Choose your perspective and your path.

Few more weeks until Christmas..  Open door explores choices, actions, consequences this week...

(MSG)Matthew 1: 18-25  -- The Birth of Jesus   The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
   While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term: Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").
Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.

• Every day life is made up of decisions.. expected and often unexpected... Choices...  
• Choices have consequences... acceptance, scorn, money, change, inclusion, exclusion.
• Choose to embrace your faith as the guiding principle for your actions... Faith is a choice, not an emotion, or a whim...

Joseph's model for use?
Discern, Debate, Decide, Do, and Don't look back!


Obeying God's will mean participating in something bigger than you, more significant than you, usually more than you can possibly do on your own.

Join in the journey!  your love story with your family, your neighbors, your God provides you opportunities to  BE LOVE SERVE and REPEAT.. every day...

To Christmas and beyond...

Stuff Jesus never said... DANGER!

http://www.religiousherald.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4627&Itemid=9

EXCELLENT ARTICLE in RELIGIOUS HERALD

EXCERPTS:

Try this: read the Bible regularly without anyone telling you what it says and means.

Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you, and see what emerges. 

If you need a place to start, try Matthew 5-7, the finest and most famous sermon ever preached. 

Warning: this is dangerous and will change your life.

-------------------

Jesus never said that the end justifies the means. To see how some of us go about doing church, you would be hard pressed not to believe this. The tendency for congregational leaders to try just about anything to get people in the pews or money in the plate is toxic. The effect is either to water down the scandal of the gospel in order to make it more palatable to the public or to use unethical or dubious methods to insure our success. What Jesus did do (John 6) was to present a demanding call to discipleship and not back off, even when it proved unpopular.

Jesus never said that the first would be first, the last would be last, so look out for number one. 21st century Christianity seems to have lost its way with regard to our place in the world. To hear some, the church’s appropriate role is at the head of every line in culture. We want acclaim, political power, recognition, and status. The same goes for our parishioners and clergy. We easily overlook those in need and on the fringes of our society. Our practices belie an insatiable appetite for the limelight that seems incongruent with the one to “came to serve, not to be served.”
Jesus never said we are to live by the rule of an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. In fact, that ancient code of retribution and retaliation was overtly overturned when he offered a radical alternative in Matthew 6:39-42. Our calling is to be unreasonably gracious and generous. Watching us nurture our grudges, wounds and prejudices while allowing them to cripple our witness must be heartbreaking to him.
Jesus never said that when we come and follow him, we will find success, fame and fortune. In fact, the biblical and historical witness is directly contrary to that silly folk wisdom. The cross most people bear in order to be faithful is real and significant. Some of God’s most faithful servants seem to have suffered the most. The benefit of biblical faith is most often internal, not external. Our most meaningful rewards cannot be deposited, driven, or worn, for they are eternal not temporal.

ACT like a Christian! Do you "resemble" that remark?

TOPIC: WAR & PEACE
yep,  that is the topic of the day and just the idea of have a true "open" discussion rooted in when and how violence might be "justified" in the world around us scared me more than a little.  As always, God was AWESOME, and a great discussion ensued.

My personal guiding principles/notes as shared:

• Do the ends really justify the means?
• My thought: The method of change should be rooted in and resemble the targeted end state. 
• Killing as % of population of world is an interesting metric to focus on. Assertion in class was that world killing has decreased as a result of the US dropping the atomic bomb on Japan and starting the nuclear age.  -- this would seem to disprove my idea... hmmmm,  need to learn more about this. would love to hear comments or facts to prove/disprove.
• We must use the "exact likeness of God" shown to us in Jesus Christ as a guiding principle to ACTing in our world.  
• We are called to action in a world in need of our service.
• Service and leadership are very different. 
• Leaders have to make choices that others have the luxury of only talking about.  Those actions speak for the rest of us. It is in appropriate to judge and indict so harshly unless we are willing to carry the burden.
• Shifting from a individual ideology to a collective "imposed" dictate for others is dangerous and must always be rooted in love, tolerance, inclusion, respect... 
• Violence should be the last resort as it damages all parties.
• Judgement delivered by men on and to other men is at the root of a very bad cycle of events.
• (GameTheory) comes into play in judging and acting in these cases.
• Self confidence and self respect are critical in evaluating and deciding on action towards others. We cannot build ourselves up by destroying or diminishing others. In fact the opposite is true. As we build each other up, we are all "increased".
• Remember that your enemy is a "specific, beloved, first born, child of Christ"!!! just like you...
• Actions are personal and should remain that way.
• Acting like a Christian requires the discipline of a plan.. specific tasks, with measurable goals and milestones... The problem is that our plan won't ever be finished...

Scripture: 1 Samuel 30 1-4; 11-20

The final paragraphs of the Smith & Helwys commentary(written by Brett Younger of McAfee School of theology in Atlanta) summed it up for me perfectly.. and I read these words aloud to close the class and then closed in prayer.  I hope they resonate with you no matter which God you worship and that you will consider what story your ACTIONS tell those around you. use of money, use of time... Do you act, or do you talk.. if so how.. What do you worship and how? war, peace, love, power...

Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote a short story titled "The Great Stone Face." It is the story of a young man named Earnest who is enamored with a face carved on the side of a mountain. Day after day, Ernest stares at the stone face. Bye the end of the story, his human face has started to resemble the one on the mountain. Remarkably, has has been transformed into the image of the face at which he has gazed.

The truth in the story is irrefutable: "What captures our attention shapes us. Focus day after day on a particular person or thing, and it will transform you. Nowhere is that more true than in our concept of God. We become like the God we worship. We are each transformed in the face of the God at which we gaze. Certainly, our concept of God will affect our view of war and peace. 

If our God is a warring God, the God of the Old Testament who regularly issues declarations of war on Israel's enemies, that God will shape us. We will have no problem with any "holy war" that endeavors to stamp out evil and bring in God's kingdom. 

If our God is a God who favors war over tyranny and oppression and can use war to bring about good, that God will shape us. We will have no problem with a "just war" that protects the innocent and seeks to alleviate atrocities.

