One of the greatest parts of our ongoing conversation is when we get to hear about each others' journeys. We briefly did this by commenting on what keeps us coming back to EmDes, or what drew us in the first place. The only part I remember about this is that Adam said it was a little like crack. Yeah I wrote that down, soooo....I had to type it.
On wrapping up Shane's book (though I have no business even writing that phrase: a bit behind I am), we got on to the subject of excommunication. Oh is this a fun topic. We quickly found out that semantics play a big part in how each of us understands this term, and then of course the ideas that flow from that understanding. Neither of the two extremes are desirable: a community that is destroyed by a person or a person's influence, nor a person that is essentially destroyed by their own community by being "cast out". I'll stop here because I speak in great ignorance: I'd like us to research this further bringing Shane's voice into better light via some other voices and theologies. ...to be continued...?
Another subject/question came up (from our beloved Ron G-ski) while wrapping up our second Shane Claiborne book - "Can a Christian become a politician in good conscience?" It seems Shane's answer would be no, but I don't believe as a group we unanimously agree. I'm not sure if we were able to answer this for ourselves with any further clarity, but it is an interesting question in light of some of Shane's perspectives regarding the context of Jesus' time, and what Jesus seemed to stand for and against.
It seems as a community we are trying to wrestle to that next level of vulnerability. We're at least seeing vulnerability as the primary obstacle to what we would want in church/community: Adam redeemed his crack comment by asking a fantastic question...one that I think starts to chip away at these vulnerability problems. (paraphrasing) "Is there a way to achieve vulnerability across gender lines?"
Oooooh, good one. We're so used to the fact that if you want to go "deep", go to the "next level", that you must break into male and female groups. And though there are good reasons for this that most of us could recite, shouldn't we wonder if we're not crippling community growth right out of the cocoon? It just so happens that a good friend of ours recently touched on this. I would highly recommend giving that link a go.
At this point we're going to take a little break from the book work and let it free flow for a while. I think some Nooma's, some Laundry Love brainstorming, and a dash of "let's just be who we are, which happens to be church" would go great this summer with Jim's beer. What do you think?
(G-ski's - that was me winking at you, asking you to bring a Nooma if you're comin'. If not, we'll all talk about you behind your backs)
Showing posts with label Recap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Recap. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2009
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Recap 5.03.09
Adam shared with us a bit of his story, and how he and Tara came to be on this journey. It had been on his and Tara's heart to go see, hear and taste what extreme poverty actually is. While in Addis Ababa, Ethiopa, among the places they went was a church service for those dying of AIDS. Those running the service would care for those in need and give them a place to worship in their final hours. Needless to say this was a life changing experience. This was contrasted later with a mega-church service here in the valley (we'll allow it to remain nameless) in which the happy parishioners were cheering the pastor as he revved his Harley Davidson down the aisle and up onto the stage as a sermon intro. This could be a place marked as the beginning of a change for the Bams...
(Adam and Tara, for me to sum up the depths your experience(s) in a few lines is impossible. Please edit away, or feel free to write "not endorsed by the Bams" in the comments.)
Adam then read to us from pages 136-138 in Shane's book, as a new perspective, or rather a big picture view of the great commission.
In light of some of the points brought up in Jesus for President, the pledge of allegiance was mentioned as a little more difficult to swallow for some of us, especially those of us who have children and are wondering just exactly what it is that we want them to value. Isn't it the people who make a country, not the country that makes the people?
As we take another hard look at becoming the church we want, becoming the people we want to become, we ask "how"? Yet in regards to what we "haven't" done, or to respond to our own critiques that say we are all talk and no action, we discussed the following.
I'm not sure who brought it up, but I believe it was Ron. Yeah you Ron. Here's the idea: no, we're not yet satisfied with where we are, and arguably we may never be. However, if we look back at ourselves 5 years ago (more or less for some of us), we can see that many things have changed. Some things have changed dramatically. We should not discount that this is in fact a journey, and it will be comprised of many single steps, not a small number of giant leaps. As I type this my own impatience is becoming all too apparent. I like big leaps.
Well, I hadn't been made aware of this about myself at the time, so I pressed on. My thoughts were these: We look at those who are examples of drastic change, such as Shane C. We usually respond with "I'm not going to make my own clothes or give my house to the poor so.....what can I do?" And yet I feel that if are ever going to be able (read: willing) to give our houses to the poor were going to have to start somewhere. So here's the question: where is a happy medium between changing the source of our coffee from *unknown to *freetrade, and giving away every possession we have? Can we drum up some creativity to find that middle ground? By the way, I think we all need to become very aware of what we buy, why, where it comes from, and who it affects. That said, I don't believe stopping there will satisfy what it is we're longing for.
Some ideas that came up...
(Adam and Tara, for me to sum up the depths your experience(s) in a few lines is impossible. Please edit away, or feel free to write "not endorsed by the Bams" in the comments.)
Adam then read to us from pages 136-138 in Shane's book, as a new perspective, or rather a big picture view of the great commission.
In light of some of the points brought up in Jesus for President, the pledge of allegiance was mentioned as a little more difficult to swallow for some of us, especially those of us who have children and are wondering just exactly what it is that we want them to value. Isn't it the people who make a country, not the country that makes the people?
As we take another hard look at becoming the church we want, becoming the people we want to become, we ask "how"? Yet in regards to what we "haven't" done, or to respond to our own critiques that say we are all talk and no action, we discussed the following.
