{"id":16,"date":"2008-12-09T14:31:00","date_gmt":"2008-12-09T19:31:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/2008\/12\/09\/december-10-17-2008-ring-those-bells\/"},"modified":"2008-12-09T14:31:00","modified_gmt":"2008-12-09T19:31:00","slug":"december-10-17-2008-ring-those-bells","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/december-10-17-2008-ring-those-bells\/","title":{"rendered":"December 10-17, 2008 – Ring those bells!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Warm-up Question:<\/span><\/strong> Have you seen the Salvation Army Bell Ringers? Do you toss something in the kettle? Why or why not?<\/span><\/div>\n
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Have you seen them out there? The Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringers? Volunteers who stand on corners every Christmas season, in front of grocery stores, malls, and convenience stores ringing bells hoping to have some change dropped in. Have you wondered, what\u2019s it for; how did it all begin?<\/span><\/p>\n

The Salvation Army church and charity began in England in 1865, seeking to reach out to the marginalized in society; alcoholics, drug dealers, and prostitutes. Today the Salvation Army is most recognized by its Christmas Red Kettle Campaign. The \u2018kettle\u2019 started in 1891 in San Francisco, CA by Salvation Army Officer Captain Joseph McFee to raise money for Christmas dinners for the poor in San Francisco. Originally, a crab pot was hung from a tripod and passerby\u2019s were encouraged to \u2018keep the pot boiling\u2019 by donating to the fund designated to feed the poor.<\/span><\/p>\n

Since it\u2019s inception, the red kettles have sought to raise money for the poor each Christmas season, using the donations to purchase toys for children, provide meals and assistance to the poor, and provide utility and home subsidization, disaster relief, drug treatment, and senior and child care to families in need. Since 2004, the campaign has brought in nearly 100 million dollars a year to fund these projects. The Salvation Army has helped 37 million people, and 83 cents of every dollar goes directly to those who are in need of it.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next time you hear those bells you will know their story, its rich history, and think about the Christ-centered impact that it makes on our world and communities. It\u2019s an announcement that tells us \u201cChristmas is coming. Take care of those who need Christ\u2019s promises and hope most of all.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Discussion Questions<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/div>\n