It was good to be active in planning Evergreen’s Good Friday gathering last week. While going through the planning I had opportunities to bump into people and ideas that helped shape the gathering. Some of these lent (or would have lent more) to the width and deep the to the gathering.
What I am talking about when I say Multi-Dimensional Worship does not really have to do with the content of the gathering, but more with the structure. Here are some ideas that help create a full orbed gathering that touch all (or most) of the ways people perceive and process the informational content of a worship experience or gathering.
*Music certainly adds to weight to a gathering.
*Songs (whether with or without music) are a guided way to express our thoughts and emotions.
*Video provides entrance of information visually. However, this is not limited to video. Icons, banners, for lack of a better word, "decoration" or accoutrements can all be used to transmit information or invoke worship.
*Most of a gathering is based on our abilities to perceive and process information in a auditory fashion. This is still key
*Responsive or antiphonal readings create not only visual (if being read) and auditory processing, but also enhance the reality that people are involved in the gathering.
*The use of our olfactory sense is one that is underutilized in worship. It may take some creative thinking in order to figure out how to incorporate different kinds of smells in to a gathering, but I believe it they are needed.
*The same goes for taste. How do we convey Psalm 34:8 without taste?
*Adding opportunities to include acts of kinesthetic worship build into our muscle memory in a way that use of our other senses does not. Also, physical movement allows for placing our bodies in positions that help mimic our hearts desire to worship, express praise, enact humility and surrender, as well as circulate blood flow to increase attention and awareness.
*Having participation in the worship gathering either through people writing reading, music are prayers, having people involved in preaching or teaching, having people create art or prayer stations, having people plan and create the gathering all aids in building ownership and community. Worship gatherings are not the sole proprietorship of the Elders or paid clergy.
*There is no a right and wrong way to enhance to the space of a gathering, but there are effective and ineffective ways to manipulate a physical space so it becomes a sacred space. Things like lighting, color, temperature, acoustics, time of day and accompanying furniture can all be used to transform a gathering space.
*Freedom. This may seem odd from the sense that we in America have the freedom to gathering and worship in appropriate and consistent ways. But are there within our gathering unwritten rules to worship? Do we allow or create space for freedom of expressive worship, even if the expression would be uncomfortable for us as individuals. Creating a climate or atmosphere where people are able to worship God is a powerful piece of a gathering.
Just some thoughts on worship planning.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Only One Race...& No Apes
I found this fascinating....
Mar 26, 7:53 AM (ET)
By DENISE LAVOIE
BOSTON (AP) - This could make for one odd family reunion: Barack Obama is a distant cousin of Brad Pitt, and Hillary Rodham Clinton is related to Pitt's girlfriend, Angelina Jolie.
Researchers at the New England Historic Genealogical Society found some remarkable family connections for the three presidential candidates - Democratic rivals Obama and Clinton, and Republican John McCain.
Clinton, who is of French-Canadian descent on her mother's side, is also a distant cousin of singers Madonna, Celine Dion and Alanis Morissette. Obama, the son of a white woman from Kansas and a black man from Kenya, can call six U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush, his cousins. McCain is a sixth cousin of first lady Laura Bush.
"You'd think with all that singing talent in the family she'd be able to carry a tune," Clinton's senior adviser Philippe Reines said. "But now it makes much more sense how she snagged a Grammy."
Clinton won for best spoken word Grammy in 1997 for "It Takes a Village." Obama also won a Grammy in that category this year for the audio version of his book, "The Audacity Of Hope: Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream."
Genealogist Christopher Child said that while the candidates often focus on pointing out differences between them, their ancestry shows they are more alike than they think."It shows that lots of different people can be related, people you wouldn't necessarily expect," Child said.
Obama has a prolific presidential lineage that features Democrats and Republicans. His distant cousins include President George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, Lyndon Johnson, Harry S. Truman and James Madison. Other Obama cousins include Vice President Dick Cheney, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and Civil War General Robert E. Lee.
Obama often jokes about his cousin Cheney at campaign appearances.
"His kinships are across the political spectrum," Child said.
