|
I didn't hesitate to go forward and accept the "kingdom assignment" when my pastor, Chuck Williamson, asked for volunteers. After he handed me the one-hundred dollar bill, one thought that continually stayed with me was this: I want to be active with this money. In other words, I didn't want to just donate it to an organization or service project. If I should decide to give it to a homeless shelter, then I would also want to volunteer at the shelter. Although I didn't know exactly how I would eventually use the "kingdom" money, I did know that I wanted to be active with it.
One of the first ideas I had was to create or purchase a labyrinth for Philadelphia Presbyterian Church. Labyrinths are spiritual tools designed to help us stay focused on prayer and meditation and to help us view our spiritual journeys as a continuous path. I have had the privilege several times to walk a labyrinth at the spirituality center during the Montreat Youth Conferences. Recently I also walked the labyrinth at Myers Park Baptist Church. These experiences always provide opportunities for personal prayer and reflection.
It occurred to me that we at PPC could possibly have the concrete circle in the courtyard or the grassy area in the circle in front of the sanctuary made into a labyrinth. After a little research, I discovered that there are very few labyrinths located in the greater Charlotte area. Since I wasn't sure how I was going to get this project off the ground, I continued to be open to different ideas. I certainly haven't given up on the idea of having a labyrinth a PPC; however, it may just be a "kingdom assignment" for another time.
Other options included joining forces with others who had accepted a "kingdom assignment." I even asked the children at Wonderful Wednesdays what they thought I should do with the money. Then another idea came to me originating from my recent visit Myers Park Baptist Church. Around the church, they have beautifully painted, aluminum trashcans for recycling. They recycle everything from batteries to tennis rackets. I've often thought that we need to recycle at Philadelphia Church so that we can be better stewards of our environment. After much prayer and trying to be open to the various possibilities for my "kingdom" money, I have decided to use it towards "Project Homecoming" in New Orleans. I have been fortunate enough to serve on both PhilaNOLA mission teams in 2007. In October we worked to restore the home of Erline Brooks, who is scheduled to move back into her home at the end of January. Recently I spoke with her by phone and I asked her what she needed for her home. She has no furnishings at all, so basically, Erline needs everything. I explained to her that PPC had worked on her home in October and that we would like to help make her house a home. The items she mentioned that she needs most immediately are pots, pans, and linens. With this project in mind, I decided to create (with the help of office staff - Judy Clinton, Cynthia Stokes, Sonia Lee) a window sticker for cars with the Presbyterian seal and our church name. I thought of this not only a fund raiser, but as a way to advertise PPC and evangelize. My hope is that every member will purchase one (or more) for their vehicles, so that we can continue to help those in New Orleans move back into their homes
|
