Mercy Ministry News

We have moved

2011-11-02T10:22:00.002-04:00

Mercy Ministry News has been incorporated into Active Compassion Philly. For this blog, articles, links, and volunteer opportunities, click here.

Diaconal and Mercy Ministry Training Oct-Nov

2011-08-29T11:05:00.002-04:00

The Fall 2011 Diaconal Training will feature Dr. Tim Keller’s original 12-part training series, Saturday mornings October 8 and 22, November 5 and 19 at Westminster Seminary, Philadelphia. In addition, we will provide answers to present issues people face in diaconal and mercy ministry. Leaders for the four sessions are David Apple (Tenth Pres.) and Manny Hackman (New Life Philly). Registration is $90. Contact David Apple at dapple@tenth.org for a brochure or call 215-735-76588 for more information.

2011 Diaconal Training

2011-03-02T15:14:00.002-05:00

The 2011 Diaconal Ministry Training will feature Dr. Tim Keller’s original 12-part training series, Saturday mornings April 2, 16, 30 and May 14. In addition, there will be workshops on The Role of the Deacon, Dealing with Con Artists, and others. Leaders for the four sessions are David Apple (Tenth Pres.) and Manny Hackman (New Life Philly). Registration is $80. For the registration form go to www.activecompassionphilly.org and click on "Training." For more information and group rates, contact David Apple at dapple@tenth.org or 215-735-7688.

Ministry Preparation

2010-09-13T11:04:00.001-04:00

There's still time to register for Dr. Tim Keller’s original 12-part Diaconal and Mercy Training series, Saturday mornings October 2 and 9, November 20 and 27, and December 4 and 11 at Tenth Pres. Church, Philadelphia. In addition to the video training, we will address frustrations, barriers, and problems participants face in diaconal and mercy ministry. Leaders for the six sessions are David Apple (Tenth Pres.) and Manny Hackman (New Life Philly). Registration is $90. For the registration form go to www.compassion.tenth.org and click on "Training." Contact David Apple at dapple@tenth.org or 215-735-76588.

2010 Diaconal Training

2010-08-27T09:19:00.001-04:00

The Fall 2010 Diaconal Training will feature Dr. Tim Keller’s original 12-part training series, Saturday mornings October 2 and 9, November 20 and 27, and December 4 and 11. In addition, we will address frustrations, barriers, and problems people face in diaconal and mercy ministry. Leaders for the six sessions are David Apple (Tenth Pres.) and Manny Hackman (New Life Philly). Registration is $90. For the registration form go to www.activecompassionphilly.org and click on "Training." Contact David Apple at dapple@tenth.org or 215-735-76588.

Interview about Homeless Ministry

2010-08-27T09:14:00.000-04:00

A recent radio interview about Homeless Ministry and our response was just archived. To listen click here.

Compassion Fatigue

2010-01-30T10:07:00.001-05:00

Although Scripture tells us “Do not grow weary in doing good,” many do grow weary. Learn about the causes and preventive measures of Compassion Fatigue, Saturday, March 20, 9:30–12:30 at Tenth. Contact David at dapple@tenth.org or mail $20 registration to Tenth (made out to The Clergy Committee). Also featured is a presentation on Teen Challenge ministry.

Where our hearts are

2010-01-29T05:41:00.001-05:00

If our hearts are set on God's kingdom, receiving material things from God will be something of an afterthought. What will be foremost is living in relationship with God and with all those to whom he draws especially near--the poor, the poor in spirit, the brokenhearted, the hungry, those who weep . . . . -- Gerald Schlabach in Who is My Neighbor?

Selected quotes

2010-01-28T09:40:00.005-05:00

"Only the church can minister to the whole person. Only the gospel understands that sin has ruined us both individually and socially. Only Christians, armed with the Word and Spirit, planning and working to spread the kingdom and righteousness of Christ, can transform a broken heart as well as a neighborhood". (Tim Keller in Ministry of Mercy: The Call of the Jericho Road)

"To worship God is to serve him in imitation of our Savior Jesus who did not come to be served, but to serve (Matt.20:28). I believe that the temporal care of the poor is no less sacred than ecclesiastical activity. While the gathering for worship always takes precedence, the love of our neighbor must be an inevitable corollary. The duties of worship (pietas) and love (caritas) are inseparable." --John Calvin

"Verbal encouragement includes the idea of one person's joining someone else on a journey and speaking words that encourage the traveler to keep pressing on despite obstacles and fatigue" (Crabb and Allender in Encouragement).

