Sarah Jordan on Jul 30th 2010 Uncategorized
Join us for 5 weeks starting August 5th! We’d love to have you! And, if you’re reading this blog, you’re likely already praying and processing through these topics (serving the marginalized, helping the physically and spiritually needy, missions-minded) so we’d love to have you in the class to corporately continue to grow in this area. And, maybe invite some others to join you?!
We have some first-timers coming and some repeaters. So, whether you’ve never heard of this class, heard of it and wanted to take it before but your schedule didn’t work, or already a graduate, JUMP IN! Join us as we search the Scriptures as to what is true about our God, about us, and about the needy.
And, Lord willing, as we understand these truths, our lives, our communities, and our world will be changed by the people of God doing the will of God. [Warning: This is not for the faint-hearted. I thought this class was a royal-kick-in-the-pants and a big part of me wants to go back to thinking I'm doing good to serve once a week, give a little more than 10%, and know at least one homeless person. But, by His grace, He's moved my heart and my hands have followed. I won't deny that I kind of liked my self-centered, materialistic world, without much of a conscience or burden for the physical needs of others, but I'm infinitely more the BLESSED ONE by having my heart, schedule, and priorities re-aligned by intentional service and relationships with folks that I never intentionally interacted with and loved before.] Like last year, Jeff Ward and I will be team teaching this class.
click here to sign up (or copy & paste into your browser)…
http://www.watermark.org/ministries/equipping/equipping-ministry/
by Jennifer Lewis Clouse
Sarah Jordan on Jul 30th 2010 Union Gospel Mission
Have you ever wanted to combine two passions at once - golf and ministry? Well, here’s your chance! Come support Union Gospel Mission by volunteering at the 19th Annual Golf Classic on September 9, 2010 (yes, it’s a Thursday). Please see below for all the fun ways you can join me and support our brothers and sisters in the tournament:
From 6:30 am – 9 am
2 Greeters
4 Registration people
4 Selling Mulligans/Strings
From 7:00 am – end of tourney
2 Selling Drives
2 Photographers
From 7:30 am – end of tourney
2 People to distribute drinks at holes
2 People to run the Wii
Grab a friend, forward along, but don’t keep this to yourself. To sign up, please e-mail Emily Anderson at emily.anderson@raymondjames.com. Proceeds from the tournament help underwrite UGM’s general operating costs and benefit homeless men, women and children.
Sarah Jordan on Jul 27th 2010 Uncategorized
http://www.vimeo.com/12899588
ACT (Advocates for Community Transformation) from Reid Porter on Vimeo.
The boarded up structure at 4020 Esmalda embodied the challenge facing many West Dallas neighborhoods: a forgotten home, neglected to the point of ruin that had become a safe harbor for drug dealers.
Living in the same block were three families with young children. The Arredondos worried that their children would be injured by the rotting, failing structure. The Ibarras and the Gonzalezes would not let their children walk alone past 4020 Esmalda for fear of the strangers and perceived illegal activities.
Sensitive to the situation, ACT stepped forward to provide a voice for these families. Partnering with legal counsel from the law firm, Baker Botts, ACT assisted these three families to locate and negotiate with the property owner, Gloria Mabry, and take necessary steps to improve the situation and the safety of the neighborhood. After several unanswered attempts to engage the property owner, a lawsuit was filed. This lawsuit prompted Ms. Mabry to discuss the condition of her property with her neighbors and ACT. What an encouragement to all when Ms. Mabry expressed the same concerns as her neighbors; she worried for the safety of those living around her abandoned house. Ms. Mabry was not a recalcitrant, unconcerned owner but in fact a long-time former resident of West Dallas who wanted to participate in the community’s revitalization and move back into the community!
The case against Ms. Mabry quickly shifted from litigation mode to community collaboration for a just result. ACT and the neighboring families agreed to dismiss the lawsuit against Ms. Mabry if Ms. Mabry would agree to the demolition of the abandoned home. Grateful for their help, Ms. Mabry agreed to assist in the demolition of the house, and then safely maintain her land.
What an incredible picture for all on May 8, 2010 when, working side by side, over 50 people came together to clear the property. Ms. Mabry and her family helped alongside the Arredondo, the Ibarra, and the Gonzalez families. Other residents of the Westmoreland Park and Ledbetter Garden Neighborhood Associations joined, too, as well as volunteers from ACT and West Dallas ministry Builders of Hope. The local community victory was celebrated with music, barbeque and a tremendous sense of cooperative success!
The progress continues: ACT has referred Ms. Mabry to Builders of Hope for homebuyer counseling to move forward with her plans to rebuild on the lot and rejoin the neighborhood.
-Reid Porter
Jeff Ward on Jul 26th 2010 Brother Bills
Thanks to the 175 volunteers that showed up for “Operation Clean Sweep”. It was an amazing time as we took care of 75 lawns and developed relationships with folks in need that are connected with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.
Extra special thanks to guys who scouted out the lawns, made assignments, provided extra equipment, and cooked burgers on the Chuck Wagon.
Here’s a note from Suzanne Griffin, the Executive Director:
Today was absolutely magnificent. Our seniors loved having their yards done, but I believe even more than that, they loved making new friends and seeing so many people who really care about their lives and their needs.
As one of our seniors said, “It is wonderful to see so many Christians out serving the Lord. Plus, my husband was thrilled because he has been looking at our shrubs that needed trimming for months and just didn’t have the energy to do it himself.”
This afternoon words of praise and thanksgiving are coming from households all across West Dallas as our neighbors look at their yards and thank God for all of the Watermark members who sweated and toiled for them.
Thank you for making it all happen and thank you for partnering with Brother Bill’s Helping Hand.
We had 174 volunteers who signed in the morning and I don’t believe that counts the Chuckwagon cooking crew or those who might not have signed in. Again, thank you for a wonderful day!
Blessings,
Suzanne
Jeff Ward on Jul 22nd 2010 General
Just created our External Focus Facebook page (big thx to Conner Price).
Check us out and also teach us something about FB! http://bit.ly/boJElR
As you know we’re always looking for new ways to connect with folks and as you know many opportunities are urgent. This will allow us to update you in realtime. And, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter as well as @jeff_r_ward.
Also, excited about our new blog re-design…coming soon so stay tuned!
Sarah Jordan on Jul 22nd 2010 Uncategorized
Center of Hope, Union Gospel Mission’s shelter for women and children, is in great need of ladies to take care of the children, while the mothers go to conference. The dates and times are as follows:
THIS WEEKEND…
July 23rd: 12pm – 9:30pm
July 24th: 7:30am – 6pm
Next Month…
August 20th: 4pm – 9:30pm
August 21st: 7:30am – 5pm
These times can be broken down into shifts and are great opportunities for groups or singles to serve. Please take a moment to consider this opportunity to serve our King through serving these families. These conferences are eternity building opportunities for the women who attend, and you will have the time to love on these sweet, lively children, building into their lives.
To sign up or for questions, please e-mail Emily Anderson at emily.anderson@raymondjames.com or call 214.450.2206.
Sarah Jordan on Jul 7th 2010 Uncategorized
A great short video featuring a story of one of their orphans and an interview with their director.
http://www.vimeo.com/12714932
This is 3 minute recap from Journeychurch.tv out of Norman, OK.
http://www.vimeo.com/11688313
rov 22:6 Train up a child…even when he is old he will not depart from it//just don't know if my kids will make it to "old" 