Child has spent the last three years tracing the candidates' genealogy, along with senior research scholar Gary Boyd Roberts, author of the 1989 book, "Ancestors of American Presidents."Clinton's distant cousins include beatnik author Jack Kerouac and Camilla Parker-Bowles, wife of Prince Charles of England.
McCain's ancestry was more difficult to trace because records on his relatives were not as complete as records for the families of Obama and Clinton, Child said.
Obama and President Bush are 10th cousins, once removed, linked by Samuel Hinkley of Cape Cod, who died in 1662.
Pitt and Obama are ninth cousins, linked by Edwin Hickman, who died in Virginia in 1769. Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, declined to comment on the senator's ancestry.
Clinton and Jolie are ninth cousins, twice removed, both related to Jean Cusson who died in St. Sulpice, Quebec, in 1718.
The New England Historic Genealogical Society, founded in 1845, is the oldest and largest nonprofit genealogical organization in the country.
Mar 26, 7:53 AM (ET)
By DENISE LAVOIE
BOSTON (AP) - This could make for one odd family reunion: Barack Obama is a distant cousin of Brad Pitt, and Hillary Rodham Clinton is related to Pitt's girlfriend, Angelina Jolie.
Researchers at the New England Historic Genealogical Society found some remarkable family connections for the three presidential candidates - Democratic rivals Obama and Clinton, and Republican John McCain.
Clinton, who is of French-Canadian descent on her mother's side, is also a distant cousin of singers Madonna, Celine Dion and Alanis Morissette. Obama, the son of a white woman from Kansas and a black man from Kenya, can call six U.S. presidents, including George W. Bush, his cousins. McCain is a sixth cousin of first lady Laura Bush.
"You'd think with all that singing talent in the family she'd be able to carry a tune," Clinton's senior adviser Philippe Reines said. "But now it makes much more sense how she snagged a Grammy."
Clinton won for best spoken word Grammy in 1997 for "It Takes a Village." Obama also won a Grammy in that category this year for the audio version of his book, "The Audacity Of Hope: Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream."
Genealogist Christopher Child said that while the candidates often focus on pointing out differences between them, their ancestry shows they are more alike than they think."It shows that lots of different people can be related, people you wouldn't necessarily expect," Child said.
Obama has a prolific presidential lineage that features Democrats and Republicans. His distant cousins include President George W. Bush and his father, George H.W. Bush, Gerald Ford, Lyndon Johnson, Harry S. Truman and James Madison. Other Obama cousins include Vice President Dick Cheney, British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and Civil War General Robert E. Lee.
Obama often jokes about his cousin Cheney at campaign appearances.
"His kinships are across the political spectrum," Child said.
Child has spent the last three years tracing the candidates' genealogy, along with senior research scholar Gary Boyd Roberts, author of the 1989 book, "Ancestors of American Presidents."Clinton's distant cousins include beatnik author Jack Kerouac and Camilla Parker-Bowles, wife of Prince Charles of England.
McCain's ancestry was more difficult to trace because records on his relatives were not as complete as records for the families of Obama and Clinton, Child said.
Obama and President Bush are 10th cousins, once removed, linked by Samuel Hinkley of Cape Cod, who died in 1662.
Pitt and Obama are ninth cousins, linked by Edwin Hickman, who died in Virginia in 1769. Ben LaBolt, a spokesman for the Obama campaign, declined to comment on the senator's ancestry.
Clinton and Jolie are ninth cousins, twice removed, both related to Jean Cusson who died in St. Sulpice, Quebec, in 1718.
The New England Historic Genealogical Society, founded in 1845, is the oldest and largest nonprofit genealogical organization in the country.
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Good Friday Readings
Last night The Evergreen Community had its Good Friday Gathering. For the gathering we had several people write a reading based on the last seven words of Christ from the cross. I was amazed at the readings! They are wonderful, diverse and insightful. Here they are.
#1 Jubilee Williamson
Scripture: Luke 23:13-25, 32-35
Stripped of all worldly dignity we three hung together,
each on his own splintered wood.
He in the middle,
He in between,
He the intermediary
calling to the Unseen:
Father forgive them for they know not what they do
He was to be a part of the forgotten-
a mere name in the scrolls of history.
I was part of the forgotten-
the illness of society.
