February 20, 2010
Affirming Words 2/20/10-Saved and Gay is OK Parts 5 & 6 of 6
While a large portion of the country is upset that many gays want the right to be married, this Pentecostal preacher who is gay delivers a message of love and acceptance to Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, West Virginia. The sermon is high spirited and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Affirming Resource 2/20/10-The Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists
Gay-affirming Baptists? No, this is not an oxymoron!
Ten years ago, after the lgbt community had been dealt yet another blow by members of their denomination, a group of American Baptist pastors decided that it was time to stand up and declare their affirmation of glbt people. The network of churches they founded, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB), has now grown to more than 60 churches and organizations. AWAB members are Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals who have gone on record as being welcoming and affirming of all persons, without regard to sexual orientation.
We know that much abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons has been fostered and encouraged by the rhetoric of the church, leaving many people feeling that they must choose between their faith and their sexuality. AWAB members have joined together to advocate for inclusion of lgbt persons within Baptist communities of faith. Initiated at a gathering of pastors in 1991 at the American Baptist Biennial Meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists was formally organized at the 1993 Biennial in San José, California. (For more on our formation and developments within the ABC, read our brief history.)
Currently, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists consists of 48 congregations, several local support chapters, church groups and pastoral counseling centers, an international ministry, and individuals. See our current membership list for a list of Welcoming & Affirming congregations and ministries.
Click here to find out more.
Ten years ago, after the lgbt community had been dealt yet another blow by members of their denomination, a group of American Baptist pastors decided that it was time to stand up and declare their affirmation of glbt people. The network of churches they founded, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists (AWAB), has now grown to more than 60 churches and organizations. AWAB members are Baptist churches, organizations, and individuals who have gone on record as being welcoming and affirming of all persons, without regard to sexual orientation.
We know that much abuse of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons has been fostered and encouraged by the rhetoric of the church, leaving many people feeling that they must choose between their faith and their sexuality. AWAB members have joined together to advocate for inclusion of lgbt persons within Baptist communities of faith. Initiated at a gathering of pastors in 1991 at the American Baptist Biennial Meeting in Charleston, West Virginia, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists was formally organized at the 1993 Biennial in San José, California. (For more on our formation and developments within the ABC, read our brief history.)
Currently, the Association of Welcoming & Affirming Baptists consists of 48 congregations, several local support chapters, church groups and pastoral counseling centers, an international ministry, and individuals. See our current membership list for a list of Welcoming & Affirming congregations and ministries.
Click here to find out more.
From the SNN Library 2/20/10-Cure For the Common Life
We ALL have gifts, skills God gave us when he made us. If you aren't clear on what yours are, this book can be a good starting point for finding that out.
Amazon.com user ratings: 36 of 37 reviewers gave it at least 4 out of 5 stars
SNN rating: 4 stars
Bestselling author Lucado (Come Thirsty) dedicates his latest book to helping readers discover their "sweet spot"—the job or life calling they were created for. He guides readers on their search to find the unique abilities God may have built into them. First step: "read your life backward" to see where you've been successful and what you've loved in the past. Readers are directed to find their personal "S.T.O.R.Y."—strengths, topic, optimal conditions, relationships and "Yes!" moments. This acronym originates with People Management Inc., whose theories helped Lucado find his own strengths and form much of the foundation for this book. For Lucado, discovering one's life purpose is really about honoring the God who gave the unique abilities in the first place, so he instructs readers not to make decisions based on greed. Instead, he exhorts them to "make a big deal out of God" rather than worrying about their own reputation and to trust God to use their "small beginnings" in his overall purpose. The book contains a "Sweet Spot Discovery Guide" with detailed exercises from People Management to help readers uncover their own personal "S.T.O.R.Y."—though some will want further guidance. As always, evangelical readers will appreciate that Lucado is easy to read while still substantive and orthodox, and many struggling to find the work that's right for them will find this book very helpful.
Click here to read customer reviews or purchase the book at Amazon.com.
