kind of upset

polkaman · Jul 26, 2017

hello all. I guess i'm a but upset or uneasy, don't know what to call it exactly, about a couple
of things.
first, thru some mini-grants I have available to me, I wanted to start some new programs,
one was a thanksgiving dinner to the community, a community santa claus visit,
and a program to have some activities for the older folks......a weekly bingo game and
weekly card party........
I talked to the minister about it, so then he drags out a couple of pieces of paper, agreements
to use the church.......and yes, it had on it the charges.....even a $100 deposit.......
although I didn't say it, it took me aback.
I talked to the pastor of another church I attend, and no problem, no cost, and would like to have everything done by 9 pm, that's when they like to lock up.
the second thing is, that I sent emails to both pastors, telling them I was having difficulties,
and emailed rather than say them. This has been a bad year, poor crops, poor prices, huge
expenses....I don't know if we can pay everything or not, has me worried......I hinted to both
pastors, and neither offered to pray for it..........then only 1 sent an email back, and said
they would pray for our concerns.
I don't know.....these things just didn't set well with me......I feel let down or just not
impressed........just don't know what to say........
I felt that there would be support of the ideas, and if it was being funded, they would
be behind it......no not really....it's your idea, you do all of it........then the building
issue, I kind of thought if you were helping people there would not be an issue.
and not "jumping" at the chance to do prayer.....I don't know, just didn't set
well with me.

need some encouragement here folks

thanks

Winken · Jul 26, 2017

Be encouraged. Be sure to have assembled those of our Faith for each observance. Publicize the estimate cost. You could offer a tiny payment of $10 per couple. You can approach deacons, elders, whomever, along with the Pastor. Look for a private contribution to fund the whole thing. Invite Christians to go door-to-door with their closely escorted children. Ask a dozen assemblies to help you plan the events. Post on Facebook, Twitter. Get a "coach" (coaches) assigned for each event. You can't do it all!

Blessings! I hope your prayers reach all across the USA and Canada!

Korean-American Christian · Jul 26, 2017

polkaman said:
hello all. I guess i'm a but upset or uneasy, don't know what to call it exactly, about a couple
of things.
first, thru some mini-grants I have available to me, I wanted to start some new programs,
one was a thanksgiving dinner to the community, a community santa claus visit,
and a program to have some activities for the older folks......a weekly bingo game and
weekly card party........
I talked to the minister about it, so then he drags out a couple of pieces of paper, agreements
to use the church.......and yes, it had on it the charges.....even a $100 deposit.......
although I didn't say it, it took me aback.
I talked to the pastor of another church I attend, and no problem, no cost, and would like to have everything done by 9 pm, that's when they like to lock up.
the second thing is, that I sent emails to both pastors, telling them I was having difficulties,
and emailed rather than say them. This has been a bad year, poor crops, poor prices, huge
expenses....I don't know if we can pay everything or not, has me worried......I hinted to both
pastors, and neither offered to pray for it..........then only 1 sent an email back, and said
they would pray for our concerns.
I don't know.....these things just didn't set well with me......I feel let down or just not
impressed........just don't know what to say........
I felt that there would be support of the ideas, and if it was being funded, they would
be behind it......no not really....it's your idea, you do all of it........then the building
issue, I kind of thought if you were helping people there would not be an issue.
and not "jumping" at the chance to do prayer.....I don't know, just didn't set
well with me.

need some encouragement here folks

thanks

polkaman, welcome to CF.

I am very very sorry that both pastors let you down.

You wanted to serve our Lord....that's the important thing.

God bless you for your heart

Angeldove97 · Jul 26, 2017

People are going to let you down. We don't always mean to, but we are imperfect, even our church leaders. Try to find Jesus in them ~ as I'm sure they struggle with trying to find Jesus in themselves. (I know I do.)

As for funding, ask for donations - create a flyer about the event and ask people if they can give a few $ to help or even supplies. As a teacher, I do this all of the time - there are even web-sites for teachers to use to get donations. Don't be afraid to ask. These pastors probably have to ask for donations and supplies ALL OF THE TIME - they might be "afraid" to have to ask the congregation for more to start these new events. We are all Brothers and Sisters in Christ - we can all ask for help from one another.

Questore · Jul 26, 2017

Start a Go-Fund-Me account for this project, with a set budget, and all the details. Then, once you have the account opened, approach these pastors again.

The Churches have to be businesslike in what they do, or they would be over-run with people begging them to fund their ideas, and money is always scarce at good churches. You also need to be plain about what you need from them, and what you can do in return for them through this ministry, because if all of us have to benefit in some way from joint efforts.

