Art For Education

Here is the link to my project. I was excited leaving tonight knowing that several of yall offered to help. This really means alot to me. I never intended to enter this calling alone! I am all about teamwork as a way of learning and sharing knowledge. My experiences so far in working in this neighborhood have been great. The people are so happy to know that we are interested in helping them, as you will soon see. The City is behind us 100%. I look forward to watching God provide the resources to pull off this Community Garden project and am glad to know yall will be a part of this with me. I will keep you posted on a start date as soon as we wrap up design. If you know anyone else that likes this kind of stuff please have them contact me. I would hate to leave out an interested person. God Bless!

http://www.art4edu.info/

Pastor Michel--

Pastor Michel is who we stayed with in Africa. You will probably hear me talk about him alot over the course of this bible study as meeting him really changed my life. The majority of the people that I met in Burkina Faso are "On Fire" Christians. My suspicion is that since their living conditions are far from desirable, they have been forced to really think about what they are living for. It was very apparent to me that they are living to be SERVANTS for God's kingdom. They are very interested in pursuing meaningful realationships with other humans with Christ as center. Our big God, that we talked about last night, gives Pastor Michel these larger than life visions and then gradually gives him the tools to make these visions happen here on earth. Burkina Faso is a predominantly Musilm country and Pastor Michel has been successfully converting Muslims to Christians for almost 30 years now. He truly lives on faith, and has given his whole life to God. Every time I complimented his work he responded, "It is not me, but my God who gives me this strength." I look forward to sharing more of his inspirational stories. This recent experience has really challenged me to understand that our obligation as Christians here on Earth is to serve others while letting the principles from the Bible direct this servanthood. I also came to realize that all the material possessions in the world cannot make you happy. The majority of the people that I met from Burkina Faso had very few material possessions, but were truly filled with joy. This is an amazing memory I will cherish for the rest of my life. Kids running around with no shoes on in 122 Degree weather with Jesus in their hearts and smiles on their faces wanting to hold your hand. A daily relationship with Jesus is what will bring us true happiness and joy that can be shared with all those around us. See a brief summary of his testimony below.

http://africanhopeinitiative.org/story/

Great Start

What a great start to the study of "Chasing the Lion"! Although we did not get very far, we set the stage by contemplating the question, "How Big Is God"? Can we truly answer that question? I don't think so, at least not in a way that everyone would agree. I honestly do not think the human vocabulary contains the descriptive words necessary to describe God. But it sure makes you think about how your view of God impacts your decisions in life.

Understanding who God is and how big He is requires us to commit to life-long learning expedition.

Do me a favor and watch this short video and ask yourself the question…

"Do I really understand who God is"?

Click Here

You might be asking…"What's that all about"? I will give you a little heads-up on something. Once we finish this study of Behaiah and chasing the lions in our lives, I want us to think about going a bit deeper into the understanding of who God is. I want us to devote some time to understanding our Christian Worldview. We will talk more about it in the coming weeks.

One other thing, Wednesday, May5th is SJ life group celebration. Janeese wants to show group pictures during the event, so we need to take a photo next week. I will bring my camera.

Service Opportunities

Just wanted to let you guys know of some service opportunities that may interest you.



A Life-Sized Replica of the Tabernacle Returns:


Volunteers needed to help with the Rebuilding of the Ancient Tabernacle:


• Night Watchmen are needed for 2 weeks to stay at the church from 9:00pm to 6:00 am to watch over the Tabernacle. If you are interested in serving as a watchman contact Grady Springer at 315-1498 or gspringer@adem.state.al.us.


• Tour Guides & Tabernacle Greeters are needed each day for 2 hour shifts beginning at 9:00am – 9:00pm. If you are Jennifer Aughtman at 213-0197 or Ann Pemberton at 546-3744.


• March 26 & 27 will be workdays to put up the Tabernacle. All are welcome to come and help.


• Training for all volunteers serving at Tour Guides and Greeters will be March 24 6:30-7:15 pm in the Café.


• Please contact Janeese if you have any questions.


Family Promise


• Assists families in the area to transition from homelessness to stability and independence. March 13-20 Saint James UMC will host homeless families. We need volunteers and donations of sheets, pillows, mattress covers, blankets, towels, etc. Bring donations to the Vaughn Road Welcome Center next to the library. There will be a large bin to put them in.


• If you would like to volunteer with FP contact Karen Gallahar @ karen.gallahar@morgankeegan.com


• Training Session February 25th @ 6:00 for anyone wanting to spend the night during Family Promise. Volunteers get a 1 day free pass to Disney World!


• Blankets needed.


Children’s Ministry:


• God's ZONE is asking for folks to save their clear plastic bottles (i.e. water) with their lids. We will use them for VBS. Containers will be out in the children's area for drop off.


• VBS will be June 21-23.



The Lighthouse Ministry at Saint James United Methodist Church for Our Friends with Special Needs.



• PALS (Partners Appointed by the Lord) are needed immediately to work one Sunday morning per month with the members who need assistance during Sunday School. PALS will be assigned “friends” and schedules will be provided. Please consider volunteering and being trained for this much needed ministry. For more information, please contact Chris Henderson 215-0427, Merrily York 239-8302 or Jeana Prim 215-3734 who will oversee this ministry. You may also sign up on your blue card in your bulletin.