The Vine - News Blog

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity: Vision and Commitment

 
What defines your life? Is it wealth? Belongings? Faith? Many of us live with a scarcity mentality, worried that we must gather and hoard as much as possible, saving for some imagined “rainy day.” Or we focus on self-gratification. But the Bible promises both God’s blessings and joy for those who choose to live another way.
 

During this Sunday’s worship services, we will look at the vision of the church. Where have we been? Where are we now? Where is God leading us into the future? It isn’t just about the direction of the church, but it invites us to reflect deeper on our own lives. Where are you heading now? Where is God leading you? How do you plan to grow personally, spiritually, and relationally?
 
Next week, you will be receiving an estimate of giving commitment card in the mail. On a practical level, we ask our members to turn in estimate of giving cards each year so our Finance Committee is able to set an accurate ministry budget for the coming year. This allows us to make the most of every dollar given to the church. On a personal level, the commitment card is an opportunity for you to spend time in prayer and reflection, considering what offering you would make to God through our church in the coming year. Please be watching for the mailing; then fill out the card and bring it with you to worship on Sunday, October 5. You also can pledge online.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity: Six Key Financial Principles

 
This Sunday in worship we will continue to look at how scripture can continue to inform our relationship with our finances and how we can experience joy through generosity and simplicity. One way we can begin to experience this joy is by aligning our finances with our mission to be God’s people in this world. As God’s people we are called to care for creation, love God, love our neighbor as ourselves, care for our families, care for those in need, to glorify God, to seek justice, and to live mercifully.
 

One of the most effective ways to align our financial goals with our mission as the people of God is to live by Six Key Financial Principles. (Hint: This useful tool, which is designed for all of us, can be especially helpful in training youth and young adults as they begin to develop lifelong habits in personal finance.)
 
We hope you will take time this week to read these principles and Scriptures. They will make a great table devotional for you and your family. By practicing these Biblical principles, all of us can find greater simplicity, contentment, generosity, and joy for our lives.
 
The Six Key Financial Principles:
 
1. Put God first in your living and giving. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
2. Prepare a spending plan and track all expenses monthly. (Proverbs 27:23-24)
3. Simplify your lifestyle; live below your means. (Matthew 6:19-33)
4. Provide immediately for an emergency fund. (1 Timothy 6:9-12)
5. Pay off all credit card debt and use cash, not credit cards. (Proverbs 22:7)
6. Practice long-range saving and investing habits. (Luke 14:28)
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

 
Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words capture well the state of mind of many of us in America today. We have witnessed dramatic market losses, the collapse of the world’s largest insurance company, and many bankruptcies and mergers. The health and state of the economy is one of the pillars of political debate.
 

A recent survey found that over three in four Americans are stressed about the economy and their personal finances. Half were worried about providing for their family’s basic needs. Over half of respondents reported feeling angry and irritable, and reported lying awake at night worried about this. The report concludes that the state of the nation’s economy takes a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide.   
 
Join us in worship the next four weeks for a sermon series entitled “Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity.” Our nation is experiencing what many have described as the “American Nightmare.” Increasing consumer debt, declines in savings, lower income growth, and a volatile stock market are all a part of our economic insecurity. We have lived in a society that tells us “you deserve it now,” whether or not we can afford it or really even need it.
 
All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, over the next four weeks, we will be having a worship emphasis called “Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity.” During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us about financial management through corporate worship and practical application. We’ll hear expert advice and stories about what others have learned by working through financial challenges. Each week we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical foundation.
 
At the conclusion of the emphasis, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments in the worship service on October 5.
 
We hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

The Difference It Makes: Be a Light

 
By Pam Young
 
I think of the first time the word light took top billing at Arborlawn for me was during the Look for the Light campaign. Since then it has become a word I associate with my church and its passion for shining. 
 