Ministries that get things done do it through Abba providing the resources and people, but you have to step up to plate, and be bold in your asking, with a serious plan under your arm, ready to give them.

Angeldove97 · Jul 26, 2017

Questore said:
Start a Go-Fund-Me account for this project, with a set budget, and all the details. Then, once you have the account opened, approach these pastors again.

I'd hesitate trying to do this at first because: 1) this is public when this is a private church event (you don't necessarily want a lot of non-church goers attending this event based on what the OP'er shared) and 2) some of the money will go to the web-site in most cases. If I donated money to my church for an event, I'd want 100% of it to go to the event.

polkaman · Jul 26, 2017

well money is not that much of an issue, since I may be able to get mini grants to put the events on.
All events will be open to the public. We need to help our fellow man, and our fellow man
is not only those a member of the church.
worse come to worse, a free will offering could be asked for, but the mini-grants would most
likely be enough to fund all or a big part of it.

Sarah G · Jul 27, 2017

Seems like you are (or were) on fire with enthusiasm to do nice things and the pastors dampened your fire with their lukewarm attitudes. That's a shame as they are pastors and not fire blankets

Be encouraged, my friend. You are doing a good thing with the right attitude and for right reasons. God will surely make the (seemingly) impossible possible. I will pray that your plans come to fruition without grieving you too greatly.

Psalm 90:17 May the favor of the Lord our God rest on us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands.

Proverbs 16:3 Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Isaiah 40:31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Catherineanne · Jul 27, 2017

polkaman said:
hello all. I guess i'm a but upset or uneasy, don't know what to call it exactly, about a couple
of things.
first, thru some mini-grants I have available to me, I wanted to start some new programs,
one was a thanksgiving dinner to the community, a community santa claus visit,
and a program to have some activities for the older folks......a weekly bingo game and
weekly card party........
I talked to the minister about it, so then he drags out a couple of pieces of paper, agreements
to use the church.......and yes, it had on it the charges.....even a $100 deposit.......
although I didn't say it, it took me aback.
I talked to the pastor of another church I attend, and no problem, no cost, and would like to have everything done by 9 pm, that's when they like to lock up.
the second thing is, that I sent emails to both pastors, telling them I was having difficulties,
and emailed rather than say them. This has been a bad year, poor crops, poor prices, huge
expenses....I don't know if we can pay everything or not, has me worried......I hinted to both
pastors, and neither offered to pray for it..........then only 1 sent an email back, and said
they would pray for our concerns.
I don't know.....these things just didn't set well with me......I feel let down or just not
impressed........just don't know what to say........
I felt that there would be support of the ideas, and if it was being funded, they would
be behind it......no not really....it's your idea, you do all of it........then the building
issue, I kind of thought if you were helping people there would not be an issue.
and not "jumping" at the chance to do prayer.....I don't know, just didn't set
well with me.

need some encouragement here folks

thanks

It looks like it is time to stop and think for a while.

You say that you have had these ideas, you have some mini-grants and you decided to tell your ideas to a couple of pastors, neither of whom was quite as positive as you wanted them to be.

Again, time to stop and think. Do you have any idea how busy a pastor can be; what their day to day responsibilities are? Do you know how many sick people they pray for and visit? How many dying and bereaved people they support? How many church services they prepare for, very often on their own? Most of all, do you know how many good ideas have been brought to them over the years, how many good projects have been started and then not finished, and have been left to the pastors to complete?

Until you know the answer to all of these, don't judge your pastors.

Next, whose ideas are they? Are they your good ideas or are they what God wants for those churches? If you really think they are what God wants for those churches can you explain why God does not tell the hardworking, dedicated pastors of his plans, and instead gets you to go and tell them what he wants? That is rather a mystery, don't you think?

So, to service. When we want to serve a church it isn't about getting to plan marvellous new projects; any fool can think of lots of wonderful new things to do. But making those things actually happen is another matter. It isn't just about money; it is about time, commitment, consistency; if you plan a Thanksgiving dinner one year people will expect it the next; how many years do you plan to do this for?

I would advise you to take time to pray through your ideas to see where they came from. If you honestly still think they are from God, then create a project plan for ONE of them, right from start to finish. Include yourself in the project plan, and make sure you are the person washing up the dishes and cleaning the toilets afterwards. Someone has to do it; make sure it is you. Make sure that nobody else is left cleaning toilets after you have created your wonderful new plans. If you draw back in horror from doing this then you might like to consider why.

Then take your project plan, with full costings, timings, and an accurate appraisal of how much time the Pastor will need to put into your plan, ask the Pastor to take a look at it when he or she has time, and see what happens.

