The Sylvestri Family

A Memorial to Julie

For those who regularly stop by here, you know that recently our dear friend Julie went Home, after succuming to cancer at age 36. She has been on my mind as much this past week as all the weeks during the past year that we were praying for her. She was a remarkable young lady, it was a priviledge to be her friend. With this in mind, I wanted to share with the rest of you portions of the remarkable eulogy delivered by her husband, Tony this past Sunday at her Memorial/Celebration Service, at which nearly 1,000 people attended. I have never heard anything like it. I have never met anyone like Julie.


As you all can imagine, this is one of the hardest things a person could ever be called upon to do. Almost twelve years ago I stood with Julie right here. It was the happiest day of my life. I held her hands, I put this ring on her finger, and promised her that I would honor her, stay faithful to her, to cherish her as a priority always, for better or for worse, in sickness or in health, until death do us part. My sweet Julie--you know now that I meant it, and that I love you.

Julie graduated from the Buckley School in 1986. Her mom, Darlene, was a faculty member there, and Julie developed warm and loving relationships with many of her teachers, many of whom would become her colleagues years later. Many are here tonight. She was particularly fond of her Latin teacher, Ms. Shipley, who inspired Julie to major in classics when she went off to UCLA. Even before Julie graduated from college, her desire to help and serve others led her to learn sign language and become an interpreter for the deaf. She worked helping deaf students receive vocational training. She would have to go through the training with them, and interpret for future evaluations. She did everything from Burger King to the LA Zoo. She made quite an impact on these deaf students. One of her numerous bridesmaid experiences was at the wedding of one of these students, and years later when we were at the zoo with Thomas a deaf employee recognized her and rushed up to us to thank her and talk to her.

God inspired Julie to replace her retiring Latin teacher at Buckley in 1992, and that's when we met. We clicked instantly and were married within a year of our first date. Our interests, sensibilities, likes and dislikes, goals for the future all were so similar, I often thought we were the male and female version of each other. We truly were partners and true companions.

We lost our first child without even knowing we were pregnant. So when Thomas came along, we were so excited. Julie was amazing during her long labor, calm as a zen nun--Sparky can attest to that. But in the midst of our joy, the doctors discovered a large tumor in her abdomen, and our cancer journey had begun. She was worried about having chemotherapy solely for its effect on the possibility of having a second child. We knew our Emma was out there waiting. So God spared her reproductive system entirely. We began to realize that Thomas was a miracle baby-that his late arrival of 11 days prompted the doctor to perform that one last ultrasound which found the tumor. We praised and thanked our merciful God for allowing us to catch this cancer early. Ovarian cancer usually goes unnoticed for a very long time. At this point Julie would probably want me to encourage all you women to get CA-125 blood tests, and to work hard to find a diagnostic test which can detect it earlier until we find a cure.

After her treatments were over we had five wonderful years. Years filled with Julie's recovery and hope for a long future, Thomas' toddlerhood, Emma's miraculous birth, and all the wonderful joys and exasperations of normal life with two little kids. In the midst of all this, Julie sought to make sense of her experience with cancer in a way which helps others. She sought out other moms who had cancer, or who had been recently diagnosed. She would send them these care packages, filled with scripture, affirmations, poetry and
encouragement. Kaiser would even call her when a new mom was diagnosed. She would go and pray with them, give her care package, and follow up with them regularly. We understood her cancer as an opportunity
for ministry and caring for others. It awakened and quickened our faith in amazing ways. Giving and serving others was her way. Those years also saw Julie return to teaching at Buckley. She told me often that the
accomplishment of which she was most proud was instituting the "Gratitude Month" custom at Buckley of filling out thank-you notes for all those folks on campus who did something special for you. These thank you notes, designed by Julie, are still used as a cherished tradition at Buckley.

We were beginning to settle into a beautiful routine as partners, parents, and colleagues when she started feeling pain in December of 2003. She taught and parented through the pain, thinking it was caused by the way she held Emma, by the way she slept, or even by sciatica. But in the back of our minds, we feared that the cancer had returned. The struggle of body and spirit that followed was well-documented in what turned out to be a blog, an email diary of Julie's search for meaning. Most of you received this email, and you have heard some of it shared tonight. Her emails were sent out, then ended up being forwarded to thousands of prayer warriors all over the world. She had all religions praying for her, on all continents, all sorts of people young and old. We got an email once from the Singapore Gay Men's Chorus telling us that they were praying for her. Secret pockets of Christians in China were praying for her. Kids in Ethiopian Sunday School were praying for her. Presbyterians in Connecticut, Catholics in Rome, Jews in Israel, Methodists in Kansas, Baptists in Mississippi, Orthodox Christians in Washington, Sikh, Hindu, and Muslim friends all were fasting for her and praying for her miracle. It truly boggles the mind. Hear, O Israel--the Lord is ONE!

Her emails went all around the world, touching so many, and ministering to them in wondrous ways. That was her hope--that sharing the chronicle of her journey might inspire others to deepen their faith in a loving and personal God. And Glory to God, it has done just that. We prayed so hard for a miracle. But we tried to tell God the form that miracle should take, to force the hand of God, as it were. We tried everything. But in the end, nothing we did or did not do could change the sovereignty of God. No amount or form of prayer, no nutritional supplements or treatments, no doctors, no alternative therapies, no labels, no rituals could change what God had ordained as the length of her days. For me there is comfort in this, because it means we continue, we persist in the grace and presence of God even though He decided to take her home.

Her last day was very hard, and she clung to life so desperately. As the end started to draw near I began to sing to her. I didn't even think about it. I began to sing Great is Thy Faithfulness, her favorite hymn. Soon Doug (her Dad), Margie and others were singing too, and the room changed from a place where anguish and death were happening to a room in which the Comforter was present, a room where something important and wonderful was taking place--her homecoming, her real birthday.

During her last few months, as Julie began to realize that her condition was worsening, she struggled with the
conflict between her faith in a miracle on the one hand and her need to take care of me and the kids and make preparations for us should she die on the other. She really worries that preparing for her passing somehow showed God that she didn't trust Him to heal her. She spent time preparing scrapbooks, journals, videotapes for the kids. She even made a special box for Emma to open when she has her period, complete with heating pad, pampering items, books, and a long letter for her to read. She made baby quilts for our grandchildren. For me she had a ring made. I opened it on Friday after we buried her. Through my tears I saw that she inscribed on the ring a line from of a gospel song we listened to a lot this year--the ring is inscribed, JOY COMES IN THE MORNING. This is the message she chose for me to read a hundred times a day after she was gone--that I should not be discouraged, that joy comes in the morning. But the best way in which Julie thought to provide for the kids and me is all of you in this room--the legions of people touched and moved and inspired by her to help others, to love the Lord, to think to do little things for another's comfort. Her ripples will extend long after she is gone, all over the world. There are angels saying to each other, "That Julie--what a special beautiful soul she is."

