What God Is Building

I have always liked the passage in Ephesians 2, where Paul lays out the purpose of the Body of Christ. I especially like The Message paraphrase by Eugene Peterson:

"God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. (The Message, Ephesians 2:21-22)

I believe that this understanding of who we are as the church is at the center of why we support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. God is building a home in us, not of brick and mortar, boards and stones, but of faithful community. The foundation has been laid by prophets and those sent to proclaim the Good News. The cornerstone is set in Jesus Christ. And ours is a dynamic building, taking shape day after day, built so that the name of Jesus Christ may be known. We are like the Temple in that God lives through our words and our action. God, by the Holy Spirit, resides in us.

Ephesians 2:22, paraphrased by Peterson, states that we build a place where God is quite at home. I appreciate that Paul's observation to the Ephesians mentions nothing about the design, the furnishings, the style or worship or the stained-glass windows. Paul points out that God is pleased when the building starts with the cornerstone of Christ and has a foundation of those saints who have proclaimed the Good News of Christ's salvation.

This is the building in which we have been included. It is living and breathing God's will. At Brighton First we are building a place for people to grow in relationship with one another and with God. Together, we have taken the responsibility of the faithful saints who have gone before us and we build in anticipation of those who will follow.

We are hopeful builders, trusting that God is using us so that others may come to give their lives to Jesus Christ. We are all being used differently, but for the same purpose. We pray, serve, teach, give, worship and witness. We use our skills, resources and gifts for the unified purpose of living out God’s reign in this world.

What God Is Building

I have always liked the passage in Ephesians 2, where Paul lays out the purpose of the Body of Christ. I especially like The Message paraphrase by Eugene Peterson:

"God is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what he is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home. (The Message, Ephesians 2:21-22)

I believe that this understanding of who we are as the church is at the center of why we support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. God is building a home in us, not of brick and mortar, boards and stones, but of faithful community. The foundation has been laid by prophets and those sent to proclaim the Good News. The cornerstone is set in Jesus Christ. And ours is a dynamic building, taking shape day after day, built so that the name of Jesus Christ may be known. We are like the Temple in that God lives through our words and our action. God, by the Holy Spirit, resides in us.

Ephesians 2:22, paraphrased by Peterson, states that we build a place where God is quite at home. I appreciate that Paul's observation to the Ephesians mentions nothing about the design, the furnishings, the style or worship or the stained-glass windows. Paul points out that God is pleased when the building starts with the cornerstone of Christ and has a foundation of those saints who have proclaimed the Good News of Christ's salvation.

This is the building in which we have been included. It is living and breathing God's will. At Brighton First we are building a place for people to grow in relationship with one another and with God. Together, we have taken the responsibility of the faithful saints who have gone before us and we build in anticipation of those who will follow.

We are hopeful builders, trusting that God is using us so that others may come to give their lives to Jesus Christ. We are all being used differently, but for the same purpose. We pray, serve, teach, give, worship and witness. We use our skills, resources and gifts for the unified purpose of living out God’s reign in this world.

Building a Place for People to Grow

When the Stewardship Team met in May, they discussed the mission of our church, our growing ministry and our strategic plan. The team concluded that at Brighton First we are building a place for people to grow in their relationship with God. 

As the Stewardship Team developed their annual financial commitment campaign for 2017, they've used the faces and words of congregation members to celebrate what Brighton First is building.

I shared the following in the August Newsletter:

The congregation of Brighton First is committed to building a place for faith to grow. In 2017, we are redesigning our children’s Sunday School area in order to strengthen disciple making. We are intentionally growing small groups and other opportunities for adults to grow in the faith. In this last year, we have seen over 10% growth in adult faith formation participation. In worship, we have grown in devotion and praise with a new band-led worship service and greater participation of laity leadership. Our average attendance for the first 6 months of 2017 has increased from 2016. This is the first change in attendance decline since 2009. Brighton First is a place to grow and we are growing!

In 2018, our strategic plan calls for a remodel of the library and the continued emphasis on small groups. Our outreach to the residents of Mill Pond Manor Apartments is bearing fruit and this summer we begin a partnership with the Torch Food Truck, a non-profit that will deliver food to Mill Pond residents.

This October we begin our 2018 financial pledge campaign. The financial support of the congregation allows Christ’s work to continue through Brighton First. It supports us as we build a place for people to grow.

