Monthly Archive for July, 2007

I Will Have to Pray A Lot Today

Published
by
Rod White
on July 25, 2007
in Dialogue
. 1 Comment

Martin Luther (colorful and capable church reformer in the 1500’s) is famous for saying: “I generally pray two hours every day, except on very busy days. On those days, I pray three.” Along with making everyone feel like a slacker, Martin encourages us to make prayer a priority. I’m working even more on that.

This year my early morning prayer times have felt renewed. I’ve always had them, sometimes more regularly than not. But this year I long for them. I don’t always sleep that well, so some days it is a pleasure to have even more free time to pray and meditate and listen. For me, one of the main benefits of my renewed times has been fear reduction. Perfect love casts out fear. I need to sit in the love so I know I am sitting in it. I’m not too good at getting much out of theoretical love.

A couple of days ago, I decided I needed a further amplification on how I pray. I intend to carve out some time each day to go sit in our prayer room and keep it warm. I love that room. It is right across from my office, but I haven’t gotten to it much, yet. I can pray in my office, too, it is secluded enough to give me some solitude. But going to the prayer place, sitting in the chair with purpose, and spending some time away from the phones, email, IM and intercom makes a difference.

Loving is hard, truth-telling is hard, taking action is hard, wooing people to Jesus is hard, overcoming our stuff is hard. I suppose I will have to pray a lot today.

Draw us to love

Published
by
Adam Heinze
on July 23, 2007
in Community, Dialogue and Family
. 3 Comments

I really like Matthew 25. If you haven’t read it at all or recently I would encourage you to skip this and read that. There is the 10 virgins parable, (that is going to generate some unexpected web traffic), the separation of the sheep and the goats (you know the whole taking care of people who don’t have stuff), and the parable of the talents. I have been thinking about the parable of the talents because I see myself in the story. My brief synopsis of the parable of the talents is somebody (the master) gives different people different amounts of money, called talents. Several guys make more money and one guy buries his talent and returns it to the master later on. The master flips out. Why didn’t you make money like the other guys or at least put it in the bank he yells? Then this guy has his money taken and given to the guys who actually did something with theirs. The problem is I feel much like the guy who buries the money. God has given me a whole of a lot of stuff, a great family, a nice bike, and a way to get food that is not degrading. I bury my talents all the time. I am so scared that someone from work will run into what I think on the internet and question the core of who I am, over a crappy lunch. Or that someone won’t think I am smart if they read this (so don’t write it).

Really all God has called us to do is Love and I don’t know how to do that well. So about the only thing I have been thinking about that makes sense is that God gives us all a whole lot. The ability to give and receive love. We all love a little different but in the end many people don’t see this in themselves and shelter it from our community. I do it all the time. I am scared to expose my “talent” to the air. It needs at least 18 inches of dirt, and hopefully 36, to keep it safe from those who might get a glimpse of what I have been given. God doesn’t make junk. So we all need to realize what great benefit we can give each other if we expose our talent to the air. What if I show you my talent and you aren’t impressed? What if it is smaller then yours? What if it is not as shiny as yours? All of these things are going to be true to some extent. Some people will have more of certain things then others. But burying your talent is you casting judgment on what God has made and determining it to be junk. Don’t do that. You insult God and what God has made — you. God made me logical, compassionate, future oriented, and good at science (to name four). These are all gifts the community could use if I would make them available. Please help me make my talents available and stretch yourself to make yours available as well. I think this will draw us to Love and that, in my mind, is the whole point.