The Bible asks us many times to be a beacon, to stand on a hill, to share our gifts. This summer it began with Annual Conference, which was followed by Youth Mission Trips. It seems summer brings a push for action from the younger members of the congregation. They are called to give of their talents to total strangers, to shine their light on their fellow man, and bring about new hope and life to another community. What is always a wonder to me is the variety of pilgrims that take on the challenge. Wayne Corbett met several volunteer youth at Annual Conference. He was moved by their light, so he joined us this year as our Senior builder. He’s retired and doesn’t have youth at Arborlawn but knew he had something to share and could make a difference.
 
Each night on a mission trip we are blessed to have Dave Brower share God’s word with us. He’s the “clean-up batter” for the day. He takes the day’s work and God’s word and shines a light on our mission. One evening he shared a visual with the group of a beat up box with holes in it. He then proceeded to put a light under it and demonstrated how light can shine through an old box with holes and still be a beautiful sight. 
 
Now I don’t often feel moved when someone references me as an old box with holes, but the visual sure fit the bill. Each of us is a light - a light from God - and we each have a purpose that fits with those around us. There isn’t a trick to finding it; it involves gathering in your community and placing yourself in moments that challenge you to shine. I know we hear it all the time, but no gift is too small, too old, too anything; it’s a gift and it should be shared. 
 
At church we look for the light to guide us, to give us a path and support. Perhaps also within the walls of our church we are blessed to have the light shine on us to encourage, to strengthen, to give comfort. But sometimes we must take the light we are given and wander out into our community and shine it so others might benefit from its illumination. It doesn’t always make sense to those of us who need “clear concise directions”. It's perhaps why they call it a calling or a leap of faith. Can’t explain it; just got to try. 
 
Making a difference is truly what we are called to be as God's people. The difference isn’t age-specific, it isn’t financially-specific, it isn’t even faith-specific. It’s a call to BE A LIGHT. A light can only make a difference. As you attend worship, Sunday school, church events, or community events, I urge you to  continue to “Look for the Light” and perhaps find your place to share your light.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Practice Resurrection update

 
Goal: 500 cards / 425 cards returned to date! [Update as of 12/7/12.]
 
Thank you for your initial response to the 2013 Practice Resurrection stewardship campaign. If you’ve not already turned your card in to the office please do so as soon as you can. Cards are located in the back of each pew in the Sanctuary or available by calling the church office at 817-731-0701.
 

Your faithfulness and generosity are essential in helping us carry out the mission and ministry of our church to those we serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all you do!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Practice Resurrection update

 
Goal: 500 Cards. Card returned to date: 391 (as of 11/20/12).
 
Thank you for your initial response to the 2013 Practice Resurrection stewardship campaign. Your willingness to step forward is a testament of your faith and reflects what all of us are called to do as followers of Jesus Christ.
 

If you’ve not already turned your card in to the office, please do so as soon as you can. Your faithfulness and generosity are essential in helping us carry out the mission and ministry of our church to those we serve in the name of Jesus Christ. Thank you for all you do!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Practice Resurrection (Stewardship 2013): Goal of receiving 500 cards

 
[Editor's Note: The figures reported below for number of card returned reflect the totals as of Nov. 6.]
 
The initial results for our Commitment Sunday were outstanding! We've currently received 323 estimate-of-giving cards, and more are coming in each day. Our goal this year is to receive 500 cards as part of our effort to support the mission and ministries of the church and to respond to what God has done in our lives by helping and serving others.
 

If you’ve not returned the card to the church, we encourage you to do so as soon as you can. Please don’t underestimate the importance of the cards and the statement they make about who we are and what we believe. Every gift matters. Thank you for your part in joining with others to ensure we become the church God called and created us to be.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Practice Resurrection: A Celebration of Faithfulness and Generosity, Sunday, October 28

 
By Ben Disney
 
You recently received an estimate of giving card and an invitation to be a part of the life, mission, and ministry of Arborlawn. We encourage you to prayerfully consider how you will help us reach others in the name of Jesus Christ to change lives and transform the world around us.
 

