We received another Kingdom Assignment this Sunday: A family provided Christmas for a local family (cummulative servers 112/ served 713).
We had a family visit our church this Sunday because they had seen a basket at Monticello House with a "Connection Card" identifying our church. Praise the Lord!!
I would like to reflect on the Kingdom Assignment after the first of the year (we may have more reports yet)...but for now: THANK YOU FOR ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!
Monday, December 15, 2008
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Dec 7 Reports
The Kingdom Assignment reports continue to come in...
One family reports, "We purchased a $25 gift card from Walmart and a greeting card for a local secretary who is battling colon cancer; has two school-aged children and her husband is incarcerated. We wrote her a long encouragement note in the card. We've received a thank you note and she passes on her blessings to our church for being 'light' in the community." (cummulative servers 92/served 435).
Another writes that they "baked brownies and delivered them to local Fruitland businesses...gas stations, hardware stores, Mulberry Acres office and a few neighbors. We got good responses with alot of 'thank yous' and smiles!" (cummulative servers 96/served 455)
"We bake homemade cookies and made hot cocoa - then set up a table on the Jackson Parade route. We had a sign that read 'Free hot cocoa and cookies. Merry Christmas from Fruitland Community Church." Had the FCC Kingdom Assignment card attached to each bag of cookies. We got lots of positive responses and 'thank yous.'" (cummulative servers 103/served 555)
A couple took a welcome basket to a new family in the neighborhood and also a book for a lady schedule for a double masectomey. The family thanked them and the lady had said that she had wanted the book. (cummulative servers 105/served 559)
One reports: "gave neighbor the money for groceries...his home health aide bought his grocerys with the $25.00. He needed the groceries bad! He was very, very thankful! He has been reading his Bible and having someone come and see him regularly." (cummulative servers 106/served 560).
Three folks gave out 150 cups of hot chocolate in Jesus name (and FCC's) at the Cape Christmas parade! There were alot of happy, warm people. The family was really excited about the positive responses from the people they encountered. (cummulative servers 109/served 710)
It is so exciting to read these reports...I'll comment more later (I think there are a few reports to come). May the Lord bless these seeds of intentional kindness in His name!
For the Kingdom!
One family reports, "We purchased a $25 gift card from Walmart and a greeting card for a local secretary who is battling colon cancer; has two school-aged children and her husband is incarcerated. We wrote her a long encouragement note in the card. We've received a thank you note and she passes on her blessings to our church for being 'light' in the community." (cummulative servers 92/served 435).
Another writes that they "baked brownies and delivered them to local Fruitland businesses...gas stations, hardware stores, Mulberry Acres office and a few neighbors. We got good responses with alot of 'thank yous' and smiles!" (cummulative servers 96/served 455)
"We bake homemade cookies and made hot cocoa - then set up a table on the Jackson Parade route. We had a sign that read 'Free hot cocoa and cookies. Merry Christmas from Fruitland Community Church." Had the FCC Kingdom Assignment card attached to each bag of cookies. We got lots of positive responses and 'thank yous.'" (cummulative servers 103/served 555)
A couple took a welcome basket to a new family in the neighborhood and also a book for a lady schedule for a double masectomey. The family thanked them and the lady had said that she had wanted the book. (cummulative servers 105/served 559)
One reports: "gave neighbor the money for groceries...his home health aide bought his grocerys with the $25.00. He needed the groceries bad! He was very, very thankful! He has been reading his Bible and having someone come and see him regularly." (cummulative servers 106/served 560).
Three folks gave out 150 cups of hot chocolate in Jesus name (and FCC's) at the Cape Christmas parade! There were alot of happy, warm people. The family was really excited about the positive responses from the people they encountered. (cummulative servers 109/served 710)
It is so exciting to read these reports...I'll comment more later (I think there are a few reports to come). May the Lord bless these seeds of intentional kindness in His name!
For the Kingdom!
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Third round of 11/30 reports
Here is the last of this past Sunday's reports. They have been truly a joy to read!
A family reports that they "bought food for a needy family suggested to us by a local social worker." (cummulative servers 92/436 served)
"Our family purchased all natural foods from Trader Joes and delivered them to a friend who has stage 4 colon concer. She was very thankful and it helped life her spirits." (cummulative servers 96/437 served).