Yet with the soured breath
of a dying man, I asked to be with Him
in the Eternal After
Broken and despised, we three hung together
welcoming the rest that certain death would bring
He in the middle
He in between
He the intermediary
giving Himself to the Unseen
Here now, we watch and wait for the Return
#2 Aaron Smith
Scripture: Matthew 27:39-47
My God, my God
Why have you forsaken me?
My God my God
I call to you but find no relief
My God my God
The jeering tongues lash at my cheeks
My God my God
You’ve saved others; can you deliver me?
My God my God
even as darkness comes to a close
My God my God
These beasts surround to feast on my bones
My God my God
These people think I call a prophet to come,
But God my God
Have you forgotten that I am your son?
My God my God
Why do you keep yourself far away
My God my God
I am curse and waiting away
My God my God
This heart has turned to wax in my chest
My God my God
You lay me down in the dust of death
My God my God
Why have your forsaken me?
#3 Paul Simon
Scripture John: 19:20-27
Even in pain,
In the last moments of life,
Jesus was love.
In every way Jesus led,
He was our example.
He never failed to put others first.
While being tortured and crucified,
He looked from the cross to see Mary, his mother.
He always cared for others,
He now looked to make sure she is cared for.
“Dear women, here is your son”
“Here is your mother.”
This is love personified.
Sadly, it’s hard to image a world where everyone carries that much love with them.
But we are called to do so.
To pass along a love for others that shows through the worst of pain.
As Jesus is our example, this is our worship
#4 Sarah
Scripture: Luke 23:43
We are all criminals,
Either to the left or right
Punished justly, getting what our deeds deserve
"Save yourself! Save us!"
He did, Jesus did!
He saved all of us
Each crime forgiven by death
Humbly, fearfully, regretful of our sin
We will be with him in paradise
Just ask
Jesus will not forget you truly
He won't forget not a one of us
Just let him
#5 Debra Anderson
Scripture: John 19:28-29
This isn’t the first time you’ve asked for a drink. A year or two ago you asked the same of a lonely woman at a well. That simple first request provided an estranged people with forgiveness – much like today’s. When you asked for a drink they responded with confessions that you were the Messiah – much like I hear a Roman officer saying now. When you asked for a drink from that woman, I remember, that you stayed with her people for two more days. And now it is close to sun down and in my head I hear the echo… “two more days.”
Do you thirst because your body is shutting down, because your heart needs it to pump, your lungs expel the vapor with every shallow breath? Or do you thirst because death is upon you and you’re now beginning to feel that separation from God that would indeed make your soul feel dry? Or do you thirst so that you can have voice enough to say your final words?
You thirst and we’ve given you drink. And if you could repeat yourself you would say, “Come – inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Come.”
#6 Aaron Smith
Scripture: John 19:30
It is finished-
Age old words spoken of what messiah
must do, must be, must suffer
finished in...
words of forgiveness...
cries of lament...
moves of fulfillment...
finished in you.
It is finished-
the suffering of God,
the raged breaths, the free flowing blood, the mockery...
head bowed, now you give up your spirit.
It is finished
so blood and water flow.
It is finished-
your disciples take your body down
wrapped in the shroud and spices of death
laid in a tomb,
and all they can think is
“It is finished.”
The temple has been torn asunder,
and God now bleeds with man.
For this you were born,
To hang and die.
At the right time
You ragingly cried:
“It is finished!”
#7 Kelli Bagby
Scripture: Luke 23:46-49
What? What just happened? Why is the sky dark? Why did the earth tremble?
Jesus? Jesus? He's stopped breathing! How? How could he stop breathing? Is he? Is he...dead? NO!!! NOOO!!! No, Jesus, No.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
All hope is gone, all hope is lost, if you, even you, can't beat death, what hope do any of us have?
- Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
Jesus, my Lord, I need you. I need you to be alive! What will I do without you? To whom will I go? How can I go on? How can I take one more breath?