I'm not sure who brought it up, but I believe it was Ron. Yeah you Ron. Here's the idea: no, we're not yet satisfied with where we are, and arguably we may never be. However, if we look back at ourselves 5 years ago (more or less for some of us), we can see that many things have changed. Some things have changed dramatically. We should not discount that this is in fact a journey, and it will be comprised of many single steps, not a small number of giant leaps. As I type this my own impatience is becoming all too apparent. I like big leaps.
Well, I hadn't been made aware of this about myself at the time, so I pressed on. My thoughts were these: We look at those who are examples of drastic change, such as Shane C. We usually respond with "I'm not going to make my own clothes or give my house to the poor so.....what can I do?" And yet I feel that if are ever going to be able (read: willing) to give our houses to the poor were going to have to start somewhere. So here's the question: where is a happy medium between changing the source of our coffee from *unknown to *freetrade, and giving away every possession we have? Can we drum up some creativity to find that middle ground? By the way, I think we all need to become very aware of what we buy, why, where it comes from, and who it affects. That said, I don't believe stopping there will satisfy what it is we're longing for.
Some ideas that came up...
- Jim suggested that we consider starting a neighborhood Laundry Love project in Mesa. This would be very cool: hanging out together, making new friends, and extending our love to those who need it. Check out the link - it's all sorts of good stuff. At this point we're just looking to see if somebody would like to kick it off. Are you that person? (I should go into recruiting, that was powerful)
- Sarah mentioned a friend of theirs who is a pastor and is experiencing some heart-ache from the decision to leave his church. Sarah said they are going to try and be there for him and support him through this time of transition.
- This kicked off a discussion about how pastors in many church contexts can be very overworked and under-appreciated. Yet while they need support, they may not be able to be supported by staff or laity because of the nature of the job, and the way you should "appear" to your congregation (I could type a novel about this, but I shan't). Jamie suggested there could be an opportunity here to serve those working in the church. I wonder: is this a hint of what it could look like to have a positive and mutually beneficial connection between the emerging church and the institutional church? I dream I dream....
- Mr. Grzecka suggested as a group we look at an Amor Ministries (or similar) weekend trip. That would also be way cool.
- Another good idea is one that Tara brought up (years?) ago. I think it fits into the question of what things we can do to live differently, yet not scary differently. A simple (online?) way of sharing resources among the group. Those items that we would be willing to let someone borrow we could have on a list, and basically could be able to say what's mine is yours. Tara, do you care to extrapolate, or have you modified the idea at all since way back when?
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Recap 4.19.09
Sunday evening was wonderful as always. I can never say enough about how grateful I am to be a part of this community, and how wonderfully welcoming Jim and Joy's home feels.
We started off by finding out what everybody's listening to on their mp3 players, tape decks, turntables, and discmans. A narrow but interesting insight into who people are.
As we began to reflect on Shane's words, it eventually unraveled (yet again) that his words produce emotion. In all of us, there is a response of either guilt, rage or confusion. Or a sweet concoction of all three. Debbie said it was actually upsetting her, but that it was a very good thing. This wrestling has been going on in all of us. I wonder to what extent it still goes on in Shane. The one emotion I hope it does not create in us is complacency, or a lack of emotion.
His credibility makes us move from his words to his actions (yet again). While Shaine has seemed to find his niche, where is ours? What can we do, if we're not going to make our own clothes? This is us just being honest - because for now, nobody is planning on going to some of the extremes Shane has. His actions make us ponder what ours will be.
So we discuss the practice of giving. Not necessarily time and money, but of self. Towards others, towards each other. How do we go from friendships to family? We tossed around some things that people had been doing for others. In fact, this part was very cool, because a few people got ousted for their random acts of kindness by others bragging about them. I love it.
So, it seems that our community is practicing, and arguably getting better at, giving. Somehow as we talked we realized this was only step one of many. What we are trying to become is REAL community, not just service robots. Sarah presents some wisdom:
Aaaaahh....yes. Yes, I know that's a ringer because it's easy to help, but nobody likes receiving help, if even for a moment. Nobody in the suburban west anyway. "I'll be fine, I can manage." we say. So independent, and yet trying desperately to form community. Independent and community? How?
Adam recalls an event in which he was very uncomfortable having his sweaty basketball socks removed, and his (beautiful) feet washed. ;)
Carrie: If we can't accept grace from each other, how does that affect, or more accurately reveal, how we receive it from God?
Profundity sets in. (well, for me....must've had a dumb look on my face too)
So here we are - now trying to understand and implement vulnerability. This should be fun.
Adam read Matthew 5-7 from the Message. Jamie notes that Eugene wanted to translate "blessed" as "lucky" in the beatitudes. Adam appended accordingly. It was beautiful. Eugene has a way with words, specifically Jesus' words (whom also has a pretty decent way with words himself).
Thanks Adam, for taking the time, and for leading and inspiring.
For those of you who missed, it would be worth your while to read how the following comes together.
Matthew 5-7 (The Message)
4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
25-26"Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you're likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won't get out without a stiff fine.
31-32"Remember the Scripture that says, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him do it legally, giving her divorce papers and her legal rights'? Too many of you are using that as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are 'legal.' Please, no more pretending. If you divorce your wife, you're responsible for making her an adulteress (unless she has already made herself that by sexual promiscuity). And if you marry such a divorced adulteress, you're automatically an adulterer yourself. You can't use legal cover to mask a moral failure.