Another family "filled a basket with bath products, slippers, chocolate and a candle for someone who has gone through a divorce and is having a hard time dealing with the stress (she was married for 30 years) and who is also having serious recent health problems. She was shocked and very grateful to receive the basket." (cummulative servers 99/438 served).
"20 muffins from My Daddy's Cheesecake were bought for my co-workers." (cummulative servers 100/served 458)
Another family describes their KA project: "Cooked breakfast for Oak Ridge School's kitchen staff and helpers and brought it to them. They were very grateful and sent me a thank you note in the mail. They wanted me to be sure and tell my church how much they were touched by the gesture and that they appreciated it very much." (cummulative servers 103/served 468).
Two families went together to deliver Thanksgiving baskets in a local mobile home community. The mobile community manager matched the $50 and the families decorated and delivered 5 food baskets to families. Great pictures of cooperation! (cummulative servers 109 servers/488 served)
I'm sure there will be some more reports turned in, but that is all for now. Isn't it amazing what God has done in and through us? What could He continue to do in and through you?
Because we know, because we love.
A family reports that they "bought food for a needy family suggested to us by a local social worker." (cummulative servers 92/436 served)
"Our family purchased all natural foods from Trader Joes and delivered them to a friend who has stage 4 colon concer. She was very thankful and it helped life her spirits." (cummulative servers 96/437 served).
Another family "filled a basket with bath products, slippers, chocolate and a candle for someone who has gone through a divorce and is having a hard time dealing with the stress (she was married for 30 years) and who is also having serious recent health problems. She was shocked and very grateful to receive the basket." (cummulative servers 99/438 served).
"20 muffins from My Daddy's Cheesecake were bought for my co-workers." (cummulative servers 100/served 458)
Another family describes their KA project: "Cooked breakfast for Oak Ridge School's kitchen staff and helpers and brought it to them. They were very grateful and sent me a thank you note in the mail. They wanted me to be sure and tell my church how much they were touched by the gesture and that they appreciated it very much." (cummulative servers 103/served 468).
Two families went together to deliver Thanksgiving baskets in a local mobile home community. The mobile community manager matched the $50 and the families decorated and delivered 5 food baskets to families. Great pictures of cooperation! (cummulative servers 109 servers/488 served)
I'm sure there will be some more reports turned in, but that is all for now. Isn't it amazing what God has done in and through us? What could He continue to do in and through you?
Because we know, because we love.
Monday, December 1, 2008
Second Round of 11/30 Reports
Here are more reports!!
A family "had 3 large pizzas and two 2-liters delivered to the librarians at Riverside Regional in Jackson." (Cummulative servers 76/served 354)
"We took our Kingdom Assignment money and added more to it to give to a family in the Fruitland area. This family has a child on our child's soccer team. Both parents work hard to pay the bills, but are still struggling. We gave the money to help them give their children a nice Christmas. Thank you for this opportunity to leet us help another family in need and to hopefully help make their holidays more enjoyable." (Cummulative servers 82/served 359).
A family reported that "pumpkin pies were delivered to 4 neighbors and a co-worker (who lost a daughter in May) for thanksgiving dinners." (cummulative servers 84/served 368).
A unique project was done by a young couple: "$5 in quarters were put in ziplock baggies with the FCC card in it and passed out to 5 people in the laundry mat here in Jackson. The folks were surprised and confused. One person almost refused because of pride." (cummulative servers 86/served 373).
"We bought a coat and several pairs of gloves and a few sock caps. We gave them to North Elementary. They will be used by any child who needs them fo recess or other outdoor activity. The counselor was very grateful. She promised to show the 'Sharing God's Love' card to the kids that used them." (cummulative servers 88/served 385)
A family "had 3 large pizzas and two 2-liters delivered to the librarians at Riverside Regional in Jackson." (Cummulative servers 76/served 354)
"We took our Kingdom Assignment money and added more to it to give to a family in the Fruitland area. This family has a child on our child's soccer team. Both parents work hard to pay the bills, but are still struggling. We gave the money to help them give their children a nice Christmas. Thank you for this opportunity to leet us help another family in need and to hopefully help make their holidays more enjoyable." (Cummulative servers 82/served 359).
