Weekly Update

A new week is about to start. Thought I would jot down a few things that have been going on in my little world.

1. School starts in about a month. I’m really looking forward to throw myself into something other than ministry. There were things that I absolutely loved about church work but there were other thing that simply drove me completely insane. Even as I work on a hot roof, I still think about the nutty things that went along with ministry. It will good to get my mind thinking about something other than church work.

2. I hate the term “church shopping” simply because of the consumerist overtones it takes on..which is one things I dislike about the modern church. But the realty is, my family has been shopping for a new church. Thus far we have visited three churches in the area and I visited one by myself. All have been very friendly and welcoming. I have about four more churches in our area that I would like to visit. I have really enjoyed visiting other churches. Finding a new church family takes time and there is a strong possibility that we will never find one in or around Francesville.

3. My sister Angie burnt me an audio CD for my birthday. The band is Fleet Foxes and she tells me they are blowing up in the local scene Seattle. I just got around listening to it. Sounds like good “chill” music.

4. I started a book by Scot McKnight called A Community Called Atonement. The premise of the book is to explore the variety of layers of the theological theories of the atonement. I know...sounds boring but it find McKnight’s writing very practical for today’s church. Here are few quotes that I have underlined.

o“...the atonement is only understood when it is understood as the restoration of humans – in all directions – so they form a society (the church) wherein God’s will is lived out and given freedom to transform all of life.”

o“Any atonement theory that thinks exclusively of earth is inadequate, just as any theory that shifts too much of eternity is also inadequate.”

o“Atonement is not just something done to us and for us, it is something we participate in – in this world, in the here and now.”

Keep growing. Peace.

Thus Far in July

As you can clearly tell, I haven’t been blogging much. July has been busy thus far and I haven’t been online enough to read blogs let alone write them. So here is quick update.

1. My family came up on the 3rd to visit. This was an extra special occasion because my brother Scott made it up to F-ville for the first time. He brought his two daughters and wife Jamie. Mya, his oldest, seemed to enjoy being on a farm.

2. Emily did well in her 4H projects. One of her pigs received a second place in it’s class. She was 3rd in Recycling and 3rd or 4th in photography. (My apologize to you 4Hers for not know the proper terminology of ranking…I get them mixed up.)

3. A few weeks ago I started to work with a general contractor in my community. He does a verity of jobs for businesses and homeowners. We spent this week re-roofing a house. Guys that are seriously out of shape and 40lbs over weight would be wise to stay off a roof in the middle of July. But I’m a fool with no other job so I’m on the roof sweating buckets. It’s good to have a job that allows me to be outside. (I’ve got a good tan while working). It’s good to have a physical job for awhile. Ministry was making me soft.

Till next time. Peace (as in the peace of Christ)

Jack Johnson

I finally got around to edit our concert footage of ol' Jack. Check it out.

Wright on Colbert

A Christianity Worth Believing

I just finished Doug Pagitt’s latest book A Christianity Worth Believing. But before I say anything about it, let me share a portion of what Marko had to say (read the whole book review HERE):

“let’s be straight about this: “a christianity worth believing” is going to royally piss some people off. doug will get more speaking engagements in some quarters, and a whole lot less in others. the people who already don’t like doug will be well-armed to write him off or write against him as “the coming apostacy” or speak against him at ministry events of various kinds. this will especially be true of the nu-reformed crew. while doug’s book is surprisingly winsome in tone (especially for a guy who openly explains in the beginning of the book that he is a natural contrarian), chapter after chapter attempt to pull the rug out from under stack of building blocks foundational reformies play on. dude, seriously: you’re not just poking at their blocks; you’re yanking the rug. they don’t like that.”

I like Doug. I liked his book. But if you are comfortable with your theology (your understanding of God and church practices), I would advise you to stay away. Reread a book of Rick Warren’s. But if you have the foggiest sense of the Kingdom changes that are taking place in Christian think-tanks, then I would recommend reading this theological book. There was little content that I disagreed with. There was some content that I’m unsure of. I need to give it another glance but over all it was good book.

Sitting in our hotel room watching the Celtics kill the Lakers. today we went to Marthas Vineyard. the M V was a beautiful place. an amazing beach, beautiful homes, and an impressive community. we did however see a few unattractive Nude sun bathers but luckly em was not around. having a great time. Boston just won the NBA Title. em and i are going to go riot with the locals.

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Good first day in Boston. We went to Fenway, to Cheers for lunch, went up in a skyscraper to see the city sky line, walked around downtown, and went to an impressive super market in the midle of town.

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To Boston

Today we leave to Boston for our first family vacation. None of us has ever been to Boston before. I'm looking forward to going some where new. We'll have many pictures and videos to show when be get back next week. So stay tuned.

Jack Johnson

For an early birthday present, my awesome wife and stepdaughter took me to the Jack Johnson concert. Weather.com was calling for 75% chance of strong storms but we made the long trip to Verizon Wireless in Indy anyway. The ground was a little wet (we had lawn tickets) but the rains held up. It was a perfect summer night for a great show. Thanks Rae & Em for a great b-day present! (Give me a few weeks and I will posting some youtube clips of the show.)I had an interesting conversion with a friendly guy from Ohio that made me think how Jesus would have reacted. The conversion went like…

Ohio: “You a big Jack fan?”

Me: “I wouldn’t say big but I enjoy his music.”

