Investing

Investing has always been a tricky proposition. While it may seem that the investment markets have been particularly finicky of late, the practice of investing capital for profit has always been one fraught with risk. Yet, the lure of the big reward or even the promise of a steady income in retirement continue to pull folks into stocks and bonds, mutual funds and pork bellies. Private and institutional investment is foundational to our economy and, as such, is a necessary risk.

The same could be said for the economy of the Kingdom in which our family of faith functions. We must be willing to risk investing in others to both gain the big reward of new family members and the promise of steady growth into the future. This summer our family of faith is making a significant investment in the children of our community.

The SABC Day Camp is a real investment on our part. Because we want the camp to be free and accessible to all families, we will invest nearly $15,000 in materials, t-shirts, transportation and other needs to make it a reality. AND because we want every child to be loved as much as possible, we will invest over 2000 total volunteer hours in planning, preparing and executing our plans for the camp. Over 75 of our family will give some portion of the next two weeks to this venture. However, the real investment comes as we give our hearts away. You see, it is in giving of ourselves that we will show the children of our immediate community what the love of God is in real and tangible ways. Through our hugs, laughter, songs and tears, we will preach the Gospel.

The potential return on this investment is astronomical. We are investing in 105 lives, 105 children who God has entrusted to us. We know from the Gospels that Jesus treasured the little ones. Each one is special to Him. What a responsibility is ours! What an opportunity is ours to make an impact for the kingdom. Imagine what a difference just one of these children could make in his or her lifetime.

The potential ROI is very strong. However, I should also tell you that there is risk. There is a risk that God will bring us into contact with situations and realities that make us uncomfortable. There is a risk that we will get so attached to these children it will hurt when all is said and done. There is a risk that God could use this moment of ministry to call us to something even more difficult with even more potential. There is the risk that opening up to the work of God’s Spirit in this way will change us even more into the image of Christ. There is that risk; but in the arena of risk-reward analysis, it sure seems worth it to me! So, as your resident portfolio adviser, let’s buy this one and invest in the work of God’s Kingdom on our corner.

Blessings,
Monty

Worship Ministry
We will have a Men’s Choir for the Father’s Day service June 15. Come to the Choir Room after
Sunday School and let your voices be heard.

The Joyful Singers ended their spring season last Sunday afternoon. We thank them for taking the good news into our community and reaching out to those who are most appreciative of the kindness of strangers. Their most important work happens following the services they lead when they talk and touch the audience members; many of whom have very little contact with the outside world. We begin our rehearsals for the fall season in August. Please clear your calendars now of your Thursday morning activities so you can join us. A kind heart is the only requirement for membership in this choir.

Ladies’ Night Out—6:00 PM
For our Summer Ladies’ Nights Out, we plan to invite our whole families...men too! In June, we'll have a Potluck at the Park. Bring a dish (main, side, or dessert) and your family and friends. We'll meet at Ridge Ferry Park at 6:00 PM on June 9. Bring some chairs or blankets, outdoor games or a card table and board games and we'll just have fun!

Mark Your Calendar for Supper Clubs
July 20 at 6:00 PM
Sign up at the first floor bulletin board.

Save the Date
Pictures for a new church directory will be made August 9 and 10.
More details coming soon.

Fun and Fellowship News
Saturday, June 21
Fun and Fellowship has a full day of activities planned on a day trip to Atlanta. We will leave early, travel by motor coach to the Planetarium at the Fernbank Science Center and the Fernbank Museum of Natural History, IMAX Theater, lunch at the Varsity Drive-In, and dinner on the way home. Cost is $50.00 per person. The price of lunch and dinner is not included.
This is a first-come-first-served trip so sign up early to hold your spot.

Mark Your Calendars and Join Us on Our Remaining Trips for 2008
(1) September 11 and 12 we will travel to Crossville, Tennessee via motor coach to have a buffet dinner at the Cumberland Mountain State Park, and to attend the Cumberland County Playhouse's production of "South Pacific." We will stay at the La Quinta Inn overnight, returning to Rome on the afternoon of September 12. Approximate cost will be less than 175.00 per person.

(2) November 10, 11 and 12 we will travel to Nashville, Tennessee via motor coach for a fun filled trip to the Grand Old Opry at the historic Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame, the beautiful and historic home of President Andrew Jackson, The Hermitage, and shopping at Opry Mills. Meals will include a trip for dinner at the famous Loveless Cafe, and possibly lunch at the Opryland Hotel. We will stay at Clubhouse Inn and Suites, and enjoy a bountiful meal at the well known Miss Mary Bobo's Boarding House in Lynchburg, Tennessee on the way home. Total cost of this trip is yet to be determined.