Our Conference, Our Kids: The Last Giving

Through the month of September, we are going to focus on the organization “Our Conference, Our Kids” which was created by our very own Bishop Frank Beard. In honor of Bishop Frank Beard, who is undergoing eye surgery in both eyes and is on Sabbatical until January of 2022, all churches in the Illinois Great Rivers Conference are asked to take up a collection to give to this organization. During our Kid’s Message, the kids travel through the sanctuary collecting a “noisy offering” which will be sent to Our Conference, Our Kids at the end of the month as our way of paying tribute to Bishop Frank Beard.

So far, we have discussed taking care of our physical bodies, our souls, and our spiritual well-being as we seek to fulfill the needs of others–our parents, our neighbors, and our friends. On this final day, however, we want to pray thanks and blessings over Bishop Beard, the gifts we have collected to give to Our Conference Our Kids, and for our agencies, Our Kids, and their families.

Today marks the last day of collecting for Kids who need our help. Jesus has given us all the tools to not only take care of ourselves but to take care of others. Through our giving, kids at Chaddock, Cunningham Children’s Home, Lessie Bates David Neighborhood House, Spero Family Service, and The Baby Fold have given a financial donation that will help provide food, clothing, and other necessities to God’s children. Through our giving, God’s children are able to experience the love of Christ more fully in their life. Through our giving, God’s children are able to know that they are loved.

In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, we are reminded to “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” God wants us to always rejoice for his children, to pray continually for his children, and to give thanks that what he has given us is what has been willed by his Son, Jesus Christ. We have been willed to love everyone.

So, as our giving concludes, let us remember to continually pray for all of God’s children; and give thanks for the hard-work that Bishop Beard has done and continues to do to make sure that God’s children are taken care of. Colossians 3:15-17 states, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Let Christ rule in your heart, may God be with you always, and may you remember to help your parents, friends, and neighbors.

Thank you for you Hard-Work! – Holy Spirit

For All – Lord, we give You thanks today for the ways that we are connected to You and to each other as Bishop, clergy, laity, local church, child and family receiving services and care, and as our agencies: Chaddock, Cunningham Children’s Home, Lessie Bates David Neighborhood House, Spero Family Services and The Baby Fold. We give thanks for Bishop Beard and his leadership among us, for his support of Our Conference Our Kids, and for the gifts and offerings that have been collected to honor him and to extend even further the care and compassion of Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.