Faith - What is the definition

What is the definition of faith?

The dictionary definition of faith is, “the theological virtue defined as secure belief in God and a trusting acceptance of God's will.” For a Christian, this definition is not just words on a page it is a way of life. Faith is acceptance of what we cannot see but feel deep within our hearts. Faith is a belief that one-day we will stand before our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

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Leighton Ford on a Christian Approach to Muslims

Found this on our friend Ben Witherington's Blog

 

Leighton Ford on a Christian Approach to Muslims

Saturday August 28, 2010

Leighton Ford is an old Charlotte friend of mine, and was formerly Billy Graham's right hand man in the Billy Graham Association.  I find what he says in this post both sensible, sane, and well worth reflection.  BW3

Jesus and the Mosque

On a shelf at home I have a copy of Pilgrims of Christ on the Muslim Road, the story of the Syrian-born writer Mazhar Mallouhi. As a young man who grew up in a Muslim family he had a profound spiritual hunger, read widely, learned of Jesus in the Bible, and became a follower of Christ while remaining loyal to his Muslim culture.

His novels are read by millions in the Middle East. Through them he has sought to bridge misunderstandings between Muslims and Christians.

In the book is a photo of him in the famous Al Azhar Mosque in Cairo, sitting with a group of Muslims as they read the Gospels together. It is his custom to say, "I am a follower of Christ. Here is what Jesus said. Tell me honestly, do you think I am living as Jesus said I should?"

I thought of Mallouhi's question during the heated dispute over the location of a Muslim mosque and community center near Ground Zero in New York. Among the voices being raised - some harsh with anger, some deep with indignation about "rights"- I wonder if the missing voice is that of Jesus?

If I were a Muslim I might want to claim rights, but also want my leaders to consider whether another location would work and help to heal some deep hurts. But I am not a Muslim. Those issues are for the Muslim community to decide.

What I need to ask is: what does Jesus say to us who say we follow him?

Suppose we, like Mallouhi, sat down with some Muslims in the new community center, and read with them some of the words of Jesus, words like "Do good to those who hate you." That could apply to radical terrorists who want to blow us up. So how can it not apply to Muslim neighbors who are living among us?

Many years ago my late friend J. Christy Wilson was pastor of the first ever Christian church in Kabul, Afghanistan. Through the good offices of President Eisenhower permission was granted to build the church, attended by Christian expatriates.

The time came when the Afghan authorities revoked permission and announced they would knock the church down. When the bulldozers arrived what did the Christ followers there do? They served tea to the workers who were destroying their church building!

They were living out a central tenet of our Christian faith - that we are "saved by grace" -God's grace freely given in Jesus Christ - and they showed grace.

How can we do that?  I hope the churches and the Christ followers in New York can figure it out. Perhaps delivering a cool drink to the workers who will build the center? After all Paul went so far as to write (and this was about enemies, not neighbors) "If they are thirsty, give them something to drink."

Does this mean we naively accept real evil? Not at all. I understand the rage that 9/11 stirred. Force is often needed to protect the innocent. But ultimately I have to follow Jesus and his follower Paul in the baffling reality of Paul's admonition to "Overcome evil with good."

What does the love of Christ compel me to do? Perhaps whether in New York or Charlotte to extend a little more grace - actually a whole lot more. Wouldn't that be the best witness we could make?

Leighton Ford

Comments (1)

Read more: http://blog.beliefnet.com/bibleandculture/2010/08/leighton-ford-on-a-christian-approach-to-muslims.html#ixzz0xwgKSH56

Telephone Calling Committee

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Thank you, Ownbey phone volunteers
Date:	Fri, 27 Aug 2010 00:01:18 EDT
From:	Reatha Andrew
To:	Don Linda Carol N

Dear Group,

Here's what I would suggest for a phone calling list. 


DON R
* Ken & Anne B
* Paul (& Nancy) G
* Ralph Webb - 

LINDA M
* Dorothy B
* Betty C
* Evelyn C
* Robin F
CAROL NEEDY - 
* Marie (& David) E
* Helen H
* Ellie R
* Sandra V
CAROL D
* Tonsie L
* Nancy P
* Jane P
* Carolyn R
Since all of you have email, you can get your info about upcoming socials, etc, from any class emails, and then call "your" folks.  And for those who don't come much (or not at all) anymore, I'd suggest calling them from time to time to keep them in-the-SS-loop.
 . . . 
Anything else?
Thanks again for stepping up to help w/this need in our class.And for those who don't come much (or not at all) anymore, I'd suggest calling them from time to time to keep them in-the-SS-loop.
 . . .
ra - th - 11:45pm [copy to Willard]

Don Beissenger and also SOA , phone committee, BBQ dinner will be held on Thur Sep 30th, 6:30pm, in Jubilee Hall.