Amazon.com user ratings: 36 of 37 reviewers gave it at least 4 out of 5 stars
SNN rating: 4 stars
Bestselling author Lucado (Come Thirsty) dedicates his latest book to helping readers discover their "sweet spot"—the job or life calling they were created for. He guides readers on their search to find the unique abilities God may have built into them. First step: "read your life backward" to see where you've been successful and what you've loved in the past. Readers are directed to find their personal "S.T.O.R.Y."—strengths, topic, optimal conditions, relationships and "Yes!" moments. This acronym originates with People Management Inc., whose theories helped Lucado find his own strengths and form much of the foundation for this book. For Lucado, discovering one's life purpose is really about honoring the God who gave the unique abilities in the first place, so he instructs readers not to make decisions based on greed. Instead, he exhorts them to "make a big deal out of God" rather than worrying about their own reputation and to trust God to use their "small beginnings" in his overall purpose. The book contains a "Sweet Spot Discovery Guide" with detailed exercises from People Management to help readers uncover their own personal "S.T.O.R.Y."—though some will want further guidance. As always, evangelical readers will appreciate that Lucado is easy to read while still substantive and orthodox, and many struggling to find the work that's right for them will find this book very helpful.
Click here to read customer reviews or purchase the book at Amazon.com.
Encouraging Words 2/20/10 Truly Living the Christian Life
From: Love Worth Finding
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Colossians 3:17
The sign over the church door where I attended as a boy read, “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silent.” I mistakenly took that to mean that I had just entered the holy temple and had better start acting religious.
We are the temple of God, not a building made of brick and mortar. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are to be doing all in the name of Jesus.
The secular is to be sanctified so that Jesus will be glorified in everything. Because He lives in you, every day is a holy day, not just Sundays. The spiritual life is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all eternity.
Have you ever had a home appraised? Get a trusted friend or loved one to give you an appraisal of the home where the Holy Spirit dwells — you! Are there areas that need repair, restoration, or removal?
“And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.” Colossians 3:17
The sign over the church door where I attended as a boy read, “The Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silent.” I mistakenly took that to mean that I had just entered the holy temple and had better start acting religious.
We are the temple of God, not a building made of brick and mortar. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are to be doing all in the name of Jesus.
The secular is to be sanctified so that Jesus will be glorified in everything. Because He lives in you, every day is a holy day, not just Sundays. The spiritual life is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for all eternity.
Have you ever had a home appraised? Get a trusted friend or loved one to give you an appraisal of the home where the Holy Spirit dwells — you! Are there areas that need repair, restoration, or removal?
February 19, 2010
Affirming Words 2/19/10-Saved and Gay is OK Part 4 of 6
While a large portion of the country is upset that many gays want the right to be married, this Pentecostal preacher who is gay delivers a message of love and acceptance to Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, West Virginia. The sermon is high spirited and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Matthew 25 Resource 2/19/10-Hawaii Food Bank (Nonolulu)
"The people of Hawaii are one ohana. The Hawaii Foodbank provides food so that no one in
our family goes hungry. We work to gather food and support from our communities. We then
distribute food through charitable agencies to those in need. Our mission is from the heart,
and we will fulfill our mission with integrity, humanity and aloha."
The Hawaii Foodbank is the only nonprofit 501(c)(3) agency in the state of Hawaii that collects, warehouses and distributes mass quantities of both perishable and non-perishable food to 250 member agencies as well as food banks on the Big Island, Maui and Kauai.
The Hawaii Foodbank forms a vital link between the food donors and our member agencies by providing services in collecting, sorting, salvaging and distributing food. The Hawaii Foodbank also supports its member agencies through financial and educational assistance.
Click here to find out more.
Affirming Resource 2/19/10-WeHoChurch, West Hollywood, CA
How does a church touch people? Especially people who are busy, active or may not want to be "touched" by a church in the first place. For centuries the church simply erected buildings, established rules and expected people to acquiesce. Often they did.
Today however, people are smarter and more independent. Thanks to the Internet, people are able to find answers to life's questions on their own. For a church to touch people today, its message must be personal and relevant, yet delivered with innovation and technology.
WeHoChurch exists for just such a purpose. Committed to the West Hollywood community, the leaders of WeHoChurch seek to share God's unconditional love with those who might otherwise feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in a church setting.
At last, the so-called "unchurched" have a place to call home; a place where people look beyond sexual orientation, a place where people seek to express God's love, a place where you can belong. Whether you attend weekly, monthly, twice a year or online, WeHoChurch.com wants to be your church home.
Click here to find out more.
