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Inspired by James 2
Easter Cards
During Easter services, LifeBridge Christian Church (Longmont, Colorado) prayed for the unemployed and underemployed, for single parents, and for the many others affected by recent financial downturns.
Then it gave each one $50.
“After praying, we discussed James 2, which teaches it’s not enough to say ‘go in peace, be warm and well-fed’ and not provide clothing and food,” says Brian Mavis, director of community involvement. “We asked each person who needed help, or those with friends or family in need, to raise their hands shoulder-high while we played a video.”
Ushers then fanned throughout the worship center distributing envelopes with $50 Visa gift cards and information on LifeBridge ministries. LBCC bought 800 cards and gave away 518 Easter weekend.
“We donated some of the remaining cards to five public school principals with whom we’ve had a relationship and asked them to distribute the gifts to anyone in need,” Mavis says. “We also gave stacks away to the local city police and fire chief, to our county social services, and to our church’s single mothers ministry. Each of our staff gave one card away personally the week following Easter, and as a church we designated an additional $10,000 toward this kind of help.”
The cards displayed the LifeBridge logo so recipients would know the gifts came with the love of Christ. “People who aren’t Christians couldn’t believe a church did this,” Mavis says. “And those who do attend LifeBridge were just glad to be part of a church demonstrating compassion this way.”
www.lbcc.org
Cabin Fever
Horizon Christian Church (Valrico, Florida) uses the two-story log cabin on its property for traditional church activities like Bible studies and Boy Scout meetings. But on Wednesday nights, HCC members and friends turn the 1,800-square-foot building into a restaurant, coffeehouse, and live music venue.
According to a recent Tampa Tribune article, several members began the “Cabin Fever” gatherings as an alternative to performing in local bars. Both amateurs and pros gather at the cabin’s “open mic” each Wednesday from 7 to 10 pm.
Participants can enjoy dinner—provided at cost by the local Beef O’Brady’s restaurant—and relax around downstairs tables, on an outside porch, or on couches and easy chairs upstairs.
“I thought an open-mic night was a great opportunity to have an outreach to the community,” senior minister Scott Riggs told the Tribune. “After a day of work, people can come in and relax, have dinner, listen to music, and the kids can run around and play in a safe atmosphere.”
http://web.me.com/cabinfeveropenmic
Village People
Less than 18 months after its launch as a new church plant, The Pursuit Christian Church (Miami, Florida) started its second campus at Century Village, a gated community for senior adults in Pembroke Pines.
Bob and Linda Smith, part of the original launch team, started the new campus May 13. Although the community of more than 12,000 people had three synagogues, it had no churches; today the Pursuit church rents one of the Jewish worship spaces to hold its weekly services.
“Bob and Linda are passionate about people living out their unique purpose in ministry,” says Matt Mehaffey, Pursuit’s lead minister. “This isn’t a church where other people create a worship experience or Bible study for them. Instead, the worship service, ministry activities, and community group programming will all be led by people within the village.”
The Smiths moved into the Century Village community before launching the church and began building relationships immediately. “Next time you’re in the area, ask them for a tour,” Mehaffey says. “It’s like walking with celebrities. Everyone stops to say ‘Hi’ to Bob and Linda!”
Traders Point Christian Church (Indianapolis, Indiana), Journey Christian Church (Orlando, Florida), and Colonial Point Christian Church (South Windsor, Connecticut) are helping to support the new campus.
www.thepursuit.cc
Jennifer Taylor, one of CHRISTIAN STANDARD's contributing editors, lives in Nashville, Tennessee.
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