48"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
7-13"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
14-15"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
16-18"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
24"You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.
25-26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
7-11"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
12"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
21-23"Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'
24-25"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26-27"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
28-29When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying—quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.
With permission from the Zonderman
We started off by finding out what everybody's listening to on their mp3 players, tape decks, turntables, and discmans. A narrow but interesting insight into who people are.
As we began to reflect on Shane's words, it eventually unraveled (yet again) that his words produce emotion. In all of us, there is a response of either guilt, rage or confusion. Or a sweet concoction of all three. Debbie said it was actually upsetting her, but that it was a very good thing. This wrestling has been going on in all of us. I wonder to what extent it still goes on in Shane. The one emotion I hope it does not create in us is complacency, or a lack of emotion.
His credibility makes us move from his words to his actions (yet again). While Shaine has seemed to find his niche, where is ours? What can we do, if we're not going to make our own clothes? This is us just being honest - because for now, nobody is planning on going to some of the extremes Shane has. His actions make us ponder what ours will be.
So we discuss the practice of giving. Not necessarily time and money, but of self. Towards others, towards each other. How do we go from friendships to family? We tossed around some things that people had been doing for others. In fact, this part was very cool, because a few people got ousted for their random acts of kindness by others bragging about them. I love it.
So, it seems that our community is practicing, and arguably getting better at, giving. Somehow as we talked we realized this was only step one of many. What we are trying to become is REAL community, not just service robots. Sarah presents some wisdom:
Perhaps it isn't that we need to be better at helping others to become closer. Maybe we need to learn to ask for help.
Aaaaahh....yes. Yes, I know that's a ringer because it's easy to help, but nobody likes receiving help, if even for a moment. Nobody in the suburban west anyway. "I'll be fine, I can manage." we say. So independent, and yet trying desperately to form community. Independent and community? How?
Adam recalls an event in which he was very uncomfortable having his sweaty basketball socks removed, and his (beautiful) feet washed. ;)
Carrie: If we can't accept grace from each other, how does that affect, or more accurately reveal, how we receive it from God?
Profundity sets in. (well, for me....must've had a dumb look on my face too)
So here we are - now trying to understand and implement vulnerability. This should be fun.
Adam read Matthew 5-7 from the Message. Jamie notes that Eugene wanted to translate "blessed" as "lucky" in the beatitudes. Adam appended accordingly. It was beautiful. Eugene has a way with words, specifically Jesus' words (whom also has a pretty decent way with words himself).
Thanks Adam, for taking the time, and for leading and inspiring.
For those of you who missed, it would be worth your while to read how the following comes together.
Matthew 5-7 (The Message)
You're Blessed
1-2 When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said: 3"You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.4"You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be embraced by the One most dear to you.
5"You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6"You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the best meal you'll ever eat.
7"You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'care-full,' you find yourselves cared for.
8"You're blessed when you get your inside world—your mind and heart—put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.
9"You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight. That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
10"You're blessed when your commitment to God provokes persecution. The persecution drives you even deeper into God's kingdom.
11-12"Not only that—count yourselves blessed every time people put you down or throw you out or speak lies about you to discredit me. What it means is that the truth is too close for comfort and they are uncomfortable. You can be glad when that happens—give a cheer, even!—for though they don't like it, I do! And all heaven applauds. And know that you are in good company. My prophets and witnesses have always gotten into this kind of trouble.
Salt and Light
13"Let me tell you why you are here. You're here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You've lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage. 14-16"Here's another way to put it: You're here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We're going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don't think I'm going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I'm putting you on a light stand. Now that I've put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you'll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.Completing God's Law
17-18"Don't suppose for a minute that I have come to demolish the Scriptures— either God's Law or the Prophets. I'm not here to demolish but to complete. I am going to put it all together, pull it all together in a vast panorama. God's Law is more real and lasting than the stars in the sky and the ground at your feet. Long after stars burn out and earth wears out, God's Law will be alive and working. 19-20"Trivialize even the smallest item in God's Law and you will only have trivialized yourself. But take it seriously, show the way for others, and you will find honor in the kingdom. Unless you do far better than the Pharisees in the matters of right living, you won't know the first thing about entering the kingdom.Murder
21-22"You're familiar with the command to the ancients, 'Do not murder.' I'm telling you that anyone who is so much as angry with a brother or sister is guilty of murder. Carelessly call a brother 'idiot!' and you just might find yourself hauled into court. Thoughtlessly yell 'stupid!' at a sister and you are on the brink of hellfire. The simple moral fact is that words kill. 23-24"This is how I want you to conduct yourself in these matters. If you enter your place of worship and, about to make an offering, you suddenly remember a grudge a friend has against you, abandon your offering, leave immediately, go to this friend and make things right. Then and only then, come back and work things out with God.25-26"Or say you're out on the street and an old enemy accosts you. Don't lose a minute. Make the first move; make things right with him. After all, if you leave the first move to him, knowing his track record, you're likely to end up in court, maybe even jail. If that happens, you won't get out without a stiff fine.
