bible
Reviewed by Rev. Jay Noll, First Baptist Church (Rushville, Indiana)
The NIV Stewardship Study Bible...is packed with stewardship principles and resources that are well-organized, insightful and challenging. Stewardship has been in my blood since I was young; but, the study Bible has broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding. Not only have I personally benefited from using it, but others have too, as I've shared various pieces of insight from it in Bible studies...I used the Bible in my quiet times with the Lord for a while, and began to see my life and ministry more through the stewardship lens. This was helpful, holding before me that we are accountable to God and the work is not ours but His. This is both a relief and a challenge! I walked away feeling more of a responsibility, yet more liberty to enjoy what I do for the Master! read more...
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The New Normal
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For those who are planning to attend Celebrate/Celebrad 2011, an event on Thursday and Friday may be of interest. "The New Normal"  will reflect on the impact of culture on ministry, which has implications for issues of generosity and stewardship. On Thursday afternoon, the event will feature Dr. Peggy Kendall, associate professor of Communication Studies at Bethel University, and author of Reboot: Refreshing Your Faith in a High Tech World. (Click here for Dr. Kendall's website on technology and faith.) Friday morning's session will feature Dr. Gary Nelson, urban missiologist and president of Canada's Tyndale University College and Seminary. Dr. Nelson is the author of Borderland Churches: a Congregation's Introduction to Missional Living. Both sessions of "The New Normal" will encourage conversation among Dr. Kendall, Dr. Nelson and those in attendance.
"The New Normal" will precede the American Baptist Biennial on Thursday afternoon, June 23 and Friday morning, June 24, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Ministers Council, ABC Region Staff, Mission Resource Development and American Baptist Women in Ministry offer this opportunity to learn about coping with current cultural changes in the day-to-day work of ministry. For more information and to register, visit Celebrate2011. For the entire press release for this event, click here.
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The Resurrection of Jesus Christ & United Mission
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Dr. Ron Vallet, United Mission Ambassador for New York State, reflects on the power of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection as the supreme act of stewardship. Here are some excerpts from what he has written. Click on the link below to read the entire article.
...The resurrection of Jesus is the pivotal event that provides access to God's household of life and escape from the household of death. It is the supreme stewardship event. Redemption will not come by military might or power; it will come as we are faithful stewards of the gospel of Jesus Christ....What are some of the implications of the resurrection of Jesus being the pivotal event? Certainly one is that the church will have the courage and the ability to do the unexpected, even the courageous...read more...
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Because He Lives,
Soozi Whitten Ford, Stewardship Facilitator
Mission Resource Development
American Baptist Churches USA
© 2011 Mission Resource Development, American Baptist Churches USA
This resource is provided to you as a ministry of American Baptist Churches USA
because American Baptists are united in mission through United Mission.
Thank you for your gifts to United Mission! |
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