The Barnabas Experience Garage Sale

“The whole congregation of believers united as one; one heart, one mind, they didn’t even claim ownership of their own possessions. No one said, “That is mine, you can’t have it”. They shared everything. The disciples gave a powerful witness to the resurrection of the Master Jesus, and grace was upon all of them. And so it turned out that not a person among them was needy. Those who owned fields or houses sold them and brought the price of the sale to the disciples and made an offering of it.  Then the disciples distributed it each according to each person’s need. Joseph, called by the disciples Barnabas (which means son of comfort) sold a field that he owned, brought the money and made and offering of it to the disciples.”
Acts 4:32-37, The Message

 Our wider missions program is borne out to the same spirit from which the early church sought to share.  Not sharing good words or nice prayers, but sharing everything that they have with the expectation that the kingdom of God would be strengthened. I love the line “the believers gave a powerful witness”, and this is what the Barnabas Experience is meant to engender. It is an opportunity to witness on behalf of our desire to feel the presence of God, to help others with an unerring passion and to embody the best which servant hood has to offer. On August 14th we will have a very special opportunity to gather in support of our ministry on behalf of wider missions.  This day is set aside for a special yard sale in support of wider missions and I am going to be asking you to gather and witness to our ministry here at GSUMC.  This sale is not our typical yard sale; again, the idea has a base in evolution of the spirit. So, here is how it will work:

  1. Put the date on your calendar and identify some items as you are doing some spring cleaning, set them aside for the 14th.  Handmade crafts, books, electronics, sporting gear not in use; it is all for the best cause!

  2. Claim a space in the yard for your sale. We will do the publicity, and you are invited to help with the set up, but often we count on others to sell the stuff. Not going to happen this time! This is a community event and we all are expected to help sell our wares. Think of this as a giant swap meet! I love those!

  3. At the end of the morning (7:30 to 11:30) we will all gather and dedicate the offering for wider missions before the altar. And then we will cheer and celebrate that the Kingdom of God has come into our midst!

 

What a way for us to be of one heart, one mind, one purpose!  Block out the morning now!!  And together we will meet our charge to help change the world!