Adultery and Divorce
27-28"You know the next commandment pretty well, too: 'Don't go to bed with another's spouse.' But don't think you've preserved your virtue simply by staying out of bed. Your heart can be corrupted by lust even quicker than your body. Those leering looks you think nobody notices—they also corrupt. 29-30"Let's not pretend this is easier than it really is. If you want to live a morally pure life, here's what you have to do: You have to blind your right eye the moment you catch it in a lustful leer. You have to choose to live one-eyed or else be dumped on a moral trash pile. And you have to chop off your right hand the moment you notice it raised threateningly. Better a bloody stump than your entire being discarded for good in the dump.31-32"Remember the Scripture that says, 'Whoever divorces his wife, let him do it legally, giving her divorce papers and her legal rights'? Too many of you are using that as a cover for selfishness and whim, pretending to be righteous just because you are 'legal.' Please, no more pretending. If you divorce your wife, you're responsible for making her an adulteress (unless she has already made herself that by sexual promiscuity). And if you marry such a divorced adulteress, you're automatically an adulterer yourself. You can't use legal cover to mask a moral failure.
Empty Promises
33-37"And don't say anything you don't mean. This counsel is embedded deep in our traditions. You only make things worse when you lay down a smoke screen of pious talk, saying, 'I'll pray for you,' and never doing it, or saying, 'God be with you,' and not meaning it. You don't make your words true by embellishing them with religious lace. In making your speech sound more religious, it becomes less true. Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.Love Your Enemies
38-42"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously. 43-47"You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.' I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.48"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you."
Matthew 6
The World Is Not a Stage
1 "Be especially careful when you are trying to be good so that you don't make a performance out of it. It might be good theater, but the God who made you won't be applauding. 2-4"When you do something for someone else, don't call attention to yourself. You've seen them in action, I'm sure—'playactors' I call them— treating prayer meeting and street corner alike as a stage, acting compassionate as long as someone is watching, playing to the crowds. They get applause, true, but that's all they get. When you help someone out, don't think about how it looks. Just do it—quietly and unobtrusively. That is the way your God, who conceived you in love, working behind the scenes, helps you out.Pray with Simplicity
5"And when you come before God, don't turn that into a theatrical production either. All these people making a regular show out of their prayers, hoping for stardom! Do you think God sits in a box seat? 6"Here's what I want you to do: Find a quiet, secluded place so you won't be tempted to role-play before God. Just be there as simply and honestly as you can manage. The focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his grace.7-13"The world is full of so-called prayer warriors who are prayer-ignorant. They're full of formulas and programs and advice, peddling techniques for getting what you want from God. Don't fall for that nonsense. This is your Father you are dealing with, and he knows better than you what you need. With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this:
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what's best— as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You're in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You're ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
14-15"In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what you do. You can't get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others. If you refuse to do your part, you cut yourself off from God's part.
16-18"When you practice some appetite-denying discipline to better concentrate on God, don't make a production out of it. It might turn you into a small-time celebrity but it won't make you a saint. If you 'go into training' inwardly, act normal outwardly. Shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth, wash your face. God doesn't require attention-getting devices. He won't overlook what you are doing; he'll reward you well.
A Life of God-Worship
19-21"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being. 22-23"Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!24"You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.
25-26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.
27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.
30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.
34"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.
Matthew 7
A Simple Guide for Behavior
1-5 "Don't pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It's easy to see a smudge on your neighbor's face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, 'Let me wash your face for you,' when your own face is distorted by contempt? It's this whole traveling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. 6"Don't be flip with the sacred. Banter and silliness give no honor to God. Don't reduce holy mysteries to slogans. In trying to be relevant, you're only being cute and inviting sacrilege.7-11"Don't bargain with God. Be direct. Ask for what you need. This isn't a cat-and-mouse, hide-and-seek game we're in. If your child asks for bread, do you trick him with sawdust? If he asks for fish, do you scare him with a live snake on his plate? As bad as you are, you wouldn't think of such a thing. You're at least decent to your own children. So don't you think the God who conceived you in love will be even better?
12"Here is a simple, rule-of-thumb guide for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you, then grab the initiative and do it for them. Add up God's Law and Prophets and this is what you get.
Being and Doing
13-14"Don't look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don't fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention. 15-20"Be wary of false preachers who smile a lot, dripping with practiced sincerity. Chances are they are out to rip you off some way or other. Don't be impressed with charisma; look for character. Who preachers are is the main thing, not what they say. A genuine leader will never exploit your emotions or your pocketbook. These diseased trees with their bad apples are going to be chopped down and burned.21-23"Knowing the correct password—saying 'Master, Master,' for instance— isn't going to get you anywhere with me. What is required is serious obedience—doing what my Father wills. I can see it now—at the Final Judgment thousands strutting up to me and saying, 'Master, we preached the Message, we bashed the demons, our God-sponsored projects had everyone talking.' And do you know what I am going to say? 'You missed the boat. All you did was use me to make yourselves important. You don't impress me one bit. You're out of here.'
24-25"These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
26-27"But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don't work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards."
28-29When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying—quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard.
With permission from the Zonderman
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Recap 3.15.09
We began our trek up the mountains of discussion that are the crux of what we're reading in Shane Claiborne's book - Jesus for President. Ironically, in this section, Shane admits that Jesus actually would be a bad president, because Jesus "...aspired to something different from state power." (86)
Using Adam's thought-provoking questions as a start, we tried to make sense of what "Jubilee" would look like today. Questions lead inevitably to questions, eh?
