Try a National Day of Listening

Besides listening to local radio and internet radio and satellite radio and shortwave radio, I sometimes tune into Public Radio. I know that you might question their liberal agenda, but please set that aside for a second while I talk about StoryCorps and a National Day of Listening.

The StoryCorps project (independent, nonprofit) has spent the last five years traveling the country in little Airstream trailers that contain mini recording studios. Over 40,000 “everyday people” have shared life stories in these StoryBooths. It’s family or friends “interviewing” family or friends. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD, and is preserved at the Library of Congress. StoryCorps is one of the largest oral history projects of its kind.

If you’ve ever heard one of these StoryCorps conversations, you know that it’s more real and personal than anything “reality TV” can ever dream of offering. You can listen to these broadcasts on the radio or the web.

Here’s what happening this week. StoryCorps wants to declare Friday, November 28, 2008 as the first annual “National Day of Listening.” This is how they describe it:

This holiday season, ask the people around you about their lives — it could be your grandmother, a teacher, or someone from the neighborhood. By listening to their stories, you will be telling them that they matter and they won’t ever be forgotten. It may be the most meaningful time you spend this year.

Our Do-It-Yourself Guides have everything you need to record your conversation, including simple step-by-step instructions, advice on choosing equipment, and a list of favorite StoryCorps questions.

I invite you to check out the National Day of Listening site, forget about shopping the day after Thanksgiving, and share yourself in listening to (and recording) someone who matters to you. Let’s honor and celebrate and give thanks for the special people in our lives!

A New Way to Serve Pumpkin

While the December Sabbath Recorder will appear soon at our website, I want to preview something fun that will be in the January issue. And since some of you might have more time to look at YouTube this week of Thanksgiving, here’s a heads-up on an SDB story. The article comes from Valerie Probasco.

The Shiloh and Marlboro, New Jersey, SDB youth entered the Annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ contest hosted by another local church. The youth had to build a catapult or trebuchet (sure looks like a catapult) that could hurl a 5-to-7 pound pumpkin as far as possible (with no compressed air or explosives, guys…).

Anyway, there was a distance competition and an accuracy competition. When the SDBs showed up with their trebuchet on the appointed day, they felt a bit overwhelmed—their model was about half the size of the other four competitors. But do you remember the story of David and Goliath?

I won’t “spill the pumpkin seeds,” but if you can’t wait for the excellent article, check out “Shiloh SDB Trebuchet” parts 1 and 2 on YouTube. Each video is about eight minutes.

Bricks for Malawi, Ice Cream for You!

News of this exciting project comes from Jean Jorgensen:

At General Conference in August, the Youth Interest Committee voted to “Unite SDB Youth for a common international project with the denomination.”

The chosen project is “Bricks for Malawi.” Funds are needed for bricks to build the maternity ward and three staff houses at the Thembe Health Centre. Malawi’s SDB General Secretary Nedd Lozani estimates it will take 300,000 bricks to finish the project.

Each brick costs 4 cents, U.S.
HOW MANY BRICKS CAN YOU BUY??

Have fun promoting donations at your church using a brick theme (e.g., a box painted like a brick where folks can put in loose change, or stack up one brick for every $5).
We encourage you to set a goal for the number of bricks your youth group or church can provide. How about some “friendly competition” between churches?

You can share your ideas or questions on Jean Jorgensen’s Facebook, or e-mail her at jorgemorj@yahoo.com. You may also contact Levi Bond, the Youth Representative on the Missionary Society Board at bondlevi@hotmail.com.

The project will end on March 21 with a Nationwide Ice Cream Social! To have everybody sharing ice cream at the same time, that means you can dig in at 4 pm Pacific time, 5 pm Mountain time, 6 pm Central, and 7 pm Eastern. Send photos of your social to Jean, and she’ll put an article in The Sabbath Recorder.

Please send all donations to SDB Missionary Society, 19 Hillside Ave., Ashaway RI 02804. Write “Bricks for Malawi” on the check memo line. And HAVE FUN!!

END OF YEAR GIFT RECEIPTS

As we approach the end of the year we have been reviewing the process by which we send receipts for gifts to the General Conference. During the year we typically send a receipt for each gift. This can sometimes result in numerous receipts that need to be retained when you get ready to file your taxes.

For those that use E-Gifting you will get one receipt at the end of the year (or early January).

Now my question . . . for those that make multiple gifts to the SDB General Conference and don't use E-Gifting . . .

Would you prefer a receipt for each gift?

or

Would you prefer a single receipt at the end of the year?

You can either respond to this BLOG via the comments section or you can send me an email at mdshepard@seventhdaybaptist.org.

Please let me know what you would like to see. Thanks for all you do and give, it does make a difference.

Bad Economy Good for Charities?

A new study says Americans will spend less this holiday season, but will also be more generous and look for meaningful gifts that help the poor.