Your faithfulness and generosity is the key that enables us to carry out the ongoing work and ministry of our church. Your generosity enables us to shape and guide the lives of children and youth, strengthen marriages and families, assist those who are hurting and grieving, help those in need, and engage and partner with those in our community to build a better world.
 
Arborlawn exists to serve others. In countless ways we seek to build the kingdom by addressing the real needs of the world around us and helping people grow closer to God and closer to one another. Passionate Worship, Life-Giving Spiritual Growth, Risk-Taking Missions and Service, and Extravagant Generosity are the essential practices of our faith. Our mission is to make disciples for Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
 
Here’s what you can do:
 
1. Pray - Prayerfully consider what you can do to be a vital part of the mission and ministry of the church.
 
2. Commit - Make the intentional commitment to be a part of what God is doing through the people of Arborlawn. Complete the card and present your gift to the church this Sunday or mail it  to the church office.
 
3. Celebrate - Celebrate what God has done in your life and in turn give thanks by blessing the lives of others.
 
Arborlawn is an extraordinary church because of God’s grace and your faithfulness. Thank you for your prayerful consideration and generous response.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: Practice Resurrection: A way of life

 
By Ben Disney
 
It’s not a checklist of things to do. It’s not an empty box that we check off once a task is completed. It’s a way of life built on a deep and passionate commitment to follow the path Jesus was literally dying to show us.
 
Practice Resurrection means intentionally putting into practice the essential disciplines that lead us to the fullness of life in Christ Jesus. Passionate Worship, Life-Producing Spiritual Growth, Risk-Taking Missions and Service, and Extravagant Generosity are foundational to our journey as followers of Jesus.
 

Every week at Arborlawn, we put our faith into practice. We feed the hungry through our Food Pantry Ministry. We partner with local schools to provide Snack Sacks to children in need while adult volunteers serve as mentors to at-risk students. We send mission teams of people of all age groups to refurbish damaged houses and rebuild lives. We help build strong spiritual foundations for children, teenagers, and families. We honor the aged, bless couples in marriage, baptize our children in the faith, and celebrate the lives of saints who have loved deeply and lived faithfully. At every turn, our primary mission remains to build the kingdom, grow disciples, and transform the world around us through the love of Jesus Christ.
 
The result is story after story of people opening their eyes to what God is doing in the most unexpected moments. Keep telling and sharing your stories. Keep living, keep loving, keep believing. Practice Resurrection.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Practice Resurrection: responses from the Arborlawn family

 
[Editor's Note: Practice Resurrection is Arborlawn's 2013 Stewardship theme. During October 2012, as part of Practice Resurrection, we asked people to share their experiences and observations regarding a) Passionate Worship; b) Risk-Taking Missions and Service; c) Life-Producing Spiritual Growth; and d) Extravagant Generosity. The responses are presented below. We hope youre blessed by what you read here.]
 

Jacqui Brownfield:
 
Extravagant Generosity: One of my 6th grade students was absent Monday two weeks ago. She came late on Tuesday and was unusually quiet. By the end of the day, we discovered that her family's home had burned down Saturday night!
 
It's a family of six (parents, three daughters - senior, junior, 6th, one son - 5th). They spent almost two weeks in a hotel but are now warmly tucked away in a new home.
 
I called on my Sunday School class (Open Door) to help and word spread through the church. Amazingly, the only thing they might still need is a sofa! Calls were made, people were contacted, and so the donations started rolling in. The UMW group certainly rose to the occasion, donating cash, Bed Bath & Beyond certificates, beds, clothing.
 
Every day after school I have been blessed to have the opportunity to present many of these things to the family when they come to pick up their 6th grader. We have spent many of the past few afternoons crying in the parking lot, so overwhelmed by the generosity of what she thinks are "strangers." I know better! You continue to amaze, bless others, and reach out with the utmost generosity. Thank you.
 
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Anonymous:
 
Passionate Worship: I love encountering Jesus through His Word. I see him afresh there every day. Daily I ask Him to transform me.
 