A family reported that "pumpkin pies were delivered to 4 neighbors and a co-worker (who lost a daughter in May) for thanksgiving dinners." (cummulative servers 84/served 368).
A unique project was done by a young couple: "$5 in quarters were put in ziplock baggies with the FCC card in it and passed out to 5 people in the laundry mat here in Jackson. The folks were surprised and confused. One person almost refused because of pride." (cummulative servers 86/served 373).
"We bought a coat and several pairs of gloves and a few sock caps. We gave them to North Elementary. They will be used by any child who needs them fo recess or other outdoor activity. The counselor was very grateful. She promised to show the 'Sharing God's Love' card to the kids that used them." (cummulative servers 88/served 385)
"Our neighborhood has had conflicts and drama over the past few years. We baked bread and took it to our neighbors on Thanksgiving morning. We talked to some of the families and left it in a safe place for those who weren't home. We believe that this helped to begin the healing. We are looking forward to a more loving and peaceful neighborhood. This is just the beginning." (cummulative servers 90/served 432).
AWESOME!! More reports will be posted tomorrow...
Sunday, November 30, 2008
First round of 11/30 reports
Several reports came in this morning and it has been fun to read them! I won't get them all posted tonight, but I'll get started...
A family "took hot pumpkin muffins to the police/fire station in Jackson on Thanksgiving. It took awhile for someone to come to the frong and then she seemed confused at first then happy, after I said we just wanted to thank them for their service from or church and the card was in the basket of goodies." (cummulative servers 58/cummulative served 282)
"We bought muffins for my co-workers, most whom don't attend church. I told them it was a gift from FCC because we care and God loves them. This was part of a large effort by our church to do deliberate acts of kindness. They love them and asked the church was. It gave a great opportunity for me to show Christ's love to them." (cummulative servers 60/served 302).
A couple "took cookies to the big rig repair shop (20 people) and Fruitland America Meat Company (5 people). Also took a $15 gift certificate to our single next door neighbor who doesn't go to church that we know of." (cummulative servers 62/served 328).
One family "delivered flowers and book (The Purpose Driven Life) to a lady who had her leg amputated. We also delivered flowers and/treats to 7 neighbors. The response was very positive for the most part although one couple shut us out quickly." (cummulative serves 67/served 336).
Two families went together: We have been making burp cloths for expectant moms. We machine embroidery a design on the burp cloth and then personalize it with the baby's name. So far, we have been making them for expectant moms at Metro Business College. As of January 2009 we are going to continue the K.A. through this next year. We will be adding another group of moms. We will be making burp cloths for moms who have newborns in neonatal intensive car unit at Southeast Missouri Hospital. (cummulative servers 71/served 342).
There are many more reports to come...keep checking back! My heart is full reading these reports!!
A family "took hot pumpkin muffins to the police/fire station in Jackson on Thanksgiving. It took awhile for someone to come to the frong and then she seemed confused at first then happy, after I said we just wanted to thank them for their service from or church and the card was in the basket of goodies." (cummulative servers 58/cummulative served 282)
"We bought muffins for my co-workers, most whom don't attend church. I told them it was a gift from FCC because we care and God loves them. This was part of a large effort by our church to do deliberate acts of kindness. They love them and asked the church was. It gave a great opportunity for me to show Christ's love to them." (cummulative servers 60/served 302).
A couple "took cookies to the big rig repair shop (20 people) and Fruitland America Meat Company (5 people). Also took a $15 gift certificate to our single next door neighbor who doesn't go to church that we know of." (cummulative servers 62/served 328).
One family "delivered flowers and book (The Purpose Driven Life) to a lady who had her leg amputated. We also delivered flowers and/treats to 7 neighbors. The response was very positive for the most part although one couple shut us out quickly." (cummulative serves 67/served 336).
