Page 35 - NMI handbook 2020-2021

Alabaster

ALABASTER: INTERNATIONAL BUILDING FUND

While we understand the church consists of the people of God
and not a building, buildings erected for the purpose of ministry
help provide a sense of permanence, functionally enhance
ministry efforts, and convey an attitude that the Church of the
Nazarene intends to "put down roots." Alabaster funds help
provide land for many Work & Witness projects, and the entire
Alabaster Offering goes toward the purchase of land and
construction of churches, schools, medical facilities, and homes
for missionaries and national workers.

HOW ARE ALABASTER OEFFERINGS RECEIVED?

People often collect their spare change throughout the year in a variety of containers,
canning jars, coffee mugs, or an Alabaster Box as shown here.

Many churches receive regular offerings throughout the year that are designated as
Alabaster funds. However, the semi-annual offerings in September and February are
tradition in the Church of the Nazarene.
Alabaster boxes can be purchased by visiting The Foundry Publishing on line
thefoundrypublishing.com.
Go online to Nazarene.org for more Alabaster information

Alabaster impact story
For years the Church of the Nazarene in Armenia, Colombia
has rented property next to their sanctuary for a Sunday School for
children and youth. The owner of the property has decided to build on this land
and has given the church three months to relocate. The church has decided to build a
second floor on the property they own for classrooms and other church activities.
Alabaster funds will be used to help this church provide these classrooms
which will also be a more secure environment than those
currently being rented.

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Our good and gracious God, we love You so much. As we stop and ponder all
that you do for us, our hearts swell with gratitude. We read in Your Word that
Jesus was moved with compassion when He saw all the hopelessness around Him.
As people who are transformed by Your Holy Spirit, and shaped by our Lord,
may we be moved with compassion as well. Help us, Lord, to put others
ahead of ourselves, to see their needs and do what we can to meet that need.
We know this requires us to get our eyes off of ourselves and change our
attitudes to that of the humble attitude of You, Lord Jesus. May we be more like
You. In the wonderful name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen

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