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
But I know who you are... you're the Son of God, sent to take away the sins of the world. Because of you I know I am loved, I am redeemed, I am made whole. I know with everything I am that you are truth, I believed you, I still believe you.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
I'm just so angry, I could kill someone right now. How could they? How could these animals do this to you? I want revenge, I want justice, Jesus, you deserve justice.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
I know, Lord, I know, I should love, I should understand, help me. Help me to have compassion for those that don't know you, that's don't understand what you mean in our lives.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Oh, they're stubborn, just as I was. Walking in darkness, not understanding you, the Light. If you want, I will go to them; I will convince them that you are the One. For the rest of my life, I dedicate myself to showing this broken world your love, your grace, your hope.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
I'm scared, I mean look what they did to you, how much more will they do to me? What if I can't, what if I can't stand up, speak up, push on. What if I crumble in fear? Is it really worth it? Of course, YOU are worth it.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
#1 Jubilee Williamson
Scripture: Luke 23:13-25, 32-35
Stripped of all worldly dignity we three hung together,
each on his own splintered wood.
He in the middle,
He in between,
He the intermediary
calling to the Unseen:
Father forgive them for they know not what they do
He was to be a part of the forgotten-
a mere name in the scrolls of history.
I was part of the forgotten-
the illness of society.
Yet with the soured breath
of a dying man, I asked to be with Him
in the Eternal After
Broken and despised, we three hung together
welcoming the rest that certain death would bring
He in the middle
He in between
He the intermediary
giving Himself to the Unseen
Here now, we watch and wait for the Return
#2 Aaron Smith
Scripture: Matthew 27:39-47
My God, my God
Why have you forsaken me?
My God my God
I call to you but find no relief
My God my God
The jeering tongues lash at my cheeks
My God my God
You’ve saved others; can you deliver me?
My God my God
even as darkness comes to a close
My God my God
These beasts surround to feast on my bones
My God my God
These people think I call a prophet to come,
But God my God
Have you forgotten that I am your son?
My God my God
Why do you keep yourself far away
My God my God
I am curse and waiting away
My God my God
This heart has turned to wax in my chest
My God my God
You lay me down in the dust of death
My God my God
Why have your forsaken me?
#3 Paul Simon
Scripture John: 19:20-27
Even in pain,
In the last moments of life,
Jesus was love.
In every way Jesus led,
He was our example.
He never failed to put others first.
While being tortured and crucified,
He looked from the cross to see Mary, his mother.
He always cared for others,
He now looked to make sure she is cared for.
“Dear women, here is your son”
“Here is your mother.”
This is love personified.
Sadly, it’s hard to image a world where everyone carries that much love with them.
But we are called to do so.
To pass along a love for others that shows through the worst of pain.
As Jesus is our example, this is our worship
#4 Sarah
Scripture: Luke 23:43
We are all criminals,
Either to the left or right
Punished justly, getting what our deeds deserve
"Save yourself! Save us!"
He did, Jesus did!
He saved all of us
Each crime forgiven by death
Humbly, fearfully, regretful of our sin
We will be with him in paradise
Just ask
Jesus will not forget you truly
He won't forget not a one of us
Just let him
#5 Debra Anderson
Scripture: John 19:28-29
This isn’t the first time you’ve asked for a drink. A year or two ago you asked the same of a lonely woman at a well. That simple first request provided an estranged people with forgiveness – much like today’s. When you asked for a drink they responded with confessions that you were the Messiah – much like I hear a Roman officer saying now. When you asked for a drink from that woman, I remember, that you stayed with her people for two more days. And now it is close to sun down and in my head I hear the echo… “two more days.”
Do you thirst because your body is shutting down, because your heart needs it to pump, your lungs expel the vapor with every shallow breath? Or do you thirst because death is upon you and you’re now beginning to feel that separation from God that would indeed make your soul feel dry? Or do you thirst so that you can have voice enough to say your final words?
You thirst and we’ve given you drink. And if you could repeat yourself you would say, “Come – inherit the kingdom prepared for you. Come.”
#6 Aaron Smith
Scripture: John 19:30
It is finished-
Age old words spoken of what messiah
must do, must be, must suffer
finished in...
words of forgiveness...
cries of lament...
moves of fulfillment...
finished in you.
It is finished-
the suffering of God,
the raged breaths, the free flowing blood, the mockery...
head bowed, now you give up your spirit.
It is finished
so blood and water flow.
It is finished-
your disciples take your body down
wrapped in the shroud and spices of death
laid in a tomb,
and all they can think is
“It is finished.”