Two families went together: We have been making burp cloths for expectant moms. We machine embroidery a design on the burp cloth and then personalize it with the baby's name. So far, we have been making them for expectant moms at Metro Business College. As of January 2009 we are going to continue the K.A. through this next year. We will be adding another group of moms. We will be making burp cloths for moms who have newborns in neonatal intensive car unit at Southeast Missouri Hospital. (cummulative servers 71/served 342).
There are many more reports to come...keep checking back! My heart is full reading these reports!!
Sunday, November 23, 2008
November 23 Reports
Wow...more fun reports to read!! Here are some creative ways that God's love has been shared with God's people...
"I know of a single mother who is really struggling financially. On Sunday, she told me that she has $11.00 to last until she got paid on Thursday and she was out of gas. I gave her a $25.00 gas card so she could get to world and get her son to and from school." (cummulative total: 41 servers/234 served).
"With the $25, we purchased 5 NT Japanese Bibles and take them to Japan when we go on Nov. 25. We will travel in Japan for a week, then we will be in Singapore for a week. During that time we will prayerfully distribute 6 English Bibles. Please be in prayer fo rthe people God wants to receive these Bibles." (44 cummulative servers/245 served)
"Bought Casting Crowns CDs for ladies at Vision House and Mending Hearts. I gave them to the girls at CR and asked them to share with other women. They were very thankful." (commulative total: 45 servers/247 served).
"We delivered Pizza Pro and Movie Gallery gift cards with a box of warm cookies to two neighborhood families, along with connection cards and personal notes. They were surprised and pleased. One family invited us in to visit and asked us to come back again." (cummulative total 47 servers/253 served)."
"The college students at our Bible study had been humorously complaining of their meal plans on campus--how they usually don't have quite as many meals or the quality of meals they'd like. So we treated the five of them to $5 each to have a nice sandwich or taco on afternoon. All the students were extremely greateful and expressed a profusion of thanks and admiration for the church's program." (cummulative total: 49 servers/258 served)
"I know of a single mother who is really struggling financially. On Sunday, she told me that she has $11.00 to last until she got paid on Thursday and she was out of gas. I gave her a $25.00 gas card so she could get to world and get her son to and from school." (cummulative total: 41 servers/234 served).
"With the $25, we purchased 5 NT Japanese Bibles and take them to Japan when we go on Nov. 25. We will travel in Japan for a week, then we will be in Singapore for a week. During that time we will prayerfully distribute 6 English Bibles. Please be in prayer fo rthe people God wants to receive these Bibles." (44 cummulative servers/245 served)
"Bought Casting Crowns CDs for ladies at Vision House and Mending Hearts. I gave them to the girls at CR and asked them to share with other women. They were very thankful." (commulative total: 45 servers/247 served).
"We delivered Pizza Pro and Movie Gallery gift cards with a box of warm cookies to two neighborhood families, along with connection cards and personal notes. They were surprised and pleased. One family invited us in to visit and asked us to come back again." (cummulative total 47 servers/253 served)."
"The college students at our Bible study had been humorously complaining of their meal plans on campus--how they usually don't have quite as many meals or the quality of meals they'd like. So we treated the five of them to $5 each to have a nice sandwich or taco on afternoon. All the students were extremely greateful and expressed a profusion of thanks and admiration for the church's program." (cummulative total: 49 servers/258 served)
"We took toys, blanket, books, etc. to a 2 year old little girl that had been left by her mother with her grandmother. When she got her, she had nothing and hadn't been cared for very well. The little girl was so excited and the grandmother was very appreciative. Thank you for this opportunity to help someone." (cummulative total: 53 servers/262 served)
May these seeds of kindness take root in somebody's heart!
Monday, November 17, 2008
Praying for the reports
Wow...talk about energizing a Monday. I had a busy fun (tiring) weekend in Bolivar with Bethany...the first thing I was interested in seeing was the new Kingdom Assignment reports! And they did bring a bounce to my step... :) Here are three more reports....
One family gives this report: "A couple we've know for several years used to be very active in church. Something happened at that church and because of that have not been back to church for about 10 years. Bought Pizza Inn gift certificates for them and invited them to church. They live close to FCC. Response unknown." It seems to meet that we should pray for all those who receive small acts of God's love...but let's all pray that this couple will visit FCC and be drawn to a local body of believers! (cummulative report: 37 servers/224 served).