Risk-Taking Missions and Service: My life is devoted full-time to: a) being a part of His Body, the Church; b) serving as an international prayer coordinator, "covering" in prayer every tribe, language, people, and nation until all have His Word in intelligible, clearly understood form.
 
Life-Producing Spiritual Growth: New lately: greater understanding that what we do at Church is serve the whole Body. By walking with Jesus on a "Journey to the Cross," I see much more clearly how we have the power through Him to keep on loving those who do not yet believe, even if they ridicule my belief and faith.
 
Extravagant Generosity: My husband and I have increased our tithe above the 10 percent for four years now. We support AUMC, orphans, and a widow. Instead of having less, our finances are flourishing. Glory to His Name. He is true to His Word.
 
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Anonymous:
 
Passionate Worship: Not superficial, absent-minded, distracted (which is no worship at all); instead, deep, to the essential us, engaging every part of us, heart, soul, mind, strength; focused, intentional and intense, committed, longing almost to the point of agonizing.
 
More than merely emotional. For one thing, emotions are variable, erratic; they are also subject to manipulation, such that certain emotions being stirred up artificially may seem to be worshipful, but may actually be shallow in the sense of having no lasting effect; such superficiality amounts to insincerity, even hypocrisy. Besides, to me the great danger is that worship, even (especially?) passionate worship, may be perverted to being about me, about making me feel some cooked-up recipe of emotions (exalted; happy; penitent; awestruck; adoring; etc.), instead of being all, all, all about God: His holiness, glory, beauty, love and compassion, grace, purity, sovereignty, and more. Worship has to do with ascribing worth; affirming with mind, emotions, and will that God is worthy; worthy of all my devotion and adoration, praise and thanksgiving, dedication and service. We must be focused on God, not on ourselves, else we will be substituting us for God, which is idolatry. We must not be inward looking to see if we’re being passionate enough; we must be concerned only with God, not with how we feel, whether we’re enjoying ourselves doing worship, or impressing anyone - especially not that we are impressing God! What a terrible thought!
 
There’s something else, though, about this notion of "passionate worship." Our passions are not enough. God must be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4:24). We use the phrase “in the spirit of” to mean “in agreement with, reminiscent of, continuing the same emotional thrust and/or mind-set.” But all that is merely a metaphor, a poetic expression of human emotional/mental activity. Since the spiritual dimension, the beyond-natural, is real, worship that involves us passionately, even in the best sense, still is not enough if we are not actually being empowered by the Holy Spirit. I’m not talking Pentecostalism or Charismatic-ism in terms of the style of worship, though I do respect their appreciation of the reality of, and our need for, the Holy Spirit. I’m saying that our “passionate worship” must be about passionately desiring God and deeply making our innermost selves open to/yielded to/inviting God — God! — to “touch” us, “fill” us, to do some work in us that actually opens the circuits and makes the beyond-synaptic connections—such that we become part of a current of true worship. We don’t do this; it’s God’s gracious gift. But I believe, and I think this is what you meant by “intentionally [practicing] those habits and behaviors that lead to spiritual growth,” that we can cultivate an interior posture that allows and invites God to grace us and usher us into true, deep, loving, “passionate” worship.
 
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Anonymous:
 
Passionate Worship: I would like to see/hear what it would be like to sing - almost shout - the Doxology as if it were real and not rote, as if it were the last words we said on earth - "Praise God from whom all blessings flow"!! It would be spine tingling.
 
Life-Producing Spiritual Growth:  The Bible in 90 Days was phenomenal. The only regret I have heard expressed is that it is over. Could we consider, either in 2013 or 2014, following the chronological Bible study, which is set up for one year? I'm reading it, and it provides a little different angle and allows for groups, maybe weekly or monthly.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: Spiritual maturity and the Ephesians

 
By Ben Disney
 
If you’re searching for the perfect church you can stop. There are none. Every church, every congregation has its flaws and imperfections primarily because it consists of flawed and imperfect people. As far as anyone can tell, it’s been that way from the very beginning. So the goal is not to become the perfect church but to be faithful to the calling that is ours in spite of our very real imperfections.
 
