Posted 167 days ago

Missional "Best Practices" for Turbulent Times

from the Turbulent Times—Ready or Not! manual

• Goshen, Indiana: The pastor of Clinton Frame Mennonite Church has invited families who are on the edge financially to take money out of the offering plate. The church also routinely takes a special offering for community members in need.
• Tonbridge, England: Working with churches in Tonbridge and Sevenoaks, the Tonbridge Debt Advice Centre offers free advice and practical assistance for reducing debt through more than 50 professional volunteers.
• Winnipeg, Manitoba: The Little Flowers Community, an intentional, residential Christian community is working with a local credit union to provide micro-loans, financial counseling, and accountability. They also sponsor a cooperative food-buying program to help people reduce their costs.
• Seattle, Washington: During the 50-day Easter season of 2009, the members of Bethany Community Church were challenged to live more simply and donate what they saved to Living Water International. The idea was that the hope of the resurrection would spill out in the form of clean drinking water for those who really need it. The church raised almost $130,000—enough for 13 new wells. (Spilling Hope)
• New Zealand: In response to the declining economy, the New Zealand Council of Christian Social Services initiated a year-long campaign called Aroha tetahi ki tetahi—Let’s Look After Each Other to create networks between churches, schools, and community service organizations.
• Abbotsford, British Columbia: In partnership with MCC British Columbia, the Fraser Valley Gleaners collect fruits and vegetables left over or wasted by the agricultural industry and can, freeze, or dry them for needy people in Canada and in over 40 countries around the world.

• Factoria, Washington: The leadership of St. Margaret Episcopal Church asked its diversely professional congregation to donate services to those in crisis. The church offers free mortgage counseling, financial and legal advice, and spiritual direction.
  
  

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