And be aware, if it is not of God it will not happen, no matter how much you complain here about not getting enough encouragement. How much encouragement did you give those Pastors for the work they are already doing?

Alternatively, write to the Pastor and church leaders and explain that you have these grants available to you, and ask THEM whether they have any projects that might be suitable, which you could support with your time. That is a far shorter route to learning what God's plans for that church really are. I commend this approach to your attention.

Catherineanne · Jul 27, 2017

Chosen_and_blessed said:
Seems like you are (or were) on fire with enthusiasm to do nice things and the pastors dampened your fire with their lukewarm attitudes. That's a shame as they are pastors and not fire blankets

You have maligned two pastors on the basis of hearsay.

Where does the Bible tell us we can talk about pastors we don't even know in this way?

Catherineanne · Jul 27, 2017

polkaman said:
well money is not that much of an issue, since I may be able to get mini grants to put the events on.
All events will be open to the public. We need to help our fellow man, and our fellow man
is not only those a member of the church.
worse come to worse, a free will offering could be asked for, but the mini-grants would most
likely be enough to fund all or a big part of it.

Money is not the most important factor. It is probably only one tenth of what is needed.

Where is the other nine tenths of effort to come from? You?

Catherineanne · Jul 27, 2017

Questore said:
Start a Go-Fund-Me account for this project, with a set budget, and all the details. Then, once you have the account opened, approach these pastors again.

Open a Go Fund Me for an event the pastors have not approved?

No, that is not the way to go.

The Churches have to be businesslike in what they do, or they would be over-run with people begging them to fund their ideas, and money is always scarce at good churches. You also need to be plain about what you need from them, and what you can do in return for them through this ministry, because if all of us have to benefit in some way from joint efforts.

Ministries that get things done do it through Abba providing the resources and people, but you have to step up to plate, and be bold in your asking, with a serious plan under your arm, ready to give them.

Exactly; the plan has to be properly thought through.

polkaman · Jul 27, 2017

well the pastor is not the only person that can talk to god, nor know what's best. I also don't
accept the idea that the pastor is too busy and has too many things to do. if someone comes
forward to offer chances of fellowship, and maybe get new people in the church, I do have a problem
with that.

with attitudes such as that, we wonder why fewer people attend church........and there are no activites to invite people in to let them get to know the church
church is similar to retail..the hardest thing is getting them thru the door.

those in the church must understand that those "out there", view the church quite different.

we need to reach out to them.

tturt · Jul 27, 2017

I admire your plans. Been there. We had folks come 2 hours early and their cars covered the parking lot and down the street. Yes, it was great on one hand but we didn't have nearly enough food. Guess we had watched too many movies but most didn't want to sit down and eat, they wanted take out and some expected several plates. What we learned to do was invite those who lived at a specific apartment complex and gave them reservation cards. Some said they would try to attend our services but I don't recall any coming but it's been several years perhaps I've forgotten.

Also, we tried the Santa Claus event. That took more time than we had expected because of trying to locate toys in certain price ranges. It was also decided to wrap them. Because of the busy season, only 2 other people showed up to wrap for a couple of hours. Can't remember how many rolls of wrap and how many days it took. Later we tried to just provide gifts for a class at one of the local schools. Found the kids wanted what was on their lists and many wanted very expensive items - we were a small church with limited funds.

In regards to the program for activities for the older folks.... you'll probably want to plan this during the day. There will opening the facility, cleaning up afterwards, restocking bathroom and coffee supplies, and locking up tasks =so there's ongoing costs. You could go to the local fast food place for breakfast and you'll probably see groups having coffee. They might be able to tell you what's already established in your community or names who can provide that info and give their suggestions concerning your plans.

Hopefully something here will be helpful.

miamited · Jul 28, 2017

Hi polkaman,

I'd say that catherineanne has given you some good information. Pastors generally are more busy than most of the general parishioners give them credit for.

If it's your idea and you'd like to see it happen then you make it happen. You've been offered a free facility. I'd say that's a pretty great blessing. Now you need to go out and don't bother the pastors, but find other like minded parishioners that will throw in with you. I'm sure when the Thanksgiving dinner comes up the pastor will make an appearance, but what's the purpose of your holding a Thanksgiving dinner. Is this for the homeless and those who don't have family and friend where they'll be sharing Thanksgiving dinner? Or is this going to be a substitute for the traditional family Thanksgiving dinner?