Fifteen churches are named in the New Testament. All but two (Antioch and Jerusalem) have letters addressed to them. The majority of letters we have in the New Testament are addressed to churches in conflict. They’re congregations in the midst of being torn apart by theological differences, outside influences, and internal fighting. The one exception is the church at Ephesus. Far from being a perfect church, the Ephesians community nonetheless exhibits a desire and commitment to be faithful to their calling and to grow in their spiritual maturity and relationship with Christ. The letter to the Ephesians gives us a glimpse from the inside of what it takes to be a healthy and mature congregation struggling to be the body of Christ in the world.
 
We’re now in the midst of our 30-day invitation/challenge to Practice Resurrection. We’re looking closely at the letter to the Ephesians to learn what they learned; to see their experiences and struggles, in order to better equip ourselves for our mission and ministry.
 

How do we Practice Resurrection? By intentionally immersing ourselves in the primary disciplines and practices that lead to maturity. It’s experiencing the promise of an abundant life that comes as a result of living faithfully and loving deeply. Passionate worship, risk-taking missions and service, life-producing spiritual growth, and extravagant generosity are the building blocks of a maturing faith in Christ.
 
In this 30-day challenge, we invite you to immerse yourself in the life-giving habits of a disciplined faith. Of course, you can skip the whole process if you want; ignore the whole idea and chances are life will continue just as it always has, which for many is just fine. But if you’re ready to go deeper, we invite you to look around and begin putting what you believe and hope into practice. If you’re still not convinced, think of the individual artist, athlete, skilled craftsman, doctor, teacher, business leader, or musician you admire most. Perhaps they have some natural talent or God-given gift in that area. But they would be the first to tell you it’s the countless hours of practice that have been essential in honing and perfecting their skills and eventually enabling them to master their craft at a high level.
 
Thirty days intentionally set aside to focus on the habits and practices that make life rich and meaningful. For all of us who’ve been gorging on a steady diet of fast food narcissism and looking for an easy drive-through solutions to life’s deepest struggles, it’s a welcome relief to think it might be possible to one day get our souls back in shape again. Of course it’s hard work, but it’s holy work. Keep practicing, keep believing, keep living.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A Word from the Pastor: Practice Resurrection: A Thirty-Day Call to Spiritual Maturity

 
By Ben Disney
 
“God wants us to grow up, to know the whole truth and tell it in love - like Christ in everything… so that we will grow up healthy in God, robust in love.”  Ephesians 4:13-15
 
Thoughts become words. Words become actions. Actions become habits. Habits become character. Character becomes your destiny.
 
For the next month we’ll be focusing our efforts on observing and participating in the basic disciplines and practices of what it means to be a follower of Jesus. If we are truly people who practice what we preach, then it’s essential we intentionally practice those habits and behaviors that lead to spiritual growth and maturity in Christ. The essential practices of passionate worship, risk-taking missions and service, life producing spiritual growth, and extravagant generosity are foundational to our journey as Christians.
 

Consider the next thirty days a challenge, an invitation, and a call to spiritual maturity. For the next thirty days we’re being challenged to practice the sacred habits that are essential to living life to its fullest, reclaiming the promise Jesus gives of life in all of its joy and abundance. We invite you to make a thirty-day commitment to intentionally experience the richness of a life focused on practicing the essentials of our faith.
 
So what does that look like? It’s making the intentional choice to immerse ourselves in passionate worship every week. It’s deciding each week to take a risk by reaching out to help someone in our community who is in need. It is committing to daily prayer and Bible study, seeking to discern God’s direction for our lives. Finally, it is finding moments every week to exercise extravagant generosity in changing the lives of others.
 