If our God is a God who hates war and really means we are to love our enemies and turn the other cheek when someone attacks us, that God will shape us, too. We will have a problem with any war and will see it as an inadequate, un-Christian response to evil.

As always happens, our view of God affects the rest of our lives. In this case, it determines our view of war and peace. And our view of war and peace lets everyone know what kind of God we serve. 

If nothing else, these lessons on war and peace will give us occasion to consider again our own concept of God.

Demographics: Be not afraid... but.. Action Required.

Hi all,  here is a video on point for what we ended up talking about on Sunday in Open Door.  I had not planned it but I'm open to talking a lot more about this topic 1x1 or in small groups.  if you are interested....



I would reiterate my position that we have nothing to fear and that the way forward will always be tolerance, inclusion, and love demonstrated in our actions not just our words.  I don't know very much about Islam. I do know and testify to the love of Jesus Christ and I think that is where any discussion or action plan should start. We should follow a model of action which embodies the spirit and principles of that which we are professing.

This video is thought provoking, and very interesting to think about.  Let me know if you are interested in talking more.. AS for FEAR---  you should listen to what my friend Steven Condy says about it.. an amazing voice, and a beloved Christian heart and spirit. ---  FEAR NOT - http://ow.ly/2SbyF

Road Runner Religion

Do I approach life and each day filled with grace, or am I critical?
WHAT Exactly matters?
God loves to show up and show off!
Is you God big enough? in control of every situation, every moment. every option... (RoadRunner & Wile E Coyote, Bugs Bunny, Kobiyashi Maru-StarTrek)

Ecclesiastes 3:9-15 (MSG)

9 -13 But in the end, does it really make a difference what anyone does? I've had a good look at what God has given us to do—busywork, mostly. True, God made everything beautiful in itself and in its time—but he's left us in the dark, so we can never know what God is up to, whether he's coming or going. I've decided that there's nothing better to do than go ahead and have a good time and get the most we can out of life. That's it—eat, drink, and make the most of your job. It's God's gift.

14 I've also concluded that whatever God does, that's the way it's going to be, always. No addition, no subtraction. God's done it and that's it. That's so we'll quit asking questions and simply worship in holy fear. 

15 Whatever was, is. Whatever will be, is. That's how it always is with God.

Purpose and Perspective are inextricably linked.
Productivity is perspective.

1 Corinthians 15 (MSG)
Life is about service and the resurrection.
We must learn to receive, not achieve.
We must seek to serve and love, not consume, seeking the favor of our fellow men.

"We are called to patience, faithfulness, and trust.  as we lean into the sovereignty of God"

"Cliff Notes" on Ecclesiastes:

• Rejoice in the small blessings of every day, every moment.
• Remember that we are not God, our work is indeed futile, as are education, pleasure, community...
• Revere God, THE GOD, Omniscient, Loving, 

Martin Luther wrote: "The important thing is that we have a tranquil and quiet heart and a mind filled with joy, that we be content with the Word, and the work of God."

Michael Eaton: "The preacher's vast researches have found nothing in the finite earthly realm which can satisfy, the human heart intellectually, or practically. Though he has resolved to understand "all" that is under the sun, there is that within him which makes him realize he can never comprehend God's plan in its entirety. This is the nearest he comes to Augustine's maxim: "You have made us for yourself, and hour hearts are restless until they can find peace in you."

All is vanity. TOIL

Hope is not a management strategy.  Hope springs eternal. Hope is what you rely on when all else is lost.  Hope is what sustains you after you have executed a good management strategy.

Every day is an opportunity. I did nothing yesterday to deserve to wake up today. I'll use my time wisely.

Spirituality is a component of religion, but Religion is much more then spirituality.

Talk is cheap. Bless at least three people every week.. and make sure one of them doesn't deserve it.

Just because you believe something is spiritual, doesn't make it true.  Truth is revealed, and validated in scripture, prayers, circumstances and the church.. all together..  Start with spending more time with Jesus in prayer and reading the Bible.. the rest will come through service as you act on what is revealed there.

Church is not the point. The kingdom is the point. Your mission in the kingdom is to discern for yourself and act on your beliefs.

It always comes down to a simple point of faith.  Do you believe that Jesus died and rose again for you? If you do... your life should be noticeably different.  You should be doing Amazing things as you join God in his mission for the world  If you aren't.. maybe you are asking God to join you in your mission for the world...

Think about what you think.

People become Christians because the see and know Christians.
People reject Christianity because they see and know Christians.

Ecclesiastes 2: 17-26

Toil Is Meaningless
    17 So I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun was grievous to me. All of it is meaningless, a chasing after the wind. 18 I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the work into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun. This too is meaningless. 20 So my heart began to despair over all my toilsome labor under the sun. 21 For a man may do his work with wisdom, knowledge and skill, and then he must leave all he owns to someone who has not worked for it. This too is meaningless and a great misfortune. 22 What does a man get for all the toil and anxious striving with which he labors under the sun? 23 All his days his work is pain and grief; even at night his mind does not rest. This too is meaningless.
    24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment? 26 To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God. This too is meaningless, a chasing after the wind.

Sometimes God has a better idea Sunday October 03 2010 Posted by Rick Warren "Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails."  Proverbs 19:21 (NIV) "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that. (James 4:15 NIV) " Have you noticed that things don't always turn out the way you want them to?  That sometimes God has a better idea? The Bible says in Proverbs 27:1, "Don't boast about tomorrow. You don't know what tomorrow's going to bring." (ESV) It's okay to make your plans, but remember that life is unpredictable and God says we shouldn't presume on it.  On the other hand, we shouldn't worry about it because God is in control. James 4 tells us the proper attitude to have:  "Now listen you who say 'Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make money.' Why, you don't even know what will happen tomorrow. ...  Instead, you ought to say, 'If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that.'" (vv. 13-15, NIV) James is saying it's OK to make plans, but just realize that ultimately God has the final word. The right attitude is to always keep your plans submitted to God.  Make your plans but say, "God, if this is what You want, this is the direction I'm going to go.  I'm doing this with flexible faith." Proverbs 16:9 says, "We should make our plans counting on God to direct us."  How do you do that?  By praying. When you get up in the morning and have your quiet time, say, "God, what do You want to do with this day?" Then when interruptions come, you'll remember God is in control.  It will dramatically lower the frustration level in your life as you remember it is not all up to you.