Today however, people are smarter and more independent. Thanks to the Internet, people are able to find answers to life's questions on their own. For a church to touch people today, its message must be personal and relevant, yet delivered with innovation and technology.
WeHoChurch exists for just such a purpose. Committed to the West Hollywood community, the leaders of WeHoChurch seek to share God's unconditional love with those who might otherwise feel unwelcome or uncomfortable in a church setting.
At last, the so-called "unchurched" have a place to call home; a place where people look beyond sexual orientation, a place where people seek to express God's love, a place where you can belong. Whether you attend weekly, monthly, twice a year or online, WeHoChurch.com wants to be your church home.
Click here to find out more.
LGBT Helping Hands 2/19/10-Sunserve (Ft. Lauderdale, FL)
Our Mission
Recognizing that everyone has the right to quality services and care, our mission is to reach out to those in need with an emphasis on the economically disadvantaged, marginalized youth, senior adults, people of differing abilities and those with life-challenging health conditions in the greater South Florida metropolitan area.
Our Goals:
* SunServe will be a model social service agency, serving the gay* community with compassionate and progressive care that understands and respects the individuality of each client, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identification.
* SunServe’s services will be of the highest quality for all clients served, especially those in financial need, minorities, youth, seniors, people of differing ability, and those with life-challenging physical, behavioral and emotional conditions.
* SunServe will help build a stronger, healthier community one person at a time, reaching beyond race, ageism, ethnic differences, sexual orientation and socio-economic classes.
* SunServe will meet the unique needs of the South Florida LGBT community through collaborative partnerships with individuals and agencies from the greater South Florida area.
Click here to find out more.
Recognizing that everyone has the right to quality services and care, our mission is to reach out to those in need with an emphasis on the economically disadvantaged, marginalized youth, senior adults, people of differing abilities and those with life-challenging health conditions in the greater South Florida metropolitan area.
Our Goals:
* SunServe will be a model social service agency, serving the gay* community with compassionate and progressive care that understands and respects the individuality of each client, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identification.
* SunServe’s services will be of the highest quality for all clients served, especially those in financial need, minorities, youth, seniors, people of differing ability, and those with life-challenging physical, behavioral and emotional conditions.
* SunServe will help build a stronger, healthier community one person at a time, reaching beyond race, ageism, ethnic differences, sexual orientation and socio-economic classes.
* SunServe will meet the unique needs of the South Florida LGBT community through collaborative partnerships with individuals and agencies from the greater South Florida area.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 2/19/10 Flourishing in Body, Soul, and Spirit
From: Love Worth Finding
“…dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves…” 2 Corinthians 7:1
You were created to know three worlds — the spiritual, psychological, and material worlds. These can be considered the world above us, the world within us, and the world around us.
These worlds are related to the three parts of our human nature — spirit, soul, and body. When you are rightly related to the material world with your body, you are healthy. When you are rightly related to the psychological world with your soul, you are happy. And when you are rightly related to the spiritual world in your spirit, you are holy. God’s aim is that ultimately you are to experience all three realities: health, happiness, and holiness.
Take a snapshot inventory of your life. Where do you need to start making changes to live a healthier lifestyle?
What is your emotional barometer telling you about how you see others and yourself?
Do you know of any area in your life where you are not living in obedience to the call of holy living?
“…dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves…” 2 Corinthians 7:1
You were created to know three worlds — the spiritual, psychological, and material worlds. These can be considered the world above us, the world within us, and the world around us.
These worlds are related to the three parts of our human nature — spirit, soul, and body. When you are rightly related to the material world with your body, you are healthy. When you are rightly related to the psychological world with your soul, you are happy. And when you are rightly related to the spiritual world in your spirit, you are holy. God’s aim is that ultimately you are to experience all three realities: health, happiness, and holiness.
Take a snapshot inventory of your life. Where do you need to start making changes to live a healthier lifestyle?
What is your emotional barometer telling you about how you see others and yourself?
Do you know of any area in your life where you are not living in obedience to the call of holy living?
February 18, 2010
Affirming Words 2/18/10-Saved and Gay is Ok Part 3 of 6
While a large portion of the country is upset that many gays want the right to be married, this Pentecostal preacher who is gay delivers a message of love and acceptance to Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, West Virginia. The sermon is high spirited and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Matthew 25 Resource 2/18/10-World Hunger Relief
World Hunger Relief, Inc. is a Christian organization committed to the alleviation of hunger around the world.
