enjoying the journey

It is good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters, in the end.

Ursula Le Guin

Sometimes in "church work" we get so focused on the goals that we kind of gloss over what's going on right now. I have a lot of hopes and ideas of where Convergence will be in the future; but I really want to enjoy where we are now as well. We are building such a beautiful picture of community, of family--one I've never experienced in an institutional church.

I keep remembering a conversation last night, after a beautiful worship service, where about 5 of us were standing around talking and laughing. No one was trying to impress anyone else; we were talking honestly about life and death and family problems; but it was so cool to hear people sharing and listening and being able to laugh about life.

Now things aren't perfect--we desperately need to start raising more money--a lot of it...and I still drop balls and make mistakes and forget all kinds of stuff. And sometimes people do stuff that I just get.

But I love what I'm doing. I love the people that are giving and sacrificing because they see how important this thing called Convergence is. And I love the atmosphere when we gather--holy and down to earth, solemn and silly, truly authentic. I really believe God is doing something new and unique and really important. It's exciting and humbling to be a part of it!

great weekend

it was a great weekend at Convergence. Friday we hosted the opening reception for an exhibit by the Arlington Artists Alliance; it was wonderful. I had a lot of great conversations with artists, art lovers, friends and neighbors. There is a lot of really beautiful work; I encourage you to come by and see the exhibit sometime!





On Saturday we hosted the monthly open-mic night of the local branch of SAW--the Songwriters Association of Washington. Another great night--lots of fantastic music.






Tonight our own Kathy Berlin shared her testimony in song--a creative telling of her story through beautiful music. (unfortunately I forgot my camera).

I'm exhausted--but it's a really good exhausted!

new name

you may have noticed my blog has a new name (or not--not sure if anyone is still reading these days). not sure if I'll keep the name; I'm still thinking through it.

the idea is to connect my blogging to Convergence more...I'll still write about a variety of topics; but will try to write more about what's going on at Convergence, what I'm learning and doing and trying as a pastor, and encourage more conversation about God, spiritual formation, art...

on writing

I love to write—well, sometimes I love to write. Sometimes I go into it kicking and screaming, but I feel like I am supposed to do it. Writing is one of those things that makes my life feel more complete—like praying, exercising, eating a little better and making sure I’m spending quality time with friends and family.

Something feels off or missing when I realize I haven’t written in a while. I believe I have potential as a writer. I think with more discipline and guidance I can write well, dig deeper, explore more, express myself more openly and honestly…There is so much inside me that I feel and think and wonder—I want to communicate that, interact with it, wrestle with it, --and writing is one way I can do that.

I have been participating in some writing workshops at Convergence, led by my friend Nina. I love the times when we gather to write and read and encourage each other. It makes me think that I really can do this; and helps me get the ball rolling…I really need to make writing a habit, something that I do regularly, often, with discipline…I spend a lot more time wanting to write than I do actually writing, and I’ve got to move past that.

At this stage in my life writing helps me see things more clearly. Life is really full right now—marriage, kids that seem to be multiplying, church, house, yard, cars, friends, basketball, traveling….my life feels like a box of toy balls that is constantly overflowing, there isn't room to contain it all, so every time I get hold of something and put it back in the box, something else falls out and I have to go chase it. Sometimes that’s fun, sometimes just exhausting.

Writing helps me put down the box for a little while…

saturday

no significant title, because I'm not sure what I'm writing about...I just know I need to write. Met with a spiritual director Thursday; really good conversation. I'm looking forward to growing this spiritual friendship; I think it will be really good for me.

I've been tired for the last couple weeks--boys are sick so no one is sleeping much...feeling overwhelmed with all that I need to do in the new year; most of all; I need to make more time to pray!

It's january 5 and I have kept my new year commitment so far--to spend 30 a day exercising. It got a lot easier when I cleaned off all the junk that had accumulated on top of the treadmill for months. It's nice to walk/run and watch football at the same time!

GMU won today; Redskins lost to Seattle; so I'm up and down.

a new year

exciting--but very challenging so far. Had a great Christmas and new year; but both boys have been really sick. I've been completely exhausted for the last week; only sleeping in 2-3 hour stretches most of the time. We closed the office at church, so it's been nice to be at home, especially with everyone sick and tired.