Refresh!

Strong Marriages - Intentional Parenting - Whole Families
Spread the word about a wonderful local retreat for couples looking to "refresh and strengthen their most important human relationship".  Presented by PEACE IN THE HOME.org

REFRESH: Saturday Nov 6, 2010 9am-Noon  more info, register online at http://peaceinthehome.org/refresh

• What kind of activities will be used?  Three topical and interactive presentations with breaks and couples' time opportunities.  Must register online.
• Cost?  $25 per couple before Oct. 6th.  $30 thereafter. 
• Childcare available?  Free child care available for children of registered couples. 
• Appropriate for what age couple?   actual age, marriage age...? 
• Married, engaged, dating.. all allowed?  for married and engaged couples with a wedding date.  No singles -- it's a marriage event.  Appropriate for anyone married 5 minutes to 50 years. 

Wishing for... Vision, Hearing, Discernment, Socks?

What did you wish for?
How did you decide what to wish for?
How do wishes evolve with maturity.. in age, in faith, in fellowship with others?

PEOPLE:  Elijah, Elisha, Obiwan, Luke,  Lone Ranger, Tonto, Batman, Robin - and that was just where we got started.
2 Kings 2: 1-14

Fun class today all.. I hope you will finish those wish cards somewhere and come back to them some day.  Believe that God will provide and answer you.

Here is what I remember.. 
Don't be afraid to ask God for something.
Look for yourself, believe for yourself.
Chariot of fire is a big deal.
"I run because God made me fast"
Embrace who you are, and your future, seeing every day as a chance to serve.
Think about what you will ask for when you are given the chance.
Future is assured when you accept Jesus as your savior.
Action is required on our part to "join the mission"
We are the champions. Act like it!
Believe.. Don't just believe in...

SUMMARY POINTS:
The future can seem overwhelming, but God will guide us one day, one step, one moment at a time...
God places people in our lives for a reason. Mentors, students, friends, family.
We are not irreplaceable and life will go on without us. Let go and pass your mantle/cloak on to others.
The future is in God's hands. It is enough to live faithfully into each day as it comes.

FALL for GOD?

For the month of September we will be "Trusting God" using stories of ELIJAH.

For the FALL, Each week I'll use a theme or section from Missional Renaissance by Reggie McNeal to further inform our discussion and study. I'd encourage you to pick up a copy and read it. It is a worthy addition to your personal library.

THE CHARGE:   WHAT will you be doing this FALL for GOD? just coming to church won't cut it... He expects more.. and I'll be talking about how Open Door can encourage and help YOU.  You need to make a difference and be, love, and serve in your world... 


Do you believe in God or do you believe GOD? 

Sept 5  Trusting God's Supply  1 Kings 17:1-24

Sept 12 Trusting God's Direction  1 Kings 18:1, 17-40

Sept 19 Trusting God's Voice 1 Kings 19:1-17

Sept 26 Trusting God's Future 2 Kings 2:1-14

I'll be there.. loving, and serving God both in Church and out.. I hope and pray that you will join me. 

jeff

Some of my Thoughts/Tweets from the last week:

Miles McPherson Rocks - Do something!#missionalrenaissance volunteer, donate, Help- Be,Love,Serve,Repeat! #rva

When you live knowing that you are made in the image of God, your purpose, place and path is crystal clear! #missionalrenaissance

Your superpowers are real. You know that from the impact you make on a daily basis with people who “get” you. http://ow.ly/2zjDt @pamelaslim #leadership#entrepreneur

"Family is kryptonite to your superpowers"http://ow.ly/2zjy2 @pamelaslim #leadership#entrepreneur

"God loves last minute, bottom of 9th type saves..." - best quote of week. No big deal if you are resting in the Lord--fully!

"God says you are capable" @RickWarren http://ow.ly/2xSYq #missionalrenaissance

Its just not enough to be right. | Virginia Tenor  http://ow.ly/2xSvK

Perhaps, this thought is at the root of "Restoring Honor" to our electorate: -- "independent statesman" http://ow.ly/2xo7B

RT @RickWarren: Love without orthodoxy is foolish. Orthodoxy without love is ugly.

RT @RickWarren: Healthy churches grow larger & smaller at the same time. Larger in worship, smaller thru groups. #missionalrenaissance

Time is moving quickly, but the future is filled with opportunity. #jobsearch #ric #rva

Lessons through the lens of life with Blble as text, Group as teacher, Spirit as guide - OPENDOOR #missionalrenaissance http://ow.ly/2wm2h

Ideas are interesting, but actions & people make the difference. Putting the two together is the foundation of real power. #leadership

Success scorecard is built on how much we bless others with our service & services. People, Churches, Businesses.. #missionalrenaissance

"Positionally ensconced but personally removed leaders don't inspire..."#missionalrenaissance #leadership 1 Cor 4:16 - "imitate me" Paul

RT @RickWarren: Anything can become an act of worship if we recognize God presence and rely on his power while doing it.

Church should contribute community service work equal or greater than their estimated tax burden #dotherightthing #missionalrenaissance

Intrinsic #motivation2.0 +#missionalrenaissance + inclusive excellence sums up http://hrbcopendoor.blogspot.com & http://dacapova.org

RT @RickWarren: Healthy churches balance 3 types of teaching: BUILD-UP"edification" FIRE-UP"exhortation" HOLD-UP"comfort" 1 Cor14:3

Does your ministry build programs or people? Focus majority attention & resources inside or outside the walls. #missionalrenaissance

RT @RickWarren: Confront passive-aggressive behavior toward you.You’ll both be healthier & u just might save the relationship. Prov 24:26

Success scorecard is built on how much we bless others with our service & services. People, Churches, Businesses..#missionalrenaissance

RT @RickWarren: The simplest way to influence is SMILE "A leader's smile can give people life; his kindness is like a spring rain" Pr16:15

"kingdom agents have no other option than being subversive..." #missionalrenaissance http://ow.ly/i/3ovL

"the church is not the point" - for God so loved the WORLD-- #missionalrenaissance http://ow.ly/i/3ov7

RT @lrmartinjr: Faith is not belief without proof, but trust without reservations.

