Five Practices

One of the mandates of the Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations was for intentional faith development. As we discussed this practices in our Lenten discussion group we agreed as to how important faith development was. One question was, how can the church aid someone in their faith development? One answer to that question is by giving individuals tools that can help them in their faith journey. That is what SOAP is about.

SOAP is a method for reading scripture, prayer and reflection. SOAP stands for: Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer. It is a method that can be used by anybody no matter if they are new to the faith or someone who has been a Christian all their lives. It doesn't matter if you are a bible scholar or not. It is easily explained and easily practiced. The wonderful thing about the SOAP method is it helps us to intentionally develop our faith.

There will be a SOAP initiation meeting on Monday April 27th, 2009. Come if you want to learn more about that SOAP method. I know you will be glad you did! Remember, you don't have to be a bible scholar to do SOAP. The only requirement is that you want a deeper relationship with God.

In reflecting on the fifth practice we tried to understand the meaning of extravagant generosity and how it is connected with tithing. Here are a few of the thoughts that came out of the meeting:

Question: What does extravagant giving mean to you?

• Above and beyond the call of duty.
• To give out of joy

Pg. 112: Extravagant Giving exceeds expectations….sacrifice… in service to God and neighbor.

There was quite a bit of discussion concerning Risk Taking Mission, the fourth practice of the five practices. Here are some notes from the meeting.

• Different types of missions of our congregation is already doing:
  • VBS offering
  • Cleaning in Gary
  • Mission of the month
  • Mission of the Quarter
  • MSB at Medaryville
  • Youth making book bags
  • Dance ministry to Winamac
  • Choir to OurLady
  • MSB to Ancilla
  • Pre-school - risk taking…didn't know how it would go.
  • Coffee Haven