Dear Ownbey Family,
1.  Perhaps some of you did what I did after Chick's intriguing lesson Sunday -- I googled Don Beissenger and also SOA (School of the Americas).  I found a good website to peruse:    You can also find info on Wikipedia -- just keep in mind that we ARE talking internet, so... take it with a grain of salt.
I also read some more about Oscar Romero -- trying to find out if anyone was convicted in his slaying, and if so, what sentence he/they received, and... if there were a connection to any SOA alumnus.  The way I read it (on Wikipedia), there was no direct connection... just and indirect trail.
2.  Fall Class Social -- Our annual BBQ dinner will be held on Thur Sep 30th, 6:30pm, in Jubilee Hall.  Shebra will be preparing our meal.  Cost:  $10 - payable to the Ownbey Sunday School Class  ASAP.  We began a sign-up sheet this past Sunday and will continue it for several weeks.  You can also call the Copelands, 704 xxxxx.  Shebra would like our count by Sep 17th.
3.  Speaking of calling...  We USED to have a phone committee...  What happened to that?  Would anyone care to serve on one?  (Or did you think you still WERE serving on it and just not getting assignments?)  We have 10-15 class members who do NOT have email, so a 2-3 person committee could easily handle any calls.  It would help if the committee members HAVE email so they could get the info and then make their calls.
Interested in helping w/this?  Just let me know  :-)Peace,Reatha - Tue - 6am

Donor Designated Gifts

(2010.08.23 Spoke with Tom Stinson and he suggests we continue to present all requests to the class for approval. The following proposal is therefore withdrawn.)
(2010.08.22) Below is an email outlining a "Donor Designated Gift" of Helping  Hands. By  A Donor Designated Gift I mean a gift to the Helping Hands which the giver directs where it should go. In the case below the giver/donor directed/designated a gift  be given to the Library Fund. Otherwise the giver would not run it through the  Helping Hands and would have made the gift direct any way. We need to consider if  the Ownbey Class should  approve  procedures for this type of action. I will suggest something similar to the following be added to our Helping Hand approved procedures:

The Committee (or maybe we want Committee Chair) may approve Designated Gifts of $50 or less without the subsequent approval of the Class. Amounts in excess of $50 continue to require Committee and Class approval. Such gifts will be reported at a Class session as soon thereafter as possible. The Committee (or Chair as we decide) will consider if the gift meets the  guidelines of Helping Hands in their decision process..

Reasons for approving and allowing this procedure include emphasizing the Helping Hands Function and increasing its activity. The CONS include that the class might feel some gifts are inappropriate without the right to participate in the decision.

I want this to cook a while. Let me know your ideas.

--------
Hi Guys

To: Helping Hands Committee
(Note this request for a gift to the Library Fund was approved by the  Ownbey Sunday School Class on August 22, 2010. At the same time a  similar action for Haiti Relief around July 12, 2010, was approved)
We have a similar request for Helping Hands, at least from a procedures stand point, to the one outlined in emails of 7/13 and 7/18/2010. We have another winner in our visit the Blog contest who wants the $50 to go to the Library Fund. I would like to run it through our Helping Hands. As I pointed out before, we do not have Guidelines addressing whether a donor to Helping Hands can designate where the money is used. I am recommending we do approve this request. Let me know if you do not agree. I will have the paper work Sunday. If you want to see the paper work a copy is at the following link. Need user name and password. Tell me if you cannot get the pdf file to open..
Click here or go to http://donredding.com/ownbey/20100822libraryhelpinghands.pdf

As you may know three of our Class members are on the Library Committee ( Carol Douglas, Don Hammer, Linda Myers) - including the chair Nancy Swonger and previously Marie Pearce -  and many of our teachers and members use it. It  Our Library is a fine facility  and deserving, I feel, of Ownbey support. This is one way. There was a great article in the latest Cornerstone.

Please let me know if you have any comments, especially if you object to how I recommend handling  this gift. Why do I recommend this procedure? Basically to have activity in the Helping Hands and to remind people of it.

Also let me know if I missed any names on the distribution.

Thank you

don
8/21/2010

---

-------- Original Message --------

Subject:	Re: $50
Date:	Sun, 18 Jul 2010 00:00:09 -0400
From:	don

Hi folks

In the absence of any suggestion to the contrary, I will have the check and forms for the Honoree and the Application at Sunday School  7/18/2010.
I assume no one objected to a donor directing where his gift to Helping Hands goes.
Thanks
don

On 7/13/2010 3:13 PM, don wrote:

Hi Tom and folks of Helping Hands

We have a winner in the Visit the Blog reward program who wants the $50 to go to our mission work in Haiti.

Tom, I suggest we work it this way: I will give a check to the Helping Hands fund  of Ownbey on the condition it will go to MPUMC's mission work in Haiti. I will leave it up to you guys to figure out how to do this or let me have another suggestion. I could make it direct to the church but prefer to flow it through Helping Hands. Tom or someone will need to get approved by the committee (I vote yes) and the class. In case you feel gifts to Helping Hands should not have any strings attached such as I am  proposing,  I will do what you suggest otherwise; or I will  give the check direct to the church with the designation for our mission work in Haiti.
 
The winner visited the Ownbey Blog and  used the comment section some time ago to inform me. I had no idea that section was working. I found it today. I learned something.

I have the members of the committee as follows as I think it did not change from last year except to add. Let me know if I am wrong or missed someone.
Members 2009: Tom Stinson (Chair), Ellen Chason,  Cal Chesson, Don Hammer, Don Redding, the President and the Treasurer (ex – officio)

don

Visit on 9/8 9/29 and 10/6

Dear Ownbey Family,

We have a request from ARLYENE ARMSTRONG's daughter, Jan Kirkpatrick.  She and her husband will be traveling to England, Sep 3 - Oct 11, and would like for us to visit with Arlyene on Sep 8, 29, and Oct 6.  [each of these is a Wed night when the granddaughter has a class]  A good time to visit would be mid-late aft'n.  it's really easy to find their house -- I performed a dry-run the other day  :-)

If you would be interested in helping w/this, please let me know.  I'll get you the directions to their house at that time.

