Archive for March, 2010
Journeying to Easter, Day 3
Journeying to Easter, Day 2
Here is our reading for today:
Journeying to Easter
This week on the blog we are simply going to read about the days leading up to Easter. Our reading today consists of the following:
Matthew 21, Mark 11, Luke 19:28-48, John 12.
You can access these verses on-line at: http://www.youversion.com/
Please be praying for the people you will invite to our Good Friday and Easter services. We are hoping for a weekend that can be described in only one possible way: “Only God.”
Jeff
How can I be concerned with what concerns God?
The recent series on Jonah challenged me to be concerned with what concerns God. I love that idea, and find that challenge leads me to another challenge:
How can I be concerned with what concerns God?
You see, there are moments of my day that are devoted to others, where I’m concerned with their lives…..everything from opening the door, buying a volunteer leader a coffee, meeting a friend to exercise, or helping my mom figure out what to do when someone pokes her on Facebook ☺ And I believe God is concerned with all of these in some way, even if it’s simply that these things keep me connected into the community I live.
But for me, while my day may involve others, it still often centers around me. So when it comes to being concerned with what concerns God, I pull out my calendar. And this is why:
I have to schedule my other-centeredness.
Without the commitment and mark on my calendar, my life too easily is “The Sue Show”, starring me, and with a lot of bit players and stage hands that mill around in the background.
Last year, I spent every Monday during the school year tutoring at Woodson Elementary. This year, I’ve committed to serve monthly at one of our Intersect partners that works with the Atlanta homeless community. These have been some of my favorite things I’ve been a part of at my church and in my life.
But, the day I’m going to serve, these are typically my thoughts:
• “I hope it gets cancelled”
• “I hope no one else can go, so we cancel”
• “I hope I finish early”
• “I’d rather go home and watch TV”
• “Is that a headache I’m feeling coming on? I might need to head home”
Here are my thoughts after I’ve served:
• That was so much fun
• What was that issue at work I was so consumed by?
• I’m so glad I went
• I need to get my friends to come with me
• I left the church office and came here, and feel closer to God than at the office
I don’t presume to know what demands are being made of anyone’s schedule or time. And I know from many of my volunteer leaders that their heart beats loudly at a chance to help and serve in our community. They encourage me greatly.
These last few years have been a journey for me and God, growing my heart to be concerned with what concerns God. I’m getting there, and in the meantime, my calendar reminds me what my heart might forget.
Sue Bates, Groups Director
Single in the City?
Atlanta is a big city.
Atlanta is a great city…both in size and in stature.
And with a great city come a lot of great things: culture, entertainment, parks, friends, neighbors, community…the list goes on.
But also with a great city comes a lot of great need. Need for help with issues such as abuse, neglect, poverty, homelessness, human trafficking…again, the list goes on.
It’s easy to forget that true social injustice and areas of great need are in our own backyards. But the reality for the people of Atlanta is that, even though often hidden from our sight, there are victims of injustice and opportunities to improve our city all around us. One single person can’t eradicate these issues on their own.
But together, we can help.
On April 17th,1500 single adults from across the city will unite and join forces with Atlanta’s most strategic non-profit organizations to participate in hands-on projects that will serve our city and directly impact our fellow Atlantans in need. Last year, over 3,000 hours of service were completed, the equivalent to a year and a half of full time work. All in one day!
If you’re single, we invite you to join us as we commit to a day of service and living a lifestyle of justice among the singles community of Atlanta. Spaces are limited and registration is required.
Atlanta is a great city.
Atlanta is OUR city…and we have the power to change it.
Register at www.dojusticeatlanta.org
Help us spread the word! Download the do.justice avatar to your Twitter or Facebook profile by simply “right clicking” on either image, then select “save as” or “save to desktop.