Where were we? Oh yes...Jubilee leads to socialism, and now all the lazy people get to eat. Okay seriously, somebody stop me.
We moved to the discussion on how "freely" we should give, not knowing all the time whether our money is going to be used for good or for ill. Everybody seemed to have differing perspectives on this, mainly according to the context of any given situation. There are certainly stories on both side of this coin, and I think there always will be. It is good to discuss though, because it keeps us moving, changing, and thinking, rather than giving in stagnation.
We talked a little about how on a small scale we've tried to live in a more giving way, and that hopefully this can start to lead us down a path to be a unique culture within our western culture. I'd really like to discuss this further - how these questions could not just lead to more questions, but to some sort of continued action. This is where the rubber meets the road, and frankly where the emerging church has it's biggest struggle and has enjoyed rightful criticism. Shall we discuss until our throats are sore? Don't get me wrong, the discussion has been invigorating thus far to my life. And of course there is not an answer that will fulfill every question and every person. I guess I'm just wanting to apply some of these things. The discussions in fact have inspired me...What comes to mind immediately is this - what about every third or fourth time we meet, we still show up at the Schroeder's, maybe gab for a bit, but then go and DO. Comment away...
To end the night, Ron suggested we invade Canada to prepare for ourselves some nice beach front property that global warming will soon be providing. Really not cool Ron, I think there may be Canadians in our midst.
Using Adam's thought-provoking questions as a start, we tried to make sense of what "Jubilee" would look like today. Questions lead inevitably to questions, eh?
- Was God invoking the first pillars of socialism?
- How closely could we follow the laws within Jubilee, given our current context?
- Would it be mostly about debt cancellation?
- How would it even be possible for us to explore while we remain firmly planted in capitalism?
Where were we? Oh yes...Jubilee leads to socialism, and now all the lazy people get to eat. Okay seriously, somebody stop me.
We moved to the discussion on how "freely" we should give, not knowing all the time whether our money is going to be used for good or for ill. Everybody seemed to have differing perspectives on this, mainly according to the context of any given situation. There are certainly stories on both side of this coin, and I think there always will be. It is good to discuss though, because it keeps us moving, changing, and thinking, rather than giving in stagnation.
We talked a little about how on a small scale we've tried to live in a more giving way, and that hopefully this can start to lead us down a path to be a unique culture within our western culture. I'd really like to discuss this further - how these questions could not just lead to more questions, but to some sort of continued action. This is where the rubber meets the road, and frankly where the emerging church has it's biggest struggle and has enjoyed rightful criticism. Shall we discuss until our throats are sore? Don't get me wrong, the discussion has been invigorating thus far to my life. And of course there is not an answer that will fulfill every question and every person. I guess I'm just wanting to apply some of these things. The discussions in fact have inspired me...What comes to mind immediately is this - what about every third or fourth time we meet, we still show up at the Schroeder's, maybe gab for a bit, but then go and DO. Comment away...
To end the night, Ron suggested we invade Canada to prepare for ourselves some nice beach front property that global warming will soon be providing. Really not cool Ron, I think there may be Canadians in our midst.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Recap 3.08.09
Another recap comin' atcha. Late, yes, but still comin' atcha.
We started our discussion this week by having everybody share those previous experiences that led them to where they are now, and what they're hopeful for looking down the road. Many of us discussed previous church experiences with the word "conservative" or "fundamental", and other fun, happy, weighty words. Regarding hope, many of us have hope for our group, or what it represents. Hope that what we've let go can and will be replaced with something more beautiful.
Adam brought up Shane's discussion on the word "repent" in Jesus for President. That word can carry many different meanings and emotions, but Shane suggests that originally it was used as "change your mind". So we discussed the idea of going down a path, saying sorry (repenting), and then doing it again.
To round this out, Ron suggested that we watch "The Gods Aren't Angry" by Rob Bell. Here is a small clip,but it seems the full version is only available on dvd at, yeah, you guessed it, www.thegodsarentangry.com. Ron, did you have another resource for this? Anybody else?
So that was what I got in brief. We're going to keep trucking on our discussion of the book next week, particularly as it deals with the year of jubilee, apparent Old Testament socialism, and crop circles. ...What?
We started our discussion this week by having everybody share those previous experiences that led them to where they are now, and what they're hopeful for looking down the road. Many of us discussed previous church experiences with the word "conservative" or "fundamental", and other fun, happy, weighty words. Regarding hope, many of us have hope for our group, or what it represents. Hope that what we've let go can and will be replaced with something more beautiful.
Adam brought up Shane's discussion on the word "repent" in Jesus for President. That word can carry many different meanings and emotions, but Shane suggests that originally it was used as "change your mind". So we discussed the idea of going down a path, saying sorry (repenting), and then doing it again.
To round this out, Ron suggested that we watch "The Gods Aren't Angry" by Rob Bell. Here is a small clip,but it seems the full version is only available on dvd at, yeah, you guessed it, www.thegodsarentangry.com. Ron, did you have another resource for this? Anybody else?
So that was what I got in brief. We're going to keep trucking on our discussion of the book next week, particularly as it deals with the year of jubilee, apparent Old Testament socialism, and crop circles. ...What?
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Recap 2.22.09
Well, the recap is late. Can you believe it? Yeah, me too.
At our little gathering, we foraged through a thoughtful discussion of the Lenten Season (not to be confused those little soup beans).