Thanks.

Peace,
Reatha - Sun - 6am

Time for Disciple Classes

Dear Ownbey Family,
Just in case you know anyone who might want to sign up...
ra - fri - 10pm
--------------------------------------------------------------
Hello friends and family;
It is that time again when the Summer is giving way to hopefully cooler  weather in September, my kids go back to school AND Disciple Bible  begins again!! YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am writing this e mail to you for two reasons:
ONE:  Perhaps if you have already taken a Disciple Bible class you would  consider taking another class. I hear that Jesus and the Gospels is an  incredible class that will change your life!
SECOND:  Think about someone you know who you could extend the  invitation to take Disciple. That is the most effective way to grow the  program. I will be leading my eleventh Disciple Bible One class on  Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30. 

Call the Church and register with Adult Education office; Christine Mull  or Barbara Barden.

God Bless
David Dulin  

Library Suggestions from Love your God . .page195

Click here for larger picture and easier to read:

Wednesday, August 18. Order from the menu. Charlotte Cafe, 6:00 pm,

We had a grand time. Click to See Photos
Click for Photos


Subject: August 18 -
Date: Mon, 2 Aug 2010 17:03:20 EDT
From: Dowen63230@aol.com
To: Reatha, Don


Do me a favor, please!

In your next e-mail messages, please let our members know:

That we have 25 class members signed up.
That we are honored by having Kevin Wright as our guest for the evening.
That Cal Chesson will ask the blessing.
That anyone not signed up can do so by calling my number, , and leaving me a message.

and, we have reservations at the Charlotte Cafe, in the Park Road Shopping Center starting at 6:00 pm, on Wednesday, August 18. Order from the menu.

Call me if any questions, however I will be out of town Thursday until Monday, August 9th.

Durward Owen
Connie Owen

Subject: Suggestions for Motivation for more Use of the Library by the Ownbey Sunday School Class - Library Suggestions August 18, 2010

Pictures of Library on Smugmug at
http://donredding.smugmug.com/02-Church-Sunday-School/MPUMC/2010-MPUMC-Library/13354459_eg7PH#974223972_4AXWg
This paper is at
http://donredding.com/libraryownbey.htm
Updated 8/18/2010
              3/03/2011
Final Draft on 8/18/2010 4:01
Executive Summary:
These suggestions were developed from casual conversations with friends partially but most are mine. I had to do research on hoe the Libra worked to do an adequate job and that took time and unfortunately was not complete. After I prepared the Suggestions, We meet with Linda, Carol, and Don H but this paper does not reflect new suggestions from that meeting. Carol added to our list and later I might add her comments to this paper.

We have a fine Library. Great place to visit and read and study - and get books!. Based on my investigation in the last few days, it is obvious a lot of effort has been expended to get it where is and  to maintain it. Nancey and Maria and Barbara plus the Committee and others have done and an outstanding job getting it where it is and keeping it going - more than I realized until I started this paper . We have a fine MPUMC Library Web Site, and it should make the Library experience  more meaningful .Ownbey folks probably will not or cannot use it, based on my experience in almost begging people to learn and use the Internet, our Web Site, and Blog. A few folks might be able to,  but I find most do not have the combination of skills, interest, equipment, or cable to use that resource which removes one big plus we initially would think we have.I am not sure our class in general wants to read more. That I hope is an over statement for I can name  many who do read but, for example, few if any read the books we discuss on class except teachers. I never have understood how we can discuss a book when only the teacher reads it.  I have provided off and on for years links to the books on my Blog and back when I ran the  official Web Page. Never have I heard of any one using the links and certainly not to buy  the books.I understand from Barbara that usage of the Library has doubled this year. I do not get into the fiances of the Library but of course we have a big investment which we need to use as much as possible.
-----------------------------------------
Subject: Suggestions for Motivation for more Use of the Library by the Ownbey Sunday School Class
I have talked with some folks and I also have some ideas. First some comments.
Comments

1. What is my PURPOSE and OBJECTIVE of this paper, ie what type of ideas have you asked of me:
1. I think it  is for ideas for motivating more usage of the Library resources and books by the Ownbey Class (right now anyway).
   
2. I think you, in essence, are asking me for ideas to motivate, for example, myself to use the Library more.
3. Perhaps an objective could be "More Reading in general."
4. I have veered from the above objectives somewhat but I hope all the suggestions and comments below are relevant, at least in general.
   
2. We have a wonderful Library. Great place to visit and read and study - and get books!. Based on my investigation in the last few days, it is obvious a lot of effort has been expended to get it where is and  to maintain it. Nancey and Maria and Barbara plus the Committee and others have done and do a lot in keeping it going - more than I realized until I started this paper. Thanks.
3. We have a wonderful MPUMC Library Web Site, but Ownbey folks probably will not or cannot use it, based on my experience in almost begging people to learn and use the Internet, our Web Site, and Blog. A few folks might be able to,  but I find most do not have the combination of skills, interest, equipment, or cable to use that resource which removes one big plus we initially would think we have.
4. I am not sure our class in general wants to read more. That I hope is an over statement for I can name  many who do read but, for example, few if any read the books we discuss on class except teachers. I never have understood how we can discuss a book when only the teacher reads it.  I have provided off and on for years links to the books on my Blog and back when I ran the  official Web Page. Never have I heard of any one using the links and certainly not to buy  the books.
   
