Category: Uncategorized
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How to Tackle Grant Writing: Hot Takes & Tips
The learning curve for grant writing can seem insurmountable and certainly astronomical. We are six years into the realization that Old West Church (OWC) would not survive without continual massive injections of funds from grants and I still find the process daunting. Perhaps you do too. Most pastors could write a book on the things
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Heart Worms
My son Jared rescued a 6 month old Lab mixed pup, now about a year old. It appeared that the dog had heart worms, most likely contracted before he made the trip up north from Arkansas. Early detection meant a better outcome for Arlo, the lovable dog. Years ago, I had a similar experience, after
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Because I Love You
The pain began when I popped the chewing gum in my mouth. I thought I broke a tooth. Long story short, two rounds of antibiotics and consults with a dentist and endodontist resulted in a root canal and crown. Yesterday I was sitting in the dentist chair for the making of the crown. Dr. Paul,
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Simple Stewardship Steps in a Systemic Shift
Years ago, Clif Christopher, in his book Not Your Parent’s Offering Plate stated that there are common principles with individuals who decide where to make donations to institutions, including the church: 1) They believe in the mission 2) They have regard for the staff leadership 3) They can see
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Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable
The NHL is going to have their hockey playoffs after all – albeit in summer. When asked about a completely different schedule and without fan support, the coach answered, “We have to be comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Wisdom. There are plenty of times when being comfortable with being uncomfortable would suit us well. St. Paul
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Let Me
It was not that long ago, but far enough for me to not remember which church I was visiting, that the members closed the service with everyone making a big circle (holding hands) to sing, “Let There Be Peace on Earth.” I am always struck by the lyric –“and let it begin with me.” It
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Pouring The Holy Spirit into Stewardship
In this video, Pastor Steve Smith (First UMC in Bangor, Me and Corinth UMC in Corinth, ME) and his two granddaughters, Brooklyn & McKenna Rand, explore what happens when we invite the Holy Spirit into our stewardship ministry. Quoting Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and God will establish your plans,” they try everything
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Legacy Roadblocks or Obstacles to Meaning
Recently the Foundation invited people to participate in a donor survey. Forty-six percent of the respondents said they have thought about leaving a legacy gift to their church or another charity and 21% said they already had made such a gift. However, and this is telling, 48% of the respondents said that they are concerned
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Where are They Now?
From time to time I see a website article asking, “Where are they now?” in relation to an old TV show. The Brady Bunch or Little House on the Prairie are common examples. Sometimes the “Where are they now?” question has to do with rock stars or sports players. The human-interest stories are fun to
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Removing the Mask or Showing Our True Colors
Back in 1986 Cyndi Lauper sang the song, “True Colors” for which she received a Grammy Award. I heard the song and reflected on the title. At first, I thought of the tall ships with flags flying from their topmast. During times of war, a false flag would be flown to get close to the