"Mercy is not an option or even an addition to being a Christian. Instead, a life poured out in deeds of mercy is the inevitable sign of a life which has experienced the grace of God" (Tim Keller in Training for Deacons).

"The fruit of real prayer is right living. Praying sets him who prays to the great work of working out his salvation with fear and trembling; puts him to watching his temper, conversation and conduct; causes him to walk circumspectly, redeeming his time; enables him to walk worthy of his vocation wherewith he is called, with all lowliness and meekness; gives him a high incentive to pursue his pilgrimage consistently by shunning every evil way, and walking in the good" (E.M. Bounds in Prayer).

"When we are weak, let us resort to His strength. When we lack grace, let us desire Him to give us what He thinks necessary. When our enemies behave like beasts, and when it seems that we would be completely engulfed in a whirlpool, let us beseech our Lord to keep us under His protection and to keep Satan chained with all his supporters so that He does not allow us to be overwhelmed by them" (John Calvin in Sermons on Ephesians).

Having courage

2010-01-21T09:00:00.001-05:00

Quite often we will discover that we are asked to follow our Lord to places we would rather not go. But when we have learned to see him in the small displacements of our daily lives, the greater call will not seem great at all. We will then find the courage to follow him and be amazed by our freedom to do so. -- Henri Nouwen

Compassion Fatigue Got You Down?

2010-01-19T09:10:00.002-05:00

Although Scripture tells us "Do not grow weary in doing good," many do grow weary. Learn how to overcome Compassion Fatigue at the February 13 mercy training, 9:30-12:30 at Tenth Pres. Also, Rick Dodridge's presentation on Teen Challenge. Send $20 registration (made out to The Clergy Committee) to 1701 Delancey St., Philadelphia 19103. For more information email dapple@tenth.org

Learn to Listen Effectively

2009-11-30T12:52:00.003-05:00

“Active Listening” is the topic of the December 19 diaconal ministry workshop at Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. This Saturday morning event also features Kenyatta Rush's presentation on Prison Fellowship Ministry. Send $20 Registration to The Clergy Committee, 1701 Delancey St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. For more info go to http://www.activecompassionphilly.org/page.php?go=training or email acts@tenth.org

Deacon Training

2009-10-29T14:41:00.002-04:00

"The Role of the Deacon" is the title of the November 21 workshop at Tenth Presbyterian Church, 1701 Delancey St., Philadelphia which is based on Director of Mercy Ministry David Apple's thirty years of experience. The 9:30-12:30 event also includes George Fuller speaking on Ministry to Seniors.

Mail $20 registration payable to The Clergy Committee at the above address. For more information email dapple@tenth.org or go to www.activecompassionphilly.org and click on training.

Con Artists to Single Parents

2009-09-02T14:41:00.000-04:00

A complete listing of workshops and ministry presentations for Mercy and Deacon Training are now on the ACTS Ministries website http://www.activecompassionphilly.org/page.php?go=training. Registration is still open.

A Case for Compassion

2009-08-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

Dr. Tim Keller, pastor of Redeemer PCA in New York City, has a new online video entitled The Gospel and the Poor: A Case for Compassion. See the video and download the outline at http://hereslife.ning.com/page/case-for-compassion

Faith for Healing

2009-08-18T17:33:00.001-04:00

President Obama will be joining CCDA and other religious organizations from around the country to discuss issues of health care reform Wednesday, August 19 at 5pm EDT. The live web-cast call-in will also include a time for questions and answers with Senior White House Staff. Go to http://faithforhealth.org

Preparation for Ministry

2009-08-04T13:55:00.002-04:00

MercyNet presents its 2009-10 training one Saturday morning a month from September 19 through May 22. The series features workshops by David Apple, Tenth Pres. Church’s Mercy Ministry Director plus presentations by various ministry leaders. The first session offers Dealing with the Con Artist and Homelessness. The cost of the nine part series is $90 or $20 each. For the registration form go to http://www.activecompassionphilly.org/ and click on "Training."