“If you only have a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” – Abraham Maslow (1908-1970)

A champion is a recipient, a celebrant, and an active agent into the future.

DO YOU ACT LIKE A "specific, beloved, first born child of Christ" -  a CHAMPION?

Our Inheritance: Grace, Patience, Wisdom, and Power by Rick Warren

God has reserved a priceless inheritance for his children. It is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay. 1 Peter 1:4 (NLT) "You are far richer than you realize." The New Testament gives great emphasis to our rich “inheritance.” As children in God’s family we get to share in the family fortune, that everything God has belongs to us (Galatians 4:7). The apostle Paul adds, “I want you to realize what a rich and glorious inheritance he has given to his people” (Ephesians 1:18 NLT). What benefits do we inherit? As children in God’s family we are given “the riches ... of his grace ... kindness ... patience ... glory ... wisdom ... power ... and mercy” (Ephesians 1:7; Romans 2:4; 9:23; 11:33; Ephesians 3:16; 2:4). We also inherit eternal life and God puts his Spirit inside us now as a guarantee of all that is to come. What an inheritance! You are far richer than you realize, which is why Paul could write with confidence: “My God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19 NIV). Your eternal inheritance is priceless, pure, permanent, and protected; no one can take it from you. It can’t be destroyed by war, a poor economy, or disaster. This inheritance, not retirement, is what you should be looking forward to; retirement is a shortsighted goal.

Our story, our song

HRBC OPEN DOOR AT A GLANCE
Specific, beloved, first born, children of God.. living and learning life "together, but separate ;-)"

As we finished up our study of Jacob and Esau's family drama this AM, we had a excellent review and discussion of Revenge vs Reconciliation as themes in our own lives and stories.

As always, I'd love to see a continuing discussion in comments on the blog and as always, I'm personally available to talk with any of you... both as a friend and as a Christian brother.

Talking Pts.

• The story of this family resonates deeply with all of us. It is our story. 
• Wounds inflicted are real.. and cause damage
• God's mission can be accomplished even amidst Man's conflict and despotism.
• We are defined by Who we are but also by what we do. 
• A spirit Revenge roots us in a constant state of bondage. Linking us to a moment, event, or an action and inhibiting us from forward motion and growth.
• A spirit of humility and service empowers and encourages us and others. 
• Reconciliation does not come without sacrifice. 
• Reconciliation is practical and requires communication and context to seek resolution.
• We can choose humility and service or... meism.
• Our God is an awesome God of reconciliation and redemption.
• We must choose to join God in his work rather than constantly asking him to join us in our work.
• Is God in your life, or are you in God's life?

For the FALL - Open Door will focus on a Missional Renaissance as a Life Community. We will learn and deal with Life issues first using the Bible and the Holy Spirit to seek out where God is working in our world today, right here in Midlo, around us...

(BE)Key Themes for coming weeks:

• Jobs needed
• Needs vs Wants personally, collectively
• Current roles are related to our purpose exactly how...
• How does our faith intersect with the workplace...
• Listening for simple things, simple solution
• what does ministry mean exactly?

(SERVE) Our Life Community must have an external focus in addition to our collective time on Sunday AM.

• What is your plan for service in ministry?
• How are you equipped for ministry? 
• How and where are we serving in God's mission and God's world? rather than ours...
• Are you willing to document a plan for YOUR service? if you don't write it down, it won't likely happen... work with others, personal accountability. 
• Do you have a scorecard for your personal ministry?

Fernando Ortega's song: Anita's Heart was what I wanted to open with and discuss. The parallels for what Rebekah must have felt when Jacob left... a child leaving home... trust in the Lord for a relationship for each of us... Hope for a future...
I'd suggest a listen along with some personal reflection on how this song resonates with you. Who and what must you leave behind to join God in a "Missional Renaissance" - Reconciliation is the beginning of redemption and relationship.

Back to Be Love Serve Repeat

Had a nice time this morning as I returned to the "facilitator/teacher chair" after almost a full month away.  It was so familiar, and yet special to be among friends, in fellowship.   It is amazing to be reminded of my purpose, and to be able to learn and contribute concurrently, embracing diversity.  All as we, Be Love Serve.. and REPEAT.

From the opening prayer ;-), to the trickle in attendance effect, to the excellent conversations, challenges, and inclusive learning,  to the worship service, it was a reminder of why I do indeed love Open Door and HRBC.

If you are or have been taking a break for the Summer, or simply just traveling... don't forget the comforts of home in Open Door where it depends,  we don't always know the answers, but we still believe. Most importantly, we have a forum where we can think about what we think, talk about what we know and don't know, and practice what we preach as we prepare for the harsh realities of our culture. 

References and materials I used this am came from:

Matthew 23:1-12 NIV
James 3:1 & 13-18
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Galatians 6:1-6


HRBC OPEN DOOR post/class from July 2, 2010 - Thank you sir, we are not worthy...
Virginia Tenor: Circle of peace and love
Virginia Tenor: Fundamentals

==============  Rick Warren's Devotional on Choice

Choices control your calendar by Rick Warren

We are each responsible for our own conduct. Galatians 6:5 (NLT) "You have just enough time to do God's will while you're here on earth." Your choices control your calendar and, as a result, your lifestyle. Your choices are far more powerful than your circumstances. You may not like how complicated your life has become yet, with very few exceptions, no one is forcing you to keep your life complicated. You have the power to simplify your life. The Bible teaches, "We are each responsible for our own conduct" (Galatians 6:5 NLT). To me, that means God expects us to assume responsibility for our lives and to carefully choose how we spend our time. That's why I've spent years teaching people to discover why God placed them on this planet: What is your purpose for being here? Ultimately, it will be the donation of your life that will count far more than the duration. In other words, it's not how long you live - or even how much you cram into how long you live - it's really about how you live. Here are three essential steps to simplify your life: First, figure out your purpose, and then let your purpose guide the goals of your life. Second, organize your activities based upon your purpose. Finally, harmonize your schedule with your purpose; that is, bring your activities into agreement with your goals. You have just enough time to do God's will while you're here on earth. You've been given just enough time to fulfill your purpose. When you try to do more than God planned for you, it's only natural that you'll find yourself constantly out of time or stressed over your schedule. If it doesn't fit the purpose of your life, God doesn't want you doing it. In fact, he may be overjoyed that you finally got the message and stopped doing meaningless activities. He may even want you to add "rest" or "have fun" to your to-do list.  My prayer for you is that you will find relief from stress and a new sense of satisfaction as you do only the things God created you to do.