Ohio: “Right on. Hey do you smoke?” (He said “smoke” is such a way that smoke could have referred to somethng other than tobacco.)

Me: “Not really.”

Ohio: “Do you mind if we do?”

Me: “I don’t mind.”

Ohio: “Cool, because I didn’t want to be rude.” (At least he was polite.)

Later on in the concert his party smoked a little tobacco and a little some’n else.

Now here’s my thought, how would Jesus respond such a request? Leave a comment on how you think Jesus would have responded? (And let’s not include, “Jesus wouldn’t be at a Jack Johnson concert!” for I have little doubt that he would have gone.)

So I Hear...

Looking over the past two years of my youth ministry efforts, I regret not throwing Jeremy Glassford more responsibility. He and his wife Jamie where very faithful youth leaders. They attended nearly every youth meeting. When we had a leader's meeting, they were there. When I had a special favor to ask they took it gladly with no hesitation. I always felt Jeremy was very supportive. In the final days of my ministry I found myself telling Jeremy final details that may be of help to the future of the youth ministry. Looking back, I should have used Jeremy and Jamie more than I did. They had much more to offer and I unfortunately did not see it.

Despite my “mis-read” to maximize Jeremy’s gifts it appears that God has chosen to put him to work. By word of mouth, I have learned that the new associate/youth minister of FCC is none other than Jeremy. Leaving (what I assume was) a good job, with three kids at home, and a mortgage, Jeremy’s decision to begin this new phase of ministry required much faith. I find this leap very impressive. I have no doubt that Jeremy will succeed. I wish him the best of luck and gladly welcome him into the brotherhood of youth ministry.

Sungha Jung

This kid is amazing. He has alot of stuff on Youtube. Check him out.

Meet Reggie McNeal

During my blog reading (click HERE to read) I came across a video that I would like to pass along. Reggie McNeal addressed a crowd of Reformed church leaders talking about a change taking place in the Kingdom. This was my first introducing to McNeal. It seems he's associated with Fuller Theological Seminary. I doubt if he would consider himself an emerging Christian but he spoke of a missional faith, a faith that is growing in so many. The video is 45 min. long but worth it. Leave a comment and tell me something that you found meaningful.

Let me share one meaningful nugget. McNeal suggested that the first church was slim ply following where the Spirit had been. There was no way the first Jewish Christians could have though God was interested in the Gentiles. In a way, they were playing catch up always lagging a few paces behind. As I think about this in today's context, the church, no matter how hip or organized it might be, will always be playing catch up to where the Spirit has been. Some churches are on the Spirits heals but many of much futhrer behind. But is the church's job, however, to keep after where God is going.

Wedding Slide Show

I finally got around to make a slide show of our wedding. The song is Set Me As A Seal from artist Matt Maher. The lrycs are taken from the Song of Songs (in your Bible).

Personal Update

Last Wednesday I injured my ankle so badly that I went to the ER to get it check out. I’m not the type that seeks medical help unless something is really wrong. They took an x-ray. It came up negative so I was told me to go my family doctor in five days to have it checked out after the swelling went down. I went to the Dr. yesterday. He seemed to think it is healing fine.

Today I went down to IVY Tech. I had a few questions to ask the department head of business then I enrolled for four fall classes: a math class, two computer classes, and a business class. I’m looking forward to my business course because this is an area I have never explored. Classes will start at 8:00 a.m. every Tues. and Thurs. With a round trip of 90 miles just to make it to class and back, I’m glad to make the drive just twice a week. Feel free to send random gift cards this fall to fuel my education.

Summer employment is still up in the air. I would appreciate your prayers.

Peace

"The New Christians" Road Trip with Trucker Frank 6

Here is the last webisodes with Trucker Frank. I've enjoyed this series very much and I hate to see it come to and end. If you would like to watch the rest of these webisodes the search this blog (for I just made them live) or go HERE for the first installment. Be forwarned, some will find some of this offensive but Jesus was offensive so I'm in good company.

It's Finished

For years I have lugged a massive set of keys in my pockets ever where I have gone. Today I officially cut that weight in half. Just a few moments ago I set my church related keys in the office. My office is cleaned out. My responsibilities to the FCC are over. It is finished. My emotions are mixed. I’m excited to start a new future however there is a touch of sadness. I enjoyed youth ministry and I will dearly miss it.

PreSchool VBS

Day #2 is over. The kids seemed to enjoy themselves. Today's teaching was Jesus gives us the power to help. The kids went home with their marching orders to help others like Jesus helped us. Kids were still asking about the gaint buble but didn't seem too disappointed when we didn't do again. It was another great day.

Tony Jones and Trucker Frank's Road Trip - Episode 5

Trucker Frank doesn't make an appearance but this webisode is a tale between two pastors. Good stuff.

Pre-School VBS

Our first day of preschool VBS concluded an hour ago. 23 little guys had a blast. The highlight was the giant bubble. The kids stood on top of a concrete block in a pool of soapy solution as a hula hoop was used to make a giant bubble around them. The kids stood inside a bubble. They loved it. These kids are great.

Prince Caspian

I’m not much a movie critic so I won’t try to be one here. But last night, Rae and I went to watch Narnia: Prince Caspian in the theater. We both enjoyed it. For those who watched with decrement, elements of faith were laced throughout the film. I’ll be sure to buy it on DVD for my own library.