"Faith and Deeds" expanded

The debate between faith and deeds as a means to salvation is one that theologians have debated over for ages. There is a seeming contradiction between James', "you gotta walk the walk" stance (Jas 2:17) and Paul's stance in Romans that no amount of actions can change the fact that we are sinners in need of grace. This week in class (10/31) we will be looking at James 3:13-18. I'd like to key in on verse 13 for some food for thought. It says, "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom." Compare this to 2:14-26. I find it hard to read this and think that James is saying that certain actions need to be marked of a checklist in order for us to be saved. What do you think? Compare it to Jesus' words in Matthew 23:23-24. What is the importance of faith vs. deeds? Is it a balancing act between the two? is one more important than the other? 

EDGE Outreach Shoe Drive - October 2!

I've been talking a lot in our classes on Sunday about a shoe drive taking place on October 2. EDGE Outreach, has partnered with Shoeman Water Projects to collect shoes and turn the money from said shies into water purification for the developing world. The SWP website can say it better than I can, so here's an explanation from that site. EDGE is mentioned in the last paragraph.

Shoeman Water Projects is a ministry of Eagle Wings Ministries, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profitcharity, working to alleviate as much human suffering as possible and in the process, maximize fun with a splashing good time.  Shoeman Water Projects picks up donated used and new shoes year round from businesses, churches, schools, and shoe drives. Once collected, the shoes are given a second life when the Shoeman exports the donated shoes to retailers in the developing world. The resale of shoes provides jobs and affordable footware. Funds generated from the export of  shoes provides well drilling rigs, water purification systems, and hand pump repair mirco businesses bringing clean, fresh water to those who thirst.

Having partnered with Water for Kenya, the Shoeman has drilled 140 Kenya wells serving about 130,000 people. Edge Outreach of Louisville, Kentucky is also a charity partner with Shoeman Water Projects extending the water aid for those who thrust with purification systems and pump repair.

And a video from EDGE's site.



HERE'S WHERE OUR GROUP COMES IN:
EDGE is having a multi-location shoe drive on October 2. We have been asked to run one of the collection locations . This is a kid-friendly service opportunity and should be a lot of fun for all! In order to prepare for this, EDGE needs us to come to the warehouse and sort some shoes (they have piles upon piles accumulating every day) so that we may know how they classify them and sort them correctly on 10-2.

In talking with DeeDee Hurt (the "Shoe Lady") I've come to realize that it is not necessary to volunteer every week for a month the way I'd originally thought. Instead, anyone that wants to help needs only to come to the warehouse for about two hours at some point before the event, just to get the hang of things. Here are three dates that I will be at the warehouse with whomever would like to come help out. Come once, come all three times, but choose whichever one works best for you:

• Monday, September 20, 6-8pm
• Saturday, September 25, 10am-12pm
• Tuesday, September 28, 6-8pm

Please mark off Saturday, October 2nd for this unique opportunity to serve!

Work Night at Adventure

We will be helping out at Adventure to get some of the building ready for new fall programs! Show up at Adventure at 6pm on August 10 to help out! We will be laying carpet tiles, painting and priming, so wear clothes that you don't mind getting ruined. If you have paint trays and rollers, please bring them, too, so that we can make sure we have enough! Call or text Nick at 262-7872 or email at nick.burczyk@gmail.com if you plan on being there!