Each year, our church community offers personal commitments for God’s ministry through the fellowship of our congregation. Through regular attendance and daily prayer, we grow our capability to Know God. With joyful witness and heartfelt compassion, we continue to demonstrate our eagerness to Love God. By our volunteering and caring missions, we show our eagerness to Serve God. Our financial gifts will demonstrate our commitment to being faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Participating with a financial commitment is an important step. You will be receiving more information by mail about “Building a Place for People to Grow.” We’ll ask that financial pledges be turned in by October 25 and on October 29, we will celebrate the total pledges we have received. 

Building a Place for People to Grow

When the Stewardship Team met in May, they discussed the mission of our church, our growing ministry and our strategic plan. The team concluded that at Brighton First we are building a place for people to grow in their relationship with God. 

As the Stewardship Team developed their annual financial commitment campaign for 2017, they've used the faces and words of congregation members to celebrate what Brighton First is building.

I shared the following in the August Newsletter:

The congregation of Brighton First is committed to building a place for faith to grow. In 2017, we are redesigning our children’s Sunday School area in order to strengthen disciple making. We are intentionally growing small groups and other opportunities for adults to grow in the faith. In this last year, we have seen over 10% growth in adult faith formation participation. In worship, we have grown in devotion and praise with a new band-led worship service and greater participation of laity leadership. Our average attendance for the first 6 months of 2017 has increased from 2016. This is the first change in attendance decline since 2009. Brighton First is a place to grow and we are growing!

In 2018, our strategic plan calls for a remodel of the library and the continued emphasis on small groups. Our outreach to the residents of Mill Pond Manor Apartments is bearing fruit and this summer we begin a partnership with the Torch Food Truck, a non-profit that will deliver food to Mill Pond residents.

This October we begin our 2018 financial pledge campaign. The financial support of the congregation allows Christ’s work to continue through Brighton First. It supports us as we build a place for people to grow.

Each year, our church community offers personal commitments for God’s ministry through the fellowship of our congregation. Through regular attendance and daily prayer, we grow our capability to Know God. With joyful witness and heartfelt compassion, we continue to demonstrate our eagerness to Love God. By our volunteering and caring missions, we show our eagerness to Serve God. Our financial gifts will demonstrate our commitment to being faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.

Participating with a financial commitment is an important step. You will be receiving more information by mail about “Building a Place for People to Grow.” We’ll ask that financial pledges be turned in by October 25 and on October 29, we will celebrate the total pledges we have received. 

Answering the Right Questions for Church Giving

While the summer schedule at Brighton First may appear less full, church leaders remain active planning for the fall and winter. One group that does much of its work in the summer is the Stewardship Committee. Each year they will design and lead a campaign, asking members of Brighton First to make a financial commitment for the coming year. The campaign will be highlighted in worship in October.

In preparation, Ron Matkin, the Stewardship Committee Chair, and his team will design posters and worship images, create promotions pieces, letters and a narrative budget.

The Stewardship Committee works knowing that the motivations for sustained giving for a church have changed over the years. In the article The Right Questions for Church Leaders, Rosario Picardo suggests that church leaders keep in mind some questions that potential givers want to know.

                                                                                                                  

Does my giving make a difference?
This question is especially true for church members who are under 50. They have the expectation that the ministries they support are making a difference in the world. They want to be part of change for the better.                

Do I matter to my faith community?
Those who give generously feel a connection with their faith community. They feel as if they have a part in what is going on and that what they do and what they give matters. 

How will my resources be used?
While church members may not need the fine details found in the church budget, they do want to know that their time, talents and money are changing lives for the better and making disciples for Jesus Christ.

What is the vision I'm giving toward, and what is the plan for reaching it?
Like the previous question, church members want to know where the church is going and what the plan is to get there. Brighton First has a clear mission, to know, love and serve God. Our vision and strategic plan offer the direction and plan for where we are going. 

How can I get involved in the ministry I am supporting financially?

Today, being a part of church means much more than attending an hour-long worship service and giving a weekly offering. At Brighton First we expect that people desire to be in ministry, using their spiritual gifts and talents. Church leaders and staff work to connect people with ministries where they can grow in Christ and change the world. Our two primary places for initial connection are the Connection Cards that attendees fill out every Sunday and our web site.

Answering the Right Questions for Church Giving

While the summer schedule at Brighton First may appear less full, church leaders remain active planning for the fall and winter. One group that does much of its work in the summer is the Stewardship Committee. Each year they will design and lead a campaign, asking members of Brighton First to make a financial commitment for the coming year. The campaign will be highlighted in worship in October.

