This document dates from the time the first handmaids in the People of Praise were selected. It describes their pastoral role and their place within the order of the community. Historical Note: In October of 1977 the coordinators discussed ways in which some women might help them care for the women in the community and agreed to conduct a consultation. Community members were … [Read more...] about 210. Handmaids in the People of Praise
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209. Early Youth Ministry Proposals
A set of proposals for summer camp, childcare and preschool youth ministry, including a survey given to the adults of the community about what skills they might be able to share with People of Praise children. This survey was in part a response to a word from the Lord about the children. … [Read more...] about 209. Early Youth Ministry Proposals
208. Small Groups in the People of Praise
In this 1977 interview published in Pastoral Renewal, Paul DeCelles discussed the purpose and function of men’s and women’s groups in the People of Praise. Small Groups In the People of Praise How small groupings can propel members to mature Christian manhood and womanhood An interview with Paul DeCelles The People of Praise is an ecumenical Christian community … [Read more...] about 208. Small Groups in the People of Praise
206. 1976 Household Agreements List
A practical look at household life in 1976. This is a list of agreements made by members of one People of Praise household for the sake of common life and unity and to avoid misunderstanding and mismatched expectations. Note: This is a faithful transcript of the original document, which retains any typographical errors in the original, as well as mark-ups such as crossed … [Read more...] about 206. 1976 Household Agreements List
200. Background Information for 1976-1981 Sources
Demographics Although the community didn’t keep membership statistics at this time, the archives do contain some demographic information. In the previous resource time period (1971-1975) the adult membership grew from 29 members on October 15, 1971, to 240 members in October, 1975. Between October, 1974, and October, 1975, 140 people joined the community. During this time … [Read more...] about 200. Background Information for 1976-1981 Sources
305. The Resourceful Christian (excerpt)
In this book excerpt, Kerry Koller teaches readers how to be provident and resourceful Christians and how to live in a way that prepares them for changes in the economy. He explores scriptural principles regarding money and possessions and warnings about the pursuit of wealth. God’s provision for us sustains us and allows us to support his work. THREEA Scriptural … [Read more...] about 305. The Resourceful Christian (excerpt)
313. 1984 Letter to Coordinators
This introductory letter to the coordinators from Paul DeCelles outlined the topics they would be discussing at an upcoming meeting. He and the head coordinators were introducing proposed changes to the structure and government of the People of Praise such as term limits, a more defined leadership structure and a way of nominating new coordinators. These proposals eventually … [Read more...] about 313. 1984 Letter to Coordinators
314. First Elections and Appointments
This is an excerpt from Vine & Branches published in 1985 to bring the community up to date on the election of and terms of office for new leaders, including the seven-member board of governors, the principal branch coordinators, area coordinators, handmaids and the overall coordinator. Note: This source is displayed in two parts. Click the pdf image below to read the … [Read more...] about 314. First Elections and Appointments
315. State in Life Decisions
In this text version of a talk given in 1985 in Servant Branch, Nano Farabaugh taught people how to assist others in praying through a state-in-life decision. She described the different states of life and the benefits of praying about and making a clear decision. First I would like to begin by defining some terms. Let’s look at the difference between state in life decision … [Read more...] about 315. State in Life Decisions
316. How to Head your Wife
This outline provides practical and specific instruction for how husbands should head their wives, looking to Christ as the model. Headship in marriage should provide support, care and freedom for the wife. [Note: Passages in brackets are marginal notes in the original handwritten outline. Italic passages in brackets are editorial additions for clarity.] Neither male nor … [Read more...] about 316. How to Head your Wife
306. Showers: A Case Study in Decision-Making
This source presents several documents that show the progression of how guidelines for community wedding and baby showers came into being. Among other documents, it includes a memo from the handmaids to the coordinators and the coordinators’ final approval of shower guidelines based on the handmaids’ input. Although the information about showers is important, the focus of this … [Read more...] about 306. Showers: A Case Study in Decision-Making
324. Purposes of Pastoral Care
In this document, Paul DeCelles corrected misconceptions about headship and submission. He explained two goals of pastoral care: to assist us in becoming free individuals and to build unity of mind and heart in the body. This is a manuscript for a talk and seems to end abruptly. We don’t know whether the talk was ever given. I'm sure you've noticed that the words headship … [Read more...] about 324. Purposes of Pastoral Care