GROWING IN CAPACITY, CONNECTION & COMMUNITY

The Fruits of Mercy

“Augustine taught that true freedom is not choice or lack of constraint, but being what you are meant to be. Humans were created in the image of God.

True freedom, then, is not found in moving away from that image, but only in living it out.”

- Roger Olson, Christianity Today

Overview

God gives us the means to practice mercy through: • Capacity • Connection• Community

Overview

God gives us opportunities to act mercifully: • low-hanging fruit (acts that require

capacity); • mid-hanging fruit (acts that require

capacity & connection); • and high-reach fruit (acts that require

capacity, connection and community)

Low-Hanging Fruit

Opportunities to practice mercy through those closest to us• Marriage• Children• Long-term Friendships• Co-Workers

Low-Hanging Fruit

What about strangers?

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.

Hebrews 13:2

WATCH: Friends Like These http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U42-1Zhe2IU

"Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you." - St. Augustine

Mid-Hanging

Drawing upon capacity and connection that extends our reach

1 Corinthians 12: 4-6

There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.

Mid-Hanging Fruit

Draw upon the gifts of others to extend your reach!

1. Local Church Programs (i.e. daycare, hunger relief, clothing closets)

2. Connectional Church Programs (i.e. ZOE Ministry, UMVIM, The Advance)

3. Community Programs (i.e. Room in the Inn, local shelters, YWCA)

Connections extend individual capacity to do acts of mercy beyond our singular limitations.

Watch: Christmas for AIDS Orphans

\http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?b=5259665&c=lwL4KnN1LtH&ct=7781687

“The quality of mercy is not strained;

It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven

Upon the place beneath.

It is twice blessed- It blesseth him that gives, and him that

takes.” - William Shakespeare

At the top of the tree

- Opportunities that can only be found in community with varying perspectives and heights of understanding

1) Together with local churches in the Connection2) Together with community services3) Together with other faith traditions

Watch: Hands4Detroit http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QYrVPSyAwhM

The sweetest fruit is sometimes at the top of the tree.

Acts of mercy echo into future generations…and into eternity

Contact Information:

Rev. N. Neelley HicksEmail: nhicks@umcom.orgTwitter: @nneelleySkype: nancy.neelley