A good building project website will offer an opportunity for congregational feedback and answer the following questions:
Why? The most important part of a building project website is that it clearly explains the vision and answers the question “Why are we engaged in a building project?”
What? Next, it is important to give some details about the project. Possibly include floor plans and renderings. Consider the level of detail that you want to show, as not everyone is likely to agree with the space allocations.
How? Another major question is, “How will this be paid for?” List what funds are needed and/or the progress made towards raising those funds. Include a statement describing the source of funding. Offer the opportunity to make donations via the web.
Feedback. Allowing comments or using a web-response form will allow congregant voices to be heard. A FAQ may help reduce duplicate questions and provides answers to common concerns. Whether through comments, or a web-response form, be sure to address all concerns in some way.
If your church needs help, contact WPH ? Architects for Ministry to help you develop a website to aid in congregational involvement.
Posted in Newsletters, Random Thoughts, Spring 2010, Technology | 1 Comment »
Do you have children? How about grandchildren? Nieces or nephews? What would you do if a child you knew and loved was being held captive? What if they no longer had a name but instead were only referred to by a number. Doesn’t that sound horrible? Sounds like something from a horror movie doesn’t it? But it’s happening today, for real, all over the world!
The four man band, “The Wrecking” led worship at the church I attend, Bethel -The Church at Franklin Mills this past weekend. They are a gifted band who has visited Bethel several times over the past few years. Check them out at http://www.thewrecking.net and click thru either the YouTube or MySpace links to hear their music and view some videos. Not only are they a great band musically, but beyond that they support Love146, an organization that tries to bring to light the enormous problem of modern day slavery, in particular, child sex trafficking.
There are more people enslaved now than there has ever been previously in the history of the world. Most estimates put the number at over 27 million people, most of whom are females and children. Every enslaved individual is a child of God. Continue Reading »
Posted in Classroom | No Comments »
I love the expression “one thing that amazes me about common sense is how uncommon it is”. I don’t know who coined that expression first, but I think of it often (especially when dealing with my kids). When I first studied architecture in the 70’s, the oil crisis was fresh in the minds of most Americans. As a result, new visions developed for passive solar designs and earth sheltered homes. After the crisis ended, the country went back to largely wasteful ways of using energy. Rising costs have again brought energy-use reduction to the minds of people in America. Coupled with concerns about global warming, reduction is here to say.
I am glad to see the end of the Hummer line – but not because of its carbon footprint. Continue Reading »
Posted in Book Reviews, Bookstore, Classroom, Environment, Office, Playground, Random Thoughts, Stewardship, Technology | 1 Comment »
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest” ~Matthew 11:28
Are you struggling to make ends meet? Do you wonder if you will survive these difficult times? Do you want to know how this will all turn out? Well, I just read a short book on these and many more questions I am sure we are all asking these days. It is entitled “How to Survive the Economic Meltdown” by Patrick Morely. I downloaded a PDF version from the website http://survivethemeltdown.org. I encourage you to do the same. The book is only about 100 pages, but is packed with hope during these difficult times.
The author points to several verses in the Bible which give us two profound assurances. The first – God is in charge and He has a plan. God always has a plan. Isn’t that great? He’s certainly not worried about what’s happening right now. God isn’t in a panic. That should certainly help all of us! The second – we will get through this. How can we be sure? Because God loves us so very much and His Word tells us we will get through it. Just read Isaiah, 40:12, 15, Isaiah 45:7 or Isaiah 46:4. Unfortunately, the only way to get through it is to go through it. There are no shortcuts or ways to avoid this mess. And there’s no way to know how long it will last. Only God has that answer. So we need to have faith and stay close to God.
The book offers practical, spiritual and financial strategies for these times. It has examples from the author’s own life as well as other stories. And it is filled with verses from God’s own Word that I found uplifting. It made me think about whether I’m really doing life God’s way or am I doing it my way and the world’s way. Am I staying close to God or withdrawing from Him? Do I realize and appreciate how much God loves ME?!
So I’d be interested in knowing – How have you survived so far? Are you looking at things a different way now? Is your relationship with God growing because of our current times? Does knowing that God always has a plan change the way you think?
Blessings to all as you find your way through another week.
Posted in Book Reviews, Bookstore, Classroom | No Comments »
