The Example We Set

Always discipling and being discipled.

Setting examples.

An article excerpt from Concordia Center for the Family:

There is this young woman who is fun, kind, loves the Lord, and can weave a pretty creative story.  When she was 7 years old, her family had a garage sale.  She decided she wanted to have a lemonade stand at this sale, and advertise that all proceeds would go to buy a flock of chicks for the hungry, through Heifer International (www.heifer.org).  People who came to her stand that weekend must have thought that either her lemonade was exceptional, or they were compassionate to her cause, because they supported her in exceeding her goal.  

Jump ahead with me as we look at this young woman today.  She is anticipating her 9^th birthday party.  She inquired of her mother if she could ask her friends not to bring presents for her, but if they could bring presents for needy children and turn her birthday into a packing party for others.  

I don’t think she even realizes what a servant heart she has.  She doesn’t think it special or unique to give of herself.  Partly it is because of who she is, but in a large part, it is because of the example that her parents have set for her.  Wow….let’s think about this sentence…the example her parents have set for her.  

We know that parents are the primary influencers of their children – for either good or bad, so I ask, what are WE doing through our words or actions to help shape and mold our children?

We must constantly evaluate our actions as parents and grandparents.  Are we nullifying what we preach/teach by counteracting it with our actions, or are we uplifting what we preach/teach by acting out positive, Godly, servant-like actions?  Our children are so precious and impressionable.

Please fervently pray that God assists us in being His Christ-like examples for our children and grandchildren.

By Jennifer Freudenburg

                                                                     

Thanks Sally Hiller for forwarding this reminder 

of how important our roles are as parents and grandparents.

Liz Murphy- Central Region

Liz Murphy- Central Region
A Heart that Sees Others

 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

October 18, 2014 will mark the 6^th year that
 Prince of Peace (PoP) Lutheran Church,
 Springfield, VA 
has held its “All For 1” community sale.   
Each year over 5,000 gently used items are collected, stored in a donated moving van,
 and sold to the church’s surrounding neighbors for $1 each, regardless of each item’s value.

The name “All For 1” refers to the blessings shoppers receive through the opportunity to purchase quality items at this $1 price tag and to the opportunity volunteers have to serve the “one”, Jesus Christ.  

Our shoppers are people served through our ethnic outreach ministries,
 people receiving services through our local county public schools’ and human services’ social workers as well as church neighbors
 in the greater Springfield area.  

Our volunteer teams are the
 praying, hauling, lifting,
 shelf building, item sorting,
 display rack assembling, furniture pick up,
 item displaying, sign making,
 counting & cashiering,
 time and $ accounting,
 refreshment serving, unloading,
 packing (again), and vacuuming saints. 
They make this 6 week prep and Sale day
 a tangible expression
 of Jesus Christ’s love for all of us.
It is truly a Spirit-led event.   

     

Our shoppers are able to clothe their families,
 furnish their homes,
 and select quality books and toys
 for their children at a price they can afford.
  “This is a ministry that tires one’s body and nourishes the soul.
  It is amazing to see how much stuff
 we have donated to us
 and how thrilled people are to find their
 $1 treasures”, says a dedicated server.
   “Thank you for the opportunity to serve”
 is another frequent comment. 

Our donors are members of  Prince of Peace,
 families enrolled in our preschool,
 and friends and neighbors of both groups.
  “Through this ministry,
 we are able to “let go” of our stuff,
 to part with items that we no longer need,
 or have in abundance” explained one giver.

Over and over again through this ministry we have seen how the Holy Spirit connects
 our donors with many of our shoppers.
  On the day of sale,
 the Holy Spirit did His best work-
 connecting a furniture donor
 with an excited family of 4.
  Our donor backed up to the outdoor selling area to unload (with the help of many) a large armoire.
  The eager family ran to the furniture and asked “How much?”.  They were thrilled to hear the incredible price of $1.
  Their joy quickly faded as they realized they had
 no means of getting it home.
  Our donor had not yet left the area.
  Overhearing the discussion, he quickly offered to drive them and the furniture home.
  The giver and receiver had come together.
  Both had been richly blessed.

 

God, our ultimate partner in this ministry,
 is inspiring us to take the “trailer sale”
  to another level-
 to create a “virtual trailer”,
  whereby we would connect  donors and recipients with specifically needed items throughout the entire year by using our www.allfor1sale.org website.  Perhaps this may include:
  item picker uppers and deliverers.
   For more information about starting your church’s  “All For 1” Ministry, feel free to contact Liz Murphy at 
Murphyzil@verizon.net.  

 Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly. Peter 5:2-3

Blessings,
Liz

Liz Murphy is a member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, Springfield, Virginia.

She lives out her favorite Micah 6:8 verse:

"He has shown you, O man, what is good;
And what does the Lord require of you
But to do justly,
To love mercy
And to walk humbly with your God?"

Connections- Presenters

Connie Denninger- 

Member of Spirtiual Life Team

 of the Southeastern District

"The Grace and Gift of Story"

Tina Jasion-Director- LINC Baltimore

"Build Your Kingdom Here"

Jennifer Einolf- Bold Whisper Marketing

"Social Media Gospel"

check this site for the wonderful presentation
 that Jennifer gave for this event.
Social Media Gospel- Cross Connected Women

We give thanks to God
 for all the ways He blessed this event.
To Him be the Glory.

How do you think this first gathering might 
lay the groundwork for another 
Connections event?

Let us know.

Connections- Details

Displays - and ideas

Resources 

Ministry Opportunities

Great food and

Wonderful Hospitality

Linda Scherer-

wife of former SED President Art Scherer

Melinda Reidy- input and insights

Janice Comolli- 

Contacts and Connections

Diane Guelzow and daughter Sara Swecker

 Thanks for planning and bringing together the Mix it Up 

and Wrap Up for this event

Ministry to Women-
on the Way.

Photos by Nancy Seemann