Julie was a fighter. She was afraid of pain, but had a tremendous capacity to endure it. Her disease proved stronger than her body was, but her faith never faltered; she never doubted that she could be well, even to the very end. She even wanted me to pray for a resurrection after she was gone. It is clear to me that the Lord wanted her to join Him in Paradise. Why, I don't know, and will never know, until I ask him myself when I am standing with Julie again. (And from Julie's perspective, I and the kids will be with her in just a moment). She would want you to know that she now has no pain, a new body, a restoration of her beauty, her long hair back again instantly. She would want you to know that God reigns, and does things His way in spite of what we
want. She would want to remind you of the mystery of it all.

One of her favorite female saints, Julian of Norwich, wrote a quote which was so important as a personal motto for Jules, ever since she was first diagnosed with this horrible disease--"All shall be well, all shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well." It is this motto that I had inscribed on her grave marker. And all SHALL be well. Julie loved you all. Please honor her and what she meant to you by renewing your faith in God, in a God who heals and a God who answers prayer, even if not in the way we hope.

All SHALL be well, because joy comes in the morning.

Why I Support Young Life

Young Life Shaving Clinic - Personal hygiene is Important!

Yesterday, I had lunch with two fellow members of my local Young Life Committee. During the conversation I was asked to write up a brief piece on why it is I support Young Life. And so, I will share with you my reasons.

The Need
I recently read Chap Clark's remarkable book, "Hurt", which should be the one book that parents, educators, and youth workers should read to understand youth culture. Clark managed to get inside the world of US teenagers and reveal the depths of angst, pressure and loneliness they feel. What I learned, and what I am learning daily as the father of two girls, aged 11 and 14, is that there are many layers of teen culture, including places where adolescents are most honest and vulnerable. Todays youth are a tribe apart, and it is we adults who have abandoned them.

By the time adolescents enter high school, most have been subjected to at least a decade of adult-driven agendas. We all know of coaches who are so invested in winning at youth sports that they leave mediocre athletes on the bench or pull them off the team, or perhaps the once playful dance classes that somehow morph into intensive dance training and regional competitions. Or the high school junior who faces a nightly four-to-five hour marathon of homework only to rise at 7 a.m. for morning band practice before AP calculus. And what of the kids that merely blend into the woodwork; who come from families of fractured marriages, or who feel too big or skinny, too tall or short, or are not part of the "popular" crowd. As this critical stage of life, who will befriend them, who will tell them that they matter, that each of their lives have infinite value?

The Solution
Most of Clark’s research took place in Crescenta Valley High School in north Los Angeles County. One might wonder how a middle-aged dad could get inside the heads of so many teens from so many walks of life. He did this by doing what most adults are unwilling to do, by spending time with teens and asking questions, by showing a genuine curiosity in their world and a willingness to hear their answers without judgment. Not surprising, Clark comes from a long background of ministry to youth, most notably with Young Life.

This is the solution; taking the time to be with kids. To enter their world, to listen, to befriend, to walk with them on the bumpy trail of adolescence. This is what Young Life is all about - simply spending time with junior and senior high kids. Since the ministry began in 1941, Young Life leaders have been leaving the comfort of their adult worlds and entering the arena of high school and middle school life. You will find Young Life leaders sitting in the stands at football games, walking the streets of inner-city neighborhoods, driving carloads of kids to the shopping malls, or simply listening to the stories of kids at the local burger place after school. Young Life leaders model trust, respect and responsibility to their young friends, and they do it within a meaningful context, within the context of a teenager's world.

At Young Life, we follow the example of the most remarkable man in history. Jesus came to be among us, to spend time with us, to hear our stories, to heal, and to point the way to a loving God. This is what we are about in Young Life, listening, caring, becoming part of kids lives, and showing the way.

This is why I love Young Life.

Congratulations Graduates

You really spin my beanie!

For those who doubt the focus and maturity of America's graduating class of 2005...

I direct you to this (wait for it to load).

And In This Cornaahh, Theee Lord Jeeesus!

Come to Church, you Girlie Man!

After my experience of Sunday (see post below) I have found real world evidence that church fighting is actually the new trend, here. This video (hang in for the load-up and the commercial) is further proof that:

1. Canadians are nuts (disclaimer - I married one)
2. Christian folk are nuts.

If you need it, for further perspective on our silly narcissistic lives as American Christians, go here.

I rest my case.

My Brain Hurts!

Are you the "brain specialist"...?

Sorry! No posts for a couple of days. As a partial explanation, I offer this old bit from Monty Python:

T. F. Gumby: My brain hurts!
Specialist: Well let's take a look at it, Mr Gumby.
(Gumby specialist starts to pull up Gumby's sweater. )

T. F. Gumby: No, no, no, my brain in my head. (specialist thumps him on the head)
Specialist: It will have to come out.
T. F. Gumby: Out? Of my head?
Specialist: Yes! All the bits of it. Nurse! Nurse! (a nurse enters)
NURSE! NURSE! Nurse, take Mr Gumby to a brain surgeon.

Well, there you have it. My brain hurts. Yesterday I was witness to a portion of the most unpleasant, mean-spirited, ugly, anger-laced congregational meeting I have ever seen. This was, for me, until I left early, one of the low points of Christendom. Heaven forbid someone coming in from the outside of the Church World should have seen this event. It was almost like one of those fist fights that occasionally break out in the Legislature of Some Little Baltic/South East Asian/Other Rather Anonymous Country. Just short of people climbing over chairs to wallop one another.

How lovely. How Christ like. What happened to this and this?

My brain hurts. I could barf.

Can't We All Just Get Along?

Polarized Opinions (sorry no Ackroyd pictures!)

Surely everyone older than 40 remembers the Old Saturday Night Live Weekend Update. And they remember the infamous "Point Counterpoint" in which Dan Ackroyd would holler, "Jane, you ignorant, misguided (expletive)". It made us laugh, largely because Dan had no fear, and when he got mad about an issue, he said his mind, which, although rude, was honest.

I have often felt like I wanted to be Dan Ackroyd of late, on several fronts. As I have mentioned here, and other places earlier in this blog, our family has been attempting to cope with all the effects of a major league church split that is ongoing. The whole situation is a traffic accident, with hurt people littering the landscape. Add to that, we now have a small Donneybrook occurring within our local school district. Enraged citizens want to fire our Superintendent after only nine months or so on the job. Conflict, it seems, is unavoidable. And in both situations, I have taken sides, which may make me not well liked in some quarters.

