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Dick's Column
Dear G$ Friends and Colleagues,
The current financial crisis is increasingly causing us to look more deeply at the whole issue of money and our relationship to it — and that is a good thing. It’s like the curtain has been pulled back on the Wizard of Materialism and what’s been exposed is a very sad, little old man with a shriveled heart. The Wizard has everything but is unhappy in the midst of his abundance.
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Transforming Truths
All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. — Acts 4:32-35
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News You Can Use
Work, Work, Work
Retirement is going the way of the eight-track tape. According to an article in Business Week, the concept of not working for the last part of one’s life is no longer practical for most people.
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Words of Wisdom in the Economic Storm
In recent months, we have used this newsletter to highlight the efforts of various churches around the country to help people navigate in our tough economy — from Sunday messages to letters to church members to special events.
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Economy May Be Impacting Birth Rate
There are indications that the economy is causing people to cut back on more than just new clothes and cars. Some couples may be cutting back on the number of children they’re having.
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Prescription Medicine Becoming Cost Prohibitive
More Americans are going without their prescription medicine because they can’t afford the cost.
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Spotlight
What If You Can't Pay Your Medical Bills?
You don’t have to be uninsured to struggle with medical bills. According to a survey from the Commonwealth Fund, a private healthcare foundation, an estimated 79 million Americans are finding it difficult to pay their medical bills, over 60 percent of which have insurance.
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Market Indicators
Money or Meaning?
For many years, the largest annual survey of incoming college freshmen has tracked a divergence in the students’ priorities, with more young people saying it’s essential or very important to become very well off.
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Resources
Freed-Up Financial Living
This new Good $ense core curriculum is in plug-and-play DVD format; with teaching done in informal, conversational style by Dick Towner, John Tofilon, and Shannon Plate. Click HERE for more information and to order.
Money. Purpose. Joy
The new book, workbook, and small group discussion guide by our own Matt Bell are now available. click HERE to order.
Debt Reduction Workshop
Consider following up your Budget Course with the two hour Debt Reduction Workshop as additional help for those with serious debt problems. Watch for the new addition of this course on DVD due out next year.
Good $ense Counselor Training
This resource contains everything necessary to train a cadre of budget counselors/coaches including Leader's Guide, case study DVD's, forms and record systems, and counselor's manual. Click HERE for information and to order.
Spanish Edition of the Good $ense Budget Workshop
The tested and proven Budget Course including Leader's Guide, Participant Guide, PowerPoint and DVD sketches in Spanish. Click HERE for information and to order.
40 Day Spiritual Journey To a More Generous Life
This best selling 40 day devotional from Rev. Brian Kluth is now available at discounted rates to your ministry. Check it out HERE.
Pursuing Spiritual Transformation: GIVING
For those looking for a small group study to go beyond the Freed-Up or Money, Purpose, Joy resources, consider this seven-week study that deals with money, debt, a biblical lifestyle and developing a heart of compassion.
Speakers/Teachers
A limited number of trained individuals are available to lead your first Good $ense course. Contact the G$ Office @224-512-1833 for information. READ MORE >
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