| Missional Church Initiatives |
| Another one of our Missional Church Initiatives is the donation of cows to Bulgarian Farmers through International Ministries. To Date, we have raised enough money to have two cows purchased for Bulgarian Farmers. Here are a few words about the project from Tom Myers, Missionary in Bulgaria:
One of the biggest issues we have faced is changing regulations because of Bulgaria's entrance into the European Union. This is especially true for the families that have dairy cows and are selling the milk. We have been working with them to get the correct information on steps they must take to meet the new regulations. In March, the project participants and Tom met with the village veterinarian. He shared with them up-to-date information about the processes involved in meeting the new regulations.
The major concern for these families is their milking barns. Many of the new regulations deal with sanitation issues, so the milking barns must be updated. This includes plastering walls, putting in tile, adding septic systems, and having hot water available. Also, in order to be a government-registered farm, each family must have at least seven cows. Eventually this will increase to ten cows.
Fortunately, not everything has to be done at once, but the families must continue making steady progress during the next year in order to be considered for registration. Being registered makes them eligible to receive government assistance and any European Union subsidies that might be available. In the time since that meeting, each of the families has been working on individual plans and estimating the costs of the work that needs to be done. Tom is now working on finalizing the course of action with each of the families involved.
The process of moving forward with this cow project has been lengthy. We want to be certain that the steps that are taken are well thought-out, and that the families will be able to continue to sell their milk and make a living for themselves.
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CLARK GRANT MISSIONAL ENDEAVOR
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SOME MARKERS OF A MISSIONAL CHURCH: |
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We are a missional church striving to become an AUTHENTIC FAITH COMMUNITY with a primary focus on serving OUTWARD, on mission with God, extending the love of Jesus by engaging in supportive community missions in our neighborhood and beyond.
In the next two years we will be seeking to serve our community, with the help of other concerned individuals, in defining a need that will hopefully draw us together toward a common purpose. The purpose will be to extend a helping hand to meet a present problem or need that will be shaped through dialogue and partnering with our community.
First Baptist Church of Weston project proposal:
To provide transportation to community elders for errands on Saturdays by community volunteers.
Why? This was the need most frequently expressed by town residents during the interview process. Weston elders have few low cost options for transportation to their banks, library, post office, grocery shopping, etc.
What will be needed?
1. Volunteer drivers. Responsible drivers to make a commitment of as little as two hours on a Saturday to pick up an elder from their home, drive them to local stores/services and take them back home. The volunteer will be asked to assist the elder with ambulation, safety on stairs, getting into/out of the car and carrying packages if necessary.
2. Secretary/scheduler. Volunteer (or possibly paid) person to take calls from those needing transportation and make calls to volunteers who have signed up for that Saturday. Also, keeping schedule of volunteers, making reminder phone calls or cancellations.
How? Get drivers by advertising in Weston Town Crier, postings at the library, grocery store, Bruegger’s Ye Olde Cottage, etc. Having requests made in town churches, monthly newsletters, COA & PTA newsletters, town wide mailings. We would notify elders of the program in much the same way, also utilizing the town’s social worker.
Drivers would be provided training in assisting elders safely as well as identifying other needs the elder may have that can be addressed by other community resources.
We extend this opportunity to folks from all walks of life, faith backgrounds, or those with no faith at all as a relational effort to be a source of hope and help! Please feel free to contact the church office at (781) 894-5243 if you would like to be involved in this effort.
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1) A missional church views its context as a mission field which is constantly changing.
2) A missional church is engaged in missions and is supportive of missions.
3) A missional church is intentional in it's efforts and is engaged in transformation on three levels: personal, systemic, and cultural.
4) A missional church has a commitment to equip itself to address the needs of an ever changing world.
5) A missional church seeks to cultivate an environment of change that is transforming, innovative, creative, and culturally appropriate through diverse ministries and missional teams that positively affect its community.
6) A missional church is a church that is called out to be an arm for God and a vehicle where God's people can embrace new forms of life and witness together.
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These are pictures from our recent Clark Grant Missional Seminar led by Glynis LaBarre. Glynis is a transformational strategist for National Ministries of American Baptist Church USA (ABC USA).
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