One family gave money to a man who had emergency surgery to unblock his colon and subsequently will be out of work for a year. The response was as follows: "He said thank you and may come to church. We hope they will follow through and and talk with the pastor." Let's pray that this man and his family follow through!! (cummulative report: 39 servers/227 served).
This is a long report, but I don't want to leave any of it out! "I have prayed for a couple of weeks about what God desired me to do for my 'kingdom assignment.' And I finally decided it would be to take hand lotion from Bath and Body Works to the ladies at the salon where I get my haircut. So I prepared 5 lotions with a ribbon tied around the neck of each with the card telling about FCC attached to it.
When I arrived I found only 2 ladies working that day and left a lotion with each of them. My next stop was Country Mart and I gave one to my checker and one to another checker I know.
As I was standing in line, I talked to an older woman in front of me who said she had been off work and for the first time in her life had to get food stamps. We both headed to our cars and as I got in mine I realized I had one more hand lotion to give away. I got out of my car, knocked on her window, and handed the lotion to her. She said, 'Thank you' and sat ther in her car as I backed out of the parking spot. She had tears in her eyes and I realized that was the person God intended for me to bless that day. I'm glad I listened when he prompted me to talk to her and show her kindness that day." Let's pray for all five of these who received bottles of lotion...especially this one who is out of work...that God will draw them to Himself. (cummulative report: 40 servers/232 served)
And I am praying for those who have not completed their report that God will give them leading in this area...
Let's continue to be His hands and feet!
One family gives this report: "A couple we've know for several years used to be very active in church. Something happened at that church and because of that have not been back to church for about 10 years. Bought Pizza Inn gift certificates for them and invited them to church. They live close to FCC. Response unknown." It seems to meet that we should pray for all those who receive small acts of God's love...but let's all pray that this couple will visit FCC and be drawn to a local body of believers! (cummulative report: 37 servers/224 served).
One family gave money to a man who had emergency surgery to unblock his colon and subsequently will be out of work for a year. The response was as follows: "He said thank you and may come to church. We hope they will follow through and and talk with the pastor." Let's pray that this man and his family follow through!! (cummulative report: 39 servers/227 served).
This is a long report, but I don't want to leave any of it out! "I have prayed for a couple of weeks about what God desired me to do for my 'kingdom assignment.' And I finally decided it would be to take hand lotion from Bath and Body Works to the ladies at the salon where I get my haircut. So I prepared 5 lotions with a ribbon tied around the neck of each with the card telling about FCC attached to it.
When I arrived I found only 2 ladies working that day and left a lotion with each of them. My next stop was Country Mart and I gave one to my checker and one to another checker I know.
As I was standing in line, I talked to an older woman in front of me who said she had been off work and for the first time in her life had to get food stamps. We both headed to our cars and as I got in mine I realized I had one more hand lotion to give away. I got out of my car, knocked on her window, and handed the lotion to her. She said, 'Thank you' and sat ther in her car as I backed out of the parking spot. She had tears in her eyes and I realized that was the person God intended for me to bless that day. I'm glad I listened when he prompted me to talk to her and show her kindness that day." Let's pray for all five of these who received bottles of lotion...especially this one who is out of work...that God will draw them to Himself. (cummulative report: 40 servers/232 served)
And I am praying for those who have not completed their report that God will give them leading in this area...
Let's continue to be His hands and feet!
Monday, November 10, 2008
More reports from the weekend
You have no idea how much fun I am having reading the creativity in the Kingdom Assignment reports...I also have talked to several this week who are struggling with their Kingdom Assignment...may these and other posts generate some ideas! Here is the next round of reports...
Two folks served 10 people. Doughnuts were purchase for the election staff and money was given to help with transportation for a medical emergency. Both were well received. (cumulative total: 29 servers/183 served).
A couple served 35 Fruitland Area Firefighters by filling bags with chips and candy bars for them to use when they are on duty. The firefighters were very appreciative. What a great idea! (cumulative total: 31 servers/218 served).
One person assisted a family of four to make a trip to the ER to see their child that had just been taken to Children's Hospital in St. Louis. They were desperate and appreciative! (cumulative total: 32 servers/222 served).
