"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare" (Jeremiah 29:7, NRSV).
Recently, a member of our congregation gave me a copy of the Virginia Education Association magazine. One of the articles made reference to a "Educators and Clergy Conference" sponsored by the Oklahoma Education Association. In both 2008 and 2009, the OK Ed. Assn. sponsored a conference where educators and clergy could sit down in a room and find ways to work together for the benefits of students. You can learn more of this conference here: http://www.okea.org/clergy/
Instances where the world reminds the church of one of its tasks are always fascinating to me. Here is one of those times: seek the welfare of the city. "Welfare" translates the word "shalom." It describes the well-being of the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. Seeking the well-being of the city is one place where churches and schools can find common ground instead of suspicion.
Congregations in Action is one way our congregation seeks the welfare of the city. We have certainly found common ground with educators in this shared work. Along the way, we have also met some fasinating children, and learned a few things about being the church in the urban, city center.
May we continue to seek the welfare of the city (Roanoke) that is our home.
Pastor Tim
Monday, October 26, 2009
Congregations in Action
Last Tuesday, I went to the Highland Park Elementary school volunteer training. Our congregation was well represented.
While there, I learned that there are 12 students at Highland Park (7 boys and 5 girls) who would benefit from the one-on-one relationship of a tutor. The students need the academic help, but they also need the adult interaction. Both are important. Two persons in our congregation are already filling such roles, but are their more? Are there some men in the congregation who could fill this role? One hour per week is the expectation, and it is a fair one. You could go first thing in the morning on your way to work, or over your lunch hour. The teachers will prepare the resources for you.
Pastor Tim
While there, I learned that there are 12 students at Highland Park (7 boys and 5 girls) who would benefit from the one-on-one relationship of a tutor. The students need the academic help, but they also need the adult interaction. Both are important. Two persons in our congregation are already filling such roles, but are their more? Are there some men in the congregation who could fill this role? One hour per week is the expectation, and it is a fair one. You could go first thing in the morning on your way to work, or over your lunch hour. The teachers will prepare the resources for you.
Pastor Tim
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Central Brethren's New Blog Site
As mankind (with Christian Church in tow) forges into the 21st Century, people are utilizing technological advances, especially in Multimedia and Telecommunications, to enhance, strengthen, or otherwise improve, relations between community members. This means that today's citizenry, you and I, possesses a greater capacity to publicly express our sentiments than at any previous point in history.
Consequently, whether an issue might entail the imposition of bureaucratic 'red tape' aimed at increasing a municipality's coffers to obtain a maintenance permit, or an arbitrary rerouting of school buses, it's never been easier for community members to convey their feelings about a particular matter. It's for this reason too, that we've originated a new 'blog' site for 'Central'. It's our hope this little 'experiment' might prove to be an innovative and fun learning experience for all.
We'd invite you to leave a comment as a way of introducing yourself and sharing any thoughts or concerns.
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