God calls us to:
•Train individuals in holistic ministry that equips them to work with communities in developing sustainable farming techniques
•Educate those with an economic abundance on methods of conserving and sharing resources
•Participate in local and international sustainable development programs
Our philosophy . . .
is to live simply, helping those who struggle to meet their basic needs by sharing and investing in others what God has given to us .
Click here to find out more.
God calls us to:
•Train individuals in holistic ministry that equips them to work with communities in developing sustainable farming techniques
•Educate those with an economic abundance on methods of conserving and sharing resources
•Participate in local and international sustainable development programs
Our philosophy . . .
is to live simply, helping those who struggle to meet their basic needs by sharing and investing in others what God has given to us .
Click here to find out more.
Affirming Resource 2/18/10-Open Door Community Fellowship, Louisville, KY
Mission/Vision Statement
Our mission is to go into all the world bringing the love of God to ALL people through the sharing of His Living and active word, so that ALL may know the love of Jesus Christ.
Our vision is to glorify God by being a people led by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, walking in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; allowing ourselves to be used by Jesus to take His healing, saving, forgiving, unifying power to ALL people.
Living Out the Vision
We will love the Lord our God with all of our heart, all of our soul and all of our mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves.
We will make every effort to walk in unity and peace with one another through the power and work of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ.
We will fellowship with one another, playing, working, praying, worshiping and growing together in the name of Jesus.
Our church will be lead by and alive to the Holy Spirit, being a house of prayer and praise and worship, where Jesus Christ is our leader.
We will strive to live a life worthy of the calling we have received, being completely humble, gentle, and patient, bearing with one another in love.
Click here to find out more.
Our mission is to go into all the world bringing the love of God to ALL people through the sharing of His Living and active word, so that ALL may know the love of Jesus Christ.
Our vision is to glorify God by being a people led by the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ, walking in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; allowing ourselves to be used by Jesus to take His healing, saving, forgiving, unifying power to ALL people.
Living Out the Vision
We will love the Lord our God with all of our heart, all of our soul and all of our mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves.
We will make every effort to walk in unity and peace with one another through the power and work of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ.
We will fellowship with one another, playing, working, praying, worshiping and growing together in the name of Jesus.
Our church will be lead by and alive to the Holy Spirit, being a house of prayer and praise and worship, where Jesus Christ is our leader.
We will strive to live a life worthy of the calling we have received, being completely humble, gentle, and patient, bearing with one another in love.
Click here to find out more.
LGBT Helping Hands 2/18/10-The LGBT Network (Grand Rapids, MI)
Mission Statement
Serving the LGBT communities of Western Michigan through networking, referrals, and resources .
Statement of Guiding Principles
We seek to improve the lives of all people in the greater community so that each, with no discrimination, may live in an environment that is welcoming, healthy, safe, and respectful of the differences that are present in a diverse society. Every person is called individually to develop these qualities, even when opposed by the majority, in the continuing work of finding our commonalities while celebrating our diversities.
As a community who knows the harm that prejudice and hatred can cause, we support efforts aimed at ending abusive and unjust treatment based on differences and availability of resources.
We recognize that support is not only spoken but also involves action. Therefore, each person, according to their individual gifts and talents, is encouraged and asked to become involved and involve others in the issues that affect our LGBT community, including the realities of oppression that face other minority or marginalized groups of people.
Click here to find out more.
Serving the LGBT communities of Western Michigan through networking, referrals, and resources .
Statement of Guiding Principles
We seek to improve the lives of all people in the greater community so that each, with no discrimination, may live in an environment that is welcoming, healthy, safe, and respectful of the differences that are present in a diverse society. Every person is called individually to develop these qualities, even when opposed by the majority, in the continuing work of finding our commonalities while celebrating our diversities.
As a community who knows the harm that prejudice and hatred can cause, we support efforts aimed at ending abusive and unjust treatment based on differences and availability of resources.
We recognize that support is not only spoken but also involves action. Therefore, each person, according to their individual gifts and talents, is encouraged and asked to become involved and involve others in the issues that affect our LGBT community, including the realities of oppression that face other minority or marginalized groups of people.