I know that the usual holiday gift card exchange among our extended family has given way to contributing toward a more worthy cause. Looks like we’re part of a growing trend. Here’s a news release from World Vision:

SEATTLE– The weakening U.S. economy will force many adults to cut back on gift spending this year, but will also make some more likely to give a "charitable gift" as a present this holiday season, according to a World Vision survey just conducted by Harris Interactive. The study also finds that only 36 percent of U.S. adults feel they need something for the holidays this year.

"These results underscore our altruistic American culture of giving back," says Justin Greeves, Harris Interactive Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy Research.
"This study, and a recent study by The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, both show why total charitable giving has increased in 39 of the last 40 years--even during times of recession," says Greeves. “The findings are a reflection of our uniquely American values system of helping others in need, which, in turn, makes us, as givers feel good. This generosity may surprise some but shows why it truly 'Tis better to give than to receive.'"

National Bible Week coming

The 2008 National Bible Week will be held November 23-30. This description comes from the website of the National Bible Association:


National Bible Association’s signature event is celebrated the week of Thanksgiving every year since 1941. Governors and Mayors from across the country proclaim National Bible Week in their states and towns. Congressional co-chairs from the House and Senate enter National Bible Week statements into the Congressional Record, and every US President since Franklin D. Roosevelt has issued a National Bible Week Message.

Bookstores, service clubs, civic groups, and local congregations participate in and promote National Bible Week using materials provided by the National Bible Association. Designed to raise the nation’s interest in the value and importance of reading the Bible, it is the perfect kick-off to the religious holiday season. Since 1951, this special week has been chaired by a well-respected national leader acting out of personal conviction of the importance of the Bible.

It's Not My Fault

Last February while out of town for the meetings of the Council on Ministry, Coordinating Leadership Team and the General Council, southern Wisconsin received a lot of snow. Thanks to friends Linda was able to get in and out of the drive and have the sidewalk clear.

Yesterday friends were saying that they were glad I was back from my recent traveling (away 5 of last 6 Sabbaths: 10/11 Battle Creek for North Central Association; 10/18 Allegheny Association in Alfred, NY and the recognition of previous ordination for Tim Bancroft; 10/25 Toronto, ON; 11/1 home in Milton; 11/8 South Atlantic Association and ordination council for Pastor John Pethtel; and 11/15 Lincoln, NE for CPR orientation) because, as they stated, when I am home it does not snow. But when I'm away ....

Now, at the end of a beautiful warm fall we are beginning to get snow. Yes that is snow in the air not fog. (Click on the picture to get a close up view). Today we did get a dusting that came quickly, and it's not my fault. I am at home and we were blessed with snow anyway. As we are continually reminded, God is in control.

P.S. for friends in the South Atlantic Association who were commenting about the cold there south of Atlanta a couple of week-ends ago: It was 25 degrees (f) this morning and there was ice in the rain gutters on the house when I cleaned them out yesterday just before noon.

CPR Kicking off in Lincoln

Gordon Lawton and I will be traveling to Lincoln, Nebraska, to help the Living Word SDB Fellowship begin their CPR program on November 15. "CPR" stands for Commitment, Purpose and Revival-- a plan to guide your church in discovering its vision and directing resources to accomplish God's will.

Please pray for the presentation, and for Pastor Steve Graffius and the church as they will be working hard in prayer, study and goal-setting. To God be the glory!

Baptists to Celebrate 400th

The latest issue of “Texas Baptists Committed” contains an article called “Ten Suggestions for Celebrating the 400th Anniversary of Baptist Beginnings.” The anniversary year is 2009.

Charles W. Deweese, executive director of the Baptist History and Heritage Society presented these ideas. For more information about the Society and its resources, go to www.baptisthistory.org.

The 10 suggestions:
1. Plan a special Baptist Heritage Sunday [or, how about Sabbath?]

2. Involve youth and older children in your celebration.

3. Write, produce, and present a play, pageant, or historical monologue that focuses on Baptist origins in 1609 and on your church’s origins.

4. Prepare, publish, and share with all church members a series of two pamphlets.
a. A summary of your church’s history and values.
b. A list/description of the Top 10 Baptist Values across the 400 years.
(Examples given in article)

5. Display and exhibit your church’s history.

6. Develop a plan for capturing the oral history memoirs of your oldest church members.

7. Create a plan for locating and preserving your church’s records.

8. Launch the publication of a new or updated book-length history of your church.

9. Secure key resources for your church library or media center.

10. Join the Baptist History and Heritage Society.

Funds for Adoption

In the November ’08 edition of The Sabbath Recorder there were several inspiring stories from Seventh Day Baptists who opened their homes to foster children and adoption. Within the Seventh Day Baptist Memorial Fund there are two funds available to assist in adoption:

• The Timmy Mackintosh Children’s Fund
• The Lottie Baldwin Fund

Watch for the January 2009 Sabbath Recorder for more information on these funds.