As Eugene Peterson notes: “We live our lives in the practice of what we do not originate and cannot anticipate. When we practice resurrection we continuously enter into what is more than we are. When we practice resurrection we keep company with Jesus, alive and present, who knows where we are going more than we do, which is always 'from glory to glory.'” (Excerpt from “Practice Resurrection,” p. 8).
 
So, why set aside thirty days? It’s a start, the first step in creating habits that have the power to transform our lives and the lives of those we are called to serve. Practice makes perfect; and, though we are far from perfect, the choices and commitments we make ultimately define who we are. Practice something long enough and well enough and eventually it becomes second nature; holy habits embedded in the fabric of our lives producing an essential part of our character.
 
We launch our series “Practice Resurrection” on Oct. 7. We look forward to the journey. Practice begins this Sunday.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Giving Back, Paying It Forward: Stewardship Update

 
Thank you for all you do! Your continued generosity and faithfulness enables the church to carry out its mission and ministry to those we’ve been called to serve as followers of Jesus Christ. What a remarkable congregation. So many ministries and efforts are now in place; all designed to reach out to people where they are to bring healing, hope, and strength to people of all ages and stages; to both individuals and families. Here are a few recent updates:
 
Through the generosity of anonymous donors and the hard work of members from the Saints and Sinners Sunday School class, the former Sanctuary is being converted into a multi-purpose Family Life Center, complete with a basketball and volleyball court as well as other amenities. We'll be able to host congregational gatherings, special events, and Missional outreach such as a community back-to-school event, providing much needed supplies to the children of our community.
 

Forty-seven volunteers were recently commissioned as part of Kids Hope USA to serve as representatives of Arborlawn and mentors to the children of J.T. Stevens Elementary School. Shirley Watkins and Laurie Ryan are leading the effort to make a lasting difference in the lives of children.
 
The Finance Committee recently approved the refinancing of our existing note to take advantage of historically low interest rates. The reduced interest rate will save the church thousands of dollars every month in interest fees and debt service.
 
Here’s a snapshot of where we are at this point:
 
Total Budget
2011: 2,555,128.39
2012: 2,507,683.00
 
Comparison of 2011 and 2012 through April 30
   2011:
      Income received: 657,909
      Expenditures: 657,963
         (28,734 in apportionments unpaid)
   2012:
      Income received: 785,198
         (represents a 19 percent increase in giving over 2011)
      Expenditures: 851,097
         (includes payment on apportionments and debt service)
  
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Finishing Strong in 2011

 
By Ben Disney
 
We come to the end of a remarkable year in the life of Arborlawn. God continues to work in and through us. New ministries have been created, lives have been touched, the congregation continues to grow, and opportunities to serve and witness to God’s love abound. In this historic and memorable year, we were privileged to celebrate the opening and consecration of our new worship and educational facilities. We’ve been deeply blessed by God and called to be a blessing to others.
 
On behalf of the church I simply want to express my deep and sincere appreciation for your faithfulness and generosity in supporting the ongoing mission and ministries of the church. In an uncertain and difficult economy, you continue to embody the best of what it means to be the body of Christ in this world. It is a privilege and an honor to serve with you.
 
As we near the wonderful celebration of our first Christmas together in the new sanctuary please remember:
 
* The original “A Legacy of Faith, A Future of Promise” capital funds campaign and formal pledges made toward the new facilities officially comes to an end in 2011. We’re deeply grateful to all who have faithfully and sacrificially fulfilled their pledges and commitments. With God’s help you made all this possible. Beginning in 2012, the congregation will be able to continue contributing to the building fund or the general operating fund of the church to fund expenses related to the construction of our new facilities. If you were unable to fulfill your pledge because of circumstances beyond your control, please know that if you’re able you can still contribute through either the building fund or the general operating fund of Arborlawn.
 
* As United Methodists we are deeply committed to our connectional partnership with other UM churches through our shared apportionment giving to ministries beyond the local church. The 2011 apportionments include the World Benevolence Fund, Africa University, Missional support, as well as offering support within our own conference for the ministries of Glen Lake Camp, United Community Centers, and the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso. To date we have $161,230.00 remaining to be paid for our 2011 apportionments. It’s a monumental challenge, but in this season I’m reminded of two fundamental truths: 1) “All things are possible with God” and 2) Arborlawn is living proof of that first truth.
 
