Douglass Blvd Christian Church

an open and affirming community of faith

n open and affirming community where faith is questioned and formed, as relationships are made and upheld. 

Suffering, Sorrow, and Being Nine Years-Old

By Derek Penwell

I had a baseball game that day, beginning and ending my career as a catcher for Dog ‘n Suds at the tender age of nine. I was nearsighted and my glasses didn’t fit beneath the mask. Every time I turned my head, the mask moved slightly, as did my black nerd glasses, which made every pitch a funhouse adventure.

After I got home, following yet another losing game, and parked my orange Huffy with the black and orange striped banana seat, my mom met me outside and said, “There’s been an accident.”

Not knowing quite what to say, I said, “Who?”

“Jamie,” she said. “He and Michael were playing with lighter fluid out in the woods, and Jamie was burned badly.”

I remember wondering how it might be possible to be burned “goodly.” But all I said was, “What happened?”

“I don’t know, honey. His mom just called. I think he’d like to see you.”

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If You Want to Give Online, Now You Can!

We've recently started something new at Douglass Blvd. Christian Church when it comes to stewardship: We've made it as painless as possible to give online. Now you can sign up for automatic payments to come from your bank account, your credit card, or your hopelessly rich aunt Carol (well, ok, you can't really sign up for aunt Carol without her knowing it, because that would be wrong—but the other two options are still good).

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

Why might I want to sign up for automatic payments to Douglass Blvd. Christian Church?

  • It saves the aggravation of having to remember to keep your check book handy
  • It saves you needless expense on (environmentally unfriendly) paper checks and messy ink pen refills
  • It helps DBCC better track our finances, making Joanna's life easier
  • It totally gives you street cred with the kids.

Does that mean you only want digital money now?

No. We still value cash, checks, and gifts of stock (see, aunt Carol). We're only trying to offer additional ways to open up the possibility of supporting the work and ministry of DBCC. Many of us pay our bills and do our shopping almost exclusively online, which makes this an attractive option. If that doesn't describe you, however, no need to worry. We're not trying to force you into doing something you aren't comfortable with.

I've heard a lot about online scams—identity theft, stolen credit card numbers, deposed Nigerian dictators—do I have to worry about the privacy and security of my financial information?

Great question! Faithstreet is a highly respected online presence, dedicated to helping congregations with stewardship and with making connections with people who are searching for a church. Here's the CBS News report on Faithstreet. And the Washington Post thought enough of Faithstreet to partner with them.

As far as privacy and security go, here's their statement on just how vigilantly they'll be watching your personal and financial information.

Can I pay on my phone?

You sure can! You can follow this link.

Or, you can use this handy dandy QR code.

Are there other ways to sign up?

Of course, if you feel more comfortable filling out a form by hand, and turning in a physical artifact, you can print this form off and send it in. We're fine however you want to do it.

Are there any other benefits to online giving?

Yes. There are people all over the world who regularly interact with DBCC online, reading the blog, listening to podcasts, appreciating our marvelous staff. Online giving provides them an easier alternative to support the work and ministry we're engaged in.

So, if you're up for it, try something new. Give online. It's fast, reliable, and simpler than a pack mule.

 

I Will (Ezekiel 34:11-16, 20-24)

Because in a world that’s heard it all before, in a world where people are dying for someone just to say what they mean, in a world in which sometimes even the most important people in our lives can’t be trusted, when God asks, 'Who will be for my people both the shepherd and the lamb slain on their behalf?' and we hear Jesus call out from the cross at the place of skull, 'I will,' we know that God’s serious about keeping promises.


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A Reminder about Office Closing

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Just a reminder: Because all of our staff live more than 10 miles from church, when the weather is bad enough for Jefferson County Public schools to close school, the church offices will also be closed.