Deacon’s Blog

Just upgraded to WordPress 2.6. Lots of new features - most of which I had been hoping for for some time. Here’s a video tour.

From Mathematica Policy Research: Collaborating with Faith-and Community-Based Organizations: Lessons Learned from 12 Workforce Investment Boards (PDF format)

The public workforce investment system aims to serve all job seekers, but many of those most in need of help do not use it. Language barriers, dislike or fear of government agencies, limited awareness of available services, and difficulties using self-directed services are some of the challenges that may limit the accessibility of the system. While not traditionally partners in the workforce investment system, small, grassroots faith-based and community organizations (FBCOs) may be well positioned to serve people who do not currently use the public workforce system. Some job seekers may be more likely to access services from FBCOs because they typically have earned the trust of local community members and understand their needs. Moreover, FBCOs often provide personal, flexible, and comprehensive services that are well suited to people who face multiple barriers to employment.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has recognized that by filling a service gap and serving some of the neediest populations, FBCOs have the potential to be valuable partners in the workforce investment system. Collaborating with FBCOs may also allow the government to leverage its workforce investment funds by taking advantage of the volunteers, donated goods and services, and other resources FBCOs are often able to access. Moreover, an FBCO’s knowledge of its community and its needs may help workforce investment agencies plan and deliver services more effectively…

These efforts are important, especially as we face increased unemployment and skills gaps. Churches need to take up efforts to address the employment and training needs of their congregants - and these relationships are a great effort in that direction. I encourage pastors, deacons, and parish leaders to read this Mathematica report.

Anyone checked these out? If you want, you can get one here AND support this blog. Thanks.

My quiz results:

You are Spider-Man
Spider-man		85%
Hulk		80%
Green Lantern		80%
Iron Man		80%
Catwoman		70%
Batman		65%
Supergirl		60%
Superman		55%
The Flash		50%
Robin		40%
Wonder Woman		25%
You are intelligent, witty, a bit geeky and have great power and responsibility.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

A friend sent me a link to a site called Birth Verse. You put in your birth date and are given a biblical verse where the chapter and verse are the month and day of your birth.

I ended up with the following from Proverbs (NIV):

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
and he who wins souls is wise.

Unfortunately the RSV isn’t quite as happy as the NIV:

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life,
but lawlessness takes away lives.

Thankfully the Douay-Rheims backs up the NIV:

The fruit of the just man is a tree of life:
and he that gaineth souls, is wise.

A mix of C.S. Lewis’s audio book “Mere Christianity” dubbed over mixes of ambient house, drum n bass and electronica from Aaron Marshall of CHURCHSMO whom I follow on Twitter. This is really cool.

Honoring Russell Pawlak and the work he has lead - to restore and reclaim a part of Buffalo’s history. His story shows that determination, hard work, and a step-by-step approach can win more than just the day. From today’s Buffalo News: Restoration conductor hangs up his cap at Central Terminal - Russell Pawlak steps aside after 10 years as volunteer

Ten years ago, Central Terminal was an uninhabited and dilapidated relic in danger of the wrecking ball.

Today, the 17-story art deco former train station on the East Side is still a long way from full restoration, but it has become a popular site for community and offbeat artistic events.

The surprising transformation wouldn’t have happened without Russell Pawlak, the pitchman, marketer and, some people contend, visionary who grew up on Milburn Street, in the shadow of Central Terminal.

Now, after a decade of volunteer involvement, including the last eight as president of the Central Terminal Restoration Corp., Pawlak is hanging up his conductor’s cap…

Came across an interesting musical group from the Ukraine - Hydamaky. They do a blend of Ukrainian and Carpathian folk, reggae, and punk. As one friend pointed out to me - you have to suffer a lot to make music like this. Soulful, beautiful. Enjoy.

From Cyberbrethren: A Lutheran Blog - Not a Bad Lutheran, Just a Bad Person

On another Lutheran blog site, a blogger posted his confession that he does not much like the writings of Martin Luther, the paintings of Lucas Cranach, or the music of J.S. Bach. He asked, “Does this make me a bad Lutheran?” A person responded by saying, “No, it doesn’t make you a bad Lutheran, just a bad person.” I thought this was one of the funniest quips I’ve read on a Lutheran blog site in a long time.

This is really funny. I laughed quite a bit when I read it. I just had to share it with you. It also speaks to a common failure among the faithful - an inability to recognize and honor where we come from.

Anyone want to take a shot at humorous quips for other Churches or faith groups?