5. I understand from Barbara that usage of the Library has doubled this year.
6. I do not get into the fiances of the Library but of course we have a big investment which we need to use as much as possible.
7. We need to be proactive in using Kindles and electronic books.
   

Why do people not use the MPUMC Library more? Do these reasons suggest motivation  ideas?

1. 10 Readers love to own and hold and feel and know where their books are. The library takes at least some of that emotion away.
2. 10 Can mark up own books, turn down the corners, abuse them, make them you own.
3. 10 It is a lot of trouble to remember to bring a book back and some of us lose them.
4. 10 James said on 3/2/2011 he remembers where he marks in  books certain passages and  is easy to find
   
5. 9.5 Some Do Not want to use the Library Web Site
6. 9.5 Cannot see a catalog of books sans-internet
7. 9 Kids are not encouraged to read books and therefore parents not pulled into Library to bring them. (I did not know when writing this first that we have a separate Library for Children)
   
8. 8 MPUMC does not encourage people to bring and use Bibles and that carries over to books in general
   
9. 8 Folks do not know about the library.
10. 8 Poor eyesight.
11. 8 small print
    
12. 8 Do not understand Internet in using the Library Web Site
13. 8 Do not know how to use the Library Web Site
14. 8 Hard to keep up with the book covers and they have numbers, not the hardback though are inside the book
    
15. 6 Internet taking place of books.
16. 6 etc
17. 6 Library used for other meetings which blocks access to it at times.
    
18. 6  It is trouble to go to Library.
19. 6 no instructors for using the Library web Site
    
20. 5 Need someone there . .
21. 5 Some of us like to read many books at a time. I am in the middle of 10 or 15 books almost always, most I will finish, some I will not. I can't see checking out the books I want for only three weeks under my system. Though I could get one or two I guess.(Since writing this, I have been given a Kindle and it lets me be in several books (maybe 2,000) at a time.
    
22. 4 Kindles or similar Electronic Readers (not computers) are taking place of books, this relevance will go up steadily (you would believe it if you ever saw it.)
    

Here are suggestions and ideas.
Right below are others' ideas. Some are not directed to just Ownbey Reading Project but in general to using Library more overall. If there is an asterisk at start of suggestion, it is not Ownbey  specific. If no asterisk, is Ownbey specific. I dropped the color coding for printing purposes I have added my ranking of the relevance and reasonableness of the suggestion from 10 for "great idea, let's do it" to 1 for "terrible ideas, someone is just filling space" and a 5 would be "maybe ok maybe not" I have reordered the suggestions with my ranking with most relevant/best near top.

1. 7 One person commented that one cannot get people to do what they are not inclined to do, no matter how motivated someone else is to make it work  . .  I don't know about that always. There are people and ideas and projects that get me/us motivated in trying new things or procedures.  Reminds me of the class member who once told me  there was no point in trying to do anything special to get AWOL members to come to class as they would come if they wanted to no matter what we did. Huh? . . .
   
2. 10 Another person suggested our Ownbey teacher group use books in the Library for the Ownbey class. I like that one a lot.  Maybe we could save money and make use of what we already have. 9
   
3. *10  Person #A suggested that all teachers in the Church be geared into what is going on in Library and what facilities we have and encouraged to use it more.
4. 9 After our discussion with someone, he suggested that the $50 award I was giving  him be given to the Library Fund. I was thrilled and want to work on how to make using honorariums and memorials some way into a motivation for our objective of Ownbey using the Library more. I have not figured it out yet . .
5. 7 Someone suggested a competition between classes. I commented that  would make it more than an individual effort. I think you folks already thought of that  and were trying out just one class - Ownbey
6. 7 Realizing individuals make up the groups, a free meal was appealing as a suggestion for motivation.
   
7. 6 Staffing the desk during more periods of time, especially high church attendance time. I know that is a staffing issue but you are asking for suggestions and this was one I received and  I think has merit. I am passing along the suggestion, not volunteering.
8. *6  Person #A suggested we test the program on younger classes as the younger folks do internet better. He mentioned ages 20- 30. Ok idea if there is someone interested in pushing it I guess.
9. *6  Person #A suggested inviting Queens Students to use our Library
   
10. 6  We discussed the idea that $50 does not motivate folks and whether any amount would. That is when we got the comment #1 above.
11. 5 No one in this group of friends suggested certificates or other awards, as it did not come up and I did not raise the question.
12. 5 Some said checking out books is hard as there is  a lot of writing to do. I feel that way but felt I could live with the system but each time I do it, I seem to mess up and I only done it twice.

The above are others' ideas.
Mine are below:
If there is an asterisk at start of suggestion, it is not Ownbey  specific. If no asterisk, is Ownbey specific. I dropped the color coding for printing purposes I have added my ranking of the relevance and reasonableness of the suggestion from 10 for "great idea, let's do it" to 1 for "terrible ideas, someone is just filling space" and a 5 would be "maybe ok maybe not"  I have reordered the suggestions with my ranking with most relevant/best near top.

