God's Risk Management

Risk management may be a modern phenomenon, but the characters in Jesus' parable of the talents certainly knew about risk.  A master entrusted his three servants with very large sums of money, each according to his ability.  The first two servants doubled the money, much to the pleasure of the master.  The third servant, paralyzed by fear, sought to do nothing more than preserve the capital that the master had entrusted to him.   This he did by burying the money in a hole in the ground. 

In response, the master took away from the servant even what he had giving it to the two who had dared to risk what was entrusted to them for the sake of the kingdom.  The Parable of the Talents is the ultimate stewardship story.  God gives us talents, time, and treasure, and expects that we will put them to good use.  Each one of us possesses an abundance of resources that God asks us to use. The deciding factor in life is not what God gives us, but what we do with what God gives us.

Michelangelo once said, "The great danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high, and we miss it, but that it is too low, and we reach it." Risk is something with which many of us have become all too familiar.  The collapse of the sub prime market has exposed us anew to the down side of risk and the sin of greed.  When prudence and due diligence are suspended in favor of greed, everyone loses.  Yet, without risk, where would we be?  Risk means taking chances and stepping out in faith.  Are we setting our goals too low?

With Blessing,

Deborah Rundlett

General Presbyter

Holy Habit: Risking for God!

I wonder how many of us are willing to risk what God gives us in order to make a kingdom difference?  God gives us all that we have so that we can participate in this world as God's servants, as those called to continue the work of Jesus through or lives.  Often, fear grips us -- such that we lack the ability to step out in faith and to take risks for the sake of the Gospel.  We fear failure.  We fear change.  We fear uncertainty.  We fear the lack of security.   One of the marks of spiritual growth is the desire and ability to put fear aside and to take risks.  To risk failure and to embrace change and uncertainty are essential components of spiritual maturity.

This next week, take some time to prayerfully read through the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30).  Then ask yourself: What am I risking for God?  Am I aiming high enough or too low?  Commit yourself to risking yourself for the kingdom of God in a concrete, measurable way.  Share that commitment with a trusted friend and offer your commitment to God in prayer.

Encore presentation of The Journey

Thanks to all who attended The Journey on Saturday. For those who missed it, we are offering an encore presentation here at the Mission Center.  All are welcome! Register by printing and returning your registration form the MVP Mission Center or email Candice today! Please register early to assist us in planning for the day with an accurate attendance count.  We look forward to seeing you!

• Date: Thursday, November 7, 2013
• Location: MVP Mission Center
• Time: 9:30 am - 4:30 pm
• Further information: Click here for The Journey brochure. 
• Cost: $10

Announcing the 2014 Commissioned Lay Pastors Transformation Track!

Further information and application materials can be found on the MVP Website at this link.

DEADLINE APPROACHING!

Discernment of God's Call-- Opportunities to Serve on the new Commissions and the 2014 General Assembly

Where are the 2014 Updated forms?

2014 is quickly approaching, and your Mission Staff has been busily preparing the updated terms of call forms for 2014.  This information will be available on the website very soon! We are confirming information with the Board of Pensions to ensure the 2014 forms are accurate before releasing them.

The 2014 Per Capita information has been updated, both on the website and in the sidebar here in the MVP Mission Update.  For your convenience, here it is as well:

If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact Candice at the Mission Center by calling 330-339-5515 or emailing at Candice@MVPJourney.org.

From Carly Jones, Wooster Westminster

Order your 2014 Mission Yearbook today!

Due to popular demand, the Mission Center will be coordinating a bulk order for 2014 Mission Yearbooks and 2013-2015 Books of Order. To order, contact Candice at Candice@MVPJourney.org by November 15, 2013.

The cost of the 2014 Mission Yearbook is $15 each.