The temple has been torn asunder,
and God now bleeds with man.
For this you were born,
To hang and die.
At the right time
You ragingly cried:
“It is finished!”
#7 Kelli Bagby
Scripture: Luke 23:46-49
What? What just happened? Why is the sky dark? Why did the earth tremble?
Jesus? Jesus? He's stopped breathing! How? How could he stop breathing? Is he? Is he...dead? NO!!! NOOO!!! No, Jesus, No.
- Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
All hope is gone, all hope is lost, if you, even you, can't beat death, what hope do any of us have?
- Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted.
Jesus, my Lord, I need you. I need you to be alive! What will I do without you? To whom will I go? How can I go on? How can I take one more breath?
- Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
But I know who you are... you're the Son of God, sent to take away the sins of the world. Because of you I know I am loved, I am redeemed, I am made whole. I know with everything I am that you are truth, I believed you, I still believe you.
- Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
I'm just so angry, I could kill someone right now. How could they? How could these animals do this to you? I want revenge, I want justice, Jesus, you deserve justice.
- Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
I know, Lord, I know, I should love, I should understand, help me. Help me to have compassion for those that don't know you, that's don't understand what you mean in our lives.
- Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Oh, they're stubborn, just as I was. Walking in darkness, not understanding you, the Light. If you want, I will go to them; I will convince them that you are the One. For the rest of my life, I dedicate myself to showing this broken world your love, your grace, your hope.
- Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.
I'm scared, I mean look what they did to you, how much more will they do to me? What if I can't, what if I can't stand up, speak up, push on. What if I crumble in fear? Is it really worth it? Of course, YOU are worth it.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Lessons from the skate park
At the skate park there is no shortage of smokes, tattoos or pride.
After seeing a 11 year old land a 10 foot drop in on a Razor scooter, I said to the kids, " Wow, that was pretty good!." (This is not a feat I would try!) His reply, "Yeah, I'm pretty good!"
After seeing a 11 year old land a 10 foot drop in on a Razor scooter, I said to the kids, " Wow, that was pretty good!." (This is not a feat I would try!) His reply, "Yeah, I'm pretty good!"
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Tomorrow's Prayers
Martin Luther
My Heavenly Father, I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You kept me safe from all evil and danger last night. Save me, I pray, today as well, from every evil and sin, so that all I do and the way that I live will please you. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. Let Your holy Angels be with me, so that the evil enemy will not gain power over me. Amen.
O Lord, grant that my heart may be truly cleansed and filled with Thy Holy Spirit, and that I may arise to serve Thee, and lie down to sleep in entire confidence in Thee, and submission to Thy will, ready for life or for death. Let me live for the day, not overcharged with worldly cares, but feeling that my treasure is not here, and desiring truly to be joined to Thee in Thy heavenly kingdom, and to those who are already gone to Thee. O Lord, save me from sin, and guide me with Thy Spirit, and keep me in faithful obedience to Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord.
My Heavenly Father, I thank You, through Jesus Christ, Your beloved Son, that You kept me safe from all evil and danger last night. Save me, I pray, today as well, from every evil and sin, so that all I do and the way that I live will please you. I put myself in your care, body and soul and all that I have. Let Your holy Angels be with me, so that the evil enemy will not gain power over me. Amen.
O Lord, grant that my heart may be truly cleansed and filled with Thy Holy Spirit, and that I may arise to serve Thee, and lie down to sleep in entire confidence in Thee, and submission to Thy will, ready for life or for death. Let me live for the day, not overcharged with worldly cares, but feeling that my treasure is not here, and desiring truly to be joined to Thee in Thy heavenly kingdom, and to those who are already gone to Thee. O Lord, save me from sin, and guide me with Thy Spirit, and keep me in faithful obedience to Thee, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, our Lord.
This Mornings Prayers
Attributed to St. Patrick
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.
I arise today
Through the strength of heaven;
Light of the sun,
Splendor of fire,
Speed of lightning,
Swiftness of the wind,
Depth of the sea,
Stability of the earth,
Firmness of the rock.
I arise today
Through God's strength to pilot me;
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's hosts to save me
Afar and anear,
Alone or in a mulitude.