May the seeds of kindness planted take root in someone's heart this week!
Keep sowing,
Pastor Mike
Two folks served 10 people. Doughnuts were purchase for the election staff and money was given to help with transportation for a medical emergency. Both were well received. (cumulative total: 29 servers/183 served).
A couple served 35 Fruitland Area Firefighters by filling bags with chips and candy bars for them to use when they are on duty. The firefighters were very appreciative. What a great idea! (cumulative total: 31 servers/218 served).
One person assisted a family of four to make a trip to the ER to see their child that had just been taken to Children's Hospital in St. Louis. They were desperate and appreciative! (cumulative total: 32 servers/222 served).
May the seeds of kindness planted take root in someone's heart this week!
Keep sowing,
Pastor Mike
Sunday, November 9, 2008
Exciting Reports!
It is amazing to hear how God lays it on the heart of His people to share love in practical, tangible ways...I love reading the KA reports!! They inspire me!! Here are the latest reports that I received on November 9:
One couple donated their KA money to the Southeast Food Bank which paid for 25 Thanksgiving meals! What a timely expression of God's love! (17 servers/105 served).
A family in our church bought two movies: "The Ultimate Gift" and "The Road to Redemption" and gave one to a neighbor with instructions to pass it on to a friend or a loved one. They other movie was given to another family with the same instructions. There is no way to know how many will be touched by this gift that will be passed on to others!! (23 servers/113 served).
A couple took snacks/cookies to the teacher's lounge Cape Central High School where the husband teaches. What a great idea! (25 servers/143 served).
One family took homemade muffins and chocolate bars to Monticello House (Nursing Home in Jackson) in a basket. They have committed to refill the basket once a month for the next 11 months! Wow!! (27 servers/173 served).
What a great variety of expressions of God's love! May the Lord plant seeds in our hearts to keep on loving and to keep on giving...
Because we know, because we love,
Pastor Mike
One couple donated their KA money to the Southeast Food Bank which paid for 25 Thanksgiving meals! What a timely expression of God's love! (17 servers/105 served).
A family in our church bought two movies: "The Ultimate Gift" and "The Road to Redemption" and gave one to a neighbor with instructions to pass it on to a friend or a loved one. They other movie was given to another family with the same instructions. There is no way to know how many will be touched by this gift that will be passed on to others!! (23 servers/113 served).
A couple took snacks/cookies to the teacher's lounge Cape Central High School where the husband teaches. What a great idea! (25 servers/143 served).
One family took homemade muffins and chocolate bars to Monticello House (Nursing Home in Jackson) in a basket. They have committed to refill the basket once a month for the next 11 months! Wow!! (27 servers/173 served).
What a great variety of expressions of God's love! May the Lord plant seeds in our hearts to keep on loving and to keep on giving...
Because we know, because we love,
Pastor Mike
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Couple of more reports
This week I read two more Kingdom Assignment reports:
- A family of three made a basket of snack foods, fall decor, household items, and took it to their new neighbors across the street. Their new neighbors (a family 5) liked it! (14 servers/73 served).
- An individual bought and delivered muffins to the teachers at North Elementary and to the staff at Rhodes in Fruitland. The muffins were still warm and they were very appreciated!! (15 servers/105 served).
Some have asked when the deadline for the Kingdom Assignment is...the assignment ends November 30. Please turn in your Kingdom Assignment report so we can share how the Lord has used this time in the life of our church!
Looking forward to the reports that come in this week!!
For the Kingdom!!
Friday, October 31, 2008
It's Contagious!
It is so fun to hear folks get excited about sharing God's love! One couple was sharing the results of their Kingdom Assignment only to be given an overwhelming opportunity to share with school lunches with several families. They discovered that there were half a dozen or so kids who weren't getting school lunches because there families couldn't afford it. I shared with them a 2nd Kingdom Assignment envelope and a family provided $25 to help with the project. I'm looking forward to reading the report in the next week or so!
One school employee discovered that there were kids who needed Christmas gifts! So their Kingdom Assignment is going to be to take on a family for Christmas. They asked if the church might want to take on a couple of families that go to North Elementary. I said yes and I'm looking at the paperwork on my desk! Two more Kingdom Assignments are going to take care of these families.
