The Script
for you have been my partners in spreading the Good News about Christ from the time you first heard it until now. Philippians 1:5
The Plot
During the 1904 World’s Fair a special partnership was formed. It was hot and humid in St. Louis and people were looking for something that would cool them off. Arnold Fornachou had just the thing—ice cream. People stood in long lines outside his ice cream stand waiting for the opportunity to purchase the cooling treat. But Arnold had a problem. He ran out of paper bowls. He kept serving, using porcelain bowls, but people had to wait until the bowls were returned and washed. The lines were moving very slowly and many were losing patience.
Next to Arnold’s booth was a pastry booth run by Ernest Hamwi. He was making a Persian wafer dessert called zalabia. Because of the heat few if any were interested in purchasing his product. He noticed Arnold’s problem and he came up with an idea. He took some warm zalabia and rolled it into a cone shape. He suggested that Arnold could put a scoop of ice cream on top of the cone and the rest is history.
The church in Philippi shared with Paul a “partnership in the gospel from the first day”. Paul recalls, “You Philippians well know, and you can be sure I’ll never forget it, that when I first left Macedonia province, venturing out with the Message, not one church helped out in the give-and-take of this work except you. You were the only one. Even while I was in Thessalonica, you helped out—and not only once, but twice. Not that I’m looking for handouts, but I do want you to experience the blessing that issues from generosity.”Phil 4:15-17 The warm letter to the Philippians is strong evidence to this deep love between Paul and some of his dearest friends.
Walk Through
- What are some ways the church in Philippi partnered with Paul in his ministry?
- Does supporting a ministry just mean financial support?
- What are some ways you can partner with Grace in our community?
Ad Lib
During this message series, we are offering many ways to “partner with us” in serving our community. Whether it is handing out water at a softball game, giving blood, treats for dogs (and their owners), meals for the homeless or painting an apartment, commit yourself to becoming a partner with Grace in serving our community.