Exerpts from a number of cards that came in the mail yesterday:
Many thanks for the assistance offered to help us old folks with our outdoor tasks. Your church will be greatly blessed for your love and care for others.
We are so appreciative for the gutter cleaning we received from your church on your service day. Because of health problems we’ve been unable to take care of it ourselves. Your help was a blessing for us. Thank you!
Imagine Christian young people cleaning gutters on a very cold and windy Sunday and then sending a note thanking me for allowing them to serve me. That is Christ shown in people.
To all the hard workers who cleaned and trimmed my yard! I really appreciate your hard work on a cold Sunday. I enjoyed you being here.
I am the one who needs to say thank you. Yes, you and your helpers are a change to this tough world we live in today. Yes, kindness and love showed in your hands. What a loving way to show the area around your church how much you love Jesus and your neighbors. You put into action Matthew 22:37-40.
Thanks so much, May God bless you and your church.
To Highland Park church members: I cannot thank you enough for the yard work you did at my home. May God richly bless each one of you.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Monday, April 20, 2009
I saw Jesus in what they did
Last week I had the honor to speak with Dale about helping me out with the cleaning of the gutters on my home. I am not a member of the church. I could not believe that total strangers would be there to help
During Easter week one of your members (an angel to me) by the name of John came by and took care of my gutters. He did a wonderful job. I was left with a feeling I still have a problem describing.
Recently I received a Thank You note from the church, Thanking "me' for allowing the church to help!!. The note said the church hoped I had seen Jesus in what they did. Yes, Yes I most surely did.
I hope this note reaches everyone who works for Jesus. I have been truly blessed by him in many ways and do believe what your members did for me and others was another reminder of how he works. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. God Blessings to you.
During Easter week one of your members (an angel to me) by the name of John came by and took care of my gutters. He did a wonderful job. I was left with a feeling I still have a problem describing.
Recently I received a Thank You note from the church, Thanking "me' for allowing the church to help!!. The note said the church hoped I had seen Jesus in what they did. Yes, Yes I most surely did.
I hope this note reaches everyone who works for Jesus. I have been truly blessed by him in many ways and do believe what your members did for me and others was another reminder of how he works. Thank you again from the bottom of my heart. God Blessings to you.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Faith Restored
The following is from a card we received yesterday:
Thank you so much for the work that was done last Sunday (5 hours of work). I really appreciated it. It restores our faith!
Thank you so much for the work that was done last Sunday (5 hours of work). I really appreciated it. It restores our faith!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Another "Thanks" to HP
I know I thanked you from the deck while you were working but just wanted to let you know how much we appreciated the help you all gave us. Especially when you re-scheduled. I think this was a great effort for the neighborhood on behalf of Highland Park which helped many families and showed God’s love. My wife had tried to get those flowers out of the front bed but had encountered great difficulty.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Dane's Story
My team had a great experience. We had five adults and two girls on the team. Our first assignment was two homes adjacent to each other. Both home owners wanted bushes trimmed and one wanted some leaves raked. The lady at the first home showed us what she wanted done and what her neighbor wanted done, since they were out of town. We worked about an hour and a half, accomplishing all goals. We talked with the lady and prayed with her about a couple of specific needs before leaving. She was SO appreciative of our help. We assured her that we were glad to be able to serve her and her neighbor.
We returned to the church building to get another assignment. The whole team was excited about serving someone else. The next home was owned by a single lady who needed bushes trimmed and leaves removed from flower beds. She had back problems and couldn't do the work, but she sure could bake brownies. When we finished up our work she served us hot chocolate and brownies and we visited with her. She has been a member of another church that is a long ways away from her home. She said she would like to come and visit our church.
We returned to the church building again to pick up another assignment, even though not all of us could do one more. The owner was a man who needed his flower beds weeded. They were pretty much covered with weeds, so we had quite a job. Another team joined us near the end to wrap up. This man does not attend church anywhere but was very appreciative of our service. He said he might come and visit the church sometime. After finishing this job, we all went out to eat lunch together. Over lunch we all expressed to one another what a joy it had been to serve these people together. Not only were the people we served touched, so were we.
-Dane Tyner
We returned to the church building to get another assignment. The whole team was excited about serving someone else. The next home was owned by a single lady who needed bushes trimmed and leaves removed from flower beds. She had back problems and couldn't do the work, but she sure could bake brownies. When we finished up our work she served us hot chocolate and brownies and we visited with her. She has been a member of another church that is a long ways away from her home. She said she would like to come and visit our church.