===================== Smyth & Helwys Commentary...


"The Sin of Omnicompetence"
In her memoir Leaving Church, Barbara Brown Taylor speaks of the day she began to clean out her desk drawers in the office of the church where she was pastor. She was amazed and humbled by all that she found there: "Crowded in the third drawer," she writes, "were folders for every one of Grace-Calvary's many parish groups and committees. Children's Chapel. Confirmation Class. Journey to Adulthood. Daughters of the King. Stewardship. Annual Budget. Parochial Report. Buildings and Grounds. A/V Equipment.… The folders went on and on, convicting me by their sheer numbers of the sin of omnicompetence. Who could be good at so many different things? What had driven me to try…a whole file cabinet full of things that would never get done no matter how many hours I spent on them?" (117-18). Taylor had come to the difficult realization that the busy, all-encompassing life she was living in the church had been less in the image of the easy yoke Jesus spoke of and more like that heavy, showy burden of the Pharisees striving for perfection in every tiny detail of life: "My quest to serve God in the church had exhausted my spiritual savings. My dedication to being good had cost me a fortune in being whole. My desire to do all things well had kept me from doing the one thing within my power to do, which was to discover what it meant to be fully human" (127)--one who makes mistakes, who lives not by works but by grace alone, by depending on others to carry us through the places where we do not have the resources to make it on our own.

I wonder for how many people has the sin of the church's omnicompetence become a process by which we "tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others" (Mt 23:4)? We see our churches, in many senses, as one-stop spiritual shopping--we have to have worship to fit everyone's needs, vibrant programs for all ages, study groups in every teaching style and topic. But how often, rather than leading us to spiritual depth, does this lead us to a spiritual dryness like that of the Pharisees--to a place where, as our lesson says, 


"A façade of spiritual vitality covers the emptiness of shallow lives"?

If each church were to focus on its own gifts--having humility to know what it is wise for the church to tackle and what will be too much, to know the places where God is calling them to work and the places where another church may be better equipped rather than competing with other churches for the best in everything--might we learn the humility of a lightened burden? Might we find ourselves freed from endless committees, classes, and projects enough to open up time to actually see others and serve them, as Christ served those he saw as he walked through life with empty hands and open eyes?

Barbara Brown Taylor, Leaving Church (San Francisco: HarperCollins, 2006).

Abby Thornton holds a B.A. in religious studies from the University of Virginia and an M.Div. from Duke Divinity School. She has served four congregations in North Carolina and Virginia, most recently as minister of spiritual formation at Freemason Street Baptist Church in Norfolk, Virginia. An ordained Baptist minister, she presently lives in her hometown of Richmond, Virginia.

Thank you sir, We are not worthy...

Discussion points from today:
Pride seems to be at the root of many things both good and bad.
We "personified" the sins.. in discussion and ideology from Tiger Woods, Hugh Heffner, and Donald Trump to all of the characthers from Star Wars.  Sith or Jedi?  Which character do you identify with?  Who do you idolize?  The individual answers of attendees today were not surprising, but also lined up with our cultures' ideals.

THE TWIST:  We as a society idolize the very things which promise to be the root of a potential downfall.   We must remain focused on service and Christ. but... I posit that we should actually embrace our passions and have pride in who we are.. "fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image"... By doing so, we become the salt and light which the world so desperately needs.

I encouraged the class to embrace their specific uniqueness as first born beloved of Christ while understanding that there is a line which must be avoided.  Pride is a slippery slope, but it is balanced by the dangers of a lack of self esteem, and a collective passiveness to the Christians in a world desperately in need of their gifts.

"God fully expects the church of Jesus Christ to prove itself a miraculous group in the very midst of a hostile world.  Christians, of necessity, must be in contact with the world but in being and spirit ought to  be separated from the world. --- and as such we should be the most amazing people in the world."  A W Tozer 1897-1963

My premise... We as Christians have long embraced a spirit of humility and overempasized this ideal.  We have inhibited generations of evangelists, teachers, disciples, and missionaries by telling them that they must always learn more, know more.. before they can do more. The modern church institutions has a habit of inhibiting its member rather than empowering them.  Ministry must be contained, blessed, controlled by the powers that be in so many cases.  This is baffling to me.
We discussed God's examples of "equipping the called" rather than the, secular, pride filled, humanist model of "calling the equipped."


From Oliver to Wayne's World and back again with a short trip through Proverbs...

• How does a lack of self confidence inhibit your life, ministry, and mission?
• Is it better or worse than over-confidence and hubris run amuck...?
• Where is confidence appropriate? and how?
• Are you abdicating our moral and ethical leadership role as a Christian in today's society due to cultural pressure to conform with "political correctness"? Do you call that humility and is it?
• What do you do when you are right and you know it? with kids, family, friends, colleagues?
• How do you respond when someone affirms/tells you: how great you are, what a great job you did, how cool you are.. or what an amazing role model you are?  Ok.. so probably doesn't happened so much to most of us... but how would you respond if it did.. We will practice ;-)
• Do you affirm those around you or do you more naturally criticize them? Is it because of your pride or you humility that you most often take action?
• How do you decide to speak up or be silent... helping a friends succeed, but risking the friendship.. or allowing them to fail and just being there to support. When are you justified in interfering? 
• Is your pride fierce? Is your humility equally fierce? 

