http://nathanlewis.org/2008/12/21/learning-to-do-with-less-i-will-arise-and-go-now-by-ogden-nash/ living the gospel Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:50:16 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.0.7 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/12/21/learning-to-do-with-less-i-will-arise-and-go-now-by-ogden-nash/#comment-110479 Tue, 10 Mar 2009 02:00:46 +0000 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/12/21/learning-to-do-with-less-i-will-arise-and-go-now-by-ogden-nash/#comment-110479 We are networking trying to link up those who have lost their jobs with others who are employers. We are praying together. Our deacons are counseling and relieving specific needs as they arise. On Saturday nights at Reconciliation, we respond to needs immediately. Any participant can complete a one page form that is reviewed while we eat dinner together after worship. A decision is made by onsite elders/deacons who have the authority of our diaconate to give to relieve the need. On Wednesdays we host dinner and an offering of several classes. One of the four adult electives this term concerns stewardship: "Whose Money is it Anyway?" From this class and from the deacons' counsel, several people have made drastic reductions in their consumerism. One family has sold its home and has rented a much smaller domicile. We are networking trying to link up those who have lost their jobs with others who are employers. We are praying together. Our deacons are counseling and relieving specific needs as they arise. On Saturday nights at Reconciliation, we respond to needs immediately. Any participant can complete a one page form that is reviewed while we eat dinner together after worship. A decision is made by onsite elders/deacons who have the authority of our diaconate to give to relieve the need. On Wednesdays we host dinner and an offering of several classes. One of the four adult electives this term concerns stewardship: “Whose Money is it Anyway?” From this class and from the deacons’ counsel, several people have made drastic reductions in their consumerism. One family has sold its home and has rented a much smaller domicile.

]]> http://nathanlewis.org/2008/12/21/learning-to-do-with-less-i-will-arise-and-go-now-by-ogden-nash/#comment-110358 Mon, 09 Mar 2009 04:26:28 +0000 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/12/21/learning-to-do-with-less-i-will-arise-and-go-now-by-ogden-nash/#comment-110358 I've loved Ogden Nash since I was very young. A wise man once said, "Happiness isn't getting what you want, it's wanting what you get." I would say that's probably the secret of contentment in whatever state we find ourselves, whether in riches or in want. I'm curious, what plans does Evergreen have in place for helping to provide a refuge for members of her congregation and the surrounding community adversely effected by the rising economic storm? I'm trying to think concretely about our responsibility as believers to our neighbors in a time of economic recession. I'm sure you've given this a lot of thought. What are some suggestions you've come up with? I’ve loved Ogden Nash since I was very young. A wise man once said, “Happiness isn’t getting what you want, it’s wanting what you get.” I would say that’s probably the secret of contentment in whatever state we find ourselves, whether in riches or in want. I’m curious, what plans does Evergreen have in place for helping to provide a refuge for members of her congregation and the surrounding community adversely effected by the rising economic storm? I’m trying to think concretely about our responsibility as believers to our neighbors in a time of economic recession. I’m sure you’ve given this a lot of thought. What are some suggestions you’ve come up with?

]]> http://nathanlewis.org/2008/12/21/learning-to-do-with-less-i-will-arise-and-go-now-by-ogden-nash/#comment-103112 Wed, 24 Dec 2008 23:48:09 +0000 http://nathanlewis.org/2008/12/21/learning-to-do-with-less-i-will-arise-and-go-now-by-ogden-nash/#comment-103112 I’m not asking for things I don’t need! I’m not asking for things I don’t need!

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