INVEST IN THE FUTURE OF SALEM FIRST

Well, happy Wednesday, May 25th! I asked Pastor for permission to hijack his weekly column to share with you TWO GREAT INVESTMENT ideas.

First, invest in our CHILDREN June 21-26

Our annual outreach to children in our neighborhood takes place in June. Day Camp - Pandamania - is much more than just another opportunity to have fun. It takes on eternal significance when you realize that some of these children have never heard of Jesus, much less know anything about his love for them. So how can you help?

VOLUNTEER - PROVIDE SUPPLIES - PRAY

Contact Pastor Trevor or Ellen Pearson (you can also see Roseanne Bowles at the Welcome Center on Sunday) to volunteer or provide supplies. When you have over 250 kids on campus - especially now that we've added another 28,000 square feet to run in - you need LOTS OF LOVING EYES. There is a place for you to serve. Additionally, the supply needs for this kind of activity usually exceed the budgets set in place. Every year we're helped by the generous donations and contributions of those in our church family.

Second, invest through the SALEM NAZARENE FOUNDATION.

It has been my privilege to work with the Salem Nazarene Foundation for almost five years. Tim’s vision, combined with the dedicated service of board members, has been inspiring. We are fortunate to have a Foundation available to serve the interests of our church family, interests that can have a significant impact on our future. I encourage you to think of the Foundation, not simply as a way to provide for the Kingdom after your death, but also as a resource to help guide you through critical decisions about your estate while still alive!

How do I invest in the Foundation? You do so by taking a small amount of time to think about what you want done with your earthly resources after your death. The only caveat: this cannot be done once you're with Jesus - you must do it this side of Heaven! The good news is that God, along with some very wise people in the church, can help you make decisions now that can serve your loved ones and the church long after your departure. I'm well aware of the difficulty people sometimes have thinking about, much less talking about, death. And yet, God calls us to be stewards of what He's entrusted to us. If that's so, then you and I must take responsibility for those resources, both now, as well as into the future.

Please remember: this is not just a necessity for the "wealthy." We all have resources entrusted to us by the Father. All of us, after our death, will leave difficult decisions to others if we don't first make those decisions ourselves. I encourage you to call me or Tim Abrahamson - we'll help you take the next step. It may be one of the most important calls you ever make.

As I close, this reminder: remember to keep each other in prayer. God tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep. This side of Heaven there will always be people in the family living at every point along the spectrum of life. We do need each other.

Blessings to you all... Pastor Jerry