A journal book collected the responses, which were printed in the anniversary program. People were excited to see the creative ways the loonies were used. Loonies were: given to street people, used to buy coffee, placed on the offering plate, filling expired parking meters; they were used to send a thinking of you card, put in various charity change collections, added to (out of one’s own pocket) to purchase items for those in need – like bus fare. The best part of the journal book was that people didn’t just say what they used the money for, they shared stories of relationship – meeting specific people, getting their names, explaining the causes they gave to and why they gave money to particular people. The experiences were priceless. God was at work. The exercise changed people’s hearts and their relationship to the world around them. The $100 was returned tenfold.
How does a church celebrate their anniversary? By living into their mission statement, of course! At this church the mission statement is: God is on a mission and we want to be a part of it. And a part of it they were. On any given Sunday, the congregation has about 100 people attend service. During the 100th anniversary year, a Sunday was chosen to hand out a 100 loonies. The idea was that individuals were to take the loonie and use it in God’s mission in the world. That’s not all. Once investing the loonie in God’s mission people were asked to write in a book at the church what they had done with their money.
A journal book collected the responses, which were printed in the anniversary program. People were excited to see the creative ways the loonies were used. Loonies were: given to street people, used to buy coffee, placed on the offering plate, filling expired parking meters; they were used to send a thinking of you card, put in various charity change collections, added to (out of one’s own pocket) to purchase items for those in need – like bus fare. The best part of the journal book was that people didn’t just say what they used the money for, they shared stories of relationship – meeting specific people, getting their names, explaining the causes they gave to and why they gave money to particular people. The experiences were priceless. God was at work. The exercise changed people’s hearts and their relationship to the world around them. The $100 was returned tenfold.
1 Comment
5/17/2017 09:00:48 am
The church celebrates their anniversary by being festive and joyful. They spend their day helping each other out. Even if it's a celebration, they still keep God's words in mind. They won't resort to any temptations at all. As one of the active youth members of the church, I can attest to their resolve and faith.
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