Diaconal and Mercy Training

2009-07-07T13:32:00.007-04:00

Responding to the Needs of Others: 2009-10 Equipping Series

Sep 19: Setting Limits with Con Artists
Oct 10: At-Risk Ministry .................Feb 13: Volunteerism
Nov 21: Role of the Deacon .............Mar 20: Neighborology
Dec 19: Active Listening ..................Apr 17: Mobilization
Jan 16: Compassion Fatigue ...........May 22: Single Parents
plus ... each session includes an area ministry presentation

Tenth Presbyterian Church
1701 Delancey St., Philadelphia, PA

For information 215-735-7688 or dapple@tenth.org
Registration Form: http://activecompassionphilly.org/page.php?go=training
$90 for all nine sessions or $20 each
(Make checks payable to The Clergy Committee)

Lead an Inmate Bible Study

2009-07-07T10:38:00.000-04:00

The Federal Detention Center is holding its annual volunteer orientation Tuesday evening, August 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 at the FDC, 700 Arch Street, Philadelphia. Volunteers must be members or regular attenders of Tenth Church. For information email David Apple, Director of Mercy Ministries. For other training material click here. Criminal and child abuse clearence forms will be provided.

Disabilty Ministry Conference

2009-07-07T10:18:00.000-04:00

Joni and Friends Disability Ministry Conference is scheduled for Saturday, October 17 in Lancaster, PA. The conference is designed for people who are seeking God’s direction in reaching the disability community. Anyone interested in responding to God’s call to "Transform the Church to Look More Like Jesus" should attend. The conference cost is $35 per person; $25 per person for groups of four or more registering together. To receive a conference information packet click here.

Mercy and Diaconal Training

2009-07-02T14:04:00.002-04:00

MercyNet presents its 2009-10 training sessions every 3rd Saturday morning from September to May (2nd Saturday in October and February). The series features workshops by David Apple, Tenth Presbyterian Church’s Mercy Ministry Director, including Dealing with the Con Artist, Mobilizing the Church, and Compassion Fatigue plus presentations by various ministry leaders. The nine sessions cost $90 or $20 each. For more information and the registration form go to http://www.activecompassionphilly.org/ and click on "Training."

Workshop on Disability

2009-03-20T15:20:00.002-04:00

Disability and the Body of Christ will focus on "How to lovingly care for church families touched by disability or chronic illness." This workshop, Saturday April 4, 9am-12:30 pm, at Tenth Presbyterian Church, 1710 Delancey Street, Philadelphia and is designed for church leaders, children's ministry workers and families. Churches are encouraged to send ministry teams to focus together on its challenges and opportunities. Email Kristen at tenthcsn@msn.com for more information or click here.

Mercy Training

2008-12-09T15:29:00.000-05:00

MercyNet sponsors its annual Mercy Training, “Compassion by Command: Responding to God’s Heart for the Poor,” Saturdays, Feb 7, Mar 28, Apr 18 and May 30 at Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia. Cost is $40. For information and registration contact David Apple, 215-735-7688 or dapple@tenth.org

Chronic Illness Resource

2008-07-08T10:55:00.001-04:00

Rest Ministries is a Christian ministry that serves those who live with illness. Rest has tons of programs (HopeKeepers groups in churches) and a huge online community. It also has lots of free articles for reprint. Check it out at www.restministries.org

Saving people from burn-out

2008-07-03T11:36:00.000-04:00

After a long and sometimes difficult years of ministry, many are in need of Rejuvenation, Renewal and Revival. For a small group of Philadelphia urban ministers and ministry executives that “Rejuvenation, Renewal and Revival” comes every month at meetings of THE CLERGY COMMITTEE (TCC). TCC is a safe, supportive, and trusting community where members learn to work smarter, are made more effective, and God is glorified. TCC’s monthly meetings provide help and prevention of burn-out through: [1] expert skills development ; [2] peer consultation on personal and ministry-related issues; [3] support, encouragement, and prayer. For information on TCC membership contact David Apple at dapple@tenth.org.

