Count me in!

[Becky]

Hi all,

I'm wanting to be part of an ongoing discussion on this important
issue. By the way, I thought the Presbytery meeting's focus on
poverty was great. I loved the sharing done by churches re what they
are doing and how they can be challenged to do more. The breakout
sessions were helpful too.

I was especially challenged by something Don Mead said -- and I don't
even know if it was to the group or whether I just overheard it -- but
I shared it with the congregation on Sunday in my sermon. I told them
I had been challenged to think about my rebate check from the
government and how I had been "clueless" about this possibility.
Rather, I have spent that check many times in my head. Anyway, the
possibility is, for those of us who may see that check as "mad" money,
to pass it along to someone who really needs it for rent, a mortgage
payment, groceries, gasoline, etc. I was thrilled to have a couple of
people approach me after worship to tell me what they were going to
do! One man is going to help one of his students, who is really
struggling with a bad home situation, and another person is going to
"reward" someone for an important choice they have made. Exciting!

We have a family who is going thru foreclosure and employment. My
question is, how do we get folks to be able to talk about this to a
pastor and others in the congregation and get support? This family
feels shame around their situation, and especially the man is very
reluctant to have anyone know. How can the church be more encouraging
of sharing vulnerably what is really going on in our lives so we can
encourage and support one another, whether materially, spiritually,
relationally, etc., etc.? I welcome all thoughts!

Becky