Consider the lettuce…

Published
by
Amanda Staples
on July 16, 2007
in Action, Circle Venture, Community, Dialogue, Family, Friends Projects and Partnerships
. 2 Comments

Members of the Urban Farm team Matt McFarland and Amanda Staples are doing an internship out in Lancaster County so that they can learn some skills from people who make farming their livelihood, and bring them back to Philly to start a farm. They are saying hello to you:

When we first got out here to the farm, we were waking up at five or six, depending on how much baby lettuce David, the farmer, promised to pick for various people and companies in Philadelphia that day. Back then (in April) I could cut three pounds of baby lettuce in no less than an hour and a half. Matt wasn’t any faster. Or any slower for that matter. We’ve matured here really about the same, which is nice. David later admitted at having started me out on the weediest patch in the greenhouse just to see how I’d manage, or react. I did little of either. There were so many weeds I wanted to cry. Each handful of lettuce has to be sorted through meticulously for any weeds, aphids or really any sort of spot that someone might think looks gross. When there were really bad aphid problems we just dumped all the lettuce into big tubs of water (miserably cold water, as it was wintertime until may this year). The aphids would float off the leaves nicely and we’d go about drying and packing the lettuce. Matt and I would joke about how it’s better to leave a few weeds in there, a few aphids for that matter, so people would know it’s really organic. And even though now it can take me only a half hour to get 3 pounds of the really good stuff, I still sort through it all just as meticulously.

(As a side note I just now looked out the trailer door in time to find the white barn cat digging in our little kitchen garden for a good spot and settling in… I made quite a spectacle screaming “No! No! in a Pee Wee Herman voice for some reason, and clapping my hands so loud they sting now. I thought I’d left city cats in the city).

In the beginning we would start those early mornings with a scripture reading and end the day with lots of good stretching. Now we get out of bed 20 minutes before we have to be in the field, an hour before the sun gets up. We force a bowl of cereal and make our way up the path in the dark. At the end of the day we plop down on the couch and don’t really move until we have to cook dinner.

The work itself proves pretty meditative though, and it can be prayerful, if you let it be. I expected my mind to wander all over the place, and it does often enough. But there are some times I’m thinking about nothing but the lettuce in front of me- this leaf looks good, this leaf looks gross, this head is passable, this head I can’t believe we’re putting in the box, one, two, three, four…. Etc. Other times, mostly when I’m feeling sort of grumpy and it’s really hot out and the lettuce is starting to get wilty, I send each head into the box with a little baptism of cool spring water and a prayer. This lettuce has passed through my hands, and I want to feel the connection with the person who will eat it, and I want them to feel that with me. Still other times life and our place in it all becomes terribly confusing out in the field, as Matt and I go around flicking yellow and black beetles and all of their larvae into buckets of water so that we can have potatoes to sell and eat. What about these little guys? Are we just killing them in a competition for resources in the same way certain other people in the world are doing right now? Not to be dramatic, but seriously. No wonder people think they’re the center of it all. We decide which plant we want to grow and which we want to pluck out; the insects that help us we keep around, the rest of them, we slowly drown or stomp to death on the driveway. It’s a big responsibility we’ve been given. To participate in the animal kingdom and also rise above it; to subdue the earth enough to stay alive, all the while watching a plant get all the life it needs no thanks to us. Jesus told us, “Consider the lilies. They do not labor or spin, yet Solomon in all his splendor was not dressed like one of these.”

Two things are clear to me. First, as city dwellers, we need to see more lilies in order to be reminded that God takes care, so we can learn how to better take care of the things we all depend on for life. And second. as a country dweller, I need to move back to the city and live with people in a system that brings all of creation closely together. There is too much government subsidized feed corn separating everyone from their neighbors out here. How about instead we have food crop gardens between our row homes and we come out to work God’s newly restored land together? Or you meet us in the afternoon on your bike and pick up a box of fresh veggies that we grew for you? See you in the fall. Thanks for all your prayers. Come for a visit.

airport theology

Published
by
Joshua Grace
on July 13, 2007
in Community, Dialogue and Family
. 2 Comments

Like I told my cell in person last night and over email today, I am so glad to be back home. For the better part of the last month Martha and I have been traveling: to Hawaii via upstate NY for a splendid vacation and then this week to Pittsburgh for some time with other BIC pastors and spouses as well as visiting some friends who live there.