We returned to the church building again to pick up another assignment, even though not all of us could do one more. The owner was a man who needed his flower beds weeded. They were pretty much covered with weeds, so we had quite a job. Another team joined us near the end to wrap up. This man does not attend church anywhere but was very appreciative of our service. He said he might come and visit the church sometime. After finishing this job, we all went out to eat lunch together. Over lunch we all expressed to one another what a joy it had been to serve these people together. Not only were the people we served touched, so were we.
-Dane Tyner
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Kenneth's Thoughts
Kenneth Stewart wrote some thought-provoking stuff related to our Day of Serving. Here it is is:
How? Not a bad question by itself, but it can be a dangerous one as well. Ever had a dream or an idea that you wanted to try or that you thought could change things for the better? What happens a lot of time in the church is that is when the "how?"s come out. How can we afford that? How will we have enough people? How will we do this or that? How...Any new ideas are questioned to death and that teaches us to live safely within what we have always done. We don't venture into something new, we don't try to reach a different group, we are afraid to fail.
No hidden secret, if you have read any of my blogs before, that I like change and to challenge the status quo. Not just for sake of change but to learn new ways to do things. I am not the most creative person or have a lot of original ideas but I want to support those on the outside fringes who have those new ideas. I may not totally understand the new idea or even think it will succeed all of the time, but I also don't want to be a dream killer. The how question to me is this - How do we create a culture where it is encouraged to dream and also okay to fail?
I love that this last Sunday we tried something new. We had a day of service for the surrounding community within a one mile radius of our church building. We had over 50 people respond with requests for help around their houses. Some trees cut, some leaves raked, some light bulbs changed - not huge things by themselves, but things that they needed help with and couldn't do by themselves. I wonder what would have happened if it had been asked "How can we cut the service short?", "How can we take care of people that don't go to church here?","How can we afford this?" Those questions may have been asked. I don't know, but I do know that we tried something new. Something that may have failed. That excites me because that means that a culture is being created to venture into the new. What dreams are around the corner? We have the choice to support them or try to "how?" them to death. I'm excited by the possibilities.
To see Kenneth's blog go to http://connectedthroughcommunity.blogspot.com
How? Not a bad question by itself, but it can be a dangerous one as well. Ever had a dream or an idea that you wanted to try or that you thought could change things for the better? What happens a lot of time in the church is that is when the "how?"s come out. How can we afford that? How will we have enough people? How will we do this or that? How...Any new ideas are questioned to death and that teaches us to live safely within what we have always done. We don't venture into something new, we don't try to reach a different group, we are afraid to fail.
No hidden secret, if you have read any of my blogs before, that I like change and to challenge the status quo. Not just for sake of change but to learn new ways to do things. I am not the most creative person or have a lot of original ideas but I want to support those on the outside fringes who have those new ideas. I may not totally understand the new idea or even think it will succeed all of the time, but I also don't want to be a dream killer. The how question to me is this - How do we create a culture where it is encouraged to dream and also okay to fail?
I love that this last Sunday we tried something new. We had a day of service for the surrounding community within a one mile radius of our church building. We had over 50 people respond with requests for help around their houses. Some trees cut, some leaves raked, some light bulbs changed - not huge things by themselves, but things that they needed help with and couldn't do by themselves. I wonder what would have happened if it had been asked "How can we cut the service short?", "How can we take care of people that don't go to church here?","How can we afford this?" Those questions may have been asked. I don't know, but I do know that we tried something new. Something that may have failed. That excites me because that means that a culture is being created to venture into the new. What dreams are around the corner? We have the choice to support them or try to "how?" them to death. I'm excited by the possibilities.
To see Kenneth's blog go to http://connectedthroughcommunity.blogspot.com
Thank You Notes
Below are exerpts from some Thank You cards that we got:
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.
A simple act of kindness has beauty.
What a wonderful group of people. Thanks for the work but most of all the prayers. They were so kind & wonderful.
I would like to thank you for sending such a great group. They did a wonderful job and it was much needed. Again many, many thanks.
Thank you so much for your thoughtfulness.
A simple act of kindness has beauty.
What a wonderful group of people. Thanks for the work but most of all the prayers. They were so kind & wonderful.