I am excited about the new year. Great things happening at Convergence, and with family. My one new year commitment is to exercise 30 minutes every day. I ran on the treadmill today; felt great!

Back in the office tomorrow, a lot to do in next few days to catch up.

Sunday I spoke at FBC Herndon, talked about opportunities God gives for fresh starts and second chances, main example was the life of Peter. He gets a bad rap as the guy who denied Jesus; yet that was really the only negative we read about his life--in everything else he was an amazing man and disciple. I long to be that faithful.

harp 46--buy the cd!

Saturday night we hosted a CD release party for Harp 46. What a great honor! It was a wonderful time...just what I needed after a pretty crazy week. You really need to buy this CD--the music is fantastic. But not only are these guys (Nuc, April, Posido, and Amanda) great musicians; they are all really super people. I love working with them; and am grateful that we get to host them at Convergence so frequently.

The evening started with an exhibit opening reception for Nancy Lynch. Nancy's work is beautiful; it was a great evening!

Here are some pictures from the evening:

i need to blog more

OK, I'm really seeing the affects another baby has on time. It speeds it up. Drastically. A couple months ago I said I was going to blog every day. Then my third child was born; now each day I run out of time with lot's left undone. Including blogging. Even now, I need to get ready to take my daughter to her homeschool co-op. So I need to run...but wanted to write.

random thoughts...things at Convergence are going well; more happening, meeting lots of people, gelling as a community...growth is slow and intentional, we average around 30 most Sundays; but last two jazz services have had over 80 people. We've got some new folks who are plugging into the community; will be a great addition, especially as we expand what we're doing musically.

Cindi sang for us last Sunday and did a fantastic job.

we just finished our first writing workshop; it was great. We'll offer some more after the holidays.

Please pray for my boys-- my youngest has bronchiolitis, a respiratory tract infection, and his brother has been coughing as well.

GMU is off to a fantastic start; 6-1, 1-0; beat Drexel in the conference opener 85-38 last night.

springsteen concert

I posted this on our family blog; but know only a few people have access to that (it's for family and friends; if you'd like to see it, let me know and I'll send you an invitation).

Sunday night A and I went to see Bruce Springsteen in concert. It was my 10th time seeing him; A's first. It was so great sharing that with her. She was one of the youngest people there!

Wild coincidence--I went back in my old journals and discovered that the first time I saw Bruce was Sunday, November 11, 1984; the tenth was Sunday, November 11, 2007. How cool is that!

We both had a blast. It was great watching her reactions throughout the evening. A loves the drums--she loved "She's the One"--especially when Max blasted the drums. We both love "Badlands," she lit up and started clapping when it played. It was a great bonding experience for us--I love how she enjoys my music! I'm going to make a cd of all the songs he played that night.

At 58, Bruce still puts on an amazing show. I remember 4 hour marathon shows back in the 80s; nights that were so exhausting I was relieved when they were over. He doesn't play as long these days--2 hours 15 minutes--but his energy is still incredible!

I later found a website that gives playlists for all Springsteen concerts dating back to the late 60s! So I found playlists for every concert of his I've seen. Pretty cool.

switch to macbook

I'm typing this on my new macbook (well, it's not technically mine; it belongs to my church)...but I've made the switch. Pretty cool so far; although I'm just beginning to learn how to use it.

Way busy last few weeks--church going well--started series using Exploring the Way workbook on Sundays...trying to get a diverse group of people thinking about and practicing their faith in some new and creative ways.

My car died the other day...mechanic says it has a dead cylinder and needs new engine. We've had some folks offer to loan us a car for a while; and we're looking into options for something at little or no cost...Stressful, but I have faith it will work out somehow.

Tonight is the season opener for GMU basketball--I can't wait!

Sunday night A and I are going to see Bruce Springsteen. I'm really excited to share this with my daughter. It will be my 10th time seeing him. I'm really digging the new album; I highly recommend it!

miniseries

ok, I realized I was getting kind of stuck with the book reviews...my original idea was to write about a wide variety of topics...so I'm just picking random stuff.

tonight--miniseries. I love books. I love movies. I've found that some of the best film adaptations are miniseries. Very rarely does a two hour film capture the heart of a novel; but a miniseries often can.

