Journal of European Baptist Studies, 2017

ith facilities that are adequate but not showy, and offers opportunities for involvement without being over-programmed. 25 Though originally built as a church, before our purchase, Scum’s building had most recently been an art studio. The paint-splattered floors, varied and unusual colour schemes, and hand-tiled bathrooms make for an eclectic aesthetic experience, but nothing is expensive, and nothing needs to be protected from ordinary use. The plates are mismatched, the weekly meals are simple and repetitive, and the furniture all second-hand and worn. This intentional lack of elegance allows poorer members to feel at ease. Focus goes to the relationships built around mismatched mugs of coffee, and gratitude is expressed. A contented church tries not to demonstrate an anxious or self-focused perspective toward money. Scum encourages congregants to give generously, realising that for some, it might mean dropping a bus token in the offering bucket to be passed on to someone in need. We retain our transient young adults for an average of three years before they move for a job, education, or family, so it is important to inculcate values that will travel well with them to different locations. That is one reason we strive to demonstrate trust in God by encouraging those who want to give toward individuals and organisations outside of Scum, even when our own finances seem in jeopardy. Having a lean budget encourages simplicity in programming, which in turn has the benefit of making us rely heavily on the Christian community around us. Families utilise opportunities for children and youth at other 22 Skye Jethani, ‘Stranded in Neverland’, Leadership Journal 30:2 (Spring 2009), <http ://www. Christianity today .com/le/2009/ spring/ strandedinneverland.html> [accessed 15 F ebruary 2014] 23 Miller, Consuming Religion, p. 112. 24 Carl Raschke, Globochrist: The Great Commission Takes a Postmodern Turn (Grand Rapids: Baker, 2008), p. 51. 25 Stuart Murray, Church Planting: Laying Foundations (Carlisle: Paternoster, 1998), p. 190. 48 Journal of European Baptist Studies 17:1 (2017) churches, and we enjoy learning through seminars open to the wider Christian community. We endeavour to focus on what we do ‘best’ and to appreciate and humbly co-operate with the wider church in Denver. In- house, clothing exchanges are particularly popular among the women. Rather than buying new each season, women gather around heaps of used clothes and compliment each other on how a garment they previously wore looks on its new owner. The practice of contentment means no shame in wearing another’s castoff; and the fun of acquiring something ‘new’ does not have to be purchased at a retail shop. Contentment and Vocation For young adults with limited financial means, vocational or university education may be out of reach. Those who do graduate are often saddled with debt and find it difficult to make a salary sufficient