I would like to thank you for sending such a great group. They did a wonderful job and it was much needed. Again many, many thanks.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Jamie's Story
While I was working along side my 6 year old daughter I was remembering a video that i had seen where a famous rock star was quoting from psalm 116, and he said, "What can I give back to God for the blessings that he has poured out on me?"
And because it came to mind while I was working, I started just saying that out loud, and my daughter picked it up, and started asking me what I meant, and it became an ongoing conversation all during the work, but also all throughout the day.
We talked about what it meant to help people, and that it didn't matter if they went to our church or not, that God wanted us to help people and show them his love.
The day ended with the same conversation while she was hugging me good night and going up to bed, and we talked about the things that we give back to God for the blessings he gives us.
Good experience. One of the ones I will hold on to for all of my life.
-Jamie Turner
And because it came to mind while I was working, I started just saying that out loud, and my daughter picked it up, and started asking me what I meant, and it became an ongoing conversation all during the work, but also all throughout the day.
We talked about what it meant to help people, and that it didn't matter if they went to our church or not, that God wanted us to help people and show them his love.
The day ended with the same conversation while she was hugging me good night and going up to bed, and we talked about the things that we give back to God for the blessings he gives us.
Good experience. One of the ones I will hold on to for all of my life.
-Jamie Turner
A Teary Thanks
A HPCC member was talking to a man and his mom at a local shop. The man said, "My mom got one of those cards you guys sent out, and it meant a lot." She got really teary and said, "I just think that is the nicest thing I've ever seen anyone do. That really touched me. Thanks so much." Just an indication that it probably touched a lot of lives that didn't take advantage of the help.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Halee's Story
Wow! The day of serving was awesome. We started out with a small team of people (4
adults and 3 kiddos). We headed to a house for what we thought would be a
small project. She had asked for a few bushes to be trimmed back. Once we started
talking with her, we realized she was concerned about the integrity of her home due
to all the trees leaning and falling on her house. At that point our mission was
clear...we had to cut all the trees down (with her permission of course), and it was
going to be a lot of work.
I couldn't believe how hard the children were working without complaint. I kept
touching base with the homeowner throughout the day, and she was so thankful each time.
After all the trees were cut down, we called back to the church requesting
additional assistance. They said, "a team is on there way." In minutes we had a
LOT of extra help and the dump truck! Our new friend was ecstatic and couldn't believe
her eyes. As we talked, she asked where I was from. I explained that I am from TX
but how great it is that I have a "family" right here in Tulsa and they were all in
her front yard.
My quiet time today consisted of Hebrews 13:2, "Do not neglect to show hospitality
to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it." I
believe our team got to entertain an angel on Sunday. I was truly blessed by the lady we were able to serve, and by my church family. May this moment be a reminder to me to share the
light God has given to me.
Love you all!
Halee Wood
Hoover's Story
We had a team of people who served at Hoover Elementary. We are a "Partner in Education" with Hoover, and we were thrilled to be able to serve them. Below is the e-mail that they sent to us today.
Dear Hoover Courtyard Helpers,.
It is amazing how much better the courtyard looked after all your efforts! We really appreciate your time, especially when the weather was not so cooperative. We look forward to watching the courtyard spring to life and the turtles come back to entertain us in their cleaned up environment.
Thank you,
The Hoover Staff
Dear Hoover Courtyard Helpers,.
It is amazing how much better the courtyard looked after all your efforts! We really appreciate your time, especially when the weather was not so cooperative. We look forward to watching the courtyard spring to life and the turtles come back to entertain us in their cleaned up environment.
Thank you,
The Hoover Staff
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Excited
HPCC completed 32 out of 51 service projects all over the neighborhood today. Unfortunately, I (Brian) didn't get to be part of it, because I was slammed by the stomach flu. Let's just say that if I would have tried to preach this morning, you would have never forgotten it. Thanks, Dave for pinch hitting at the last second.
But I did hear back from several people who were very excited about the day. They met needs, made friends, served together and loved our community. I know it was really cold today, but I didn't hear one complaint. People were too excited about everything else.
I can't wait to hear more stories.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Why I'm Excited about the Day of Serving
This week I wrote on my blog about why I'm so excited about our Day of Serving. To read it, click here http://virb.com/brianj33/posts/text/2447912/being-the-church
Day of Serving
We are so excited about our Day of Serving. It's Wednesday and we already have 34 projects lined-up. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve. For more info, go to http://www.hp4christ.org/ and click on "Day of Serving."
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