Talk it up among your small group and see if you find any interested people who would like to be involved. You didn't really expect to sit down with the pastors and talk about this Thanksgiving dinner and then say, "Well, I'll help you if you want to do this." Make it your mission. You take the responsibility to see this through. You put together a team of people to fulfill the need.

As catherineanne said, most pastors have a pretty full plate and laying the responsibility on them to run with this plan of yours is a bit over expecting...I think.

You want to have a community Santa Claus event, I suppose that's ok, but personally I prefer that God centered worship communities stick with Jesus being the reason for the season. You do know that Santa Claus is a fairy tale, right? Things for older people to do? Go ahead and find some like minded people to help you put together a 'souper' and some game nights. Some of the older folks may need transportation and you can arrange for that also. Our fellowship has a group called 'keenagers' that is comprised of those over 60. We go out for dinner once a month and have game nights and socials from time to time. We meet in various houses for a lot of the meetings. Is your idea to open this to people outside of the congregation? If so, you'll need to work up some advertising. Exactly what age are you looking to serve? If you're going for the very old, then you'll likely need to contact nursing homes and such and the gatherings would likely have to be held in their facilities.

You have some workable ideas but I think you're expectations for the pastor's participation in these things may be a bit more than you should expect. You do it! You put together a team of 4-6 folks to set up, plan, oversee the events.

God bless you,
In Christ, ted

miamited · Jul 28, 2017

polkaman said:
well the pastor is not the only person that can talk to god, nor know what's best. I also don't
accept the idea that the pastor is too busy and has too many things to do. if someone comes
forward to offer chances of fellowship, and maybe get new people in the church, I do have a problem
with that.

with attitudes such as that, we wonder why fewer people attend church........and there are no activites to invite people in to let them get to know the church
church is similar to retail..the hardest thing is getting them thru the door.

those in the church must understand that those "out there", view the church quite different.

we need to reach out to them.

Hi again polkaman,

I'm not one whose keen on trying to save the whole world by being like the whole world. People on the outside should see 'the church' differently.

One of the things I often point out to young firebrands who want to go out an conquer the world with the 'church', is that Jesus, the Son of God, the one who knew absolutely everything about mankind and knew all the right things to say, didn't have much of a following when it was over. He and his disciples went through every town and city in Israel and his followers were numbered fairly few. He and his disciples also didn't use 'fun events' to sell the knowledge of God.

God bless you,
In Christ, ted

polkaman · Jul 28, 2017

thank you all for your input. I didn't mean to chop off peoples heads, but one can become
rather frustrated when everyone seems to throw up red flags, yet they present no ideas.
I have to admit I am a rather late comer to this church business. I've always said
god is everywhere, and you can talk talk to him at any time, not just church.
That is how I have a unique perspective in this, with people looking in.......yes there
are things that both sides don't understand about the other.
as for pastors, for 20 years I worked with pastors, I was even invited to some of their coffees.
they come in all shapes and sizes.......and yes there are good ones and some bad ones.
I fully understand where they come from, matter of fact i'm considering becoming a lay
minister.
as far as the building issues. I am a board member and assistant manager of a lodge hall.
I know all about cleaning up, opening, closing and cleaning the bathrooms.....I also fix
the bathrooms also.

i tend to see and hear a lot of "stay with your own kind"....I've somewhat noted that here.
i have seen many families in need, and if they are a member of one church, the other
churchs don't help.....and we're not those big of towns around.

god wants us to love and help our fellow man....note it didn't say fellow church member.

to expand on one project....since it might be something for you to consider....and i consider
it fairly easy.

i consider we have a poor economy here, major employer having problems. so, thought
something simple......have a very simple breakfast/brunch...biscuits and peppered
sausage gravey.....it's simple, easy, quick and inexpensive. Sams has a very good
pepper gravey mix...big pot, add water heat, done. they also have bulk susage you
cook up quick and add. They have pre-made biscuits, just warm in electric roaster
and they are less than 20 cents each, and are good......your plates and plastic ware are
cheap there also......add some coffee or Tang....your done only need 1 or 2 to serve
in a line.
have santa come.......talk to everyone....and before he goes to the north pole, he draws
the name of a lucky little boy or girl. Walmart usuallys has bikes on sale durning the
holidays.....you can get the little bikes for less than $40 each, and have found Walmart
very easy to work with.......same with sams

another group i work with in another town does the same thing, minus the food,
and i'm the one that does the bike "business". we also keep the recept and if
not right size, etc, they can exchange or get what's needed.

you don't need to put on a big show, just keep it simple.
the community gets a "free meal" and a couple of kids
will go home really happy.....another option is an
android pad.....usually $40 for a 10" around Christmas.

imagine, getting people in your church.....everyone happy, you share a meal,
minium cost, easy to prepair, and people can see your church.....and maybe
will come back.

as far as santa and Christmas......ever hear of St. Nick ??

tturt · Jul 29, 2017

Offering breakfast is a different situation than Thanksgiving meals. Because breakfast items can generally be prepared in a few minutes if a lot more people show up than expected. That seems good.

