Torch Light Testimony #2

From Eric Livingston:

The Harrells, Bearmans, and Livingstons shared lunch together Sunday afternoon. (The preacher said we were supposed to go out in pairs of families, but we don't do everything that guy says to do.) We had the 6 adults at one table, and 7 kids at another table. As I was trying to get the kids settled at their table in a seating arrangement that minimized cootie cross contamination, I looked at our waitress, who was standing nearby waiting patiently, and asked if she had any children. She gave me a nod and a knowing smile, as if to say, "Take your time; I understand."

She served us wonderfully during the meal, and we greatly enjoyed each others' company. Towards the end of the meal, both Lee and I mentioned to our waitress how thankful we were for her service to us, and said that we would like to serve her by praying for her. We asked if there was anything we could pray about for her. She said we could pray for her son, and for her as she tries to finish school, while working a full time job. I assured her we would pray for her, and she seemed deeply touched and appreciative. It was a rich afternoon, and I really saw how simple it can be to bless others through the ministry of prayer.

Torch Light Testimony #1

From Carol Beasley:

After lunch I thanked our waitress for working on that day. Sam told her we were going to pray “in a minute” and asked if she had anything she’d like us to add to our prayer. She was excited and just asked us to pray for things in general. She said on the way to work she realized she hadn’t prayed that morning and pulled over and prayed. We did pray for her later.

Update on Christmas Project

Work is continuing at both Matt’s and Sims House shelters. Christmas Can Still Change This City has become a reality thanks to the generosity of so many.

Here is a recap of the work through January 7, 2010. Would you like to help? Contact
Cindi Latson, Tammy Gandy, Blaine Totty, or Lisa Cantrell.

Sims House:
1. Walls, baseboards, window trim, ceilings painted in 3 upstairs bedrooms and landing
2. New carpet installed on stairs, landing, and 3 bedrooms
3. Old bedroom dressers removed and replaced with new ones
4. Two new mirrors installed in the bedrooms
5. New thermostat installed upstairs
6. Light switches cleaned of paint and new receptacle plates installed
7. 6 ceiling fans vacuumed and hand washed, bulbs replaced, and pull chains installed
8. New curtains installed in bedrooms and bathroom
9. New TV/DVD/VCR player put upstairs
10. Hallway heating/air return vent replaced
11. Bathroom light fixture replaced
12. Drain in bathroom repaired
13. Sinking kitchen ceiling repaired, 4 new inlaid fixtures and new bulbs installed

Matt’s House:
1. Upstairs bathroom completely gutted and new bathroom installed with new tub, toilet,
sink, and ceramic floor
2. Lavatory plumbing repaired
3. Ceilings repaired, stippled, and repainted from previous water damage
4. Holes in walls patched and readied for painting
5. Stairwell wall repaired, covered with beaded wood paneling, and painted
6. Outdoor condensate drain repaired
7. HVAC return vents replaced

Both Houses:
1. New vacuum cleaners purchased
2. Pack N Play baby playpens purchased
3. Toy Boxes made for each house

Items Remaining:
1. Installation of new carpet in Matt’s House
2. Painting of 3 bedrooms at Matt’s House
3. Window curtain installation at Matt’s House
4. Painting of bathroom at Sims House
5. Installation of new sink and cabinet at Sims House

Christmas is Changing Our City

Below is a video update on our work at Stewpot's Matt's House & Sim's House. We aren't done yet, but the progress is looking great!

So far, we have had over 100 Meadowbrook volunteers directly involved in the repairs and improvements at these two shelters for women and children in our community. Moreover, we had a huge percentage of our congregation sacrifice something in the month of November to contribute financially to this project. The tally of money raised is over $23,000 and climbing.

Jesus was born in a barn because his family couldn't find shelter for the night. Now his disciples are making sure that there is always room in the inn, and that the room gives dignity to those who need it.

Matt's House & Sim's House

During our "Christmas Can Still Change Our City" campaign, we are saving money so that we can give more towards rehabilitating two local women and children's shelters. Ruth McNeal shares her story and how these shelters have been a blessing in her life.

Orchestra & Art

As part of our God Of This City campaign, Meadowbrook is rediscovering the arts as a way to glorify God. The Metropolitan Chamber Orchestra has agreed to give a FREE performance at Meadowbrook on November 21 at 1:00. Everyone is invited! Doors open at 12:30.

Immediately following the concert, we will hold an Art Exhibit/Sale in the Education Building to benefit our Children's Art Festival, which will be in April of 2010.

Christmas Can Still Change Our City

At Meadowbrook, we want to do Christmas differently this year. We are bombarded by the commercialism and consumerism of our culture's Christmas, but we want to firmly remain in the Christmas we find in the gospel of Jesus Christ. The God of This City is inviting us into His story of love, compassion, and redemption.

In November, we're embarking on an adventure of sacrifice and gift-giving. In an effort to help Stewpot's Matt's House and Sims' House shelters, we are asking folks to sacrifice something this month so that we can share our resources with those in need. What can you give up? What can you share? Do you believe that Christmas Can Still Change Our City?