I think I have been on 11 flights through 9 different airports during this stretch. The first time I was ever on and airplane was like 5yrs ago or something. Now I don’t even read the complimentary copy of SkyMall to wonder what it would be like if I actually owned an Excalibur replica, sitting walker, or storm detector (all real products). I know what it is like to be in the customer service line waiting to “let them have it” for making me miss my connecting flight behind an angry person with a dozen breathing down the back of my neck for their chance.

Finally, on the way home from P’burgh yesterday it occurred to me…”Holy crap. We are flying around in airplanes. Isn’t that incredible?”

“No, not really. I am actually inconvenienced because I have to take off my shoes and wait in security lines before I wait in another line and watch the first class people board in front of me on 4′ long red carpets. I have to get here like an hour and a half early and then pay $9 for a sandwich or settle for peanuts, literally. What’s so incredible about that?” replied the spirit of the age.

I think we get tempted to be desensitized to the wonders of life and trade in the wonder for a chance at convenient service just the way we like. We allow ourselves to be herded around through twisty lines waiting for the next checkpoint or bathroom while totally preoccupied about missing something, forgetting something, or how people are inhibiting us from getting to the next place or confiscating our nice water bottles. This way of living is really dangerous and damaging if we remain there. This airport theology is permeating and leaves us feeling like we’ve been flying all night on nothing but 3 cups of their bad coffee and mini pretzels.

I’m glad to be home where we don’t have to live frustrated, cynical, and having eaten too much sugar to enjoy the journey. We still have to wait in line sometimes, and other drivers will still drive like they are the only ones who are in a hurry. Part of the awesomeness is that we don’t have to live like we’re continually waiting for the next plane to come and take us away, we don’t have to settle for airport price-gouging, we’re allowed to handle one anothers luggage without being suspected of terror plots.

Jesus saves me from needing stuff to work out in order for me to be a partner in his mission and to live in his grace. Even if I find myself in an airport sometimes, my heart can be at home and not dragged into the next craziness.

I Think You’re Awesome

Published
by
Courtney Jones
on July 12, 2007
in Community, Creative Arts and Partnerships
. 4 Comments

The Broad and Washington Events team has been partnering with two men who make up the “We Think You’re Awesome” Collective for over a year now. My friend and future neighbor, Mike Brennan, is one half of that collective and about once a month he puts on a show at BW that draws a great crowd of people- interesting souls who love art and music and have created their own community which makes their lives intertwine like a bike rider making a lazy figure-8 in a parking lot.

Most of the time, I sit at the table by the door taking money and making small talk as people come in. And praying and knitting. I pray for the people I meet, I pray for myself- that anyone who comes in the door can see Jesus working in my smile and life.

The bands at our last show were diverse and most were loud, easily filling our multi-purpose back room with brilliant sounds and emotions. Problems, Amateur Party, and Des Ark played; all bands I had never heard of and couldn’t help but enjoy. In between, people milled about, finding a cool spot to sit or viewing the art in our space. Ben White was there with me, enjoying the general atmosphere, chatting with new friends, participating in the general mission of the events team and the 12 for the next 100 team.

At one point, I found myself walking by a conversation between Mike and one of the musicians. They were discussing the great space (meaning our building- the musicians and others who attend the shows appreciate that concerts take place in such a beautiful space) and Mike was sharing how successful our partnership with him has been. During the conversation (by now I had joined it, encouraging the artist to connect with us if he wants to use the space) Mike said, “Circle of Hope has an aim for community that is similar to what many punks are trying to create.” He went on to compare and contrast what each of us are looking for speaking about how groups long for the connection that community offers.

I’m encouraged to know that someone outside of us can see that and share it. I’m hopeful that it means we can show others that loving Jesus is our sincere desire. I have been encouraged to see how our cells and the groups that expand from them to create Circle of Hope do create a safe place for me to explore and express God’s love. Our community does allow for that kind of comfort and grace to emanate over those we come in contact with- and most importantly it ensures that we are not alone in the journey.