Mercy Ministry Audio

2008-07-03T11:32:00.002-04:00

The keynote addresses and workshops from the 2008 MercyNet Conference are now online. To listen go to http://www.citynetphilly.org/.

How to minister to someone with chronic illness

2008-07-03T11:05:00.000-04:00

1. Listen, listen, listen. “Don’t talk much,” says Philip Yancey. “Job’s friends sat in silence with him for seven days. But as soon as they opened their mouths, that’s when the trouble started.” And allow them to air their sorrow. “It’s possible to both lament and question in a faithful context,” says Michael Emlet [of CCEF]. “It can be liberating for them to know that they don’t have to suffer in silence before God.”
2. Be physically present. It means so much for you to take the time to visit. Your presence is enormously comforting.
3. Commit to the long haul. Don’t let the sufferer fall off your radar screen after their initial diagnosis. Sustained care demonstrates your commitment to a person with a chronic disease.
4. Find ways to laugh. Friends who love best draw us out of our suffering and help us to see the big picture. Encourage those who are ill to focus on other things, and to laugh. The church needs to show that there can be joy in the midst of tears.
5. Pray beyond healing. It’s important to pray for healing, but it’s also important to pray for endurance, faith, and growth. It’s also helpful to get elders involved in praying for those who suffer–they’re our shepherds.
6. Consider starting a support group at your church. “We’ve seen much comfort and emotional healing for chronic illness sufferers through our church’s pain support group,” said one leader. “There’s hope in seeing how God is helping others going through similar struggles.”

Copyright 2008, all rights reserved, byFaith magazine. This article first appeared in the February 2008 issue of byFaith and is reprinted by permission.

If your wallet is stolen

2008-06-30T15:09:00.001-04:00

We have all heard horror stories about fraud committed in a victim’s name after his/her wallet is stolen. In addition to the wallet being stolen, so was the name, address, Social Security number, credit, etc. Usually within a week the thieves order expensive cell phone packages, apply for a Visa or Mastercard credit cards, have a credit line approved to buy a merchandise, furniture or cars, and on occasion receive a pin number from the Department of Motor Vehicles to change the victim’s driving record information online. Those are just a few of the horrors.

But here is some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or someone you know. 1) Cancel your credit cards immediately. But the key is having the toll-free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those in a safe place where you can find them easily. 2) File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where the wallet was stolen This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is the first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one). 3) Most importantly, call the three national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit. The numbers are: Equifax, 1-800-525-6285; Experian (formerly TRW), 1-888-397-3742; Trans Union, 1-800-680-7289; Social Security fraud line, 1-800-269-0271.

Adapted from Redeemer PCA, NYC, Diaconate Manual

Mercy Ministry Training Coming Soon

2006-10-24T12:05:00.000-04:00

MercyNet has scheduled its 2007 Ministry Training Seminar on the second Saturday of January-April (Jan 13, Feb 10, Mar 10, April 14), 8:30-2:00 at Westminster Theological Seminary, (Van Til Hall), Glenside, PA. For information and registration phone 215.508.1808 or
email dhoult@citynetphilly.org

Free CCDA Conference Talks

2006-10-23T15:59:00.000-04:00

Listen to or download CCDA talks for free at http://ccda.techmission.org/. Hear John Perkins and other speakers from the 2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005 Christian Community Development Association Conferences.

A Taste of Heaven

2006-09-27T08:55:00.000-04:00

Where can you find many nations and tongues coming together in the name of Jesus praising God, learning valuable lessons, and meeting new friends? What looks and sounds like heaven and has 3,000 legs? The answer is this week's CCDA Conference in Philadelphia. The Christian Community Development Association is a breath of fresh air for those 1,500 attendees who minister to materially and emotionally impoverished persons in urban, suburban or rural communities. Click on www.ccda.org for more information

Needs of Deacons

2006-09-27T08:29:00.000-04:00

As I train and mobilize deacons there is a common thread of questions. How many do you identify with?

