What is a Pastor to do?
- Thread starter Icthus
- Start date
Plankeye
New Member
Something small. But if you wanted to make it a bigger sermon, maybe tie in the need to help out others with the story of the good samaritan. I think I would treat the hurricane seperate from 9/11 and the resulting wars. I assume you will find no matter how small your Church is, you will have members who know someone affected by both events and would appreciate prayer over and/or mention of the topics.
janc
New Member
I think it depends on how close the congregation is to the situation (personally or through family and friends). Generally in circumstances like this we discuss it a bit and then have everyone gather together as a group to pray for those affected by the situation (separate from the other regular prayer during the service).
If there's a charity associated with it, a separate offering is an option, with anything collected going to that fund.
If there's a charity associated with it, a separate offering is an option, with anything collected going to that fund.
LionOfJudah
Member, Dreamcast Fishing Guru
i say, say nothing, having lived in a hurricane area that was devistated last year ( south Fl by charley), words are meaningless, instead just tell the congregation we are going to take a special offering and give to X service organization( Fema, Red cross w/e) or get a clothing/food drive and send that down to X service organization. other than that one announcement it should be a "normal" sunday IMO
jazmina
New Member
hmm in my experience i think i would do more then "say" something. I would dedicate a small part of the service to having a "prayer" service by the congregation. Words can accomplish nothing but prayer is powerful. When 9/11 happened our small congregation gathered together on our knees and each person that chose to spoke a few words of prayer for those effected by what happened. Its amazing how much can be covered by a whole congregation praying then by 1 person praying for things that come to their heart.
Also I think I read that the people seeking refuge in the dome in new orleans are being moved to houston. I don't remember how close to there you are but its a perfect opportunity to come together as a church and find a way to assist those being moved there. (donations of Bibles, (most have prolly lost theirs in the flood) food, time, blankets, water whatever) and who knows perhaps an opportunity to share Christ with someone who really needs him now more then ever.
Also I think I read that the people seeking refuge in the dome in new orleans are being moved to houston. I don't remember how close to there you are but its a perfect opportunity to come together as a church and find a way to assist those being moved there. (donations of Bibles, (most have prolly lost theirs in the flood) food, time, blankets, water whatever) and who knows perhaps an opportunity to share Christ with someone who really needs him now more then ever.
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Actually Jaz, I am near Dallas. But we are getting about 500 to a 1,000 refugees in shelters here. We are about 8 to 10 hours drive away. We heard today that they will not be allowed back in New Orleans for at least 2 months. So, some of the families are enrolling at schools in the Dallas area.
Our church was putting together backpacks filled with school supplies for local elementry students. We will most likely switch to helping with the folks for the Big Easy.
Our church was putting together backpacks filled with school supplies for local elementry students. We will most likely switch to helping with the folks for the Big Easy.
Malohaut
Moderator
Perhaps this is a good time to preach or repreach on why bad things happen to good people. And you can use 9/11, the Tsunami, and this hurricane as examples. Your congregation is bound to have a lot of questions in their heart, the main one being, "Why?"
But of course this is God's house, so He would know better than all of us what He wants you to talk about. But that's my 2 cents.
But of course this is God's house, so He would know better than all of us what He wants you to talk about. But that's my 2 cents.
LionOfJudah
Member, Dreamcast Fishing Guru
Malohaut said:
i always find this interresting, now i am not going to turn this into a hudge theological debate but what makes people good? i mean Jesus even when he was called good teacher declined that anyone but God the father can be good....