In preparation, Ron Matkin, the Stewardship Committee Chair, and his team will design posters and worship images, create promotions pieces, letters and a narrative budget.

The Stewardship Committee works knowing that the motivations for sustained giving for a church have changed over the years. In the article The Right Questions for Church Leaders, Rosario Picardo suggests that church leaders keep in mind some questions that potential givers want to know.

                                                                                                                  

Does my giving make a difference?
This question is especially true for church members who are under 50. They have the expectation that the ministries they support are making a difference in the world. They want to be part of change for the better.                

Do I matter to my faith community?
Those who give generously feel a connection with their faith community. They feel as if they have a part in what is going on and that what they do and what they give matters. 

How will my resources be used?
While church members may not need the fine details found in the church budget, they do want to know that their time, talents and money are changing lives for the better and making disciples for Jesus Christ.

What is the vision I'm giving toward, and what is the plan for reaching it?
Like the previous question, church members want to know where the church is going and what the plan is to get there. Brighton First has a clear mission, to know, love and serve God. Our vision and strategic plan offer the direction and plan for where we are going. 

How can I get involved in the ministry I am supporting financially?

Today, being a part of church means much more than attending an hour-long worship service and giving a weekly offering. At Brighton First we expect that people desire to be in ministry, using their spiritual gifts and talents. Church leaders and staff work to connect people with ministries where they can grow in Christ and change the world. Our two primary places for initial connection are the Connection Cards that attendees fill out every Sunday and our web site.

#connected - Brighton First Stewardship Team Picks 2015 Theme for Stewardship Campaign

This fall, congregation members at Brighton First are going to get #connected. They will hear testimonies about how people are getting #connected to Jesus Christ through the ministries of Brighton First and how community members are #connected through Brighton First outreach. The testimony is meant to inspire congregation members to be #connected to Brighton First through their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.

Logo for 2015 Brighton First Stewardship Campaign

The Brighton First Stewardship Team designs an annual campaign, asking congregation members to make a financial commitment to the church. The financial campaign will begin in early September and end in late October. Last year, the Stewardship Team discovered that by extending the campaign over six weeks and adding weekly reminders and inspirational stories that the congregation responded generously. Financial pledges increased by 5%.

The theme #connected will celebrate the connections that congregation members have with God, with each other, with the community and the world. Campaign leaders intend to celebrate all the connections as a gift from God and to encourage congregation members to support those connections through a financial pledge.

The Stewardship Team is aware of the Vital Church Initiative process and is working to reflect the goals of intentional hospitality, disciple making and community outreach. In all of these areas, God calls us to be #connected.

In addition, the Stewardship Team chose a theme that would complement the worship series for September and October, "Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Digital World". Each week's sermon will center on a relational skill that keeps us #connected to one another and to God through Jesus Christ.

Look for promotional material and more information about the campaign beginning in mid-August. Please be in prayer for the Stewardship Team as they, with many members of the congregation, prepare to get us #connected.

#connected - Brighton First Stewardship Team Picks 2015 Theme for Stewardship Campaign

This fall, congregation members at Brighton First are going to get #connected. They will hear testimonies about how people are getting #connected to Jesus Christ through the ministries of Brighton First and how community members are #connected through Brighton First outreach. The testimony is meant to inspire congregation members to be #connected to Brighton First through their prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness.

Logo for 2015 Brighton First Stewardship Campaign

The Brighton First Stewardship Team designs an annual campaign, asking congregation members to make a financial commitment to the church. The financial campaign will begin in early September and end in late October. Last year, the Stewardship Team discovered that by extending the campaign over six weeks and adding weekly reminders and inspirational stories that the congregation responded generously. Financial pledges increased by 5%.

The theme #connected will celebrate the connections that congregation members have with God, with each other, with the community and the world. Campaign leaders intend to celebrate all the connections as a gift from God and to encourage congregation members to support those connections through a financial pledge.

The Stewardship Team is aware of the Vital Church Initiative process and is working to reflect the goals of intentional hospitality, disciple making and community outreach. In all of these areas, God calls us to be #connected.

In addition, the Stewardship Team chose a theme that would complement the worship series for September and October, "Growing Up Social: Raising Relational Kids in a Digital World". Each week's sermon will center on a relational skill that keeps us #connected to one another and to God through Jesus Christ.

Look for promotional material and more information about the campaign beginning in mid-August. Please be in prayer for the Stewardship Team as they, with many members of the congregation, prepare to get us #connected.