How Sunday went

Thought I had better let you all know how Sunday went at church for International Micah Sunday. It went really well. The message from our associate pastor Mark was excellent - looking at the mandate for social justice in the Bible, particularly focussing in on Deuteronomy 15:7-15...

If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: "The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, is near," so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of
sin. Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land. If a fellow Hebrew, a man or a woman, sells himself to you and serves you six years, in the seventh year you must let him go free. And when you release him, do not send him away empty-handed. Supply him liberally from your flock, your threshing floor
and your winepress. Give to him as the LORD your God has blessed you. Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you. That is why I give you this command today.

I did a kids talk on Esther and Mordecai, from the book of Esther, focusing on their advocacy of their people when they were to face genocide for apparent treason. The kids liked the wooden spoon puppets I made to tell the story... easy to do: just buy wooden spoons, drawn faces on with markers, glue on googly eyes, and wool for hair, remembering to use eyelashes for girls and bushy eyebrows for men, and metalic pipecleaners for crowns. I introduced to them the word advocacy with the help of the verse from Proverbs 31:8-9...

"Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy."

The kids were entralled, which is always nice. And we watched The Grace during the offering.

After the service about a dozen people wrote letters to their Members of Parliament regarding keeping the Millenium Development Goals, about ten signed the Micah Call, and about 30 people bought MAKE POVERTY HISTORY white arm bands.

It was a great day... so glad to see it actually happen in our church!