Words of Encouragement

A Reflection on the the inspiring life and works of Henrietta Mears...

"There is no magic in small plans. When I consider my ministry, I think of the world. Anything less than that would not be worthy of Christ nor His will for my life."

There is no magic in small plans. I am convinced that God wants us to think big and plan big. Consider your ministry. Is your focus on the week-to-week routine, on the people problems and headaches, or on the big picture? Those lumps of coal in your classroom are really diamonds in the rough. Those young people that march in and out of your church each weekend can be a marching army in the work of God. That lesson you are preparing for this Sunday might be the one that ignites a flame in the heart of the next Billy Graham or Henrietta Mears. Don't get suckered into thinking small - remember that there is no magic in small plans.

Change of Date

Hi everyone,

Please note a diary change - Weetbix & Worship is no longer happening this Sunday. However, it is Mother's Day on Sunday so you might like to incorporate an appropriate craft or activity into your lesson - perhaps as the warm-up activity?

Some good suggestions can be found here - I quite like the banner idea?

The new Weetbix & Worship date is june 17.

Also a reminder that our first Training Session is happening Tuesday night 7.30-9.30pm. See you then!!

The $70 question

Hi everyone,

NO the title of this post doesn't mean that you are going to win $70. Sorry!

However, I do have a question for you: What would you expect from me/the church/in general if you had to pay a $70 sign up fee to volunteer as a Sunday Club or Youth Leader.

'What?!' I hear you say. You can relax, I am not going to start doing this. I would like to know though, what you would expect if I did? But, if your first thought was 'I wouldn't be a Sunday Club/Youth Leader if I had to PAY!' then please tell me why (if it's for a theological reason, that you don't think the church should charge volunteers then that's fine - I'm not going to do it.)

Once you've recovered from the initial shock - I'd love to hear what would you expect. Rather, what you do expect or would love/really appreciate as a volunteer for Sunday Club?

Please let me be absolutely clear about this - I am not going to, nor do I ever intend to, charge you to be a volunteer. You all do a marvellous job and it is a blessing to have to partake in this ministry. The purpose of this post is to find out how to better support, equip & help you as you minister to the kids and youth at St Mark's. This question might help both you and I to think differently about the role and it's associated expectations.

The prize you ask? Rather than a one off prize like last week - the prize is that the more suggestions you give the more chance there is that one of them might be something I can implement!! You might just get what you ask for :)

So, the floor is yours. If you want to you can post your suggestion anonymously - all I ask is please post them. You know the saying - help me help you!!!

If you're not a Sunday Club or Youth Leader but have suggestions; things people have done for you as a volunteer, things you've done for your volunteers, or even an idea that you think is great but haven't gotten around to doing then don't be shy - remember the other saying: share and share alike! pretty please ;)

In case you were wondering this questions wasn't my idea. If you want to find out where it comes from check this out.