I am glad to be a part of this community, and in turn a part of each of you.

Patriotism and Jesus

Published
by
Kris Eden
on July 6, 2007
in Uncategorized
. 2 Comments

As we talked last Sunday about whether, as followers of Jesus, we should be
patriotic, I thought about my own difficulties with this question.
Patriotism itself is such a colorful word, that two people could agree to be
patriotic, but act in completely divergent ways.  Also, we have all embraced
Jesus from such radically different angles, and those same experiences which
give one word so many tones and tastes coat everything, so maybe all we as a
body have in common is Jesus.

Absurdly, that division, in me, is what invokes a sense of patriotism.

I’ve been working with Deb, Kim and Rosie, teaching English as a Second
Language (ESL) for about six or seven months now.  In that time I’ve gotten
to know Miguel, Ramon, Sergio, Benito and a few other people from Puebla,
Mexico, who come to B&W on Wednesday nights for class.  Due in part to the
ephemeral nature of their residency in this country, and the insecurity of
their jobs, we are fortunate to have had these same guys come back week
after week for about a year and a half altogether.  We’ve gotten to know
Miguel, especially, who, among other things, requested to learn what “Thee,”
and “Thou,” meant, because he enjoys listening to Goth music, and has also
made some interesting observations on race in our city.

Knowing Miguel and his friends reminds me of all the ways we are separate.
Even were the language barrier to be broken soon, I’d surely encounter our
cultural differences in other ways.  And were it solely a question of
citizenship - THEIR presence in MY country - could I have begun to have this
discussion?  I can’t always agree with my fellow U.S. citizens, or even
other Broad & Washingtonians.  What hope of common ground do I have with
four guys from Puebla, Mexico?

But if Jesus, under grace, covers these divisions, consumes our differences
even as he retools us as individual masterpieces, who else could I possibly
pledge my allegiance to?  No country , no written code or philosophy, could
make Miguel and I more alike than different, but Jesus can, and did.  I
can’t imagine Miguel ever being a U.S. citizen, but I can imagine standing
beside him to worship God in unity.  As proud an American as I am, my anthem
is “Amazing Grace,” for no other word but Grace fills with as close a
sensation as what must be felt as patriotism.

Getting Away

Published
by
Rod White
on July 6, 2007
in Community, Dialogue, Family, Interact and Partnerships
. 1 Comment

I flew and drove madly for a week for a little “vacation.” On the way out, I spoke to our lawyer in some airport (don’t you love cell phones?). On the way back, Ben called me while I was in the Phoenix airport to offer a ride home from the airport (don’t you love children?). In between I drove through Friday traffic in LA, came to a stop in Oxnard (!), drank champagne in the Firestone Vineyards, ate a Danish sandwich in Solvang, and sweated to 112-degree heat (but it is a “dry heat” they kept saying). And we saw my mother and Gwen’s parents 79, 79 and 85. It is nice to see everyone, but I don’t really miss the West.

One of the things I did miss while in the West was you. I went to an old church filled with lovely old friends last Sunday and I could not help comparing. Here’s what you have that they don’t: 1) a surprising depth of community (the cells are so important!), 2) a sense of what we’re doing together (they were just doing what they always do), 3) youth, 4) enough anarchy to let people get moving in the direction God is moving them, 5) the inspiration to develop that having more people coming through the door demands, 6) dialogue (I forgot that most churches don’t talk too much), 7) technological savvy, 8 ) lot’s of music (and many kinds of it).

It is not that the other church was “bad.” It was certainly good enough to make me thankful for what I have been given! It made me want to dash home and say “Thank you!” to every person who makes us who we are with such passion and devotion. Thanks, especially, to the Cell Leaders, Cell Leader Apprentices and each Host/ess. It is truly amazing that Jesus found 40 teams of three (presently) to extend the kingdom of God face-to-face like we do. I’m glad to be back.