Full disclosure time. I am an Enterpriser! According to The Pew Trust, with a hat tip to Rob Asghar and this post, I am coming to grips with my Inner Enterpriser. And by the way, my Inner Enterpriser just kicked the living daylights out of my Inner Child, told him he did not want tax dollars paying for his whimpy attitude, and called the forced him to register Republican while giving him an indian burn. Uncle! An Enterpriser, egads, and for shame!

And yet, I have also to contend with this Shepherd, who bids me to be a peacemaker. So how do I balance my convictions and the One who wants to shape my soul. Where is humility in all of this?

I am open to suggestions here.

Youth Workers, Alert!!

Soul Searching

Do you know anyone involved in youth ministry? Youth Director, Jr. High Leader, Senior High, College? Perhaps even a youth volunteer from your church that you respect and admire? If so, head here, or to your local book store today, and purchase "Soul Searching" by Christian Smith and Melinda Denton. Buy them this book, and buy a copy for yourself. I am sure that my buddy KC and his blog friend Peter will be getting a copy soon. Right guys?

This work, funded by the Lilly Endowment is perhaps the seminal study of the spiritual lives of American youth in the past decade. Christianity Today has reviewed the book here, and it drove me to my local book store several weeks ago. I am digesting its contents now, and will be sharing some of my thoughts about this book soon.

First peek inside - as it turns out, American kids are not nearly as rebellious about religious conformity as one might think. More later.

Goodbye, For Now...

Farewell, for now, Julie

Today's news:

• United Air Wins Court Battle Over Pension Plans
• Rumsfield Seeks Leaner Army
• China Rules Out Sanctions to Pressure North Korea

And in our world, our dear friend Julie today went Home. The cancer she fought for almost a year was more than she could bear.

Julie's husband Tony, summed up the struggle so very well just the other day in an email to all of us who have been praying and hoping for Julie:

"She has also agreed to be formally admitted into the hospice program, having resisted that label up to now. They are delivering a hospital bed this afternoon, and the doctor told me that our sweet Julie has but a few days left with us. I don't believe that. I'm not going to deny the rapid decline my eyes see. I am not going to avoid opportunities for me and the children to begin the process of transforming our little family into a littler family. But in the midst of that, I am not going to deny the absolute and ultimate, merciful and faithful sovereignty of God. HE will decide the moment of her death. HE will be with her and with all of us as this unfolds. HE will give us joy and comfort in the midst of this suffering. And, if He wishes it, HE will heal her and grant her a longer life. Nothing we do or do not do will change the soveregnty of God. No amount or form of prayer, no supplements or treatments, no doctors, no alternative therapies, no labels, no rituals can change what God has ordained as the length of her days. For me there is comfort in this, because it means we continue in the grace and presence of God even if He takes her. There are many who may doubt, or rage or give up entirely, but not us.

As for me and my house, we believe."

The Lanyard

A fitting poem, for Mother's Day:

The Lanyard
Billy Collins

The other day I was ricocheting slowly off the blue walls of this room,
moving as if underwater from typewriter to piano,
from bookshelf to an envelope lying on the floor,
when I found myself in the L section of the dictionary
where my eyes fell upon the word lanyard.

No cookie nibbled by a French novelist could
send one into the past more suddenly
—a past where I sat at a workbench at a camp
by a deep Adirondack lake learning how
to braid long thin plastic strips into a lanyard,
a gift for my mother.

I had never seen anyone use a lanyard or wear one,
if that’s what you did with them,
but that did not keep me from crossing strand over strand
again and again until I had made a
boxy red and white lanyard for my mother.

She gave me life and milk from her breasts,
and I gave her a lanyard.
She nursed me in many a sick room,
lifted spoons of medicine to my lips,
laid cold face-cloths on my forehead,
and then led me out into the airy light
and taught me to walk and swim,
and I, in turn, presented her with a lanyard.

Here are thousands of meals, she said,
and here is clothing and a good education.
And here is your lanyard, I replied,
which I made with a little help from a counselor.

Here is a breathing body and a beating heart,
strong legs, bones and teeth,
and two clear eyes to read the world,
she whispered, and here, I said,
is the lanyard I made at camp.

And here, I wish to say to her now, is a smaller gift
—not the worn truth that you can never repay your mother,
but the rueful admission that when
she took the two-tone lanyard from my hand,
I was as sure as a boy could be that this useless,
worthless thing I wove out of boredom
would be enough to make us even.

Amen. Thank you Lord, for my Mother,
and for my wife, who is the best Mother I have ever known.

Lord, Hear Our Prayer

Our only hope

Sometimes, it helps to have a sense of perspective.

Last night, the chapel of our church was filled with more than 100 people, all there for one purpose; to pray. Our dear friend Julie, has been given less than two months to live by her doctors. Julie has been fighting cancer now for almost a year, and for the second time in the past 6 years or so. Julie has a wonderful husband Tony, and two small children, Thomas and Emma.

Julie is surrounded by a community of loving friends that is remarkable to behold. Only in the Kingdom, can this kind of amazing collection of people come together. There was a friend of Julie's there who had driven down from Santa Barbara to pray for her, and another friend who felt that God wanted him to be there, so he flew in from Sacramento. Young and old, prominent and plain, all were there. If Julie's extended community of friends had all been able to make it, we would have had standing room only, with folks standing outside too.

Julie was there too, although she had been in the hospital earlier. She is is a great deal of pain. She wants to live, and she wants to be a mother to her two children, which is what she feels God has called her to do. We all sang together, and prayed, implored the Lord to heal Julie, and praised Him for his faithfulness and goodness.

At the end of the day, Christ is our only hope. He is all that is worth living for. Please, God, let Julie live....

Won't you pray for Julie too? Its our only hope.

The Long and Winding Sojourn

The Long and Winding Road

As some might have surmised by my somewhat not so vague posts over the course of the last couple of months, during the past several years, our family has witnessed the dsyfunction, denial, and decline of a once fairly significant evangelical church. Over the past several months, this has declined into a rather gruesome church split, at our church home of 17 years. All of this has been agonizing to watch take place. My friend Mark Roberts has been recently blogging, not so indirectly, on the topic of Christian conflict. If you have ever experienced it, read this. Matter of fact bookmark the series, odds are, you are going to really need it someday. Blame it on the fall.

And so, I have been on a sojourn, if you will, of other churches. I have become the guy looking lost in the pew, rather than the well-connected leader in the congregation. Our family has been typically in several different places on Sundays, as we balance the needs of pre-teen and teenage daughters for meaningful Christian Education and fellowship. It has been a bit nutty, but we have maintained our sanity, our family and above all, our faith. We have seen a lot, and learned even more. Christ is faithful.