It's contagious I tell ya! More reports on my next post.
Keep sharing God's love!
One school employee discovered that there were kids who needed Christmas gifts! So their Kingdom Assignment is going to be to take on a family for Christmas. They asked if the church might want to take on a couple of families that go to North Elementary. I said yes and I'm looking at the paperwork on my desk! Two more Kingdom Assignments are going to take care of these families.
It's contagious I tell ya! More reports on my next post.
Keep sharing God's love!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Results from Week 3
It is exciting to read the Kingdom Assignments that are coming in each week!! Here is a summary of the seeds of love that were sewn last week:
One individual delivered pizza to a new family in the area and invited them to our church (5 servers/54 served).
One individual took some "pampering items" to the staff at Lil Miss Muffin in Jackson: therapeutic hand lotion, foot lotion, and chocolates! He/she explained to the staff about their study in 1 John and how this was an expression of God's love to them. She were touched (6 servers/58 served).
A couple from church bought the Love and Respect book and the Love Dare book for a couple who was putting their lives back together after an affair. The couple from church also shared about the movie "Fireproof" and the couple who was struggling loved the movie! By the first night they had read 3 chapters of the Love and Respect book and loved it! The couple from church also bought 3 other Love Dare books for other couples. (8 servers/64 served)
The $25 was given to a family that going back and forth to St. Louis for ear implants for their child who was born deaf. They will be making 70 trips this year to St. Louis and they were moved and thankful for the tangible expression of God's love (10 servers/68 served).
The church received this thank you card this week: "To ****** and the FCC family: We were blessed by your kindness. Thank you so very much--May you always be as happy as you make others! God bless you! Melissa and the Lou Masterman Center Family"
I am so grateful that you are responding and displaying God's love in practical, tangible ways!
Because we know, because we love,
Mike
One individual delivered pizza to a new family in the area and invited them to our church (5 servers/54 served).
One individual took some "pampering items" to the staff at Lil Miss Muffin in Jackson: therapeutic hand lotion, foot lotion, and chocolates! He/she explained to the staff about their study in 1 John and how this was an expression of God's love to them. She were touched (6 servers/58 served).
A couple from church bought the Love and Respect book and the Love Dare book for a couple who was putting their lives back together after an affair. The couple from church also shared about the movie "Fireproof" and the couple who was struggling loved the movie! By the first night they had read 3 chapters of the Love and Respect book and loved it! The couple from church also bought 3 other Love Dare books for other couples. (8 servers/64 served)
The $25 was given to a family that going back and forth to St. Louis for ear implants for their child who was born deaf. They will be making 70 trips this year to St. Louis and they were moved and thankful for the tangible expression of God's love (10 servers/68 served).
The church received this thank you card this week: "To ****** and the FCC family: We were blessed by your kindness. Thank you so very much--May you always be as happy as you make others! God bless you! Melissa and the Lou Masterman Center Family"
I am so grateful that you are responding and displaying God's love in practical, tangible ways!
Because we know, because we love,
Mike
Monday, October 13, 2008
First round of reports
We had one person take her Kingdom Assignment to the Lou Masterman Center...she took 3 desserts and ice cream and served 16 people. She reports they were all thankful!! (1 server/16 served).
One family was concerned about a couple having marriage problems so they bought them two tickets to see the movie "Fireproof" and babysat their kids...a date night gift bag was also prepared with hershey kissess and a card. The couple was so touched that they report that it has changed their perspective on marriage and if though they have work to do, they are gong to make it! The couple that received the tickets have already paid for another couple to go to the movie!! (2 servers/4 served)
One person took their KA to a Jackson cross country meet! Bottled water and connection cards were given out to runners and parents. Both seemed grateful!! (1 server/30 served)
So far we have had 4 servers with 50 served!!