What must we do as deacons?
What is our biblical responsibility in the church and to the community?
What tasks are beyond our responsibility?
Where are the available resources we can refer people to?
What ministries do neighboring churches have that we complement or duplicate?
How can we stop feeling like we are "putting out fires all over the place"?
We are very disorganized at this time and need organization skills.
What questions do we need to ask people seeking our help? We often find that we've failed to secure the right information. Along with this, how do we refer cases that are beyond our own expertise?
There is the problem of time constraints. We really don't have anyone available in the daytime Monday-Friday.
How can we involve others in mercy ministry (or in "our" mercy ministry)? How can we motivate and train others when we feel under-trained ourselves?
We need help working with unwed mothers. We would like some Titus 2 women to help us.
We oversee mercy ministry and the church facility. It is difficult to get volunteers to help us.

Philly Encourages Urban Ministry Professionals

2006-08-18T05:44:00.000-04:00

After a long and sometimes difficult year of ministry, some of us are in need of Rejuvenation, Renewal and Revival. For a small group of Philadelphia urban ministers and ministry executives that "Rejuvenation, Renewal and Revival" comes every month at meetings of THE CLERGY COMMITTEE (TCC). TCC is a safe, supportive, and trusting community where members learn to work smarter, are made more effective, and God is glorified. TCC's monthly meetings provide help and prevention of burn-out through: [1] expert skills development ; [2] peer consultation on personal and ministry-related issues; [3] support, encouragement, and prayer. For information on becoming involved contact David Apple, 215-735-7688 or dapple@citynetphilly.org.

New MercyNet Coordinator

2006-08-18T05:31:00.000-04:00

On August 1, I was chosen to lead MercyNet, a ministry to train, equip, empower and mobilize deacons and diaconal/mercy ministry. For information click on www.citynetphilly.org.

"Vision for the City" - Urban Missions Conference 3/10-12

2006-02-20T07:26:00.000-05:00

Tenth Presbyterian Church Urban Missions Conference

Friday, March 10 at 7:30pm
Bill Krispin speaking on "Vision for the City"

Saturday, March 11, 9:30am-12:30pm
Bruce Finn speaking on "Biblical strategies for Urban Church Planting"
Followed by a panel discussion with Philadelphia church planters:
Tuck Bartholemew, Geoff Bradford, Steve Huber, Kin Lam, Lance Lewis and Doug Logan

Sunday, March 12 at 9:00 and 11:00am
Tuck Bartholomew preaching

Sunday, March 12 at 6:15pm
Bill Krispin preaching

For information call 215-735-7688. Tenth is located at the corner of 17th and Spruce Streets. Entrance for the conference is 1701 Delancey Street.

Thinking and Doing

2006-01-23T15:26:00.000-05:00

From the Christian viewpoint, theological thinking is not an end in itself. Christianity is to be lived; it is an issue to action; as long as it remains merely thought it is unChristian and futile. But it is a half-truth because whatever a man [or woman] does depends upon what he thinks and what he holds of ultimate view (William E. Harden in A Layman's Guide to Protestant Theology).

CCDA Coming to Philly

2005-11-22T10:59:00.000-05:00

The 2006 Christian Community Development Assn Conference will be held September 27-October 1 at the Center City Marriott Hotel. For detailed information click here. Mark the date on your calendars now.

Acting Unto God

2005-10-31T10:07:00.000-05:00

"In service we engage our goods and strength in the active promotion of the good of others and the causes of God in our world. [We] may also serve others to train ourselves away from arrogance, possessiveness, envy, resentment or covetousness. In that case service is undertaken as a discipline for the spiritual life. Service is the high road to freedom from bondage to other people. We cease to be "manpleasers," for we are acting unto God in our lowliest deeds" (Dallas Willard in The Spirit of the Disciplines).

Encourage one another

2005-08-16T10:58:00.000-04:00

Therefore, Go

2005-08-02T08:46:00.000-04:00

Everywhere Jesus went was “Bethel.” There were no bad neighborhoods for Jesus. Therefore, there should be no bad neighborhoods for us. And, because there are no bad neighborhoods, and because Jesus is Emmanuel (God with us), we must go into the cities, move into the cities, raise families in the cities, work in the cities, and mobilize/empower other Christians to do the same. Christians need to go to their “Samarias.” We need to go to those “forbidden” places where we “cannot” go. We need to be as salt and light in at-risk neighborhoods (from Ray Bakke, A Theology as Big as the City)..

