 |
   |
When the coffee flows at Ecclesia Church in Houston, there is much more at stake than enhancing the worship experience for weekend attenders.
Ecclesia was intentionally planted in the heart of the city with an art gallery, recording studio, music venue and coffee shop that sells only fair trade coffee. The coffee shop also sells pastries and other food items made by local vendors.
"There are many people who buy their coffee only from us, "says Ian Uriarte, Ecclesia executive pastor. "We see this as an opportunity to be transformational: with simple decisions, we provide benefits to people who are suffering in the world." |
|
Fair trade coffee will also be pouring soon at Mercy Street, a church plant out of Chapelwood
United Methodist Church in Houston.
For more than seven years, Mercy Street has sold Equal Exchange Coffee (EEC)--imported products certified by government agencies as coming from businesses that pay workers a fair price, promote good working conditions and abide by strict environmental standards. The church will soon be serving fair trade coffee to attenders as well.
"We are firm believers in the ethic of work and that a person should be paid a fair wage for their work," says Sean Gladding, Mercy Street's co-pastor. "This isn't just about coffee . . ." |
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Faith and Family Influence Youth's Happiness
MTV and The Associated Press has released an in-depth study on happiness and young people: how happy they are, what makes them happy and what they're doing to ensure future happiness.
|
 |
Top 10 Surnames in the U.S.
Smith remains the most common surname in the United States, according to recent analysis by the Census Bureau. For the first time, two Hispanic surnames--Garcia and Rodriguez--are among the top 10 most common in the nation, and Martinez nearly edged out Wilson for 10th place.
|
 |
Broadband Now in 50% of US Homes
Half of all Americans now have broadband Internet access at home, marking the first time that 50% of respondents have said they have high-speed connections at home, according to the Pew Internet Project’s September 2007 survey.
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
Pursuant Group
The Pursuant Group, an alliance partner of Leadership Network, offers strategic, creative and technical services to fundraising professionals who desire to utilize the Internet as a relationship fundraising channel. |
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
Visit Leadership Network Advance Archives for valuable information on a variety of ministry topics, including these:
 |
Strategies for Investing in Your Community |
|
Good Works: Externally Focused Churches Facilitate New Ministry |
|
Using a Great Day of Service to Shape Your Church's Culture |
|
Transforming Volunteers into Kingdom Laborers |
|
|
|
|