Christ shield me today
Against wounding
Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me,
Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me,
Christ on my right, Christ on my left,
Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down,
Christ in the heart of everyone who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of everyone who speaks of me,
Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.
I arise today
Through the mighty strength
Of the Lord of creation.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
O God, early in the morning I cry to you.
Help me to pray
And to concentrate my thoughts on you:
I cannot do this alone.
In me there is darkness,
But with you there is light;
I am lonely, but you do not leave me;
I am feeble in heart, but with you there is help;
I am restless, but with you there is peace.
In me there is bitterness, but with you there is patience;
I do not understand your ways,
But you know the way for me…
Restore me to liberty,
And enable me to live now
That I may answer before you and before me.
Lord, whatever this day may bring,
Your name be praised.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Zen Sarcasm
· Do not walk behind me, for I may not lead. Do not walk ahead of me, for I may not follow. Do not walk beside me either. Just pretty much leave me alone.
· Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
· Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
· Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
· If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
· Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield.
· Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
· The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put back in your pocket.
· A closed mouth gathers no foot.
· Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
· Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
· Always remember that you're unique. Just like everyone else.
· Never test the depth of the water with both feet.
· Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach him how to fish, and he will sit in a boat and drink beer all day.
· If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
· Some days you're the bug, some days you're the windshield.
· Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.
· The quickest way to double your money is to fold it in half and put back in your pocket.
· A closed mouth gathers no foot.
· Generally speaking, you aren't learning much when your lips are moving.
· Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
What I need to pray
While away the other week I got up early most mornings to spend some time in prayer. It was easy to do and fruitful. Where we were staying had a small prayer chapel that was space dedicated to 24 hour prayer.
As you entered the chapel there was a bowl of water sitting on a table by the door to bring to remembrance one's baptism. Inside there was cross positioned in the middle of the room with some rugs, pillows and Scriptures scattered around. There were pictures, readings and even what looked like a confession with a chair and very thin veil. It was a quiet, still and dark place which made it easy to pray. I hate to use this word, but the way the room was "decorated” (arranged, setup, planned), made it very inviting to pray.
It was good to get up and pray each morning. It was weighty to walk in one morning, cup my hands in the bowl of fresh, clean water and pour it over my head. It was comforting to kneel at the cross and unload. It felt good to cry before God.
When coming home I resolved to continue this practice of getting up early and praying.
That was then and this is now. Admittedly, I have only prayed this way a couple days since being back. The timing is hard to manage. You see, on days I have to be at work early I just get up a half hour early. No kids to worry about. It is quiet, still and dark. But, I have to be more intentional about this time so I don't fall back asleep. Having some prayers to read or maybe just praying some Psalms would be better than just praying freestyle. On the days I off of work or don't have to be there early, I have to figure out how to get up before the boys. This can be quite a challenge not know when they are going to wake up. It seems once any one of them is up, all meditative and contemplative time or space disappears.
I can see why we are told in Matthew 6 to go into a closet or inner room to pray. To have a special space to pray, a space that facilitates meeting with the Godhead, a thin place between heaven and earth enhances prayer. While in the prayer chapel someone had created this space for me. Now, I need to figure out how to do it my self. It is not that prayer becomes more effective in these sacred places, but it makes it easier for me to give myself to the discipline of prayer. Prayer becomes more purposeful and deliberate. It becomes easier to prayer.
As you entered the chapel there was a bowl of water sitting on a table by the door to bring to remembrance one's baptism. Inside there was cross positioned in the middle of the room with some rugs, pillows and Scriptures scattered around. There were pictures, readings and even what looked like a confession with a chair and very thin veil. It was a quiet, still and dark place which made it easy to pray. I hate to use this word, but the way the room was "decorated” (arranged, setup, planned), made it very inviting to pray.
It was good to get up and pray each morning. It was weighty to walk in one morning, cup my hands in the bowl of fresh, clean water and pour it over my head. It was comforting to kneel at the cross and unload. It felt good to cry before God.
When coming home I resolved to continue this practice of getting up early and praying.