Tara kicked it off with an inspiring inaugural post, after which there was a ball that I was apparently not invited to. We discussed some of the traditional forms of celebrating Lent, which of course included the 'giving up' of anything that could be put in the 'fun' category. You know meat, red meat, swearing, alcohol, hitting people, beanie babies....sailor's activities basically.
Digging a little deeper, we found that this may not be a time to simply try and shed bad habits, or even start good ones. This time is about Christ's sacrfice, and us connecting to that sacrifice through one of our own. Naturally, one person's sacrifice will look quite different than another's. In fact, some may not look sacrificial at all. It may be setting aside specific time for discipline, practicing a discipline that would cause us to reflect, refraining from activities that hinder spiritual progress (such as excessive time on Facebook, blogging, etc.) **I think a new thread should be started to discuss further the narcissistic discussion we were having regarding these online activities as there is much more depth here that won't make it into this recap, but that I think was going somewhere good**
Our specific lives are far too different to go through these motions in the same manner, lest it become more about the motions themselves. So, we discussed what these motions were going to be personally for each one of us. We touched on the subject of not publicizing our mournful efforts, for a variety of reasons. To contrast this, however, there seemed to be an element of community that would be severely missed if we do not share our efforts with one another in this time.
So, I won't oust anybody - but I'll start with mine. I'm going to try and not become full for 40 days. I guess it's a fast in a very sissy sort of way. The idea here has to do with respecting those who are hungry, recognizing Jesus' hunger through this time, and not stuffing myself silly just because it's available. So, I would love to hear from anybody/everybody willing to share on this fatty of a Tuesday.
At our little gathering, we foraged through a thoughtful discussion of the Lenten Season (not to be confused those little soup beans).
Tara kicked it off with an inspiring inaugural post, after which there was a ball that I was apparently not invited to. We discussed some of the traditional forms of celebrating Lent, which of course included the 'giving up' of anything that could be put in the 'fun' category. You know meat, red meat, swearing, alcohol, hitting people, beanie babies....sailor's activities basically.
Digging a little deeper, we found that this may not be a time to simply try and shed bad habits, or even start good ones. This time is about Christ's sacrfice, and us connecting to that sacrifice through one of our own. Naturally, one person's sacrifice will look quite different than another's. In fact, some may not look sacrificial at all. It may be setting aside specific time for discipline, practicing a discipline that would cause us to reflect, refraining from activities that hinder spiritual progress (such as excessive time on Facebook, blogging, etc.) **I think a new thread should be started to discuss further the narcissistic discussion we were having regarding these online activities as there is much more depth here that won't make it into this recap, but that I think was going somewhere good**
Our specific lives are far too different to go through these motions in the same manner, lest it become more about the motions themselves. So, we discussed what these motions were going to be personally for each one of us. We touched on the subject of not publicizing our mournful efforts, for a variety of reasons. To contrast this, however, there seemed to be an element of community that would be severely missed if we do not share our efforts with one another in this time.
So, I won't oust anybody - but I'll start with mine. I'm going to try and not become full for 40 days. I guess it's a fast in a very sissy sort of way. The idea here has to do with respecting those who are hungry, recognizing Jesus' hunger through this time, and not stuffing myself silly just because it's available. So, I would love to hear from anybody/everybody willing to share on this fatty of a Tuesday.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Recap - 2.15.09
Hey everybody,
Good discussion tonight even though we missed a number of the regulars (even the Macs couldn't make it due to Jacob's hefty school workload [Jake, I can't decide between a "dweeb" joke or a "geek" joke here. Boom! Roasted.)
In line with our agreed-upon meeting rhythm, this week was centered on another one of our "free-flow" conversations. We mixed things up a bit by starting off with a collective listening of a recent Third Way Faith Podcast by Shane Hipps & Zach Lind entitled, The iGeneration (Archive Episode #7 1.6.09). This particular podcast explores the rise of narcissism [excessive interest in oneself] in our popular culture, especially as it relates to our digital-lives. Shane Hipps generally proposes that the wide-spread crazes of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blogging, etc. have serious implications on how we as individuals view ourselves, as well as how we as Christians live humbly and relationally.
Hipps points to a study that was conducted across multiple university campuses that tracks the levels of narcissism among our culture over time. The study reportedly saw a remarkable rise in narcissism beginning with the generation that was born in 1982 and thereafter. The correlation is then made between these generations' adolescent years and the launch of these wildly popular social networking Web realities that are now woven into the fabric of everyday life for millions around the globe. During the podcast, Zach offered the observation that "... everybody has that [self-focus] whether you're aware of it or not, and the blogs that I like the least are those that don't know that shadow's there."
The range of our ensuing discussion went something like this:
- Various folks shared their own encounters/experiences with the rise of narcissism among some of those around us who are heavily engaged in these online mediums (another example was even raised regarding pastors whose pious Twittering seems to clash against their role of being a humble leader)
- A number of folks provided countering views that described the many benefits that have been made possible by these Web 2.0 forums. (Take the emerging church movement for example, which has been sustained, promoted, and catalyzed largely in this digital realm)
- The point was made that while Hipps did make strong statements regarding the downsides of these digital mediums, he did not contend that they are categorically harmful. Rather, he is arguing for believers to be mindful of the subconscious effects these mediums carry so that we can be intentional in how we approach them.