One family was concerned about a couple having marriage problems so they bought them two tickets to see the movie "Fireproof" and babysat their kids...a date night gift bag was also prepared with hershey kissess and a card. The couple was so touched that they report that it has changed their perspective on marriage and if though they have work to do, they are gong to make it! The couple that received the tickets have already paid for another couple to go to the movie!! (2 servers/4 served)
One person took their KA to a Jackson cross country meet! Bottled water and connection cards were given out to runners and parents. Both seemed grateful!! (1 server/30 served)
So far we have had 4 servers with 50 served!!
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Ideas for the Kingdom Assignment
Our FCC Kingdom Assignment has been launched...families have been given instructions and $25 to invest in touching someone outside of our church for the Kingdom. I'm so excited about what God is going to do with this time! Some may struggle with ideas, so here are some websites that may generate your thinking...
http://www.servantevangelism.com/main.cfm
http://www.epicnow.org/training/ServEvan.htm
http://www.serve-others.com/issue4/index.cfm?id=4&ref=ARTICLES_SERVANT%20EVANGELISM%3A%20ADVICE%20FROM%20A%20PRO_30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxqirOI_lrk
Think about our community and how you can show love to someone these next few weeks. We will be using this blog to post reports of the Kingdom Assignment in the next weeks. Check back often!!
For the Kingdom!!
Mike
http://www.servantevangelism.com/main.cfm
http://www.epicnow.org/training/ServEvan.htm
http://www.serve-others.com/issue4/index.cfm?id=4&ref=ARTICLES_SERVANT%20EVANGELISM%3A%20ADVICE%20FROM%20A%20PRO_30
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mxqirOI_lrk
Think about our community and how you can show love to someone these next few weeks. We will be using this blog to post reports of the Kingdom Assignment in the next weeks. Check back often!!
For the Kingdom!!
Mike
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
The Fruitland Kingdom Assignment!!
Something very unique is happening at Fruitland Community Church starting October 5, 2008. We are launching the Kingdom Assignment in morning worship as we begin our study in 1 John. Each family will be given an opportunity to received a Kingdom Assignment which will include $25 to be invested into the community. We did this in 2002, and 60 families accepted the Kingdom Assignment. We hd 128 people in our church touch the lives of 941 people in our area with small acts of kindness. Wow!! Both the givers and receivers were affected by this emphasis, so over 1000 people were touched by the Kingdom Assignment! We repeated this in 2003 and in 2004...it is time to bring back the Kingdom Assignment!
Here is just a sample of what some of our folks have done...in the past:
Cookies backed for school teachers
Roses delivered to nurses
Dinner delivered to a business
Treats taken to VIP
Reverse Trick or Treating
Passed out water at the student rec center
Read stories to a local daycare and passed out treat bags
Bought muffins for employees of a local business
Bagels to employees of a local business
Ice Cream given to kids getting off the bus
An unchurched family was invited to dinner
Flowers delivered to the residents of Monticello
Here are the official rules of the Kingdom Assignment!!
Here is just a sample of what some of our folks have done...in the past:
Cookies backed for school teachers
Roses delivered to nurses
Dinner delivered to a business
Treats taken to VIP
Reverse Trick or Treating
Passed out water at the student rec center
Read stories to a local daycare and passed out treat bags
Bought muffins for employees of a local business
Bagels to employees of a local business
Ice Cream given to kids getting off the bus
An unchurched family was invited to dinner
Flowers delivered to the residents of Monticello
Here are the official rules of the Kingdom Assignment!!
- The $25 belongs to God.
- Do not put the $25 in the offering plate, spend the money on FCC, or give to a charitable organization.
- Invest the $25 to extend the Kingdom of God in the Fruitland area during the next couple of months.
- Leave a 'Connection Card' to connect the act of kindness with Christ's love. This is a very important step, as we are not just doing random acts of kindness. We are doing intentional acts of kindness and connecting thme with Christ and our church. You can get more cards in the church office if you need them.
- You can combine the money with someone else in the church to expand the project.
- Fill-out the "Kingdom Assignment" report before the emphasis ends on November 30. You may place it in the offering plate in our worship service when you project in complete.
"Small acts of kindness with great love will have a great impact on your community." Steve Sjogren
I believe this time in the life of our church will impact our community and our church. We will post Kingdom Assignment reports here on this blog...
For the Kingdom!!
Pastor Mike
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