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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Single Parent Ministry




We had a GREAT life group! We had so much fun. Stevie B joined our group. It was a cut up. Our focus this semester is Singles- mostly single parent families. But anyone is welcome. We are trying to figure what the "church" looks like when we do what we are supposed to do. Take care of each other. We decided it will be called SPM. We will have a supermanish logo. Our slogan might be, SPM, it is better than PMS! Would that be too ridiculous? We might even go cheesy and make a video commercials, I don't want to give too much away but it is going to be good.

This is a sneak preview of the assessment tool. Just to try to figure out what the needs are. We want to give out tool boxes to moms and teach them how to use them, we want to give first aid classes, cooking classes, pay medical bills, treat babysitting with certified babysitters, etc. I am excited. We are hoping to have a fundraiser at the church in March with permission. Hopefully it will rock. Live music, good food auction items for our cause to move forward.
If you know of anyone that might donate a item for auction please let us know.

12 comments:

Francesca said...

Now you are just showing off!

Brandi Wilson said...

Oh my goodness! That sounds amazing! I know this pleases Jesus! I bet I could make something to donate.

I love this idea!

Unknown said...

HOLY COW BATMAN.......I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HAVE DONE THIS WHEN I WAS A SINGLE MOTHER AND NEEDED IN-PUT.
GREAT IDEA...

Rainflower said...

SPM huh? ummmm...like the rapper? lol

trish said...

Brandi,

I would love to have you make something! I know it would bring in cash! By the way would you ask your mom if she would donate a cake! Not one already made- but like a gift certificate for a bday.

MONICA said...

You and Joel's enthusiasm is inspiring. Your ideas sound awesome!! I've been the single parent. I know your ministry will certaintly be a true God-send and blessing for many! Let me know where to see the donations!

Leanne Stewart said...

This is good, Trish. Just be careful not to make the single parents feel like a project. Make sure those that are involved in helping out realize it's a coming alongside of a single parent and not a bequeathing of a gift that we need the most.

Babysitting, car repair, tool kits, medical help are all great, but be sure to include the single parents and their kids in these endeavors.

If you're going to have a car clinic, let the single parents and kids HELP. Don't make them drive up, wait and then drive away-alone again.

Let the kids SEE what service is and that's it's a joining of all the talents and treasure among the Body.

Let them see that they're not lacking ANYTHING that should make them feel different or less than the two parent families helping out with this 'cause really, EVERYONE is broken and needing assistance, whether they admit it or not.

So, that's rung #1 of my very tall soap box re. Church and ministry to single parents.

Go for it, babe. It will be awesome!

trish said...

Leanne thanks, having been a single parent I am going to try to be not so churchy about real needs. THe people in my life group are all single and have help come up with what they would like to see. The kids are involved. Email me details if you want. I miss hearing from you more. trublucatering@mac.com

Leanne Stewart said...

I should have known you'd got directly to the parents themselves, Trish. Sorry if I sounded preachy. It's just that I've experienced either zero help from churches or I've had them treat me as a project and no matter how much I asked to be included in said project-My LIFE-they always kept me 1 arms length away.

They said it was because they wanted to do this FOR me (insert give me a food box, a free oil change, or a book written by a MARRIED mother on how to be a mother in tough times, etc.)

I know they meant well but they didn't do what you did and come to me directly.

Miss talking to you too.

trish said...

Leanne,

I am sorry you had that experience. I have had that experience too in many different ways and ended up with sour grapes in my mouth about the church. The truth for me is that sour grapes are sour no matter who it is about and I refuse to allow bitterness to rule my life. Being bitter about anything separates me from my journey into the deep love of God. My aim is to be the change in the church that I want to see. Similar to Ghandi's "be the change in the world you want to see."
Something happened today. People I had previously looked at without mercy, I looked at with love. People I previously felt were hypocrites, I felt were precious. Children I have seen around from birth until now, I felt endeared to simply because my children have grown so fast. It was as though I was prematurely looking through the eyes of an eighty year old lady. Everything was precious, and I have a part to play. I am a child of God, I have a right to contribute thoughts and ideas and compassionate consideration to those that desire to be loved. Sometimes in bitterness, our lenses are clouded, our perceptions twisted. I am grateful for deliverance in many areas. I can see clearly now- the rain is gone. At least until another storm brews and my windshield wiping Holy spiritman kicks in.

Leanne Stewart said...

:)

"windshield wiping Holy spiritman"

I LOVE it.

trish said...

Leanne,

No, you.
Rock that is.