Who is My Neighbor?

2005-06-15T15:14:00.000-04:00

Why waste time discussing how we will know who our neighbor is? Just go and be “neighbor” to someone, to anyone, in need. Let the needy find his neighbor in you. Drop the talk. Cut the chatter. Take God's gifts of time, money, goods, talents, counsel, a listening ear, a helping hand . . . out there where someone can use them. To love your neighbor as yourself means simply to be a neighbor whenever and wherever you can (Lester DeKoster in The Deacons Handbook).

One cannot know beforehand whom he will meet. The immediate sight of a neighbor demands a spontaneous answer. One becomes a neighbor also to people outside one's group, nation, or race. In the encounter, the other becomes one's neighbor in the same way that one is his neighbor. The roles of participants in an encounter require modesty in both parties. Often one is inclined to think that his message is for the other, without thinking of the possibility that the other might have a message too (Kosuke Koyama in Waterbuffalo Theology).

The Good of Others

2005-06-09T13:11:00.000-04:00

In The Spirit of the Disciplines Dallas Willard states that service is done for the “active promotion of the good of others.” [We] may also serve others to train ourselves away from arrogance, possessiveness, envy, resentment or covetousness. In that case service is undertaken as a discipline for the spiritual life. Service is the high road to freedom from bondage to other people . . . for we are acting unto God in our lowliest deeds (p.182).

Live the Cross Life

2005-06-01T13:21:00.000-04:00

“The most radical teaching of Jesus was his total reversal of the contemporary notion of greatness. Leadership is found in becoming the servant of all. Power is discovered in submission. The foremost symbol of this radical servanthood is the cross. (He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on the cross, Phil. 2:8). But note this: Christ not only died a cross-death, he lived a cross-life. The way of the cross, the way of the suffering servant, was essential to his ministry. Jesus lived the cross life in submission to his fellow human beings. He lived the cross-life in total submission to the will of the Father. Jesus’ life was the cross-life of submission and service. Jesus' death was the cross-death of conquest by suffering.” (Richard Foster in Celebration of Discipline)

Carrying on the Work

2005-05-11T09:09:00.000-04:00

The Church enters into and exercises the servant character and ministry of Christ by identification with, involvement in, and service to the world in the name of Christ. "The Church" says Lewis Smedes, "is Jesus Christ bodily present, bodily committed to, and bodily immersed in the ghetto of human history. The Church, His body, still carries on the work of reconciliation. And it is vulnerable, open to wounds, because it, with Him, is still part of the ghetto. (The Reformed Journal, January 1969)

How should we then live?

2005-05-05T16:15:00.000-04:00

In his book Strengthening Your Grip, Chuck Swindoll comments on John 13:15, "Does Christ say I give you an example for you to study, or to form a discussion group on, or to memorize and repeat often?" NO. The verse says, "I gave you an example that you should do as I did."

Wisdom for life

2005-04-27T10:39:00.000-04:00

A wise old rabbi once asked his pupils how they could tell when the night had ended and the day had begun. "Could it be", asked one of the students, "when you see an animal in the distance and can tell whether it's a sheep or a dog?" "No," answered the rabbi. Another asked, "Is it when you can look at a tree in the distance and tell whether it is a fig tree or a peach tree?" "No," said the rabbi. "Then when is it?" the pupils demanded. "It is when you can look on the face of a man or woman and see that it is your sister or brother. Because if you cannot see this, it is still night (from ministry archives--source unknown).

How do you prevent burn-out?

2005-04-24T07:56:00.000-04:00

I am often asked the question, "How can you minister to the broken and brokenhearted without breaking yourself"? The answer is simple (although it took me many years to discover). I minister to honor and please God, never to please other people or even myself. And I serve in his strength alone, not mine. It is really nothing that I do. Actually, ninety percent of ministry is just "showing up" and being used by God. Oh, and one other thing: Don't be a rescuer. Don't work harder than the people coming for help.

Quotes from favorite authors

2005-04-21T10:53:00.000-04:00