The ensuing months have made me do a LOT of thinking about what Christian lay involvement, leadership, and pastoral roles mean. To confess, I think I have had it wrong in many ways. I need a paradigm shift. As long as I can remember, there has been a part of me that has wanted to be one of the "key leader people"; which, in turn, has a lot to do with my needs for recognition. I am actually looking forward to the second half of my life, so that I can further flesh out what all this means, and what my paradigm shift in Christ means. Maybe this is why I now find myself more involved with Young Life - which really is grass-roots ministry to those in need.

Jesus was a servant to those closest to him, so should we be. He recognized the little people, the nearly invisible, and so should we. He cared for the unlovely, as should we. He spoke words of life and did completely unexpected and confusing things. He loved immensely and mysteriously. Perhaps I have spent far too much time the past 10 years or so involved, as an Elder (Homer Simpson voice: "note how I capitalize, I am Mr. Important") on church committees, working out my own needs for recognition. In retrospect and in reality, my reflection is that sometimes, not much tends to get done for the Kingdom in those settings. I need to refocus my priorities on the character of Christ. Pick up a towel. Offer a cool drink. Listen. Learn. Love. Live.

Bible, Newspaper, and the Internet 10x10

Bible in one hand and newspaper in the other

The great reformed preacher Karl Barth once said that sermons should be written with the Bible in one hand and the newspaper in the other. As the principal author of "The Barmen Declaration," he was the intellectual leader of the German Confessing Church, the Protestant group that resisted the Third Reich.

For the age we live in, perhaps it should be, instead, Bible on one hand, Internet in the other". To that end, I have found this web site as a wonderful example of what the web can help us do - reach into the world with our hearts and minds.

Ten by Ten, as the website states: "...is an often moving, sometimes shocking, occasionally frivolous, but always fitting snapshot of our world. Every hour, 10x10 collects the 100 words and pictures that matter most on a global scale, and presents them as a single image, taken to encapsulate that moment in time. Over the course of days, months, and years, 10x10 leaves a trail of these hourly statements which, stitched together side by side, form a continuous patchwork tapestry of human life."

Use this as a tool, in your study and prayer. Peace!

Tale of Two Churches, Part Two

Not your fathers church

A quick stop at Starbucks (my daughter Heather loves Mocha Frappachinos) and we were off to Mosaic, our second church for the morning. If Sierra Madre Congregational is like California in 1975, Mosaic (to me, mind you) is like, well, um, lets see, the Planet Zork in 2053. No sanctuary, no hymnals, pews, ushers in suits, no organ, no pastors in robes, not even a cross.

Ok, so right there, just now, I guess I exposed some of my questions and "issues" about the whole emergent church thing. Those of you who have been with me since the beginning of my personal Blogorama know that I love the church, in quite all its forms, dearly. But the Emergent Church, for me, is like that strikingly hip couple that moved into the condo next door. They dress so cool, it hurts. Their interior decorating involks all sorts of wild ideas and themes, but not a feeling of home. They have jobs in the internet, and can actually speak entire sentences without using any terms I can understand. And they give you looks on occasion that seem to say, "You are so old school, dude." Sigh!

That said, I would have to also say that in this church (rented auditorium at a Christian school campus, complete with outdoor tents for various ministries of the church) the gospel is proclaimed. But this church is truly emergent, baby. Good, and fairly generic praise music, with three guitars, drums, bongo, and synthesizer. Good vocals. Then a segue video about the theme of the sermon for the morning. Then a short drama/comedy presentation which also illustrated the theme of the morning. An artist off to one site painting the logo of the theme for the morning during the service. Strikingly cool. Complicated, yet simple. Sensory overload, to a point. Is this a movement of God, or another trend. Funny to think, that compared to this, the Vineyard is old and boring.

The demographic: 20s and 30s, and very close to the age and racial demographic I noted for the area I noted below, in that there were all sorts of races present. Lots of crying babies, and "Preschool #s" would occasionally appear on a big screen (quietly) during the service. My daughter and I surmised that this meant if you got the lucky number, your kid was somewhere, at that moment, raising heck, and you'd best go rescue that preschooler. Like leaving your car lights on, only different. I was probably among 50 or so people over 40 years old, in a room with about 1,000 present. So, if you are closing in on your AARP membership, you might feel out of place.

The spoken Word you ask? Very good. Clearly, this sermon had not been dialed in by the pastor. He walked us through four separate New Testament illustrations of Jesus and the Christian life well, making his point, and making it in the context of modern life. Ancient and modern (very modern) connected well. Glory to God.

My one big problem. The thematic of the preaching series of this church since Easter has been "Imagine - Creating the Life of Your Dreams". Ok. This bothered me. So, is this what the church should be promoting - the "Life of Our Dreams"? What if my dreams are selfish, and pointless. What if my dreams sort of, but not really, involve the guiding of the Holy Spirit? What if my dreams are about 14 degrees off of True North of what Christ is really calling me to do and be?

Your dreams? My dreams? I don't trust my dreams. I can only cling to the dreams that God in Christ has for me. Seek out those dreams; pursue God. Perhaps its just my semantical problem, but I cannot be trusted by my own dreams, they must be slowly, daily, painfully sometimes, conformed to the will of Christ.

Better idea for a theme: "Imagine - Creating the Life of His Dreams for you"

For some other very interesting perspectives on this sort of thing try reading here, and here.

Parting thought. In neither of these two places did I feel at home. No one offered to ask my name, or how I was, or how I got there. At least in the Congregational church we got to shake hands during the service. In the end, is not our best experience of the church through the touch, the smile, the listening ear of a human? All the forms of liturgy and pomp (or lack thereof), of worship and order tend to recede in meaning unless we are met by others in a personal way.

Enough said. Grace and Peace

A Tale of Two Churches

Your father's church...

As some of you may know, I have been doing some church exploring for the past nine months or so. I have posted about it before here and several other different places.

Today, I went to church twice. And I have lots of things spinning around inside my head now. A disclaimer before I begin. Following the way in which God has created all sorts of different shapes and kinds of people, so too is His church reflected, and I love this. Some of you will note that I almost turned into a Catholic last month. But no, wouldn't be prudent. So, for anyone reading (that is all 12 of you) nothing I am going to say here is meant to be critical, although it might sound that way. I love the church, in all its forms, and I hope by what I say, that I might, in some small way, help it grow and flourish.

So. First, to understand what I am about to do, go look at Ship of Fools Mystery Worshipper website. Today, I was a mystery worshipper of sorts at two churches. This first is pictured above. Its your father's type of church.

Sierra Madre Congregational Church

This church is located in a serene suburban setting that most people would mistake for "Main Street, USA". I go here because my 11 year old daughter has friends in and enjoys greatly the youth department.