1. 10 We need to bring it up on class to gauge the interest in this Project, either soon or there are  more definite ideas to prevent, either way is better than giving to them after decided..  Ask for ideas. I do not think this subject would be too dicey to ask the class to discuss. So far however I have not found a lot of interest in doing it, but I have pushed and asked  for ideas anyway.  If you or someone has the passion for pushing this big time, it could work but there is a lot of work involved. The present state of the Library and the Web Page represent a tremendous amount of work and dedication. from many people especially the Pearces and Nancy Swonger, who are all Ownbey folks (well on the Ownbey Roster), and Barbara and the Committee.
   
2. 10 I am big on doing surveys and letting people anonymously  express their thoughts so that might be a way if  class discussion is not ok.
   
3. 10 The Library Web Site is great but Ownbey folks are not going to use it, at least most folks, at least not much, no matter how we try to motivate them . I suggest a printed list  or catalog of Books in the Library that folks can  look at  without being on the computer. I personally would like it even though I like the web site and I can use it ok.
   
4. 10 Larger Print copies and publicity about that, never saw a youth in the Library much less looking at books there.
5. 10 An award could be free meals at Hot Wednesdays for certain number of points. Special lower $$$ charge  from the church for us to finance this? I think that is more appealing than  to some restaurant at least for lower volume of reading.
6. 10 We need in the book the date due back as I think I am not atypical that I forget.
   
7. 8 Give as an award - - -  A Book!
   
8. 10 Not sure it fits in with more Library usage, but we need more computers available in the church (Library?) for folks to use including Ownbey. I wish we had enough to do classes to help with double clicking and cut and pasting!
   
9. 10 Do a Video on how to use the Library Web Site and have it on line and available in the Library. You guessed, I made an amateurish  attempt and maybe Hood would one better for us. Click here or Check in the links section.
10. *10 Need a Help Screen on Library Web Site. What is a Book Bag and difference in Reservation? How does one get a book  that he "reserved" if  it is self service. Is it really reserved?  How does one set up their account. How does one get an account number? Need a link back to Church Web Page from the Library Site. The MPUMC icon does not work as a link.
    
11. 10 Check to see if the Library System can track books read by individuals (and classes) and print out comparisons
12. 10 Need an automated system for tabulating results. After we talked I realize is another  data keeping job, but not for me.
13. *9.5 Ask each Ownbey member spend at least 10 minutes soon looking through the library
    
14. *9.5 Goodness Gracious should support/promote Library. Not sure I ever hard any cross support of the two or ordination
    
15. *9 Meetings should not be held in the Library as it blocks access at times.
    
16. 9 Head phones for books on tapes/cd's for use in the Library.
17. 7 Head phones for books on tapes/cd's to be checked out.
18. *9 When James/others do some of their talks, encourage folks to read the book before hand. Reminds me of the time, however, during the Year of the Bible when I made the suggestion, and he told me it would make people feel uncomfortable if he asked them to bring Bibles to Church Services
    
19. *9 More tables in Library. The one large one is too big for one person and the other small one is covered with displays  and info for the Career participants.
20. 9 More publicity and build up books on Tapes and Cd's. Probably CD's are more usable. Maybe Ownbey would be interested, nah . . probably not . .  As for many of these ideas
21. *9 More publicity about the magazines we have.
22. *9 Visits to other Class Rooms to build up support and tell about the Library. (see above # 20 of thereabouts)
    
23. 9 Use Honorariums and Memorials as recognition for reading books . I have not figured this out yet. . .working on it . .cooking. .I think we already have something like that, per web page.
    
24. *9 Youth should be using the Library. I never have seen a young person in the Library. Is that  something they are told about. Do youth even read books now? 
25. *9 Find out what Library Resources in the Church are available and now used by youth. Do they have a Library in their playroom with the big easy chairs (once?)?
    
26. *9.5  Have more Library Book Review Meetings. I enjoyed the one Book Review meeting put on by the Library Staff though only a few were there. We might have selected too controversial a book - Blood Done Signed my Name. I am so glad I read that Book and would not have if there had not been a planned MPUMC Book Review meeting of it. Nancy Swonger did a great job and it was fun.. Book should be required reading . .
    
27. 9 Find how Book Clubs work. How are folks motivated in them. What ideas from them. Do people really read books or do like our Sunday School class?
28. 8 Consider ways to support Kindles and electronic books. Not sure what I mean; perhaps have one available for  test .
29. *9 If we have Sunday School Teachers Training Sessions now, include details on the Library, etc 
30. 8 Check on making books available as downloads
    
31. 8 However we  determine what awards or recognition, I suggest we count 1 point a page read, honor system
32. 8 Double Points for reading a book used in the Ownbey Class either before or after it is taught.
33. 8 Double points for some books such as Witherington or (maybe) Howell.
34. 8 100 points +/- to anyone writing a review of a book from the library which they read to be placed on the Library Web Site. Thank you Carol, Jim, Linda, Nancy - all Ownbeyers.
35. 7 Points for Magazines in Library too, related to religion or Church - not Sports Illustrated! We have a great  selection of magazines.Count pages read a point a page.
    
36. 7 Points for listening to CD'S too. Not sure how to count, maybe 20 an hour, what do you think?
37. 8 Each Ownbey teacher should do or see that a review is added to the Library of the book they teach
    
38. 8 Start an Ownbey Book Club, have meetings, meals, fun, enthusiasm . .  Dinner meeting for ones interested. Folks could  read and take a few minutes for  telling about each book or one person do a longer review. I don't know  how this would work . .I don't know, I never been a member of a Book Club.
39. *8 Above  person #A suggested we test the program on younger classes as the younger folks do internet better. He mentioned ages 20- 30. Why not ask them: (1) If they use the Library,  (2) if not why not,  (3) What would make them use it more.
40. *8 Ask other classes the same thing.
    