Again, thank you for your generosity and faithfulness. I pray for you and your loved ones a most blessed and wonderful Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ!
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Our needs and the needs of others: finishing strong

 
In the excitement of opening our new facilities so much of our efforts and resources have been dedicated and focused towards meeting our own congregational needs. As the project was nearing completion, there were inevitable last minute expenses related to the physical needs of the building. We also devoted a number of resources in September toward our opening as we introduced ourselves to the community with a series of concerts, Open House and other special events. It was important and necessary to focus our efforts on those opening events. We took care of our needs. Now it’s time to care for the needs of others. Because so much focus has been on opening the building we’ve fallen behind in our commitment to fund ministries beyond the local church through our UMC connectional system and apportionment giving. To date we’ve paid $80,792.00 of our 2011 apportionments which total $265,274.00. Together we can reach our goal.
 
The apportionments represent a wide variety of ministries we support in partnership with other UMC congregations both locally and throughout the world. The 2011 apportionments include the World Benevolence Fund, Africa University, Missional support, as well as offering support within our own conference for the ministries of Glen Lake Camp, United Community Centers and the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso. Through our apportionments, we support 903 missionaries around the world, serving 57 countries. In more than 50 countries around the world, our missionary outreach provides meals for 3 million people every year or over 8,200 people every day. For more information about apportionments and our partnership in the connectional system you may go to www.gbgm-umc.org
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

A quick note and Thank You to the people of Arborlawn

 
As we move to the end of an extraordinary year in the life and ministry of Arborlawn we want to again express our appreciation for your faithful commitment to building God’s kingdom.
 
In a time of economic uncertainty, the people of Arborlawn have affirmed their faith in extraordinary ways.
 
With God’s help we’ve influenced the lives of people in our community and across the world through the vast array of missions and ministries you help lead and support. Lives have been touched, people have been blessed; God is at work through you because of your faithful commitment to be a follower of Jesus Christ.
 
This year, Arborlawn also celebrated the completion of our new facilities as we continue to grow and serve together.
 
Your generosity and faithfulness matters greatly. For those who’ve completed their building fund pledges we simply say, thank you! If you were not able to fulfill you pledge for any reason, please know that you can continue to support the work and ministry of the church by your faithful gifts to the general ministry operating fund or continue to give to the Building Fund which will remain open.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Year-end 2011 accounting reminders

 
As we near the end of the year, we would like to pass along a suggestion an Arborlawn member phoned in: Check with your accountant about taxes on any mandatory 2011 withdrawals from IRAs that are made directly to charitable organizations.
    
Also, all financial contributions to Arborlawn for 2011 must either be hand-delivered to the office by  5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30 or postmarked by Dec. 31 to be included on 2011 giving statements.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Finishing Strong

 
Our Needs and the Needs of Others
 
In the excitement of opening our new facilities so much of our efforts and resources have been dedicated and focused towards meeting our own congregational needs. As the project was nearing completion, there were inevitable last minute expenses related to the physical needs of the building. We also devoted a number of resources in September toward our opening as we introduced ourselves to the community with a series of concerts, Open House and other special events. It was important and necessary to focus our efforts on those opening events. We took care of our needs. Now it’s time to care for the needs of others. Because so much focus has been on opening the building we’ve fallen behind in our commitment to fund ministries beyond the local church through our UMC connectional system and apportionment giving. To date we’ve paid $80,792.00 of our 2011 apportionments which total $265,274.00. Together we can reach our goal.
 