I attended the 9:30 worship service. The pastor seems to be a kind, warm, and very pastoral fellow who has lead this church for many years. This is a very white, upper middle class church; the choir was singing this morning, and there was not a single person in the choir under the age of 40. My guess on the mean age for the choir and congregation is about 50 years old. The median age - 55. This is interesting, as within a five mile radius, the population is 53% white, 29% Hispanic, and 24% Asian. The median five mile radius age is 37.6. Remember this for the other church I visited.

A new Missions Director was introduced to the congregation, and her brief comments were for me, the highlight of the morning. When asked what she had to say about the new opportunity to lead Missions, she commented, "This is about glorifying God". Well done.

The sermon was from Ephesians 1:3-6; and the title "Why do we Worship God?". Pastor Anderson really only had one answer, and it was a good one. Grace. The only challenge for me was that the pastor repeated this about (not kidding here) 30 times. It seems to me that there are many more reasons why we might want to worship God. Good topic, very light on content. And if you were not a frequent church attender, there was too much "church speak" in this message. Not seeker friendly. At the end of the sermon, communion was served, which is always a sweet moment for me in any setting; although no words of institution were offered, and the pastor said, at the end "its time to drink, drink ye all".

My thoughts in summary; I grew up about two miles from this church, and really, this service felt like I had never left home, and been frozen in a time warp. This worship service felt like Arcadia, California in 1975. The clothes, the sermon, the music. Everything.

So then, I went to another church. You might call it the bi-polar opposite of Sierra Madre. See that above.

A "Standing O" for Father, Son, and Holy Ghost!

We applaud for politicians...so why not God?

As you may have noted, before all this Pope business began, I was wandering randomly through this book, which is the latest offering from my buddy, Mark Roberts. Wonderful book on the Psalms. Buy it, use it for your small group.

Mark makes a very interesting point about praising God, versus praising the other things in our culture that we love to praise. What are these things, that garner our praise....and our "Standing Os"?

Try:

The President
The Dodgers
Da Bears
The Olympics
U2
A Rod
J Lo

Need I continue? If we so easily will stand and roar and make fools our ourselves for these things, what not for the Creator of the Universe. Hmmm.....think about it. I am.

I Don't Understand This

First, go here.

Tonight, we received news that our dear friend Julie, according to her doctors, may have about two months to live. Her cancer won't seen to give up. But neither will God, and we will continue to pray.

And then, minutes later I stumbled upon this. Interesting how the dots get connected in strange ways by a mysterious Lord.

Pray with us, for Julie, her husband Tony, and their children Thomas and Emma. Pray for a miracle, that is what they need.

File Under: Stupid Ways to Get Noticed in the Press

#1 on the list of stupid things to do...

It seems that actress Maggie Gyllenhaal has this to say about the September 11 attacks.

As I always look first to under 30 actresses who major (at Columbia) in Eastern Religion and Literature for definitive opinions on world affairs, I was overjoyed to learn that Ms Gyllenhaal feels that the US was responsible in part for 9/11. How illuminating.

I am so glad that Maggie has sent the record straight. She has my vote to be given a distinguished teaching chair at the Richard Gere Institute of Actors Who Are Unqualified to Speak a Word About World Polictics.

Using the qualifications and logic of Ms. Gyllenhaal, I, a commercial real estate consultant, will soon be offering my thoughts on Brain Surgeries that can be performed in the safety of your own home.

WWJD About the Judicial Nominees?

Is this alright to do?.....

Although I am a registered Republican, I am not so sure Jesus is.

So I am driving to work this morning, listening to NPR, and I hear about all the hub-bub going on about he Senate Judicial nominees. I think to myself, "darn Democrats". Really, I did think the word darn....well, this time. Democrats bug me a lot. And they like to take my money from me (ok, so its God's money that I am borrowing for a while, I know).

So, then later today I come across this piece by Michael Spencer about this thing that happened this weekend. Disclaimer, it is going to take a few minutes to read, this but it is so very worth reading. I promise. I must admit, Dr. Dobson has always given me a bit of the willies to listen to. While I appreciate what he has done for the American family, I am not sure I buy all his politics. Particularly because I am not so sure that Jesus' politics and Dr. Dobson's are such a perfect match.

After you have digested Michaels piece, here are my reflections. First, the little I know about Jesus is that he did come to present to us all a completely different paradigm about life here, and the life hereafter. So given this, perhaps Jesus might not be too hot on using the church for political purposes. Now, my friend Rob Asghar would be among the first to remind me that Jesus might have a different paradigm for lots of other things political; how we care for those less fortunate, whether war is really "just" or if that is a convenient form of logic to justify our imperialistic tendencies (spoken by a supporter of the Iraq war), and a host of other issues about our political discourse. We like politics that make our world safe, that keep the bad guys at arms distance. But that darn Jesus, he was a lot more fearless than I am. He was quite a heroic figure, that guy.

There really is a lot more I am not so sure of as I grow older. Maybe Jesus has a "third way", that we might all want to pursue together. What are your thoughts? Does Michael Spencer have a point? Are our paradigms wrong? Lets do some thinking, for the Kingdom.

The Tough Part of Being President

"Am I holding this guys hand?
Aw, anything for more oil....open ANWAR quick!"

Who says its not rough being President? From the web:

A major thing you should beware of is knowing if a Saudi Arabian likes you or not. If one does not like you he will not touch you (Gestures, n.d., 58). If a Saudi Arabian ever hugs you, consider yourself honored (Gestures, n.d., 58). This is a good thing and means you are well liked (Gestures, n.d., 58). Hugging and touching in Saudi Arabia is condoned between same sex persons, it is very common to see two males walking together and holding hands, even if it is two government officials or military personnel
(Gestures, n.d., 58).

Thus ends today's culture lesson.

More on Benedict XVI

Not really a nut case....

Cruising around the web tonight got my attention in regards to several issues regarding the new Pope, and how that fits in with what we protestants believe about the centrality of Christ. First, to see the actual words of the Pope in his homily during the Inauguration today, go here. I must excerpt my favorite part here:

All of us belong to the communion of Saints, we who have been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, we who draw life from the gift of Christ’s Body and Blood, through which he transforms us and makes us like himself. Yes, the Church is alive – this is the wonderful experience of these days. During those sad days of the Pope’s illness and death, it became wonderfully evident to us that the Church is alive. And the Church is young. She holds within herself the future of the world and therefore shows each of us the way towards the future. The Church is alive and we are seeing it: we are experiencing the joy that the Risen Lord promised his followers. The Church is alive – she is alive because Christ is alive, because he is truly risen. In the suffering that we saw on the Holy Father’s face in those days of Easter, we contemplated the mystery of Christ’s Passion and we touched his wounds. But throughout these days we have also been able, in a profound sense, to touch the Risen One. We have been able to experience the joy that he promised, after a brief period of darkness, as the fruit of his resurrection.