41. 8 Ask for money/Scholarships for rewarding readers or make contributions in their name to good cause, as we are doing with Helping Hands and my $50.
42. *7 Building on an idea from the previous list about Queens, check out what their Library looks like and see if WE could use theirs or get any ideas from what they do.
43. *7 Make it known and have enough books or at least several for the special studies in the church so folks do not have to buy
    
44. *7 Make it well know that they have some DVD's of the  Disciple Classes  in the Library
    
45. *7 Add Books for  Disciple Classes  in the Library (they now sell in Goodness Gracious) as they are expensive. Can't write in is a problem. 
    
46. 7 More computers in the Church for folks to use, someone was on a campaign during the year to get old computers at the church for folks to do their Job Searching.
47. *7 Put a Free Book Shelf in Library  for folks to contribute  and folks to take if they want, no record keeping and no sign in. I understand such books now are in closet locked up.
48. *7 Need easier/more outlets to plug laptops into when people come there to study or surf in a nice environment. I have to turn upside down and unplug lights to get mine plugged in. Then I forget to plug back.
    
49. *6 Goodness Gracious should  go so far as to even suggest books that are in Library
50. 6 Movie passes as incentives, though a Wonderful meal is as cheap probably
    
51. 6 Publicity including Book reviews in Cornerstone or Bulletins.
52. 6 Most Books stores have a place to sit and drink coffee. We have only a couple of tables in Library . We could make it more inviting with more work areas and maybe the Coffee idea. I know we now discourage drinking/food in there  but , hey, we need ideas.
    
53. *6 Be sure Kids have books in Library, that also pulls the Mom's/parents.
54. *6 Encourage kids to use.
    
55. 6 Make Library check out system easier. Too many numbers to fill out. What happened to the old slot in the back with a card to sign your name?
56. 6 Use old  slot in the back with a card to sign your name to check out.
57. Ask Ownbey folks to read the books before the lesson. Wow what an original idea.
    
58. *6 Provide small TV's and head phones for viewing Videos.
59. *6 If we get rid of old Books, have a Book Sale or a book Sale Rack, consider it if we don't. I know we give away at times to groups.
    
60. ?? No one needs forget what I was saying
    
61. 5 Consider Books that are not just Religious oriented. WOW!
62. I will use it more based on what I have learned in the last few days. Actually I like it how it is but I realize we need to better use the investments.
    
63. 5 If we are talking about reading, should it just be books in Library? Of course our objective is to use library more but maybe it could be to encourage reading (of certain books)
64. *5 I do not want to get much deeper into this issue after tonight, please . . . . .
    
65. 5 I think we should  be doing more in Computer training in our Church. Once upon a time we would have been able to offer such a  class in Wonderful Wednesdays.
    
66. *4 Use  Library cards.
67. 4 $50 for some level of reading, not sure that works based on my experience.
68. 10 (Not relevant too much to the primary focus of this paper but something we need from professionals) Need better guidance on the use of the Church Web Page as well as its components including the Library Web Site. Since right now we do not have enough computers for proper computer lab  lessons, the  large screens in Jubilee Hall would  do ok with the computer screen  on the Video screens. How to videos are needed for a lot of things but putting on the Internet probably would not reach the audience we need as easily.    James puts Videos on the Web Page all the time but there are a lot of people in this church not able to see them on the Internet and we need training . . how is that for a competitor  for Faith Based training?
    
69. .
    

Links of Interest
Click here for Video or go to (7 1/2 Minutes) http://donredding.smugmug.com/02-Church-Sunday-School/MPUMC/2010-MPUMC-Library/13354459_eg7PH#970994611_bpEYt-A-LB
NEW ! Click Here for Smugmug Pictures of the Library or go to http://donredding.smugmug.com/02-Church-Sunday-School/MPUMC/2010-MPUMC-Library/13354459_eg7PH#974223972_4AXWg
Click here for Library Web Site or go to (Maybe 8 minutes to look over)   http://myersparkcatalog.surpasssoftware.com/myerspark/
Click here for Ownbey Sunday School Blog or go to (spend only a minute or so here, I just want you to see it) http://ownbeyss.blogspot.com/
The main  attraction and reason for this request ( no password now, if I decide to add I will let you know)
Click here for THIS paper of Suggestions for Motivation for more Use of the Library by the Ownbey Sunday School Class) or go to ( ?? minutes to look over)
http://donredding.com/libraryownbey.htm

Library Recomendations-Very Early Draft

NOTE: See FINAL DRAFT AT 
http://ownbeyss.blogspot.com/2010/08/library-suggestions-august-18-2010.html

Subject: Suggestions for Motivation for more Use of the Library by the Ownbey Sunday School Class

I was asked for my suggestions for  how we can motivate more use of our Library and this paper is the result.

I have talked with some folks and I also have some ideas. First some comments.

