62 “One Anothers”
Feb 28
Hello from snowy Churchville!
One Sunday when travelling home from church Gary and I stopped for a stoplight and were approached by a man who was begging for money as happens periodically. We had previously discussed what our response would be to such a person. We didn’t want to give out money which we sadly presumed would be spent on alcohol. I am continuing to knit scarves with some friends that are donated to a local shelter. We had decided to put one in the glove compartment of our car. When we saw this man coming our way, I quickly pulled out the scarf and Gary gave it to him for which he was really grateful since it was a very chilly day. Our premeditated plan worked; we were thinking about the practical good of another and we felt very good as a result.
Last month I mentioned that Gary and I had just finished co-authoring our latest book, Bubble UP Church! Yeah, it is now available to purchase. The back of the book states that it is “a deep dive into the 62 times in the New Testament that the one word for ‘one another’ is used to describe how we must learn to relate to people,” particularly in church life. This action-oriented book will help us to “create a powerful church by inspiring each member to build others up” through love, care, acceptance, encouragement, prayer, harmony, peace, forgiveness and much more. It is written “to be used in board rooms, small groups, in homes around the kitchen table or in a favorite chair.” Have I sold you yet on ordering a copy so that you can become a “bubbling up” example within your church as is expected by the New Testament for all believers regardless of an official role or not? Go to resources@kainos.org. There are a couple of freebies there as well.
On February 2 we also felt really good because family and friends along with Gary and me cared for Pastor Aaron and his family. In no time at all it seems we had them moved into their new rental home. Upon getting settled the other day they mentioned how much they loved their new living space. We are still amazed how fast that whole scenario played out. The mandate for our church is “Hillside cares!” A struggling young single mom was given a pair of warm winter boots this month and our pastor’s wife continues to spend some time hanging out with her. Another scarf was given to a gentleman who works two weeks of the month north of Thunder Bay in the cold mines. Gary built a ladder for a father who has just gotten bunk beds for his two sons. We are trying to take notice of people’s needs which we learn about from our Sunday morning lunches together.
May God help us all do a better job of “one anothering!”
Wendy
P.S. Our house is still for sale!