- Another point was made about "intentions"... that examining our intentions for engaging in these forums is helpful in tempering our involvement and/or adjusting how we view our participation.
- All agreed that these digital mediums are no substitution for face-to-face interaction, and that by acknowledging this, we are called to be doubly focused on fostering in-person relationships as a community of believers.
- The conversation later shifted to applying the concept of narcissism to the emerging church, which is apparently a common critique from social conservatives. (Parallels were made to the social-gospel adherents...)
- We wrestled with the question, "Can narcissism extend beyond the individual and exist among a collective body of people?", i.e., is their a distinction between "I" and "we" views? [I missed a good portion of this part of the talk, and I'd love to hear more from somebody on this].
I know I've left out A LOT of points that were raised (sorry!). Please jump in the comments, and fill in the gaps that I've left open...
ON THE HORIZON:
- It's not too late to register for the Emerging Church Conference being held in Albuquerque, NM in late March. If you want to jump in at the group rate, you need to let Debbie know by this coming Wed.
- Next week, we're back with Jesus for President. Our discussion will be based on the remainder of Section 1.
Good discussion tonight even though we missed a number of the regulars (even the Macs couldn't make it due to Jacob's hefty school workload [Jake, I can't decide between a "dweeb" joke or a "geek" joke here. Boom! Roasted.)
In line with our agreed-upon meeting rhythm, this week was centered on another one of our "free-flow" conversations. We mixed things up a bit by starting off with a collective listening of a recent Third Way Faith Podcast by Shane Hipps & Zach Lind entitled, The iGeneration (Archive Episode #7 1.6.09). This particular podcast explores the rise of narcissism [excessive interest in oneself] in our popular culture, especially as it relates to our digital-lives. Shane Hipps generally proposes that the wide-spread crazes of Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, blogging, etc. have serious implications on how we as individuals view ourselves, as well as how we as Christians live humbly and relationally.Hipps points to a study that was conducted across multiple university campuses that tracks the levels of narcissism among our culture over time. The study reportedly saw a remarkable rise in narcissism beginning with the generation that was born in 1982 and thereafter. The correlation is then made between these generations' adolescent years and the launch of these wildly popular social networking Web realities that are now woven into the fabric of everyday life for millions around the globe. During the podcast, Zach offered the observation that "... everybody has that [self-focus] whether you're aware of it or not, and the blogs that I like the least are those that don't know that shadow's there."
The range of our ensuing discussion went something like this:
- Various folks shared their own encounters/experiences with the rise of narcissism among some of those around us who are heavily engaged in these online mediums (another example was even raised regarding pastors whose pious Twittering seems to clash against their role of being a humble leader)
- A number of folks provided countering views that described the many benefits that have been made possible by these Web 2.0 forums. (Take the emerging church movement for example, which has been sustained, promoted, and catalyzed largely in this digital realm)
- The point was made that while Hipps did make strong statements regarding the downsides of these digital mediums, he did not contend that they are categorically harmful. Rather, he is arguing for believers to be mindful of the subconscious effects these mediums carry so that we can be intentional in how we approach them.
- Another point was made about "intentions"... that examining our intentions for engaging in these forums is helpful in tempering our involvement and/or adjusting how we view our participation.
- All agreed that these digital mediums are no substitution for face-to-face interaction, and that by acknowledging this, we are called to be doubly focused on fostering in-person relationships as a community of believers.
- The conversation later shifted to applying the concept of narcissism to the emerging church, which is apparently a common critique from social conservatives. (Parallels were made to the social-gospel adherents...)
- We wrestled with the question, "Can narcissism extend beyond the individual and exist among a collective body of people?", i.e., is their a distinction between "I" and "we" views? [I missed a good portion of this part of the talk, and I'd love to hear more from somebody on this].
I know I've left out A LOT of points that were raised (sorry!). Please jump in the comments, and fill in the gaps that I've left open...
ON THE HORIZON:
- It's not too late to register for the Emerging Church Conference being held in Albuquerque, NM in late March. If you want to jump in at the group rate, you need to let Debbie know by this coming Wed.
- Next week, we're back with Jesus for President. Our discussion will be based on the remainder of Section 1.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
On the Horizon for Emerging Desert
Speaking for Tara and myself, 2008 has brought an absolutely wonderful experience and community in all of you that make up Emerging Desert. What started out as a very plain & simple gathering of friends has truly blossomed into a diverse, active community that has also maintained the original focus and simplicity. We feel incredibly blessed to be a part of it, and we look forward to our coming times together.
Along those lines, I wanted to get a post up regarding our group's near-future plans for those that may not be aware...
As we are now on the other side of Advent, we have collectively decided to continue gathering every Sunday afternoon. We finished Michael Frost's provocative book, Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture last week, and our new discussion book has been selected:
by Shane Claiborne & Chris Haw
We have agreed to begin discussing this book on February 1st. In the meantime, throughout the month of January, we will be getting together for unplanned, free-flow conversations about any spiritual, cultural, missional, lifestyle, etc. questions/topics that anybody feels like offering. Today our conversation centered largely on the question of "Why are we here... created... living on earth?" Of course, the conversation went all over the place, but I truly enjoyed being in a room where these massive questions are being wrestled with in community and every single voice present is heard. Thanks for everybody's thoughts that were contributed... I, personally, got a lot out of it.