Comments

1. What is our Objective, ie what type of ideas have you asked of me:
1. I think it simply is for ideas motivating more usage of the Library resources and books by the Ownbey Class (right now anyway). We sure have a big investment in it.
2. I think you, in essence, are asking me for ideas to motivate, for example, myself to use the Library more.
2. We have a wonderful Library. Nice place to visit and read and study though I think we need more desks and more chairs. See suggestions below. There is disruption from folks using the  adjoining classrooms but that is acceptable.
   
3. We have a wonderful MPUMC Library Web Site, but Ownbey folks probaly will not or cannot use it, based on my experience in almost begging people to learn and use theInternet. A few folks might be able to but I find most do not have the combination of skills, interest, equipment, or cable to use that resource which removes one big plus we initially would think we have.
4. I am not sure our class in general wants to read more. That I hope is an over statement for I can name  many who do read but, for example, few if any read the books we discuss on class except teachers. I never have understood how we can discuss a book when only the teacher reads it.  I have provided off and on for years links to the books on my Blog and back when I ran the  official Web Page. Never have I heard of any one using the links and certainly not to buy  the books.
   
5. I wish I were more  interested in  working to make  this objective  happen. The flag issue is one I was excited about until I was told by our leader  he did not think we should discuss it on class as it was dicey.  I wonder what discussion class means if we cannot discuss something as simple as whether to have an American  flag. That blew much of my enthusiasm away and I have been trying to get it back

What are reasons people do not use the MPUMC Library. Do these reasons suggest motivation  ideas?

1. Readers love to own and hold and feel and know where their books are. The library takes that emotion away.
2. Can mark up own books, turn down the corners, abuse them, make them you own.
3. Hard to keep up with the covers used by our Library and they have the numbers, not the books! (See the video)
   
4. Need someone there . .
   
5. Kids are not encouraged to read books
   
6. Poor eyesight.
7. small print
   
8. Kindles are taking place of books
9. Internet taking place of books.
10. etc
    
11. Folks do not know about the library.
12. Cannot see a catalog of books sans-internet
13. Do not understand Internet in using the Library Web Site
14. It is trouble to go to Library.
    
15. It is a lot of trouble to remember to bring a book back and some of us lose them.
16. Some of us like to read many books at a time. I am in the middle of 10 or 15 books almost always, most I will finish, some I will not. I can't see checking out the books I want for only three weeks under my system. Though I could get one or two I guess.
    

Here are suggestions and ideas.

It might be good for us to rate these ideas say from 1 to 10 as I have not organized by subject yet.

These are others' ideas. Some are not directed to just Ownbey Reading Project but in general to using Library more overall. I highlighted the ones I thought specific to Ownbey.

1. One person commented that one cannot get people to do what they are not inclined to do, no matter how motivated someone else is to make it work  . .  I don't know about that always. There are people and ideas and projects that get me/us motivated in trying new things or procedures.
2. A person suggested our Ownbey teacher group should use books in the Library for the Ownbey class. I like that one a lot.  Maybe we could save money and make use of what we already have.
3. A person suggested a competition between classes. I commented that  would make it more than an individual effort. I think you folks already thought of that  and were trying out just one class - Ownbey
   
4. Realizing individuals make up the groups, and a free meal was appealing as a suggestion for motivation.
   
5. We discussed the idea that $50 does not motivate folks and whether any amount would. That is when we got the comment #1 above.
6. No one in this group of friends suggested certificates or other awards, as it did not come up and I did not raise the question.
7. Some did say that using and checking out books is hard as there is  a lot of writing to do. I feel that way but felt I could live with the system but each time I do it, I seem to mess up and I only done it twice.
8. After our discussion someone suggested that the $50 award I was giving  him be given to the Library Fund. I was thrilled and want to work on how to make using honorariums and memorials some way into a motivation for our objective of Ownbey using the Library more. I have not figured it out yet . .
9. Staffing the desk during more periods of time, especially high church attendance time. I know that is a staffing issue but you are asking for suggestions and this was one I received and  I think has merit. I am passing along the suggestion, not volunteering.
10. One person suggested we test the program on younger classes as the younger folks do internet better. He mentioned ages 20- 30. Ok idea if there is someone interested in pushing it I guess.
11. Same person suggested inviting Queens Students to use our Library
    
12. Same person suggested that all teachers in the Church be geared into what is going on in Library and what facilities we have and encouraged to use it more.
    

The above are others' ideas.

Mine are below and include:

1. We need to bring it up on class to gauge the interest in this Project.  Ask for ideas. I do not think this subject would be too dicey to ask the class to discuss. So far however I have not found a lot of interest in doing it, but I have pushed and asked  for ideas anyway. If you or someone has the passion for pushing this big time, it could work but there is a lot of work involved. The present state of the Library and the Web Page represent a tremendous amount of work and dedication. from amny people especially the Pearces and Nancy Swonger, all Ownbey folks (well on the Ownbey Roster).
   
2. I am big on doing surveys and letting people anonymously  express their thoughts so that might be a way if  class discussion is not ok.
   
3. The Library Web Site is great but Ownbey folks are not going to use it, at least most folks, at least not much, no matter how we try to motivate them . I suggest a printed list  or catalog of Books in the Library that folks can  look at  without being on the computer. I personally would like it even though I like the web site and I can use it ok.
   
4. Do a Video on how to use the Library Web Site and have it on line and avaialable in the Library. You guesed, I made an amateur  attempt and maybe Hood would o one better for us. Check in the links section.
   
5. Make the check out system easier. Too many numbers to fill out. What happened to the old slot in the back with a card to sign your name?
   
