Saturday, May 10, 2014

Moving Forward: One-Way Giving to Two-Way Giving



Seeds of Grace, a compassion ministry of AC3 is changing! We will be inviting SOG clients to partner with us in our new two-way Resource Exchange option. Why? Because we believe that two-way giving, when done right, is more compassionate and healthier for all parties involved; those receiving resources and for those giving them.

Q: What’s the difference between one-way giving and two-way giving?

A: Typically, one-way giving is when someone receives something from someone else with no questions asked. Two-way giving requires a partnership of sorts, where clients and volunteers opt-in and share resources for the mutual, social and economic benefit of one another. This cooperative effort becomes a legitimate ‘give and take’ relationship. We still offer limited and one-way giving when temporary relief efforts are deemed helpful or necessary.

Q: What does this mean for me on Seeds of Grace distribution days?

A: We will be inviting SOG clients to participate in our new two-way exchange option. This plan includes wearing a name tag on ‘Exchange’ days and on a client's 5th visit, individuals will be asked and invited to:

❶ Join us at a ‘Pay It Forward’ event where a variety of Resource Exchange tasks will be completed in a team environment.

OR

❷ Sign up to chat with a Resource Exchange Consultant.

We believe everyone has been uniquely created with different passions, strengths, gifts and talents that can be shared with those around them. YOU have God-given abilities that can be used to help improve your own life's situation AND in the lives of those around you. Ask us how you can partner with us in this life-changing endeavor today!

“Regardless of ones life's circumstances,
everyone has something to bring to the Exchange.” 

 


Thursday, May 8, 2014

AC3 VB Mothers Day Special





In this special Mothers Day video blog entry Rick and Dan each share a story about their moms and have some fun. Enjoy & Happy Mothers Day! :)

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

AC3 VB18 SOG Resource Exchange *Update*





This weeks video blog is an update on what's going on at SOG Resource Exchange. Enjoy! :)
Tired of the Tour Bus?


"'Tour-Bus Christians'' drive comfortably through life as they gaze out the window at others who are elbow deep in the daily adventure of serving God and working among spiritually needy people. Tour-Bus Christians are insulated from the real-world activity and excitement of God's work.

They may avoid some of the pain that's involved, and they may protect themselves from the difficulties and struggles, but there's no real adventure on a tour bus.They miss out on the excitement of living at the edge of expectation. They don't experience the tremendous counter-cultural truth that the more a Christian pours himself out serving in God's name, the more God will fill him to overflowing. The adventure comes when you tell the tour bus to stop, and you jump off and say:

'Lord, I want to get in the fray. I want to play a role in the biggest adventure story of all time. 
Use me to make a difference.
Use me to impact a young person for you.
Use me to solve someone's problem.
Use me to soothe someone's pain.
Use me to answer someone's prayer.
Use me to feed someone who's hungry.
Use me to rescue a child.
Use me to bring someone to you.
Use me to ease someone's loneliness
Use me to raise a Godly family.
Use me to deepen someone's faith.
Use me to cheer someone on.
Use me to touch lives in your name.

I don't want to just observe cathedrals through my bus window; I want to roll up my sleeves and build one! Lord, use me to build a living cathedral dedicated to your glory!'"

- Lee Stobel  "Inside the Minds of Un-Churched Harry and Mary" 

With those stirring words in mind, readers might say to themselves, "Ok...but how do I start?"

Glad you asked.

Below are 4 volunteer positions at AC3 you may not have heard of; 4 different ways for God to use someone who is willing. If you're interested or have questions, just email Dan: danh@ac3.org

E-Media Maven
We're looking for someone who is interested in taking the point on keeping the AC3 Facebook page up-to-date and active. There is a lot of stuff going around here and keeping the FB Page current with that stuff is super-important! In addition, we'd like someone to help with a website remodel we are beginning. Are you into web-design? Are you interested in managing web content? We'd like to hear from you!

Garden Helpers
AC3 has partnered with the Marysville School District and Farmer Frog (an Everett-based agricultural education non-profit) to support the construction and care for several vegetable gardens and a "food forest" at the Getchel Campus and the Arts & Tech Campus. Other projects are being discussed. Do you have a green thumb? Like to get out and work in the garden? Wanna support our local schools? Here's your chance!  http://farmerfrog.org/

Greeters
Helping people feel "at home" when they visit AC3 is an important job. Making sure folks know where to get information, drop off their kids and get connected to the resources they need is the sole job of Greeters at our weekend services. It's a lot more than just a smile and handing out a program! If you'd like to be part of this important and fun team of people, we're looking for help!

Pinewood Liaison
AC3 (along with other Marysville churches) "adopted" a local elementary school. We make ourselves available to Pinewood Elementary to meet special needs for students and staff that can't easily be met in other ways. Things like providing shoes and clothing directly to needy students, volunteer "reading buddies" and other stuff. We need someone to serve as a "liaison" or point person to work with the Pinewood staff. Sound interesting?

As always - there are SCORES of other opportunities around AC3, from Kreek Kids Teachers and Helpers, to operating lights and sound in the Auditorium, Youth leadership, and Office Administration. If you think of AC3 as your church home, but you haven't found a place to get your gifts in the game - Springtime 2014 is a great a time to get started!

THE METHODIST COVENANT PRAYER

I am no longer my own, but Thine.
Put to what Thou wilt, 
rank with me whom Thou wilt; 
put me to doing, put me to suffering; 
let me be employed for Thee, 
or laid aside for Thee; 
let me be exalted for Thee, or brought low for Thee; 
let me be full, let me be empty; 
let me have all things, let me have nothing; 

I freely and heartily yield all things to Thy pleasure and disposal. 

And now, O glorious and blessed God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, Thou art mine and I am Thine.

So be it.

And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it be ratified in Heaven.

Amen.