Click here to find out more.
Encouraging Words 2/18/10 The Chief Tool of the Devil
From: Love Worth Finding
“Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord…” Psalm 25:15
There’s a story about the devil auctioning off his tools. He had a high price on pride, laziness, arrogance, hate, envy, and jealousy.
But there was one tool that had a sign under it that read, “Not For Sale.” Someone said, “What is that tool? and why isn’t it for sale?” “Well,” he said, “I can’t afford to get rid of that one. It’s my chief tool, discouragement. With this tool, I can pry open a heart and once I get in I can do most anything I want.”
Do you want me to tell you why you get discouraged? I’ll give it to you in a nutshell – you’ve taken your eyes off God!
Are you discouraged? If not, praise God! And find someone who is so that you can give them the encouragement they need in Jesus Christ. Maybe it’s your next-door neighbor. Maybe it’s a co-worker. Maybe it’s your spouse.
“Mine eyes are ever toward the Lord…” Psalm 25:15
There’s a story about the devil auctioning off his tools. He had a high price on pride, laziness, arrogance, hate, envy, and jealousy.
But there was one tool that had a sign under it that read, “Not For Sale.” Someone said, “What is that tool? and why isn’t it for sale?” “Well,” he said, “I can’t afford to get rid of that one. It’s my chief tool, discouragement. With this tool, I can pry open a heart and once I get in I can do most anything I want.”
Do you want me to tell you why you get discouraged? I’ll give it to you in a nutshell – you’ve taken your eyes off God!
Are you discouraged? If not, praise God! And find someone who is so that you can give them the encouragement they need in Jesus Christ. Maybe it’s your next-door neighbor. Maybe it’s a co-worker. Maybe it’s your spouse.
February 17, 2010
Affirming Words 2/17/10-Gay and Saved is OK Part 2 of 6
While a large portion of the country is upset that many gays want the right to be married, this Pentecostal preacher who is gay delivers a message of love and acceptance to Raging Fire Ministries in Bluefield, West Virginia. The sermon is high spirited and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Matthew 25 Resource 2/17/10-Gospel Rescue Mission (Tuscon, AZ)
You see them practically every day. Standing on street corners, huddling in groups, walking down the street with backpacks, plastic bags near bursting, worn dufflebags, or shopping carts overflowing with stuff. Meager possessions, remnants of all that's left in their lives.
What do you feel? Do you shake your head and ask why? Do you turn your head and ignore? Do you wonder - 'will it ever get better for them?'
Imagine... What if you could help them out? Could You? Would you? What if it was you? Most of us could be in that same situation - easily. It's been said that many are one paycheck away from just this very scenario. Are you?
Not just food, shelter or clothing...
It's what the Gospel Rescue Mission does. Not just food, shelter or clothing... But much more. For over Fifty years the Rescue Mission here in Tucson has been a relief for those caught in the shackles of homelessness and addiction. Cutting through the chains of circumstances binding these men and women and reestablishing them on the road of freedom and hope.
Each day the Rescue Mission houses, feeds and ministers hundreds of men, women and children in Tucson. Through faithful ministers, volunteers, and the facilities God has provided through faithful contributions just like yours, we are able to not only meet the physical needs of these precious souls, but also to meet their spiritual, educational and job related needs also.
Click here to find out more.
What do you feel? Do you shake your head and ask why? Do you turn your head and ignore? Do you wonder - 'will it ever get better for them?'
Imagine... What if you could help them out? Could You? Would you? What if it was you? Most of us could be in that same situation - easily. It's been said that many are one paycheck away from just this very scenario. Are you?
Not just food, shelter or clothing...
It's what the Gospel Rescue Mission does. Not just food, shelter or clothing... But much more. For over Fifty years the Rescue Mission here in Tucson has been a relief for those caught in the shackles of homelessness and addiction. Cutting through the chains of circumstances binding these men and women and reestablishing them on the road of freedom and hope.
Each day the Rescue Mission houses, feeds and ministers hundreds of men, women and children in Tucson. Through faithful ministers, volunteers, and the facilities God has provided through faithful contributions just like yours, we are able to not only meet the physical needs of these precious souls, but also to meet their spiritual, educational and job related needs also.
Click here to find out more.
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