So, here are my suggestions for great miniseries viewing:

1. Lonesome Dove--simply the best. Tommy Lee Jones and Robert Duvall each give the performance of a lifetime. Duvall has said Gus McRae was the role he was born to play. Fantastic soundtrack as well.

2. Band of Brothers--I don't usually like war movies; but this was phenomenal. I had to buy it and watch it about once a year.

3. Roots--perhaps should be number one; but not as fresh for me. Everybody should watch this. Everybody.

4. Storm of the Century--Stephen King at his best. The scariest miniseries or TV movie I've seen; not just because of the monster, but because of incredible good and evil that humans are capable of.

5, Andersonville--powerful true story of prisoner-of-war camp in the Civil War.

5. The Shining--a very faithful adaptation of one of King's best novels. Stephen Webber gives an amazing performance.

6. The Stand--based on what I consider to be King's best novel. Not as great as the book; but that would be impossible. Gary Sinese in the role that made him a star.

I'd love to hear your suggestions!

great evening

We had a great time at Convergence today. It was our monthly jazz service, with Harp 46 leading this month. It was also the opening of the Convergence gallery; we are hosting part of the Washington Theological Consortium's exhibit on The Body of Christ.

The whole evening was wonderful. The music was fantastic as always. Harp 46 is so great to work with. The reception after worship was great--people ate and talked. We don't make a big deal about numbers; but we had our largest crowd yet--85--lots of visitors!

Afterward Lisa and I had dinner with some folks from Vienna Baptist Church; talking about ways we can work together.

I'm still feeling pretty high.

random thoughts

I've been horrible at posting lately...life is just way too busy (my constant excuse). We had a baby three weeks ago (well, my wife did all the work). She doesn't like me to post personal stuff on here for the world to see, so we have a family blog (pictures and family news) open by invitation only. If you know me, and would like to see it; let me know and I'll send an invitation.

we had a great service Sunday afternoon; talked about Lament. We had a dramatic reading of some Psalms of lament, then talked about what lament is; then had people write their own laments. I hoped one or two might share theirs; about 10 people read theirs--very powerful! I often feel so busy on Sunday that I don't feel focused on worship; but this week was great.

If you haven't listened to Sinead O'Connor's CD Theology; I recommend it. We used the song "Rivers of Babylon" Sunday. (The lyrics are from Psalm 137). We've used a couple of the songs in worship...

church is good; lot's going on...trying to figure out how to recruit and equip volunteers, best structure for leadership...

I finally ordered a macbook--UPS's website says it should arrive today!

Just ordered Tim Keel's new book, Intuitive Leadership: Embracing a Paradigm of Narrative, Metaphor, and Chaos ...very eager to read it!

Still working my way through Brian McLaren's new book; great so far; I'll write more soon...back to work.

please pray

One of my favorite people is Kenn Kington. Kenn is a fantastic comedian, writer, and speaker. Even more, he is a fun, loving, Godly man. I met Kenn four years ago at a ministry conference. We hit it off right away and have stayed in touch since. He's been a great friend to us at NorthStar--speaking at our annual meeting in 2004, leading a singles conference in 2005, and bringing his Ultimate Comedy Tour to Columbia Baptist and to GMU.

Kenn has also been a great friend to our family. He and Ashley are great buds--she gets to go backstage and hang out when he performs nearby; and he once came to watch her play soccer. Kenn is truly one of the good guys.

I just found out yesterday that Kenn's four-year-old daughter Kennedy Grace has Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. She was diagnosed in April and is undergoing treatment. You can read about Kennedy Grace here.

Please join me in praying for Kenn and his family. I also highly recommend his books--great stuff on relationships, and his DVD's--great family comedy.

more from Everything Must Change

working through Brian McLaren's Everything Must Change. Great read so far; very relevant to thoughts I have been having--which I find often happens with Brian's writings.

