Mercy Ministry Conference
MercyNet and Philadelphia Presbytery co-sponsor a Mercy Ministry Conference January 11-12 at Westminster Seminary, Glenside, PA. Click on www.citynetphilly.org for the conference brochure link. For information contact Dr. David Apple, dapple@tenth.org or 215-735-7688.
Taking the risk out of ministry
Taking the risk out of ministering to at-risk people is a seminar for anyone who wants to be involved in ministry and wants to serve in the right way for the right reasons. The seminar is Saturday, September 29 from 9-12 at Tenth Presbyterian Church, 1701 Delancey St., Center City Philadelphia. Registration at the door is $5. Dr. David Apple, Tenth Presbyterian Church Director of Mercy Ministries, is the speaker. R.s.v.p. to dapple@tenth.org.
Wise deacons
The first deacons (Acts 6) were selected by virtue of their being filled with the Holy Spirit and wisdom. This was greatly needed in their providing caring for the poor, sick, elderly, widow, orphan, handicapped, etc. Deacons, today as well, need to exibit these gifts as they reach out to similar people groups, and also, as they delegate areas of service such as worship management, ushering and greeting, care of the building and property, visitation, church finances, and fellowship. Deacons can use their time wisely by giving ministry away and allowing others to serve in a God-honoring manner.
Intro to Economic and Community Development May 19
Come to New Life Church, Glenside on Saturday, May 19–10am to hear about the Chalmers Center for Economic and Community Development. Training the church worldwide how to help the poor without creating dependency, its mission is to “help the church help the poor help themselves” to become financially self-sufficient. Training is delivered through distance learning courses, self-study material, and classroom-based training institutes held throughout the world and hosted by local churches and ministries.
The programs and strategies taught have been tried and tested in various locations around the world and reflect the latest and best practices. While addressing the physical needs of the poor, they also provide opportunities for outreach and evangelism. The goal of the Chalmers Center is that as a result of its training, the poor will see the local church or missionary as the very hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
Courses on Christian microfinance and microenterprise development are offered for those ministering in the Two-Thirds World. For those ministering in the U.S./Canada, a course is available on economic development ministry in the areas of savings, asset accumulation, financial literacy, job training, and housing. A course on ministering to the poor through short-term missions is also offered.
Come here about Chalmers Center’s various programs and training opportunities. New Life Presbyterian Church, 467 N. Easton Road, Glenside, PA 19038. For further information, call David Channing 215-443-0762 or e-mail at david@channing-family.com
Dealing with Chronic Illness
The Thursday, May 3 MercyNet meeting features Lois Denier, speaking on “Dealing with Chronic Illness”–7:00 pm. at New Life Church, 463 N. Easton Rd., Glenside, PA. Lois is editor of Jars of Clay, http://www.tenth.org/index.php?id=35
RSVP to dapple@citynetphilly.org
How to Deal with Con Artists
Learn how to deal wisely with manipulative people and the “Tyranny of the Urgent.” The first MercyNet Deacon’s Forum will take place Saturday, May 12, 9:00 am–noon at Crossroads Community Church, 104 Heather Road, Upper Darby, PA (one block east of 69th Street). For information and registration, email dapple@citynetphilly.org.
Don’t reinvent the wheel!
Learn from my mistakes and experience from ten years as an inner-city deacon (Paterson, NJ) and nineteen as Mercy Ministry Director at a large downtown church (Philadelphia, PA). See my links on the right side.
Help is here!
Compassion Helps, that is. Check out the “Compassion Helps” link on the right of this page to find step by step information on helping others. More is on the way.
Compassion Helps Prototype Launched
A new website is being developed to give Christians a handle on how to help others. Compassion Helps answers the question, “How do I help someone who is . . . .” To see the beginning work click on www.iTeaCup.com/resources/cHelps
Mercy Ministry Training Coming Soon
MercyNet has scheduled its 2007 Ministry Training Seminar on the second Saturday of January-April (Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, April 14), 8:30-2:00 at Westminster Theological Seminary, (Van Til Hall), Glenside, PA. For information and registration phone 215.508.1808 or
email dhoult@citynetphilly.org
