Wednesday, July 21, 2010

The Transforming Center

Over the past year and a half I have been participating in the Transforming Community program hosted by the Transforming Center. Once a quarter I travel down to the Chicago area to spend two and a half days on retreat. Our time is equally divided between large group teaching session, small group spiritual direction, and solitude. This has been a much needed and very beneficial process for me.

If you are interested in reading some of the teaching that we have been receiving, then check out either Sacred Rhythms or Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership - both by Ruth Haley Barton. They are very much worth the money!

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Church and State


This Sunday is the 4th of July which marks the acceptance of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776. It was the formal declaration that the 13 American colonies were no longer under the ownership of the British Empire. Many of us will enjoy this weekend by watching spectacular fireworks displays with family and friends.


National celebrations like Independence Day provide an opportunity for those of us who are followers of Jesus to consider what our relationship with any 'state' should be like? To what extent is it permisable to nationalize our faith in Jesus? If your church removed the U.S. flag from the sanctuary would you be upset? Why? To whom do we swear our allegiance as followers of Jesus?


Krista Tippet, of NPR, hosted a panel discussion with Chuck Colson, Greg Boyd, and Shane Claiborne regarding this very discussion. You can find the sound file here.



Thursday, April 22, 2010

Circles of Support


Circles of Support are not a way for the community to “take care of” the poor. Instead, they link community members from all classes, races, ages, genders and walks of life together to support individuals or families who want to make a positive change in their life.

Circles of Support strives to bring Duluth citizens together in a safe and supportive way in order to:
· Support and encourage citizens to befriend each other across class and race lines
· Break down the isolation that keeps us separated from one another
· Increase the community’s awareness of available resources and limitations
· Build community solutions to barriers that marginalized families face while living in poverty and developing an organized local commitment to improve the quality of life for all citizens
· Empower people to self-organize in order to interrupt the cycle of poverty

The emphasis of each Circle of Support is to build strong relationships, break down the misinformation people have about one another and make it possible for people having a difficult time to gather enough money, meaning and friends around them to thrive.

We all deserve:

Financial solvency - “Money”Having enough money to live without having to choose one necessity over the other; like health coverage over utilities or utilities over food.

Educational development - “Meaning”Having a good sense purpose in our lives of self and the ability to incorporate that sense of self into the many roles we play like husband, wife, mother, father, employer, employee.

Community involvement - “Friends”Building friendships and relationships that offer both encouragement and support.

Xavier Bell, Circles of Support Program Manager, will be joining us in our worship service at Bethany Baptist Church on Sundays May 16th and June 6th. You can find more information on their web site at www.communityactionduluth.org.

Friday, April 02, 2010

What is the Significance of the Resurrection

The following recording is of Dr. N.T. Wright speaking to the relevance of the resurrection. This is about 1 hour long, but is well worth the time. Have a blessed Easter!!


Why Does Jesus' Resurrection Matter? Considering Its Relevance for Today Part 1 of 2 from The Veritas Forum on Vimeo.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Songs of Pain and Trouble

As a pastor and worship leader, I have been noticing a glaring hole in the choices of music that I have to use in the church. Whether songs from centuries ago or more modern selections, songs that deal with the reality of pain and trouble in this life are noticably missing. At times there are a few phrases that reference a "Job" like experience, but then the lyrics quickly run to the happier side of life. But that is not how life works, does it? Pain, tragedy, suffering of all sorts rarely appears for a moment and then disappears behind shimering skies. Those I know who are dealing with the painful realities of life have been trudging through for months and years with no answers in sight. Are their songs that connect with their experiences in life?

Now there are! With some expections, JJ Heller is one of those rare artists who deal with life as it is. The following video is of her song "Your Hands." It is worth a listen.