6. More publicity including Book reviews in Cornerstone or Bulletins.
7. Building on an idea from the previous list about Queens, check out what their Library looks like and see if WE could use theirs or get any ideas from what they do.
   
8. Build up books on Tapes and Cd's. Probably CD's are more usable. Maybe Ownbey would be interested, nah . . probaly not . .  As for many of these ideas
   
9. Provide head phones for books on tapes/cd's for use in the Library.
10. Provide head phones for books on tapes/cd's to be checked out.
11. Provide small TV's and head phones for viewing Videos.
12. No one needs forget what I was saying
    
13. When James/others do some of their talks, encourage folks to read the book before hand. Reminds me of the time, however, during the Year of the Bible when he told me it would make people feel uncomfortable if he asked them to bring Bibles to Church Sevices when I made the suggestion.
    
14. Not sure it fits in with more Library usage, but we need more computers available in the church (Library?) for folks to use. I wish we had enough to do classes to help with double clicking and cut and pasting! I probaly should mark this half red, maybe pink.
    
15. If we are talking about reading, should it just be books in Library? Of course our objective is to use library more but maybe it could be to encourage reading (of certain books)
    
16. Larger Print copies and publicity about that, never saw a youth in the Library much less looking at books there.
17. Consider Books that are not just Religious oriented. WOW!
    
18. More publicity including Book reviews in Cornerstone or Bulletins.
19. Youth  should be using the Library. I never have seen a young person in the Library. Is that  something they are told about. Do youth even read books now?
    
20. Have more Library Book Review Meetings. I enjoyed the one Book Review meeting put on by the Library Staff though only a few were there. We might have selected too controversial a book - Blood Done Signed my Name. I am so glad I read that Book and would not have if there had not been a planned MPUMC Book Review meeting of it. Nancy Swonger did a great job and it was fun.. Incidentally that Book should be required reading . .
    
21. Find out how Book Clubs work. How are folks motivated in them. What ideas from them. Do people really read books or do like our Sunday School class?
    
22. Start an Ownbey Book Club, have meetings, meals, fun, enthusiasm . .  Dinner meeting for ones interested. Folks could  read and take a few minutes for  telling about each book or one person do a longer review. I don't know  how this would work . .I don't know, I never been a member of a Book Club.
23. Not sure about this - Ask for money/Scholarships for rewarding readers or make contributions in their name to good cause, as we are doing with Helping Hands and my $50.
24. Check to see if the Library System can track books read  and print out comparisons
25. Need an automated system for tabulating results. After we talked I realize it is not another  data keeping job  for me.
26. Not sure meetings ahould be held in the Library as it blocks access at times.
    
27. However we  determine what awards or recognition, I suggest we count 1 point a page read, honor system
28. Double Points for reading a book used in the Ownbey Class either before or after it is taught.
29. Double points for some books such as Witherington or (maybe) Howell.
30. 100 points +/- to anyone writing a review of a book from the library which they read.
31. Points for Magazines in Library too, related to religion or Church - not Sports Illustrated! We have a great  seklection of magazines.
32. Points for listening to CD'S too. Not sure how to count, maybe 20 an hour, what do you think?
    
33. More publicity about the magazines we have.
34. Visits to other Class Rooms to build up support and tell about the Library.
    
35. Use Honorariums and Memorials as recognition for reading books . I have not figured this out yet. . .working on it . .cooking. .
36. Most Books stores have a place to sit and drink coffee. We have only a couple of tables in Library . We could make it more inviting with more work areas and maybe the Coffee idea. I know we now discourage drinking/food in there  but , hey, we need ideas.
    
37. An award could be free meals at Hot Wednesdays for certain number of points. Special lower $$$ charge  from the church for us to finance this? I think that is more appealiong than  to some restaurant at least for lower volume of reading.
    
38. I do not want to get much deeper into this as I have fought and lost too many similar battles within  the church and I am worn out. I am thrilled we have  such a technologically designed Library Web page. Having said that, I do have suggestions for improving. For example, if one wants to  see all of Dr Howell's books one has to look at many pages of thumbnails. It would be easier just to list the books. I have lost too many battles already and do not have the enthusiasm for another one. I am speaking of no Church Directory on line, no email address roster in the Directory or on line, Small screen  for our MPUMC web page, un workable mail links on web page, seven years of begging to connect the Ownbey Site to the Church Site and finally done, no detailed History of our Church on Line, destruction of previous work of mine on the Ownbey Web site as they said the staff was taking over and that came back to the classes with much loss of work, a calendar that is hard to use, on and on.

Links of Interest
Click here for Video or go to (7 1/2 Minutes) http://donredding.smugmug.com/02-Church-Sunday-School/MPUMC/2010-MPUMC-Library/13354459_eg7PH#970994611_bpEYt-A-LB
Click here for Library Web Site or go to (Maybe 8 minutes to look over)   http://myersparkcatalog.surpasssoftware.com/myerspark/
Click here for Ownbey Sunday School Blog or go to (spend only a minute or so here, I just want you to see it) http://ownbeyss.blogspot.com/

The main  attraction and reason for this request ( no password now, if I decide to add I will let you know)
Click here for THIS paper of Suggestions for Motivation for more Use of the Library by the Ownbey Sunday School Class) or go to ( ?? minutes to look over)
http://donredding.com/libraryownbey.html