So, after reading this, do you suppose the Cardinals have either elected a liberal nut-case, or worse, a conservative weirdo? I think not. But to read the thoughts of some creative-thinking journalists, perhaps the Cardinals are loony. Go check out what Mark Roberts is saying about this, and decide for yourself. I for one, am very tired of relativist pluralism. Please!

I spend some time this morning with Mark at his church, and I can tell you, it is a wonderful place of welcome and grace. Go visit.

Millions!

"The money made everything so much harder"

Alright people. I am not a big movie goer, given most of the fair that Hollywood seems to churn out these days; the last movie I saw in the theater was "The Incredibles". Call me a dud. So be it. Come to think of it, this is the first movie review of this Blog.

My wife and I went tonight to see Millions, which has been released by Fox Searchlight films, and was made in Great Britain. Maybe we have to go that far to find a good movie these days. This is a very good movie. You must go see this movie. This is the sort of film making that deserves our money. Tell your friends.

What if you happened upon $250,000, and wanted to give it to the poor, but there were no poor where you lived, because they had been priced out of the housing market (sound familiar)? And you have only 10 days to spend the money, because the UK is converting to the Euro, and after that, the money will be useless. Add to this a boy of about 10 years old who has frequent visions that he is conversing with the Saints of the church.

Imagine the combination of a crime thriller, a father and two young sons trying to rebuild their lives after the loss of the mother of the family, mix in major ethical and moral questions about money, combined with an other-worldly interplay of heaven and earth; and Saints of the church who move mysteriously through the periphery of the movie, and you have Millions. I have never seen anything like this. Wonderful. Thought provoking. Beautiful.

Now people - get up out of your chairs, and go see it.

Why Did They Run?

And they came running....

I did not know it, but when the bells of St. Peters began to ring on Tuesday, the citizens of Rome, came out of shops, and offices, and homes....and ran to St Peter's Square. What for? For an answer....see this. And then, take a look at this. People running, again. Modern and ancient, brought together.

Beautiful. I love Peggy Noonan.

And might I add a personal reflection? Is this not the world we, those of us who follow Christ, are trying to build? A world where all of us, young and old, rich and poor, lovely and plain, burst forth from out offices, shops, and homes to run to see the King. Jesus. May it be so Lord, help us to see the way.

United State of America!

Alright, this here, is hysterical. My favorite - Hawaii. It sure helps to be able to laugh at ourselves.

Healing Contradictions

From the words of Henri Nouwen:

The many contradictions in our lives - such as being home while feeling homeless, being busy while feeling bored, being popular while feeling lonely, being believers while feeling many doubts - can frustrate, irritate, and even discourage us. They make us feel that we are never fully present. Every door that opens for us makes us see how many more doors are closed.

But there is another response. These same contradictions can bring us into touch with a deeper longing, for the fulfillment of a desire that lives beneath all desires and that only God can satisfy. Contradictions, thus understood, create the friction that can help us move toward God.

White Smoke, and Ringing Bells

Welcome Benedict XVI

A couple of thoughts on the election of Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger as Pope Benedict XVI. First, see the previous post, which features the words of encouragement from Cardinal Ratzinger to his brother Cardinals prior to the Conclave. In particular:

How many winds of doctrine we have known in recent decades, how many ideological currents, how many ways of thinking… The small boat of thought of many Christians has often been tossed about by these waves – thrown from one extreme to the other: from Marxism to liberalism, even to libertinism; from collectivism to radical individualism; from atheism to a vague religious mysticism; from agnosticism to syncretism, and so forth. Every day new sects are created and what Saint Paul says about human trickery comes true, with cunning which tries to draw those into error (cf Eph 4, 14). Having a clear faith, based on the Creed of the Church, is often labeled today as a fundamentalism. Whereas, relativism, which is letting oneself be tossed and “swept along by every wind of teaching”, looks like the only attitude (acceptable) to today’s standards. We are moving towards a dictatorship of relativism which does not recognize anything as for certain and which has as its highest goal one’s own ego and one’s own desires."

And then, what I keep hearing all day on the radio and TV are words describing this new leader as "strict, polarizing, divisive, hard-line". Oh, and don't forget, his "childhood in Nazi Germany", like he could help that! This, quite simply, bores me, and illustrates yet again that main stream media cannot possibly believe that the vast majority of American Catholics might actually approve of this new pope. What a concept, people who could actually be supportive of continuing an orthodoxy that has lead the church well for many years.

And then we have Benedict's words upon announcement of his Papacy:

Dear brothers and sisters,
after our great Pope, John Paul II, the Cardinals have elected me, a simple, humble worker in God's vineyard. I am consoled by the fact that the Lord knows how to work and how to act, even with insufficient tools, and I especially trust in your prayers. In the joy of the resurrected Lord, trustful of his permanent help, we go ahead, sure that God will help. And Mary, his most beloved Mother, stands on our side. Thank you.

Might we all aspire to be simple and humble workers in the vineyard of the Lord.....

Starting the Vote - And Words of Encouragement

The Conclave Begins

I promise, I am not yet Catholic. Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent. Stay the Protestant course. A thousand points of light.

Please, please, if you feel any animosity toward the Catholic church, go read this, it is the message given to the Cardinals, prior to the beginning of the Conclave to elect the next Pope.

I think these Cardinal guys may have it right.

Shhhhhh....

Eloquent Silence

I have this habit. Whenever I get in the car, I turn on the radio, or its already on when I start the engine. I would guess that 95% of the time, the radio is on, feeding me important news, relaxing classical music (to counteract my teenage daughters), or perhaps some jazz or rock to slightly (mind you) exceed the posted speed limit by. Schedule to keep, appointments to make, people to see, things to do. Do! Produce! Achieve! I am an American!

And then we have, well, um, the character and call of the Lord. He calls us to something different. Are we capable of slowing down, shutting up, and being quiet? In No Holds Barred, Mark Roberts offers us a taste of change.

We desperately need some quiet; a time to reflect. To be still before our Creator. To think, to feel, to heal. And perhaps, as Mark Roberts suggests, quiet may be a prerequisite to hearing God.

And if we think about it, some of life's most profound moments come out of silence. We all have experienced this. Perhaps the most recent vivid image of profound silence for me was the struggling silence of the final blessing of John Paul II, from his apartment window in the Vatican to the faithful below.

The sign of the cross, the struggling painful face. In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Without words. Amen.

I invite you; join me. Be still.

No Holds Barred - Remembering

I wonder if my dog can remember?....

