Mark's Remarks 3/16

I don’t know if you saw this; it was in a church periodical.
How vital is communication? How vital is understanding each other? Here's how vital:

A "snowbird" from the North wanted a week's vacation at a Florida campground, but was concerned about the accommodations. Uppermost in her mind were the toilet facilities, but she was too proper to write "toilet" so she abbreviated "bathroom commode" to "BC" and asked in her letter if the campground had its own "BC." The campground owner was baffled by this euphemism, so he showed it around, but nobody knew what it meant. Finally, someone said, "Oh, that's simple. 'BC' means 'Baptist Church.' She's asking whether the campground has its own Baptist Church." So the owner sat down and wrote:

Dear Madam,
I'm sorry about the delay in answering your letter, but I am pleased to inform you that a BC is located just nine miles north of the campground and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance away if you are in the habit of going regularly, but no doubt you will be pleased to know that a great number of people take their lunches along and make a day of it. They usually arrive early and stay late. The last time my wife and I went was six years ago, and it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that there is a supper planned to raise money to buy more seats. They're going to hold it in the basement of the BC. I would like to say that it pains me greatly not to be able to go more regularly, but it is surely no lack of desire on my part. As we grow older, it seems to be more of an effort, especially in cold weather. If you decide to come to our campground, perhaps I could go with you the first time, sit with you and introduce you to all the folks. Remember, this is a friendly community. Sincerely,

I’ve been asked why our Easter Offering is going to be used for an information system instead of catching up on our regular budget. Here are four reasons:
1. People who know the good things going on have a tendency to want to be a part of those good things.
Active Christians are better stewards.
2. As two hundred thirty of us have studied Bishop Schnase’s book, Five Principles…, part of radical hospitality is making sure everyone has an opportunity to know what’s happening!
3. This is important. Our budgetary shortage is a shortage of pledged funds. We are anticipating the receipt of these funds because our own members have told us that this is what they are going to do. Liberty UMs have always done what they have said they would do.
4. Communication is vital.
That is why we’re going ahead with the Easter Offering as planned. I hope you’ll find this system to be a very practical and enjoyable tool for our church. (It will also be transferable to a new location, Thanks!