by Eric Cain

 
There's that old saying we all probably know: "Put your money where your mouth is." In the context of our faith, this idiom should be something we take with some (read: much) seriousness. We will certainly hear these overtones during the church stewardship campaign this fall, but getting a pledge isn't something I want to talk about today. I'd like us all to take some time to consider how we spend our money as consumers and how that reflects our faith. Does being a consumer have anything to do with our faith? Did Jesus really say anything about what I should and shouldn't buy?
 
Well, to calm some anxiety, I don't recall Jesus giving a shopper's guide in Scripture-unless it's in a Lost Gospel of GQ somewhere in the Negev Desert. But Jesus did emphasize, preach, and live out an ethic that we are to follow-even in our lives as consumers. This ethic was based on centuries of Jewish ethics from Hebrew Scripture. The Jewish people lived in community and how things were made and how others and God's Creation were affected in the process were important factors. Centuries later, Christian communities in the British Abolitionist Movement also practiced an ethic of responsible consumerism, eventually helping end the horrific Atlantic slave trade. So when considering what we might purchase, it might not be an awful thing to ask that catch-phrase from the 90s: WWJD (What would Jesus do)? Of course, we have to put a two-thousand-year-old ethic in modern context.
 
In basic terms, think about what you buy as not only what you are receiving, but also what you are supporting (giving) through your purchase. I would recommend two factors to consider: social responsibility and environmental impact. How does this company relate to "the least of these" in their practices? How does this product reflect care for God's Creation? How does this company relate to the local and global community of which it is a part?
 
Though I certainly have purchasing preferences, it's not my place to make endorsements here. Also, (don't be too surprised) no company is perfect-they are human-designed and run entities. I would say many companies are striving to be better in their practices and would probably appreciate the support and input of their customers who are concerned about these issues. Simply villainizing companies, like villainizing humans, is largely unproductive. Getting educated, taking action when appropriate, and putting our money where our mouth is presents a great start and habit for each of us. What I can say is that as people of God and followers of Jesus, we should at least educate ourselves on the things we buy and, as best we can, consider how companies and organizations reflect an ethic of responsibility we can be proud of as part of God's people. I'll be the first to say I'm not perfect at this, but I'm learning to research and better understand how my faith is exhibited through my actions as a consumer.
 
 

Join preeminent New Testament scholars Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan on location in Turkey as they trace the Apostle Paul's footsteps throughout the Roman Empire. This 12-session DVD and web-based study explores fresh insights into Paul's message of the Kingdom of God, its challenge to Roman imperial theology, and the apostle's radical relevance for today. Filmed in High-Definition across Turkey, Greece, and Italy. Participant Guide written by John Dominic Crossan.

 

 

Energy, Intimacy & Hymnody.

July 4-September 5, 2010

 

Energy: We are lowering our utility expenses by moving into the chapel this summer. This expression of stewardship is environmentally responsible. Intimacy: The chapel is the church's original sanctuary built in 1954; for many members, it is coming home. Also, the space encourages a close, friendly atmosphere.  Hymnody: Though the choir is taking a summer sabbatical (so as to return rested in the fall), the chapel invites lively congregational singing from the Baptist Hymnal.

 

Teacher(s): Eric Cain, Kristofer Schleicher, Kristy Eggert

 

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ADULTS:

 

Foundations Class: (Conference Room)
This class of young professionals and students seeks to be more than a class.

 

Teacher(s): Zachary Bay
 
Art & Soul Class:  (Room 202)
This class focuses on Bible study where frank discussion and sharing of questions, beliefs, doubts and concerns are encouraged.

 

Teacher(s): Dan Oakley and Cathy Wooten
Community Leaders(s): Barbara Atchley
 
Roger Williams Class:  (Room 201)
Named for a seventeenth century Baptist champion of religious liberty, this group has been surveying the development of the Christian faith by examining the thought and faith of dozens of especially influential persons and their writings.

 

Teacher(s): Jerry Poole
Community Leader(s): George Taylor
 
Friendship Class: (Room 205)
This is a deeply thinking class of active and retired women.

 

Teacher(s):  Mary Ann Hickman
Community Leader(s):  Joann Warmack
 
Men's Class: (Room 116)
This church school class is for middle-aged to senior men who are seeking an informal yet informative class experience.

 

Teacher(s): Larry McSwain
 
Young Families Class:  (Room 207)
This class studies material appropriate and helpful for families with young children.

 

Teacher(s): Amanda Gregg and Mike Gregg
Community Leaders(s): Melissa Bryson 

 

The Callaway Cup golf tournament is scheduled for September 12, 2010! The after-church outing is for MEMBERS (and Regular Visitors), MEN and WOMEN, YOUNG and OLD. This is early notice to SAVE THE DATE (9-12-10). The highly coveted Callaway Cup is named in honor of Raymund Callaway, a long-time member of NDBC. We now play in memory of Raymund who died in 2003. To sign up call Hal Meeks: c. 404-293-4042; h. 404-352-2438, o. 404-880-7180.

From Wounds to Whirlwind"
September 15-November 17, 2010
10:30 AM
Fellowship Hall

Due to increase requests for medical appointment transportation for senior adults in Atlanta, we need more volunteers starting in September. Visit Lifespan for more information or call Laurie Stokes at 404-237-7307 to sign-up today!