We have a chocolate Labrador retriever. Her name is Cindy. My younger daughter named her after Cinderella from Disney fame, when she was 4 years old. I wonder how it is that dogs actually remember things. Can she remember the first walk we took her on, when she was scared to go around the block when she was a puppy and we had to nearly drag her on her little leash. Can she remember when I may have been unkind to her, because she was eating out of the dishwasher again? Can she remember her mother, her siblings at the great house in Rolling Hills?

Remembering. It frames our lives, doesn't it? In his book "No Holds Barred", Mark Roberts talks about the Psalms as a source of remembering. Our world today leaves us disconnected. Adrift. Set alone to figure things out. Families are separated by thousands of miles, and even farther emotional distances. Everything around us clamors about the instant. The now.

We have forgotten where we come from, and are not sure at all of where we are going. In the midst of this, however, we can “remember together” God’s faithfulness in history, and in our own lives.

As a final thought, Tim Thompson has printed the words to a wonderful and touching Sara Groves song, "Remember Surrender" here. Take a look and think about Remembering......what God has done for you.

Homeless for the King

Homeless on Purpose

Can you imagine doing this. I love the concept, and I might even buy the book. Let me know your thoughts.

Something I Think About...

Do all bloggers look thusly?

Each day, for perhaps 6-8 hours, in order to make a living, I spend much of my time in a seated position. After spending several days in the great outdoors, breathing cold air, and enjoying what God has created, and NOT sitting on my hiney, I have begun to wonder.

Do most bloggers secretly look like Homer? Food (no pun intended) for thought.

No Holds Barred

Alright skiing fans, we are back from Mammoth. The snow was wonderful, the weather great (two days of sun and 50 degrees, one day of snow and 35 degrees), and the laughter abundant. We ran into about 15 or 20 different friends from South Pasadena, and had a generally stupendous time. Thanks be to God for the beauty of His Creation around us, and the precious gift of friends and family.

While on our trip, I finished reading Mark Robert’s latest book, “No Hold’s Barred”, a candid look at the deeper meanings found within the Book of Psalms. By way of a disclaimer, Mark has been a dear friend for more than 20 years. He is a follower of Christ, a husband, a father, pastor, friend, outdoorsman, and perhaps one of the most pathetic golfers I have ever seen. That is ok though, Mark has not yet seen me ski. Pathetic is a relative concept.

On to the book. Have you looked through the Psalms and found them to be difficult to fathom, obscure in terms of our modern world, and perhaps written in a way that doesn’t connect to the places where you live? And yet, do you long for a deeper relationship with God, or maybe even find yourself wondering if He exists in the first place? And when you pray, do you find yourself using the language you used in church as a child; not sure how to express your longing, or whether you can be really honest with the Creator of the Universe? Is all of this just too confusing, too unreal. Can you be mad at God, can you really confess to him the saddest, most tragic and lonely parts of your life? In short, can you, can I, can we be real in our relationship with God?

Mark Roberts takes us on a journey of discovery in “No Holds Barred”. This is done via a variety of ideas and concepts found within the Psalms.

Asking – being unafraid to approach God with our needs.
Remembering – using the Psalms to remember God’s faithfulness
Silence – what, you mean no noise??
Physical Expression – using all of who we are to praise God
Desperation and Doubt – where God comes to be beside us
Vengeance – is it ok to be really mad at others in front of God?
Thanksgiving – living lives that reflect profound thanks for God’s grace?
Praise – what does it mean to give God praise?
Confession – ut oh, telling God about our “dark places”!
Worship – using the Psalms as a source of worship

Without boring you to tears (I have heard that many readers of this blog weep frequently upon reviewing its contents), I will share with you the portions of this book that resonated the most with me, in hopes that you will get a copy, and find parts that will resonate with you – drawing you closer to the heart of God, and in turn, deepening your love for him, and adding joy and grace to your relationships with others.

More on this soon……

Dude! Its like totally shred weather!

Heading here

Tomorrow morning our family heads to Mammoth Mountain. My wife and I have not been on skis for about 20 years, and our girls (aged 11 and 14) have never skied.

So, a family adventure in the making. A late spring time to make some memories together, and hopefully return home together with all of our bones intact. We are thankful for this time together, in the midst of our busy, noisy, and full lives.

I plan on taking this book along with me on the trip. In the few moments of silence I am allowed, I would pray that God might meet me anew, and refresh my busy soul - so that I might know more of his presence and mercy.

Until next Thursday or so.......

Final words....to live by

Goodbye Karol

These words were the first scripture chosen for the funeral mass of John Paul II:

Acts 10:34-43 (New International Version)

34Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. 36You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached– 38how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39“We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, 40but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen–by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”

How fitting. We protestants may have our differences about Mary, but our Catholic brothers and sisters know what is the essence of our shared faith. Also, I found it wonderful that the things of the Kingdom of God; hope, redemption, the sacrifice of Christ were being discussed and given great audience on every last major television outlet.

Now, may our individual lives be so filled with grace, love, and mercy, that the Kingdom of God becomes personal to those around us, our neighbors, our friends and those we work with.

Interesting convergence...

Alright, everyone stay calm, I am not becoming a Catholic. But the older I get the less I know for sure. I do know for sure that Jesus is Lord, and has transformed my life. I know for sure that I have been graced beyond measure by my wife, my children, and my friends. I know that The Simpsons is just about the funniest thing on TV, most of the time. And I do know that some of the finest, most joyous, dear, thoughtful, good, and faithfully devoted people I know are.....GASP...Catholic! I love them dearly.

However, there is lots of stuff I am not so sure about. One is this, which I find interesting (HT to Hugh Hewitt). Read, and ponder, good people.

What a Confusing Bunch We Are

Gosh darn Christians!

In the span of 24 hours, this and this appear on separate blogs, both by men who love Jesus. I swear, we Christian folk must drive those looking in on us completely nutty.

I have to admit that I agree more with Michael Spencer than I do with Al Mohler, and I find it highly ironic that Michael Spencer is a graduate of the school that Al Mohler is now dean of. Can you imagine?

While I agree with some of what Al Mohler says, I can hardly imagine using it to THONK some of my dear Catholic friends over the head with; such as "High there Sue, sorry to hear about John Paul, but did you know that his ideas about Mary as "Co-Redemptrix" are just WRONG?! Oh, and have a nice day!" And here is a shocker, my Catholic friends, they actually really do love Jesus!

This type of theological one-upsmanship makes me cringe. I am sorry, Dr. Mohler, but I want to actually get along with my Catholic friends at the city little league field. I wonder if Al has kids that still play little league, or for that matter, if he ever ventures outside of his theological world?

Surely there is a better middle ground to find.

Alergic, Distracted, Annoying and Grace-Filled Church

Although the church may make us nuts sometimes, it is worth it. Please, go read this.

Look to Jesus Christ!