Also, someone thought it was a good idea for us to go for the grants but we decided that we didn't want the potential for the government to tell us even more how to run things.

Worked at a church for several years. It was amazing what people expected of the pastor and the church. Agree with Catherineanne.

Wish you well in your endeavors - especially those for Him.

miamited · Jul 29, 2017

Hi polkaman,

You asked:

polkaman said:
as far as santa and Christmas......ever hear of St. Nick ??

Sure, I've heard of St Nick. Not sure how much of it is truth or legend at this point, but his becoming some jolly fat man in a red suit flying around the world is definitely made up legend. I'm not even sure that St Nick is a saint. Just because some organization deems him to be doesn't make it so. Do you think that God sees St Nick as a saint? I'm fairly positive that Jesus would not have promoted such an idea as being from his Father. Jesus believed in truth. I don't think he'd approve, as being some work of God, that we tell our children about some fairy tale legend of a guy who flies all around the world delivering gifts to children.

Consider that Satan has always worked to corrupt the true goodness of our God. Often by turning our heads away from God to focus on false substitutes for His goodness and provision.

God bless you,
In Christ, ted

polkaman · Jul 29, 2017

as for the thanksgiving meal......not really that hard....yes if you use turkeys, it is a pain, but you
can use turkey rolls or roasts, those are precooked for that matter, and usually figure 20 minutes per
pound to heat thru, then just slice, you can pre-slice before serving. The dressing is fairly easy,
there are several bulk dressing mixes that are good. Potatoes and gravy trio makes a very good
instant potato, and there are several dry gravy mixes. if you want sweet potatoes, yes they are
some work, mashed sweet potatoes are not bad. One thing that is a challange is making the
cranberry sauce/jello, just takes a while to set up. pies, usually mrs smiths pies are on sale
durning the holidays, just bake.
another group in the community does a christmas dinner, and i've assisted, so do understand
the work involved......usually serve better than 500 people
as for the grants....no it is NOT government related, i belong to an organization that have
grants for community activities that its members can access.

i have to say this in honesty......from many posts, it seem that doing "something" is wrong.
to what i hear, many are telling me im wrong.....and to be quite honest, alot of these attitudes
are why i never went to church for years...it sounds like it's all about the pastor, or about
the work, of if we should do this or that.......
in my eyes, it sounds like devil is alive and well....he doesn't want gods word or love spread,
rather hid it, keep it behind doors, and only us select few, in this particular church are the
chosen ones, and those in other churchs are wrong.......
one meeting with pastors i was at, they were saying how difficult it was to get anyone to do
anything.....maybe that's what your seeing why you think the pastor is so busy and
etc. it's the members church, not the pastor's....he is the hired hand so to speak, since
it's the members church, the members need to be doing things, not the pastor.
i am seeing this first hand in one church...the "church" expects the pastor to do something
which is something the people should be doing and helping out with. i asked the preacher
hasn't anyone stepped forward and told you they will help or take over when things
get busy....i was told no, and i was the first person that even asked.......i said i would help, but
my busy time is spring, summer and fall, but other times i can't.
there are a number of retired people around, that still can do things.....but nope, no interest.
but you ring the dinner bell and they are all there.
to me......we are to love god, love our fellow man.....and part of our love our fellow man is
fellowship.....and yes that requires work, and we should not expect the preacher/pastor do it
all, WE have to do something. From what i'm seeing, it looks like everyone shows up to
church, clocks in, sing a few songs, listens to the pastor, drop a few coins in the collection
plate, make small talk with a few people, and we better be out of there in less than 1 hour and
20 mintes....we did our church duty, we went....other activities....no.
and we wonder, why are the number of people attending falling ??
years ago, the church was an active center of the community....from services, to get togethers,
to sponoring activities......no look at us, we are pressed to ask people to stay a little over an
hour at a service......and now from all of the posts made, heaven forbid if someone comes up
with an activity....

kind of upset

Newbie

Heimat

raised Presbyterian. member of the Nazarene Church

I trust in You

MJ

I trust in You

Newbie

Pro-peace, anti-war, anti-violence.

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Well-Known Member

Newbie

Senior Veteran

Ted

Ted

Newbie

Senior Veteran

Ted

Newbie

Similar threads