He talks about how he was influenced by the situations of people in other countries--Rwanda, Burundi, South Africa. I have been struggling with this; feeling that we (western Christians) are concerned about people near us--we are horrified at violence and terrorism and disaster when it happens in our own backyard; but not so concerned when it is on the other side of the world.

Brian confesses that for years,

I also knew that most churchgoers, including myself, either didn't share that concern for the poor or didn't know how to turn concern and good intentions into constructive action. (p. 16)

In chapter five Brian says that the Christian religion

has specialized in dealing with "spiritual needs" to the exclusion of physical and social needs. It has specialized in people's destination in the afterlife but has failed to address significant social injustices in this life. It has focused on "me" and "my soul" and "my spiritual life" and "my eternal destiny," but it has failed to address the dominant societal and global realities of their lifetime: systemic injustice, systemic poverty, systemic ecological crisis, systemic dysfunctions of many kinds. (33)

Brian is often accused of focusing too much on social problems and not enough on the spiritual. But I think he is saying they must go hand in hand. God doesn't separate them. Jesus said we should love people and meet their needs--physical and spiritual.

The Christianity that we live out here doesn't make much sense in much of the world. How can it, when we are so rich, yet do so little to alleviate suffering in much of the world?

I'll climb off my soapbox. I'm loving this book; it has me thinking much more globally, which is what I believe God wants for those of us who follow Him.

good week

OK, I'm still a long ways from writing every day, as I intended. Oh well.

It was a good week--we had our first jazz service last Sunday; it was awesome! Never in Denver led the service; they were incredible! We're going to do this the third Sunday each month for a while.

Lisa and I led worship at Daybreak Community Church today; giving them a little taste of Convergence. It was good--Lisa did a fantastic dramatic interpretation of Luke 8.

Hear the new Springsteen song here.

I'm sitting in my office on Sunday afternoon, listening to Harp 46 rehearse. How cool is that!

comments on Everything Must Change

Started Brian McLaren's new book, Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crisis, and a Revolution of Hope. Really good so far. This book is written as a companion piece to Brian's last book, The Secret Message of Jesus, which Brian recaps in chapter one:

Jesus' message is not actually about escaping this troubled world for heaven's blissful shores, as is popularly assumed, but instead is about God's will being done on this troubled earth as it is in heaven.

He begins Everything Must Change with a discussion of what he sees as critical global crises, and some of the causes of these crises--the key one being a spirituality crisis.

Chapter two begins with two questions that have shaped McLaren's life:

1. What are the biggest problems in the world?
2. What does Jesus have to say about these global problems?

Combined into one question: What could change if we applied the message of Jesus--the good news of the kingdom of God--to the world's greatest problems?

This really speaks to me. I've been increasingly frustrated that we spend so much time and energy and money on the big issues according to the Christian/political right--abortion, gay marriage, trying to fix some countries (while letting genocide continue in others). These are important issues; but what about poverty, hunger, AIDS pandemic, war, violence, the health care crisis...?

Brian's questions seem like they should be obvious, but when we look around, not many of us are letting them influence us. I want to be a part of changing that.

new McLaren book

I got an advanced reader's copy of Brian McLaren's new book, Everything Must Change. I'll begin reading and blogging about it tonight!

listening

Obviously I have a severe case of writer's block. Been really busy, but want to write, just need to do it!

We've been talking for last few weeks about faith and justice, trying to get our small faith community to try to see people, life, issues--from God's perspective, and from the perspective of those who are different. I think that those of us in power--for the most part, white, upper middle class Americans--struggle to read the Bible as God intends--because much of it is written to the poor, oppressed, and marginalized.

So I want to find ways to help our folks see God's heart for people like that; but struggle in how to do it. What do I say? What stories do we tell? What videos do we watch that will help us get it? Then it hit me that we need to stop trying to say too much; and start with listening. Being quiet and still before God. Instead of discussing with each other and giving our ideas and answers, we need to be humble and pray and ask God to change our hearts, our perspectives, and to help us see more with His perspective.

So I'm trying to be quiet and listen, and encourage our folks to do the same.

Brian McLaren interview

Here's a great interview with Brian on The Wittenburg Door.