That was then and this is now. Admittedly, I have only prayed this way a couple days since being back. The timing is hard to manage. You see, on days I have to be at work early I just get up a half hour early. No kids to worry about. It is quiet, still and dark. But, I have to be more intentional about this time so I don't fall back asleep. Having some prayers to read or maybe just praying some Psalms would be better than just praying freestyle. On the days I off of work or don't have to be there early, I have to figure out how to get up before the boys. This can be quite a challenge not know when they are going to wake up. It seems once any one of them is up, all meditative and contemplative time or space disappears.
I can see why we are told in Matthew 6 to go into a closet or inner room to pray. To have a special space to pray, a space that facilitates meeting with the Godhead, a thin place between heaven and earth enhances prayer. While in the prayer chapel someone had created this space for me. Now, I need to figure out how to do it my self. It is not that prayer becomes more effective in these sacred places, but it makes it easier for me to give myself to the discipline of prayer. Prayer becomes more purposeful and deliberate. It becomes easier to prayer.
Lessons From The Skate Park
One of the best and scariest things about going to the skate park with my boys is not the huge 10 foot drop in (I stay away from that), nor is it the potential for a body mangling collision with another skater or biker, but is the exposure to culture my guys get.
Take language for instance.
It use to be that my kids heard most of their swearing in church (thats another blog entry in itself). But at the skate park they regularly hear, or at least I hear, F-bombs all the time. There is other colorful language too: sh*t, oh my G-d, ass*ole and even regular, but strange words like "rapist."
So what is a father to do? I could stop taking my boys to the skate park. I could ignore it. I could explain it. I could do what one dad did today and yell at the kids saying it. But I know yelling would only prompt more cussing in my direction. So, I have taken a different route.
I want to meet these kids on there grounds. I mean it is really a park for them and I have yet to see another dad (other the teenage ones) out skating in it. I know it is a public park, but still does a 36 year dude really need to be boarding around with his little punks scooter riding brats? At this point I don't yell. I haven't even said anything at all.
When the time is right, I will just ask them to not cuss around the younger kids. No big deal. I might even look them in the eye and say, "you're smart enough to think of another word to use, give it a shot." The bottom line is to not make a big deal out it. The last thing I want is to be another adult yelling at these kids. I am sure they get that enough other places.
Hopefully my way of handling the language issue will do two things:
1. build a rapport with the kids at the skate park.
2. model for my boys how to be Jesus to the world around them without being judgmental and condemning.
We will have to see how this works.
I know one thing, my kids are going hear this kind of language all their lives (both in the church and certainly outside it) and I would rather have them hear it with me around than not.
Take language for instance.
It use to be that my kids heard most of their swearing in church (thats another blog entry in itself). But at the skate park they regularly hear, or at least I hear, F-bombs all the time. There is other colorful language too: sh*t, oh my G-d, ass*ole and even regular, but strange words like "rapist."
So what is a father to do? I could stop taking my boys to the skate park. I could ignore it. I could explain it. I could do what one dad did today and yell at the kids saying it. But I know yelling would only prompt more cussing in my direction. So, I have taken a different route.
I want to meet these kids on there grounds. I mean it is really a park for them and I have yet to see another dad (other the teenage ones) out skating in it. I know it is a public park, but still does a 36 year dude really need to be boarding around with his little punks scooter riding brats? At this point I don't yell. I haven't even said anything at all.
When the time is right, I will just ask them to not cuss around the younger kids. No big deal. I might even look them in the eye and say, "you're smart enough to think of another word to use, give it a shot." The bottom line is to not make a big deal out it. The last thing I want is to be another adult yelling at these kids. I am sure they get that enough other places.
Hopefully my way of handling the language issue will do two things:
1. build a rapport with the kids at the skate park.
2. model for my boys how to be Jesus to the world around them without being judgmental and condemning.
We will have to see how this works.
I know one thing, my kids are going hear this kind of language all their lives (both in the church and certainly outside it) and I would rather have them hear it with me around than not.
A Poor mans mid-life crisis
So I bought a skateboard yesterday. The boys like going to the skate parks by our house and riding their Razor scooters. I get bored just watching so I bought a board. I got it cheap, so no big deal.
I figured I have more experience on a skateboard (albeit 20 years ago) than I do on a scooter. And you all know what happened last time a rode a scooter at a skate park. Yep, you got it, I broke my elbow last 4th of July. I was bored than too.
Maybe this will be a good way to hang with my boys.
