April 26, 2010
Everyday words and deeds have power
On April 15 many of us were worried about getting our income taxes mailed before the midnight deadline. Hundreds of thousands of others were worried because they could not get home that day.
If you were anywhere in the world and wanted to go to Europe, you were told, “Sorry. You can’t.” This problem was caused by the eruption the previous day of a volcano in Iceland that spewed a plume of volcanic ash 20,000-30,000 feet into the air. Fearing that microscopic particles of highly abrasive ash could endanger passengers by causing aircraft engines to fail, authorities shut down air space over most of Europe.
In the next week over 100,000 flights were cancelled and over seven million passengers were affected. The disruptions hit tourists, business travelers and dignitaries alike. The International Air Transport Association says the volcano cost the industry at least $200 million a day.
The economic impact was felt across broad segments of industry from highly perishable products to suppliers of jet fuel to airline support personnel. It is not yet possible to put a dollar figure on losses caused by the disruption.
Added to the financial impact of this natural disaster is the enormous emotional toll of the hundreds of thousands of people stranded in airports unable to get hotel rooms or flights home from vacations or business trips.
This incident is another reminder of how small the world has become. Because of the mobility that modern transportation has enabled, we have seen diseases spread across the globe in ways that would not have been possible only decades ago. Failed banks, terrorists, and bankrupt auto makers are among the many examples of how people all over the world are connected. What happens anywhere can affect conditions everywhere.
If negative effects can be felt world-wide, isn’t it also possible that positive results can be wide-spread as well?
Yesterday was World Malaria Day. Many people and organizations are joining forces to eradicate malaria, a preventable and treatable disease, which half of the world's population is at risk of getting. It kills around 1 million people every year with most of these deaths occurring in Africa. Every 30 seconds an innocent child dies in Africa of malaria. Imagine No Malaria is a ministry of the people of The United Methodist Church to eliminate death and suffering from malaria in Africa by 2015. Just as the cross is a sign to us of God’s love, we are called to be a sign of God’s love and commitment to the world. What you do here can make a difference there.
A Rethink Church television ad during a basketball game or a radio spot during the rush hour traffic report can cause a person who does not often think about God or faith to decide to attend one of our United Methodist churches. A smile and a kind word to a stranger can change the course of that person’s day. A random act of kindness is likely to be replicated and start a chain reaction of good deeds. A personal testimony to the faithfulness of God has the potential of causing others to trust God for their circumstances.
The words and deeds of everyday and ordinary people have power. They build up or they tear down. Let us be intentional in our living, aware that our influence is felt far more widely than we might imagine. What would happen if there was an eruption of love, grace, and forgiveness from Christians? Jesus said it this way: "Let your light so shine that everyone might see your good deeds and glorify your Father in Heaven."
Jamie Jenkins
jjenkins@ngumc.org
If you have a story to tell about how someone’s actions or words have made a difference in your life, or if God has used an event, a media sound bite, or some other incident to change your life--I would like to hear from you.
Also, check out my latest blog posting to learn about the effect of the Sandy Springs UMC “Pay It Forward” effort.
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North Georgia Conference News Brief
Making a 2010 Annual Conference Session meal registration: guidelines and tips
It is necessary to provide the Athens Classic Center with a proper attendance count, so all 2010 Annual Conference Session meals require pre-registration and pre-payment before June 7. Please note, meal payment and registration cannot be made when you check in and receive your AC2010 name badge. Proof of payment and registration is required to enter meal venues.
--Read More--
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North Georgia Conference Event Spotlight
Wesley Woods Mother's Day Offering
May 9 | Your local church
For nearly three decades the Wesley Woods Mother's Day Offering has generated vital charitable care funds to assist residents in need. Today, providing charitable care is the most acute challenge that Wesley Woods faces. As older adults live longer, more are exhausting their financial resources and relying on Social Security as their only income. Some experience health problems that go far beyond what Medicare benefits will cover. Many struggle to afford simple necessities. Mother's Day gifts from caring donors enable these individuals to enjoy a decent, dignified quality of life. That is why we urge you to please give generously to the Mother's Day Offering. For more information, please call Charles Hoover at 404.728.6857 or visit http://www.wesleywoods.info/help/mothers.php for more resources.
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Upcoming Events this Week from the Conference Calendar
Monday, April 26
Atlanta Roswell District Church Development
Tuesday, April 27
Atlanta Emory District Nominations Committee Meeting
Atlanta Roswell District Committee on Ordained Ministry
Mentor Training
UMM Spring Golf Outing
Thursday, April 29
Atlanta Roswell District Executive Council
Rome Carrollton District Finance Team Meeting
UMW Assembly (April 29-30)
Friday, April 30
Georgia Florida Credit Union Scholarship Deadline
Saturday, May 1
Safe Sanctuary Training (Hispanic Only)
Sunday, May 2
License to Preach School
View the Entire Conference Calendar
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North Georgia Conference Links of Interest
Register for the 2010 Annual Conference Session
Subscribe to North Georgia Conference E-newsletters
North Georgia Conference Employment Listings
North Georgia Conference Resource Listings
The North Georgia Advocate
Read the Bible in a Year
North Georgia Conference on Facebook
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Lectionary Scriptures for this Sunday
May 2, 2010
Fifth Sunday of Easter
Acts 11:1-18
Psalm 148
Revelation 21:1-6
John 13:31-35
Visit the General Board of Discipleship website for lectionary planning helps