So, in the coming weeks, if you have a topic and/or question that you'd like to open up to the cohort for discussion, don't be shy: tithing, prayer, worship, death, mission, etc.... it's all fair-game.
Along those lines, I wanted to get a post up regarding our group's near-future plans for those that may not be aware...
As we are now on the other side of Advent, we have collectively decided to continue gathering every Sunday afternoon. We finished Michael Frost's provocative book, Exiles: Living Missionally in a Post-Christian Culture last week, and our new discussion book has been selected:
by Shane Claiborne & Chris HawWe have agreed to begin discussing this book on February 1st. In the meantime, throughout the month of January, we will be getting together for unplanned, free-flow conversations about any spiritual, cultural, missional, lifestyle, etc. questions/topics that anybody feels like offering. Today our conversation centered largely on the question of "Why are we here... created... living on earth?" Of course, the conversation went all over the place, but I truly enjoyed being in a room where these massive questions are being wrestled with in community and every single voice present is heard. Thanks for everybody's thoughts that were contributed... I, personally, got a lot out of it.
So, in the coming weeks, if you have a topic and/or question that you'd like to open up to the cohort for discussion, don't be shy: tithing, prayer, worship, death, mission, etc.... it's all fair-game.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
dec 08 kathy's visit
Hey friends,I really enjoyed Kathy's visit on Sunday--thanks for coming to Arizona, Kathy!
I thought maybe we could share our thoughts and reflections about Sundays conversation. What stood out to me was the openness in our time together. I love hearing what is going on inside everyone's head--I love that we aren't trying to impress each other with knowledge or answers.
It was great seeing the newlyweds--congrats!, but sorry to miss some regulars.
Please share your thoughts/reflections in the comments.
Monday, April 21, 2008
Our most recent meeting....
First I'd like to say I was very encouraged by the discussion that we all shared yesterday. As I surveyed the group of people there, one by one (no, I'm not a good listener, more of a drifter) I saw a true uniqueness in each one of you, specifically as it related to how the Kingdom of God can be shown and shared. A diverse group, but singing harmonies of the same song. It was awesome.
Okay, sorry, enough of the poetry - off to the prose:
Let's share some ideas here for meeting again on Sunday, May 4th. I'd also like to hear some ideas for getting together in more of a communal sense (maybe every other meeting?), to give from our hearts and get to know each other.
As far as our 'normal' meetings (there's got to be a better name than that)
Meeting at another house/switching off - Jim/Joy?
Meeting at an alternative location: Gilbert Rec Center
So far what's in the works for our 'other' meetings:
The Burrito Project
Sunday mornings with the hungry - Jamie or Adam, can you get an address for this? Maybe an icon on our blog that's permanent? (A chance for Adam to make something pretty with his beloved 'Mac')
Please comment with possible alternatives or other ideas. Looking forward to next time already.
Okay, sorry, enough of the poetry - off to the prose:
Let's share some ideas here for meeting again on Sunday, May 4th. I'd also like to hear some ideas for getting together in more of a communal sense (maybe every other meeting?), to give from our hearts and get to know each other.
As far as our 'normal' meetings (there's got to be a better name than that)
Meeting at another house/switching off - Jim/Joy?
Meeting at an alternative location: Gilbert Rec Center
So far what's in the works for our 'other' meetings:
The Burrito Project
Sunday mornings with the hungry - Jamie or Adam, can you get an address for this? Maybe an icon on our blog that's permanent? (A chance for Adam to make something pretty with his beloved 'Mac')
Please comment with possible alternatives or other ideas. Looking forward to next time already.
Monday, February 11, 2008
And it begins...
Well, the first Emerging Desert gathering went off without a hitch yesterday! (Although we missed you Jamie, Stephanie, et al.:)
We had a strong turnout of folks from wide-ranging backgrounds, and we spent our time together going around and offering our individual stories of faith & church. Our hope is that these transparent introductions provide a context for our talks going forward. We look forward to meeting more folks as they are able to join us and contribute to the conversation & action.
Some highlights from yesterday's gathering:
Awesome. So we're off and runnin'. We look forward to seeing everybody again at the next gathering (March date to be announced soon). If you haven't already, pick-up (or borrow) the Shane Claiborne book. We'll be talking through the first four chapters at our time together next month. And, if you have some thoughts you'd like to share between now and then, let's get you setup as an author on this blog!
Namaste.
We had a strong turnout of folks from wide-ranging backgrounds, and we spent our time together going around and offering our individual stories of faith & church. Our hope is that these transparent introductions provide a context for our talks going forward. We look forward to meeting more folks as they are able to join us and contribute to the conversation & action.
Some highlights from yesterday's gathering:
- We took a few moments to acknowledge some of the commonly-held criticisms of the emerging movement:
- That the conversations can often be destructively critical of the institutional church.
- That the conversations are just that: talk (lacking literal action).
- Building on the above observation, after everybody had offered their stories yesterday, it was interesting to note the similar connections that everyone of us had/has to a mainline church. I thought this was important to recognize the role that our pasts play into where we currently are spiritually, and that this acknowledgment will guide our time together with humility & patience.
Awesome. So we're off and runnin'. We look forward to seeing everybody again at the next gathering (March date to be announced soon). If you haven't already, pick-up (or borrow) the Shane Claiborne book. We'll be talking through the first four chapters at our time together next month. And, if you have some thoughts you'd like to share between now and then, let's get you setup as an author on this blog!
Namaste.
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