The apportionments represent a wide variety of ministries we support in partnership with other UMC congregations both locally and throughout the world. The 2011 apportionments include the World Benevolence Fund, Africa University, Missional support, as well as offering support within our own conference for the ministries of Glen Lake Camp, United Community Centers and the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso. Through our apportionments, we support 903 missionaries around the world, serving 57 countries. In more than 50 countries around the world, our missionary outreach provides meals for 3 million people every year or over 8,200 people every day. For more information about apportionments and our partnership in the connectional system you may go to www.gbgm-umc.org.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Stewardship 2012: Thank you, Arborlawn!

 
Renewing Our Vows
 
Thank you for your generous and faithful response to the invitation to be a vital part of the life and ministry of Arborlawn. We’ve received 454 cards from individuals and families who’ve stepped up and stepped out in faith. We never take for granted the sacrifice our people make for the opportunity to change lives and build God’s Kingdom. Your willingness to serve and your eagerness to give speaks volumes about the people of Arborlawn. God is good. Thank you for your generous and faithful commitment.
 

Finishing Strong: Our Needs and the Needs of Others
 
In the excitement of opening our new facilities so much of our efforts and resources have been dedicated and focused towards meeting our own congregational needs. As the project was nearing completion, there were inevitable last minute expenses related to the physical needs of the building. We also devoted a number of resources in September toward our opening as we introduced ourselves to the community with a series of concerts, Open House and other special events. It was important and necessary to focus our efforts on those opening events. We took care of our needs. Now it’s time to care for the needs of others. Because so much focus has been on opening the building we’ve fallen behind in our commitment to fund ministries beyond the local church through our UMC connectional system and apportionment giving. To date we’ve paid $80,792.00 of our 2011 apportionments which total $265,274.00. Together we can reach our goal.
 
The apportionments represent a wide variety of ministries we support in partnership with other UMC congregations both locally and throughout the world. The 2011 apportionments include the World Benevolence Fund, Africa University, Missional support, as well as offering support within our own conference for the ministries of Glen Lake Camp, United Community Centers and the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso. Through our apportionments, we support 903 missionaries around the world, serving 57 countries. In more than 50 countries around the world, our missionary outreach provides meals for 3 million people every year or over 8,200 people every day. For more information about apportionments and our partnership in the connectional system you may go to www.gbgm-umc.org
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org

Renewing Our Vows: 61 more commitments needed!

Thank you for your generous and faithful response to the invitation to be a vital part of the life and ministry of Arborlawn. We continue to receive commitment cards weekly. To date we’ve received 439 cards which represent an increase in the number of commitments over this same period last year. Our goal is for 500 (61 more) families and individuals at Arborlawn to stand up and step out in making a commitment, doing what they can to help us change lives for Jesus Christ. Again, in the midst of an uncertain economy we’re not asking the same people to do more, we’re asking for more people to do the same. Thank you for your generous and faithful commitment.
 

 
Finishing Strong: Our needs and the needs of others
 
In the excitement of opening our new facilities so much of our efforts and resources have been dedicated and focused towards meeting our own congregational needs. As the project was nearing completion, there were inevitable last minute expenses related to the physical needs of the building. We also devoted a number of resources in September toward our opening as we introduced ourselves to the community with a series of concerts, Open House and other special events. It was important and necessary to focus our efforts on those opening events. We took care of our needs. Now it’s time to care for the needs of others. Because so much focus has been on opening the building we’ve fallen behind in our commitment to fund ministries beyond the local church through our UMC connectional system and apportionment giving. To date we’ve paid $80,792.00 of our 2011 apportionments which total $265,274.00. Together we can reach our goal.
 
The apportionments represent a wide variety of ministries we support in partnership with other UMC congregations both locally and throughout the world. The 2011 apportionments include the World Benevolence Fund, Africa University, Missional support, as well as offering support within our own conference for the ministries of Glen Lake Camp, United Community Centers and the Lydia Patterson Institute in El Paso. Through our apportionments, we support 903 missionaries around the world, serving 57 countries. In more than 50 countries around the world, our missionary outreach provides meals for 3 million people every year or over 8,200 people every day. For more information about apportionments and our partnership in the connectional system you may go here.
 
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ArborlawnUMC.org