Bethany Christian Services’ Post

Parking lot exit sign at Tampa’s Messiah Lutheran Church. As their service ends and individuals leave the church parking lot, a powerful reminder resonates: "You are entering the mission field." This statement carries profound meaning, urging everyone to recognize that their faith extends beyond the walls of the church and into the world around them. Every day presents an opportunity to embody the values of love, compassion, and service, preached within the church by Pastor Mark Adrian. That the mission field is not just a distant place; it is the neighborhood, the workplace, and the community where everyday interactions occur. Each person can have influence by spreading kindness and understanding in their daily lives. Individuals leaving Messiah Lutheran’s church parking lot, embracing the idea of entering the mission field can inspire a commitment to service and compassion. It is a reminder that living out one’s faith happens every day, in every interaction. Recognizing the suffering face of Christ in all we encounter. Together, by spreading love and kindness, everyone can help create a brighter and more caring neighborhood, community, and world. Dorothy Day Tampa – mission field laborers.

In honor of Grandparents Day, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the legacy we want to leave for our families. Legacy isn’t just about what we leave behind—it’s about the impact we create for generations to come. How can you intentionally shape the future for those you love? #LeaveALegacy #BellinoFinancialCoaching #GenerationalWealth

In many congregations, there is an implicit understanding that clergy are called to serve their faith community with dedication, passion, and tireless energy. However, this noble calling often comes with a set of unrealistic expectations that make it difficult for clergy to thrive, both personally and professionally. From inadequate compensation to overwhelming demands on their time, clergy are frequently placed in positions where they are expected to give far more than is reasonable, often at the expense of their own well-being. Let’s take a closer look at some of these expectations and how they impact clergy and the congregations they serve. https://lnkd.in/gEFcu8-D

Father's Day is just around the corner, and what better way to show your love and appreciation than securing his legacy? This April, let's honor the superheroes in our lives by ensuring their hard-earned assets and cherished memories are protected for generations to come. https://bit.ly/3ur9tsa #FathersDay #LegacyPlanning #SecureYourLegacy #EstatePlanning

As we observe Memorial Day, let's remember the bravery and sacrifice of those who served. 🇺🇸 It's a day of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the values that drive us to serve our community with integrity and dedication. This Memorial Day, we are harnessing the power of personalized engagement and emotional connections; check out our latest blog post, https://lnkd.in/gSNDt4Up #MemorialDay #HonorAndServe #DigitalMarketingEthics #CommunityFirst #ReflectionAndGratitude

There are so many things right about this approach and model. This project provides many examples to learn and model from. Edmundites, HURRAH!

Memorial Day is one of the most important days we recognize as citizens of the United States of America. This quote by Harry S. Truman helps us understand that it is our duty to reflect on and express our gratitude for the service of those who have fought to protect our rights and freedoms. Many individuals have given their lives to enshrine the daily comforts and feelings of happiness we are able to enjoy, and we should never take this for granted. Originally, this day celebrated the end of the Civil War, but it now acts as a solemn reminder of all that we have fought for as a nation throughout our proud history: freedom, liberty, democracy, and fairness. Pausing regular life to remember the sacrifices of those who came before and celebrating all that we have yet to do as a great nation is one small way to show our understanding of the complex and painful histories we represent as a nation. When so much of the world is experiencing so much grief, we owe it to ourselves to reflect on our own past and all that we have worked together to protect and provide for the citizens of the United States. This Memorial Day, as we enjoy the beginning of summer, let us also solemnly consider our ongoing responsibility to uphold and fight for those values that comprise this beautiful country: freedom, fairness, and equality for all. #memorialday #freedom #equalityforall

Honoring Patriots Day: A Day of Reflection and Unity Patriots Day is a moment to honor the lives lost and the bravery of first responders during the tragic events of September 11, 2001. It’s a day for Americans to come together in reflection, unity, and remembrance. As public servants and human resource professionals, it’s essential to recognize the profound role of government employees—many of whom were on the front lines that day—who risked and sacrificed their lives for the safety of others. In the public sector, we are reminded daily of the values of service, community, and commitment to the common good. Patriots Day is a stark reminder that in times of crisis, the strength and resilience of our public institutions and the people who serve in them shine brightly. This Patriots Day, let’s take a moment to reflect on how we can continue to serve our communities with compassion, integrity, and honor, upholding the legacy of those who served in the face of adversity. #PatriotsDay #NeverForget #UnitedWeStand #FirstResponders #ServiceAndSacrifice #HonorAndRemembrance #PublicService #911Memorial #Resilience #CommunityStrength

In our daily lives, access to showers and hygiene items is something many of us take for granted. For the homeless, however, these basic necessities can be hard to come by. Project Outpour is making a significant impact by providing the homeless community with the opportunity to take showers and access hygiene items. This simple act can restore dignity, promote health, and offer a sense of normalcy. Statistics show that on any given night, more than 550,000 people in the United States experience homelessness. Hygiene is not just a matter of comfort; it's essential for health and well-being. By supporting Project Outpour we are helping to bridge this critical gap. Join us in making a difference. #SupportTheHomeless #ProjectOutPour #DignityForAll #EndHomelessness #HealthAndHygiene #CommunityCare For more information on how you can help, visit www.projectoutpour.org Let's come together to ensure that everyone has access to these basic human needs.

An observation for this Presidents’ Day: My friend asked me where we draw the line on taking down the monuments of former/current heroes. Do we take down the monuments of all of the slaveholding Presidents? My answer is: Let’s talk about it. Every early President didn’t own slaves; neither John Adams nor John Quincy Adams owned slaves because they didn’t agree with the practice. SEE? Slavery wasn’t just a thing that everybody went along with like an inevitability. Some people said, “That’s a no for me, dawg.”  There is space between pulling down every statue of a slave-owning President and pretending that they were all angels. Each of them was a fallible person. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence based on the universal rights of man while holding more than 600 people as slaves, while having children with an enslaved girl of minor age. Maybe in the space between angel and devil we can find a way to appreciate the good deeds of some of these men and condemn their failings that we are still paying for today. Do you get a statue? Sure. Maybe the statue also mentions that you were a slaveholder. Maybe the schools you built offer free tuition to the descendants of your enslaved people. There is a lot of space and we should talk inside that space. We’re all old enough to know that no one is all good or all bad; that also applies to national heroes. For your convenience, here is a list of US Presidents who owned slaves at some point in their adult lives: George Washington Thomas Jefferson James Madison James Monroe Andrew Jackson Martin Van Buren William Henry Harrison John Tyler James K. Polk Zachary Taylor Andrew Johnson Ulysses S. Grant (Not Grant! Yes, his wife had control of 4 slaves during the Civil War. She freed them after the Emancipation Proclamation) Below is a picture of Hannah Jackson, a woman enslaved by Pres. Andrew Jackson. She might not think he was so great. Image from Wikipedia