Maybe this will be a way to meet and talk with some local kids.
Maybe this is a serious cry for help.
Maybe I am nuts. Debra just laugh when I told her the board was not for the boys, but for me!
Its not like I left my wife for a women half her age. Nor did I by a red convertible. Its just a skateboard.
Comments I heard about the board:
Debra: Did you get a helmet with the new toy?
Ben: Who's the skateboard for?
Dad: Me.
Ben: Oh dad you going to break again!
Kid @ the park: Hey, is that a brand new board?
Me: Yes.
Kid @ the park: Yeah, I could tell, it still has all the paint on it.
More from the skate park later...
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
What is our base?
A while back I blogged about 3 ways the church reacts to culture: Methodological, Philosophical and Theological. I maintained that methodical changes are a only superficial and theological changes are dangerous. It is when we examine why we do what we do that we can begin to make shifts in our core values and truly relate to culture.
So,what is the foundation of our philosophical change? Our basis for ministry is related to our theological perspective. Theology informs our philosophy, which in turn determines our methodology.
More specifically our theology should first be grounded in the person and character of God (prolegomena). The way we do ministry and how we are the church should not be based on our ecclesiology, but on our theology of God.
Here is how it breaks down:
Theology: What do we know from Scripture and believe about the character and qualities of the Godhead?
Philosophy: What are our core values and commitments based on our theology?
Methodology: How are we going to practically live out our core values and commitments?
Examples:
Theology: God is love. 1 John 4:7-10
Philosophy: We value others regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey or how they smell.1 John 4:11-14
Methodology: Care for the homeless downtown. Buying tires for someone who can not afford them. Baby sitting so a single mother can go to work.
Theology: God is a sending God. John 3 16:
Philosophy: Being missional (a foundational and prophetic call for the church to orient everything it does around the purpose of mission.) John 17:18, 20:21
Methodology: Commitment to being a small community of Christ followers in order to plant other church gatherings. Moving to the "wrong side of the tracks" in order to help create change.
Theology: God is just. Deuteronomy 16:19-20, Luke 18:1-8
Philosophy: It is the churches responsibility to fight injustice and promote justice through the world(in according with the character of God.)
Methodology: Giving of time and money to domestics abuse shelters. Protesting unethical government policy or action. Being a voice for those too young or to frail to speak for themselves.
This is why the study of theology and Scripture is crucial for the health and maturity of the church. When we move to basing our ministry on pragmatic ideas, we will eventually fail to live out the kingdom of God, create disciples and witness to the story of God in Jesus the Christ.
So,what is the foundation of our philosophical change? Our basis for ministry is related to our theological perspective. Theology informs our philosophy, which in turn determines our methodology.
More specifically our theology should first be grounded in the person and character of God (prolegomena). The way we do ministry and how we are the church should not be based on our ecclesiology, but on our theology of God.
Here is how it breaks down:
Theology: What do we know from Scripture and believe about the character and qualities of the Godhead?
Philosophy: What are our core values and commitments based on our theology?
Methodology: How are we going to practically live out our core values and commitments?
Examples:
Theology: God is love. 1 John 4:7-10
Philosophy: We value others regardless of where they are on their spiritual journey or how they smell.1 John 4:11-14
Methodology: Care for the homeless downtown. Buying tires for someone who can not afford them. Baby sitting so a single mother can go to work.
Theology: God is a sending God. John 3 16:
Philosophy: Being missional (a foundational and prophetic call for the church to orient everything it does around the purpose of mission.) John 17:18, 20:21
Methodology: Commitment to being a small community of Christ followers in order to plant other church gatherings. Moving to the "wrong side of the tracks" in order to help create change.
Theology: God is just. Deuteronomy 16:19-20, Luke 18:1-8
Philosophy: It is the churches responsibility to fight injustice and promote justice through the world(in according with the character of God.)
Methodology: Giving of time and money to domestics abuse shelters. Protesting unethical government policy or action. Being a voice for those too young or to frail to speak for themselves.
This is why the study of theology and Scripture is crucial for the health and maturity of the church. When we move to basing our ministry on pragmatic ideas, we will eventually fail to live out the kingdom of God, create disciples and witness to the story of God in Jesus the Christ.
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