John Paul II 1920-2005

If ever it could be said, "Well done, good and faithful servant!", it has already been said, in Heaven, just over the past 36 hours, with the arrival in Glory of Karol Wojtyla.

This was a life well led indeed. On the news last night, I heard him speaking, years ago, to a crowd in Central Park; "look to Jesus Christ". Shall we not all follow this example, and in each task we do, each person we meet, every relationship we have, look to Jesus Christ! May our gaze be constant.

I also heard it said that some of his final words to his close advisors were to the effect of, "Do not be sad, should you not be happy? I am going to be with my Father". This was a weekend mixed with sadness and loss, but strangely, with great hope and rejoicing. As a middle aged father of two, with a bit of a spare tire around my middle, I have begun to think more about my own mortality. Perhaps it is because my own parents, both of essentially the same age as John Paul, are slowing down and life seems more fragile for them. I must admit it - I am scared of death. I have not had much experience of it. Sad things, things of death were simply avoided in my family as I grew up. And, after college where I met Christ, I knew that as a Believer, death is not an ending. However, from my side of the eternal fence, it sure does look like it. Its scary, man. The lights go out. You are alone.

In a mysterious way, John Paul has taught me something very good about death. It is not all sadness and sorrow. It can be filled with such grace and dignity. Karol Wojtyla has shown me that approaching the end can be good, is such a part of living, and can be so very much a part of knowing Christ. For me, over these past days; with a feeble and frustrated attempt to speak to the crowds, with lighted windows over a darkened Rome, with simple words of hope and promise, John Paul has preached his final and perhaps greatest sermon.

I commented on this just recently here, and it all seems to fit together so well now. Enjoy the company of Jesus and the Saints, John Paul....good and faithful servant.

Searching for True Life

Jesus Christ. Relevant.

I came across this website the other day, on a hat tip from Hugh Hewitt. This concept is wonderful to me. Part of the thematic of Veritas is:

Veritas Forums are university events that engage students and faculty in discussions about life's hardest questions and the relevance of Jesus Christ to all of life.

Imagine that. Jesus Christ, relevant to all of life. In a University setting. As a UCLA alum (back in the days when they would let just about anybody in) I find this ministry exciting.

Check them out.

Oh, and if you think a college education is not useful, check this out; the obvious result of a person without the benefits of thoughtful university discourse informing their worldview. Remember, you cannot "enforce a burger". Thanks Rob Asghar, I nearly wet my pants.

Terri Shiavo 1963-2005

Lets Do Good Works and Do Church Differently

Could it be............?

More on this article interview with Brian McClaren:

Earlier in 2004, Mel Gibson’s film The Passion of the Christ was touted by many Christians as “the greatest outreach opportunity in 2000 years.” I have not seen the film, but I imagine it is stunning and powerful, and I hope God will use it in unprecedented ways. But I find this assumption of many Christians disgusting.
What is needed is not the showing of a movie (no matter how great), but a revolution of Christians who are showing the love of Christ by moving into the world and loving their neighbors. In other words, unless disciples are following the Great Commandment, it is fruitless to engage in the Great Commission. If we replicate people who do not love God or their neighbors, we are not fulfilling the mission of Jesus.

I clearly remember hearing a pastor say something to the effect of "the greatest outreach opportunity" when Mel Gibson's movie came out - and I thought to myself, "Oh Please!" Why can't we (me included) rather work toward building a transformed life where people see Jesus in ME, as opposed to up on a screen while eating popcorn, or God forbid, on Christian TV! May it be so, may I love people uncommonly, make I care uniquely, may I love beyond my means.

And McClaren goes on to suggest that "the concept of church may be abused beyond recovery". The Church Lady would not be happy with THAT concept, for heaven's sake!

Hey people, want to "otherwise imagine" the church along with me? How about we begin to question our old, safe, warm and fuzzy models of following Jesus, and begin to take some risks? How about we religious introverts begin working on becoming extroverts? In the imortal words of Bluto in Animal House, "whooooos with me.....arrrrrhhhhhhhhh!

Theology News and Notes and Dieter

"Now is de time vhen we reinvent de church!"

One of my favorite Saturday Night Live pieces ever was "Sprockets" with Mike Meyers. The whole Sprockets concept was a fun poke at trendy Europeans and their snooty views of the rest of the world. Some of the best quotes:

"You are beautiful and angular."
"You disturb me to the point of insanity. There. I am insane now."
"Now is the time on Sprockets vhen ve dance."

Dieter and his trendy European friends had a whole new way of looking at the world. It was hysterical, if not somewhat tragic. They say that comedy is just tragedy separated by time. Anyway.

This leads me to a very interesting article I came across recently, in this publication from Fuller Seminary.

Brian McClaren reminds me in some ways of Dieter; except without the snooty part. Oh, and he is not German either. He is known pretty much as "Mr. Emergent" - the coolest guy around in terms of understanding what is going on in the Emergent Church. He has a completely different view of what "doing church" means. Go ahead, read the article, I dare you.

Have we misunderstood the Good News?

Whoa baby! There is a conversation piece for your next Bible study. Brian notes that "we need to rethink our understanding of the gospel". My goodness, what has this young fella been smokin'? Perhaps the gospel is, as McClaren suggests, "a vision of what life can be in all its dimensions". Worth giving some thought to. Also, this fits nicely with what my friend Pastor Tod is talking about today.

Lets redefine what a disciple is!?
Ok, now I am getting bugged at this bearded guy. A disciple is someone who always attends the men's bible study, is a deacon, usher, helps with the kids puppet show at church, and wears appropriately matched trousers and sport coat for the Ladies auxiliary events, right?

Wait. What? No? McClaren says "evangelism becomes not the recruiting of refugees who seek to escape earth for heaven in a flight of spiritual self-interest, but rather the recruiting of revolutionaries who seek to bring the good and healing will of heaven to earth in all its crises." Wow. Revolutionaries!? You mean my pants don't have to match? And its alright if I don't attend the Deacon's lunch, if instead, I might be playing golf with my unsaved neighbor, or maybe even buying him coffee and talking about what life means?

More on all this.....soon.

Another Voice For Terry

This, by Peggy Noonan, is so worth your reading, I will just shut up.

Favorite part:

"I do not understand why people who want to save the whales (so do I) find campaigns to save humans so much less arresting. I do not understand their lack of passion. But the save-the-whales people are somehow rarely the stop-abortion-please people.

The PETA people, who say they are committed to ending cruelty to animals, seem disinterested in the fact of late-term abortion, which is a cruel procedure performed on a human.

I do not understand why the don't-drill-in-Alaska-and-destroy-its-prime-beauty people do not join forces with the don't-end-a-life-that-holds-within-it-beauty people."