Proverbs 11:2; 16:5, 18-19; 27:1-6
11:2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace; but wisdom is with the humble.

16:5 All those who are arrogant are an abomination to the LORD; be assured, they will not go unpunished.

18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a lowly spirit among the poor than to divide the spoil with the proud.

27:1 Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring. 2 Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips. 3 A stone is heavy, and sand is weighty, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. 4 Wrath is cruel, anger is overwhelming but who is able to stand before jealousy? 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. 6 Well meant are the wounds a friend inflicts, but profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

More References:
Excellent Blog post by Dallas Willard on Humility
"This is the path to humility. Never pretend. Never presume. Never push."


Competition or Collaboration by Dr. Charles Hulin III
"...We compete:
To receive attention . . .
To satisfy the ego . . .
To enable right to win over wrong.
We conclude that we have discovered the secret for the good life, namely, in the word "compete." "

OUT OF UR - OUT OF CONTEXT:  "When our goal of worship is to receive God's help to be successful, pride is taking over. Then we are just using God to further ourselves. Could it be that we want church-growth secrets, or even God's Spirit...for the wrong reasons? Have we slipped into a proud and competitive mode? Is this part of the reason why the American church seems so crippled right now?"

Just a little more please... Slippery slope of greed and envy

GREED: intense and selfish desire for something, esp. wealth, power, or food.
ENVY: a feeling of discontented or resentful longing aroused by someone else's possessions, qualities, or luck

Greed is rampant in our society and psyche. The culture which blesses us so fully is a dangerous and powerful force in our personal worlds.. motivations, ideas, decisions, and plans.

Giving is the solution for solving the problems created by getting!!!!!

Are these questions a slippery slope for you personally, how about collectively? I/We need....

• More/Better time?
• More/Better space?
• More/Better motivation?
• More/Better education?
• More/Better friends/members?
• More/Better stuff?
• More money, more money, more money?

Proverbs 3:27-28; 11:24-28; 23:17-18
-- 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, "Go, and come again, tomorrow I will give it"--when you have it with you.
-- 11:24 Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want. 25 A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water. 26 The people curse those who hold back grain, but a blessing is on the head of those who sell it. 27 Whoever diligently seeks good seeks favor, but evil comes to the one who searches for it. 28 Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves.
-- 23:17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always continue in the fear of the LORD. 18 Surely there is a future, and your hope will not be cut off.

10 COMMANDMENTS are relevant here in particular: Check out #10

More DISCUSSION QUESTIONS---

• How does greed manifest itself in our personal decisions?
• How does greed influence our decisions in the workplace?
• Does the church as an organization experience greed, envy?
• What is the difference between greed and striving to get ahead in life? What are the results of experiencing one without the other?

Jokingly, we say, "Money isn't everything, but it's way ahead of whatever is in second place." Read James 2:1-13. Why do you think the prosperity gospel puts so much emphasis on material things?

God's blessing are poured out on his people. Your needs will be met and he has plans to "prosper you not harm" Jer 29:11  - While this doesn't mean that you will be free from trials, it does mean that there is no need to hoard in a way that deprives your fellow man of opportunity.

Blessings and belongings are not EVIL. 
Success in competition is not SIN.  

• Romans 8:18-28 --MESSAGE
• James 2:1-13 MESSAGE
• Matthew 25:31-46 MESSAGE

I believe that blessings and prosperity are given to be shared.

• If you have a big house - use it to entertain, share ideas, study and rejoice with many
• If you have a great kitchen - use it to cook meals for others
• If you have a nice yard - use it to meet your neighbors, cookouts, games, sprinklers
• If you have a nice front porch - invite a friend/neighbor over just to talk.. share a beverage ;-)
• If you have a nice vehicle - use it to take someone to work, school, or church.. other than your family
• If you have a beach or lake house - revel in the glory and power of the ocean with friends, invite others to share
• If you have a cabin - take your neighbors, friends, even "enemies" on retreat and share the splendor of smores and a campfire as you love.
• If you know something, tell someone else. 
• If you have time - use it to serve, create, and make a difference!

Sin, Sex, Salacia, and the Slippery Slopes

Tomorrow, we begin a series of lessons on Sin and in particular the "Seven deadly sins".. Our texts for 6/6 focus us on Lust and Gluttony.  

In case you are wondering, one of my favorite restaurant experiences was in Va Beach for a wedding anniversary celebration where Tracee and I enjoyed a phenomenal meal at Salacia.. Excellent restaurant.

Below are some reference notes and ideas to get you started.. on our own slippery slope.. Lets all hope that we will spend the next few weeks climbing.. rather than digging... that is assuming you understand that we are already in a hole with our lifestyles and culture of "meism".

Little Sins/Big Sins... separate us from God and put our feet firmly on the "proverbial" slippery slope.

Proverbs is a book presenting the Wisdom of the Sages where the goal is to provide a roadmap to "live well and right"

Proverbs 1:1-6 These are the wise sayings of Solomon, David's son, Israel's king— Written down so we'll know how to live well and right, to understand what life means and where it's going; A manual for living, for learning what's right and just and fair; To teach the inexperienced the ropes and give our young people a grasp on reality. There's something here also for seasoned men and women, still a thing or two for the experienced to learn— Fresh wisdom to probe and penetrate, the rhymes and reasons of wise men and women.

Seven Deadly Sins: is a human construct/interpretation of SINS that lead to... death and eternal separation from a God who loves us and sacrificed himself for us to pay our ever accumulating debt.

• What exactly is SIN? yep, answering that question is the most central issue for us.  If you don't know, then that should be your focus. 
• Do you respond to positive reinforcement or judgemental punishment models? and how do you believe that the guidances for wise living set forth in Proverbs, should be dealt with... Are they laws, should they be?
• What is the punishment for not obeying this wisdom? What is the punishment for SIN?
• Why do we continue to sin even if/when we know that it is both wrong and bad for us?
• Do you know what the "seven" things are that God despises?  
• Do you know the Seven Habits of highly successful people?
• Do you think regularly about your personal "Tools of the trade"?  Benjamin Franklin used a table to track his personal progress and regular practice of 13 Virtues.  