If you are a Seventh Day Baptist and pursuing adoption then please contact Morgan Shepard for more information.

Turkey Supper hits 60

The annual election day Turkey Supper at the Milton, Wis., SDB Church celebrated its 60th anniversary this week.

The family-style dinner served 353 people in the fellowship hall, and also scooped out generous portions to 378 carry-out diners. Church Administrator Janet Butler was again the "go to" person, overseeing the work of close to 100 volunteers.

In the past, the proceeds have gone toward ministries of the church. This year, profits went to Milton Community Action (for their food pantry or building program) and a local senior center, The Gathering Place. The Gathering Place hopes to secure a new snow blower with their gift. (Good timing; we're expecting snow tomorrow night!)

Some of the Supper's "regulars" have been coming for years. They enjoy the fresh (never frozen) turkey, all the side trimmings, the fellowship, and the smiling workers. It's a LOT of effort, but it helps the church to really connect with the community. So, Lord willing, next November people can cast their ballot and then enjoy a Thanksgiving-like feast in Milton.

Pre-order Your Copy of the Milton Church's History Book Today!

A new book documenting the history of the Milton, Wisconsin SDB church by Society Historian emeritus Don A. Sanford is being published, and will soon be complete. The book documents the history and development of the church and its ministries from the time of its founding by Joseph Goodrich in 1839-40 to the present day. The book explores the relationship of Seventh Day Baptists to the towns of Milton and Milton Junction and to Milton College, a small liberal arts college founded by the same SDBs that started the church and town. The book will also detail the tenures of the church's pastors and other developments in the ministry done by the group. In addition, the book evaluates the positive outcomes of a split of the church into two distinct congregations (the other met in Milton Junction) after a dispute caused strife.

The book is being published by the Milton church, and was suggested after the church's Historical Committee met to discuss the disposition of some of the church's historical documents. Rev. Sanford, in addition to his work at the Historical Society, is a long-time member of the church, including a time as church president.

The proceeds of the sale will benefit the ministries of the church, including the addition of new facilities to accomodate a growing children's and youth ministry. The volume will cost $13.95, plus an additional $3 for shipping and handling, prepaid. For more information, please contact the Milton church by email (at churchoffice@miltonsdb.org) or by phone (608) 868-2741. The church is taking reservations for copies of the book, so be sure to get your copy reserved today!

Voting has its Rewards

Our friend Cindy Burks from Texas let us in on the latest bribe to voters tomorrow: free Starbucks coffee!

It's true. I went to the Starbucks website and they show an 'inspirational' presentation to get out the vote. After you cast your ballot on Tuesday, you can pop in to your nearest Starbucks, tell them you did your civic duty, and you'll get a free tall cup of brewed coffee.

Rumor has it that Ben and Jerry's and Krispy Kreme are following suit with some freebies, but with Starbucks being the most ubiquitous...

Please, regardless of the offers, I hope that most Americans will take advantage of their privilege to vote. With my work schedule and then helping at our church's annual election day dinner tomorrow, I was able to cast my vote today at the municipal building.

Hey, where's MY coffee?

Care to Comment?

The SDB Exec Blog (or as we like to call it, the 'SDBlog') has been in use for two years now. Happy Birthday to us!

Some of you regular readers have e-mailed the blog author with your feedback or ideas, but that takes a couple of extra steps and can be cumbersome.

Webmaster Linda Lawton, at the request of our Tract Council, has enabled a comment feature for each blog entry. You can see it in small blue print beneath the regular blog text.

A comment moderation tool has been enabled, so your comments will not appear automatically (as in a forum). Your comments will be forwarded to the writer of that posting, and must be approved by the blog author. And with our travel schedule for meetings and visiting churches, we might not see your e-mail right away. So please be patient for your posting or our response.

Making this more than just a one-way 'bulletin board,' we invite your comments!

A Higher Calling

Are you hard at work on this Monday? Do you feel fulfilled, or is it just the "daily grind"?

While listening to a classical music station, I heard a great story about a pro basketball player who gave up his career to help out with a sick daughter at home. Even though the radio station is secular, the message of this one-minute promo was downright inspirational.

The tag line at the end directed me to check out The High Calling website. I was very impressed. The site has loads of resources to help laypeople get connected with their faith. Here's 'TheHighCalling.org' mission statement:

TheHighCalling.org seeks to connect people with the faith that undergirds and sustains all that we do. That’s why it is the high calling of our daily work. Daily work embraces all aspects and activities of daily life—including home, community, leisure, as well as occupation.


Supported by one of the oldest Christian foundations in the state of Texas, The High Calling looks to be a wonderful resource for anyone in the workforce or marketplace. I encourage you to check it out.

Oh, and their "Laity Lodge" in the Texas Hill Country looks like a fantastic getaway and training center.