What is your PLAN for LIVING WELL AND RIGHT?  Perhaps... it starts and ends with Love and an occasional trip through the Open Door.  I would also suggest a regular review of the Wisdoms of the Sages presented for us in Proverbs.

The Dilemma small church vs big church

Here is a nice mid week article to help you think about "what you are doing?" this week.. and where your ministry obligations/accountability come into play.  

For Open Door on Sunday... We will continue talking about church with the same leading questions from last week...   what are you doing?  Then add in: what do you expect others to do? And what do you do when others "do" ?

I read the linked article just now... and I'm thinking.... Maybe the supposed future is a series of "small churches", one might even call them life communities... intertwined and active within the construct of larger assisting fellowship organizations, or even traditional churches... Maybe the "small churches" of our future are already here in our traditional church model, and just need to be engaged and activated/empowered in their own missions... 


Questions: What changes if we think about HRBC as an association of 15-20 small churches all working together for a common cause of "kingdom work".. What is our mission then? Would we do things differently, meet on different schedules, etc... 


I'm just sayin... We need to think and then ACT...

SUGGESTIONS for some things TO DO...
-- "be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." 
-- Use two gifts.. Speak and Serve... It is really that simple, but it sure isn't easy...

Small Churches are the Next Big Thing -- http://www.outofur.com/archives/2010/05/small_churches.html

PERHAPS We should also be... 

• "Celebrating small churches because they are better positioned to reach people at the margins, better equipped to empower the laity for the work of ministry, and more inclined to cooperate, rather than compete, in ministry"
• Recognizing the value of the existing "big church" institutional ministry assets.. people, patterns, facilities, brand, systems of action...
• Bridging the gap between the two to come together and do Kingdom work.. one person at a time..

Using your gifts...Looking for gifts

Our journey in Open Door continues as we begin to wrestle with who has what, does what , is expected to do what, and gets credit for exactly what? 

Discussion Questions?

• What are our gifts and how are we using them?
• Are you committed to your beliefs and ministries or do you just show up?
• Are you hiding your gifts so that you won't be asked to commit?
• Do you recognize the service you see in others and encourage it?
• Are you offended when leaders within your circle step up and lead? How do you know their intentions and guidance are right?
• How do you feel about the idea of paid/vocational staff members in churches? How does their role and obligation to serve others differ from yours?
• What do you do when they blow it?  What do you expect others to do when you blow it?
• When it comes to churches... How big is too big and what happens with small?

Guiding Thoughts

• We need each other in community.  Our continuing ministry is built upon our wiring for service and love to one another. Each of us has a role to play... We cannot play one anothers' roles as we are each specific, beloved children of God.
• Faith and its associated works is associated directly with sacrifice and suffering.  We must be fearless, gentle and reverent as we ACT not just speak about the love of Christ. This means holding one another accountable, celebrating successes and openly discussing failures. The community succeeds or fails together and all its members share the burden. 
• Leadership positions in a faith community are a tremendous responsibility and burden. Not an opportunity to showcase and build yourself up.  Service to a life community is just that.. It is a life of humility and service.. 

LINK TO ARTICLE:  THE DIRT ON ORGANIC CHURCH from LEADERSHIP JOURNAL

NOTES on ORGANIC CHURCHES and response article on Out of UR.

BOOK LINK: Organic Church: Growing Faith Where Life Happens - Neil Cole

This feels right to me.. our evangelism becomes about gentleness, reverence, and accountability to each other through deeper personal relationships with one another.. both inside and outside of the "institution". Evangelism becomes a part of who we are every day, in everything that we do.. it is NOT a task to be checked off... Our life community becomes about transforming both our own lives as well as those around us through Being, Loving, and Serving.. Repeatedly!!!

http://www.outofur.com/archives/2010/05/defending_organ_1.html
1. Make disciples, not organizations, and let Jesus build the church out of changed lives. A disciple is one who follows Christ and learns at his feet. Allow them to learn to follow Jesus. They will make mistakes along the way, but that is how we all learn. Protecting people from mistakes is to keep them from learning.
2. Lower the bar on how church is done and raise the bar on what it means to be a disciple. Look to invest in what’s proven rather than in potential. As people are faithful with small obedience present them with the opportunity for more. Start slower and smaller and let the growth generate by reproducing new life, rather than trying to grow something too quickly through attraction.
3. Life Transformation Groups (LTGs) are a simple method of empowering ordinary people, even brand new Christians, to connect to God’s word and obey without creating a dependency upon others who will tell them what to think and do. When the disciples are connected to Christ and following him, then the church that is gathered is strong and able to stand on its own without the unhealthy dependency that Mr. Hofmeister felt was needed. In an LTG people are reading a lot of Scripture repetitively and in context. They are also accountable to one another for confessing their sin weekly. Finally, they are identifying and praying for the souls of lost friends that need Jesus as well. I can trust people who are in such a relationship, and in a church made up of such people has the strength to grow, reproduce, and endure. (Search & Rescue is a book that explains how LTGs work and why.)

==============================
1 Peter 4:7-5:5
The end of all things is near; therefore be serious and discipline yourselves for the sake of your prayers.
8 Above all, maintain constant love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaining. 10 Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received. 11 Whoever speaks must do so as one speaking the very words of God; whoever serves must do so with the strength that God supplies, so that God may be glorified in all things through Jesus Christ. To him belong the glory and the power forever and ever. Amen.

Suffering as a Christian
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that is taking place among you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice in so far as you are sharing Christ's sufferings, so that you may also be glad and shout for joy when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the spirit of glory, which is the Spirit of God, is resting on you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or even as a mischief-maker. 16 Yet if any of you suffers as a Christian, do not consider it a disgrace, but glorify God because you bear this name. 17 For the time has come for judgment to begin with the household of God; if it begins with us, what will be the end for those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And "If it is hard for the righteous to be saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinners?"19 Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good.

Tending the Flock of God
5:1 Now as an elder myself and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, as well as one who shares in the glory to be revealed, I exhort the elders among you 2 to tend the flock of God that is in your charge, exercising the oversight, not under compulsion but willingly, as God would have you do it--not for sordid gain but eagerly.
3 Do not lord it over those in your charge, but be examples to the flock. 4 And when the chief shepherd appears, you will win the crown of glory that never fades away. 5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you must clothe yourselves with humility in your dealings with one another, for "God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble."

Stones: hot, cold, rolling, alive, dead

Happy Mother's Day to all..

BE: I am a specific, beloved, first born child of Jesus Christ. 

Open Door discussed how to live as "living stones".. It isn't easy people...
but at least we aren't "ogres" like Shrek..  Tracee said she was surprised I didn't use this video in class so in her honor:  here it is...

I believe!.. even if I don't know all of the answers..  When in doubt, LOVE!


Is our church harmless? should it be?
How are you making a difference in your relationships, communities, and structure? How do you SERVE?:

Talking points that I emphasized. 

• Stones have substance. 
• Stone's characteristics are influenced and often defined by the forces/context around them.
• Important metaphors to focus on in the Bible: Stones, Sheep/Shepherds, Fire...
• Stones can be assembled together to form a structure..
• Who are you? versus what do you do? -- We so often ask and focus on the wrong questions.. We are human "be"ings, not human "do"ings. 
• "I see you, and I know who you are." is a powerful, inclusive, loving statement if we choose to interpret it that way. So often we react in fear and exclusion. 
• This is the context that God sees us in... He "gets" us.. he knows "how we roll"
• Stones within a structure carry a load...It is an obligation.
• As the number of relationships increase, the load on the foundation stones increases.
• Christ is the cornerstone, keystone that sustains others.. The closer you are to Christ, the more strength you have and "load" you can carry.
• The world reinforces the idea of self sustaining ability, but the stone separated from the building leaves a hole in the structure, and is forced to carry its load on its own. 
• We should live in reverent fear.. of God.. not of one another. 
• Tearing down others.. can never build you up. 
• Maturing in our relationships is a process.. takes time and we must REPEAT the same steps over and over to finally learn... there is only one cornerstone/keystone, but there are many, many connecting stones. 
• Pyramids were build over a looooong time, with really big stones on the bottom.. cut perfectly, with no mortar.. Amazing...
• I would really like to hear what you remember and think?..  comments are welcome.. 

Scriptures used and referenced:

1 Peter 1:13-21 NIV

1 Peter 1:21-2:10 NIV

Ephesians 4:11-13 NIV

It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.

Romans 12:1-2 MSG

So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

1 Peter 1:18-21 MSG 

Your life is a journey you must travel with a deep consciousness of God. It cost God plenty to get you out of that dead-end, empty-headed life you grew up in. He paid with Christ's sacred blood, you know. He died like an unblemished, sacrificial lamb. And this was no afterthought. Even though it has only lately—at the end of the ages—become public knowledge, God always knew he was going to do this for you. It's because of this sacrificed Messiah, whom God then raised from the dead and glorified, that you trust God, that you know you have a future in God.

Complete

We finished up our lessons drawn from the Psalms on Sunday with one of the most beloved of all time.  Psalm 23 is so stunningly simple. It is complete. It speaks to everyone differently and it has such profound implications stated so elegantly.  It must be sung.. believed.. shared with others.. from your heart... from your core..

Sharing the Presence of God with a people that need it so..

Psalm 23 NIV (New International Version)

A psalm of David.

    ¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.
    ² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
       he leads me beside quiet waters,
    ³ he restores my soul.
       He guides me in paths of righteousness
       for his name's sake.
    ⁴ Even though I walk
       through the valley of the shadow of death,
       I will fear no evil,
       for you are with me;
       your rod and your staff,
       they comfort me.
    ⁵ You prepare a table before me
       in the presence of my enemies.
       You anoint my head with oil;
       my cup overflows.
    ⁶ Surely goodness and love will follow me
       all the days of my life,
       and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
       forever.

Open Door "at a glance"

If you are visiting HRBC on a Sunday AM here is an "at a glance" view of the Life Community which calls itself Open Door. We usually meet upstairs in the Wallace building "by the coffee pots".. but with us, you never know. Sometimes, we end up outside, in a park, or even at pool;-)

Disclaimer:Admittedly, this is Jeff's view of the class, but I figure as the teacher I am best positioned to prime the pump with ideas and lay it out there. If you all have other ideas, comments welcome.

Requirements to visit/join:

• Not really much, as we talk about the Bible and the implications of scripture in our daily lives, in plain english, no nonsense kind of approach.
• Can't say that I regularly even take roll. We are there for one another, whoever is there, each week.
• Bible knowledge not really required, this is an OTJ training environment.

Fun Facts:

• We are interested in "churches without walls" but that isn't practical, so we always leave the door open. seriously...We talk a lot about going to people instead of asking them to come to us...still trying to solve this one.
• We are the "coolest" class in the church. (especially in the Winter)
• We actually talk about things that many people in churches just think about.
• We have a lot of fun outside of church, from Pool parties, to Meat Night, to Ladies Nights Out, to our annual "men provide/cook gourmet dinner and serve it to the ladies"

Who we are:

• We are mostly married 30 somethings, 40 somethings, and 50 somethings. We tend to have children of differing ages in elementary school, but not necessarily.
• We enjoy thinking about current issues, and talking about how to actively use the gospel in our every day lives/applications.
• We aren't afraid to discuss and even question entrenched ideology and theology in a safe, inclusive, environment of friends.
• We care about one another and we act accordingly, going beyond the "traditional" expectations. We strive to sacrifice for one another, to make a difference.
• We ALL want to learn more about loving one another through regular study of the Bible, and further through regular fellowship and study. (in ecclesia)

Whose we are: GOD's period.

We are believers and searchers. A few of the favorite saying of Jeff are

• "I don't know the answer, but I still believe"
• "Every day is an opportunity"