Milton House Church

Milton House Church Update

2008-09-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

It seems that the Milton House group has sputtered to a quiet demise. Jeff & Erica made their change in plans clear in the spring. The rest of us talked with enthusiasm about Friday night pizza and discussing Scripture over the summer, and even set the dates for those and a few Communion Feasts, and never really got off the ground. Communication and connecting has been almost non-existent for several months between most of us. It seems many are moving other directions and only a few have even checked in to find out what’s next. We understand. Life has it’s stages and groups like ours ebb and flow in response.

So, we will no longer be hosting the Milton House group. We have decided to participate in a new Bible study with small group focus launching at our neighborhood church, starting this September. Three others are also planning to participate.

The invitation is open to any and all of you to participate, if something like this sounds like a good option for you to grow and connect in authentic faith with small group accountability. I think there will be childcare. If you are looking for more grounding and growth in your spiritual life, I encourage you to give this a try for a month and see how it fits for you. If not, I encourage you to be intentional about finding something else to keep you centered in God’s truth.

“Personalities united can contain more of God and sustain the force of his greater presence better than scattered individuals.” Dallas Willard

We will continue to trust God to work through the Holy Spirit in all of our lives, and see what His next steps are for each of us. We enjoyed providing a home and opening our hearts for the group for the past five and a half years. Again, we encourage each of you to be intentional and pursue your good next steps in the faith walk. Please keep in touch.

May our friendships continue with a new look this fall. We look forward to seeing each other from time to time and staying connected perhaps through spontaneous get-togethers, too.

Signing off...with love and respect,

Cindi and Glen
Former Milton House Hosts

Wednesday Gathering - June 25, 2008

2008-06-27T09:30:00.001-07:00

We are challenged to eat heart healthy food. Well, this was a heart health discussion. We discussed the following questions at the gathering this week, and the consensus answers are inserted:

The Externals...Format...The What:

Do we want to meet over the summer? Yes.
How often? Twice a month, plus Communion Feast.
Do we want to give Friday nights a try? Yes.

Rotate homes.
Host orders pizza and provides beverages
Volunteers can bring a salad or dessert
We will have time to visit and share and catch-up as well as dig into Scripture together.

The Internals--The Why...Your Life in Connection (so we can figure out the "How" next time)

What do you need from a small group? Why participate? If it was disbanded tonight, what would you miss?
Are you different today than you were a year ago? What happened to create that change? Did this group impact that change? How? Do you need to take care of yourself in another way?

Some comments:

I prefer the group stay small for emotional safety
I want to become stronger in faith and in knowledge of God's word, learn gifts and personal purpose.
I enjoy reading passages and discussing as group
I benefit from reflecting on what was said during my week
I watch the lives of others and am spurred on to live life differently...iron sharpening iron
This group provides a sense of family
I spiritually gain from being together
I am challenged to live a life of faith outside the gatherings
I have noticed that times of true growth have happened in small groups throughout my life and it is essential for me in my faith walk
Connecting with others is tough to do without a small group community

Questions for the Next Time We Meet...The How

How should we focus on growing in wisdom and knowledge of God?
How/who will lead and share responsibility?

A variety of options:

Study a topic?
Study a book?
Study passages of Scripture?
Chew further & apply the passage used in the WACC weekend series?
Discuss life in light of following Christ day-to-day?
Share in prayer?
Include social times -- formal or informal (watch a movie, go to a game, celebrate graduations, go to Sunday lunch together)
What action steps to take in serving one another and the community?
How do we get to know one another better?

God's Continued Faithfulness

2008-06-27T09:25:00.000-07:00

A Psalm from Rene:
[Regarding both kids being gone to college in the fall] I am listening to my daughter's music and looking at my son's picture and I am filled with love and a peace I cannot express...........there are tears but they are happy tears..............the Lord has truly placed on my heart and mind that He has a plan for my children and I am so very proud of both of them..............they have the foundation, they have the heart and they have the knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior..............thank you all for continued prayers during this season of letting go and letting God.

From the Heart of Tabeth:
[Regarding her recent surgery] Something was happening in me and around me. I know my walking hastened my recovery. But something even more powerful was happening to heal me. I believe God was at work here letting His love flow through people in the form of kindness. It was everywhere! Kindness is a very powerful healing tool. And also another powerful force at work were the prayers you all sent. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I have to say that my experience was more spiritual than it was medical...I’m a bit tired so I won’t be coming to church tonight. Again, I want to thank you so much for your positive thoughts and prayers.

This Week's Meeting

2008-06-13T17:47:00.000-07:00

Coming this Saturday night, June 14th @ 6:30 at the Petersons’ (co-host Tabeth Gomez)
COMMUNION FEAST

Bring a jacket or something. We may be eating and hanging out in the back yard, and it will get cool in the evening.

Changes in Milton House
Jeff & Erica will be leaving the group later this summer to investigate and pursue God’s direction in their lives in response to Jeff’s passion, vision, and preparation to be in leadership in a more structured house church. They will go with our blessing, and we will lovingly hold them accountable to find what is next in God’s plan for their gifts and desires. We will have a blessing dinner to honor them and bless them as they go.

Others present on Wednesday threw around some ideas for the future together. There was some strong interest in switching our gathering night to Friday nights — meeting for pizza, conversation, and Bible study at different homes on a rotating basis. We will continue to discuss the details of this idea and may give it a try to see if it is a good fit for now.

Word on the street has it that Rene is planning to be baptized in August at at time when both her family and our group can share in the event. She has talked to Jeff about baptizing her in the Anderson or Diaz pool. No date has been set. She may request that the group jump in to the pool immediately following her immersion as a symbol of support (and celebration). There will be a celebration dinner party following the event, as she publicly shows her desire to follow Christ in obeying His invitation to be baptized. If anyone else would like to be baptized at this event as well, please talk to Jeff, Cindi, Glen, or Rene. The more the merrier!

Time to Pray

Jeff will be venturing out on a faith journey June 16-June 30 (or up to July 2nd) with a student, Justin, without much of a plan and without much in resources to trust God in grand ways to guide and provide. Remember to pray for them daily and we will send updates as we get information from Erica.
Tabeth is having surgery on Tuesday, June 17th. Please pray for her and the doctors and medical staff during this time and her recovery. We will send out updates. Pray for Tashi and Isaiah during this time, too, that they do just fine while their mom is gone and during her recovery.
Jeff & Erica: for them to know the right time to separate from the group formally and for them to have wisdom and opportunity to connect to God’s next plan for community.

NO GATHERING ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 18TH

NEXT GATHERING: Wednesday, June 25th @ The Petersons

Voice of the Day: Frederick Buechner

2008-06-12T16:16:00.000-07:00

This from Sojourners on Wednesday, June 11:

Of the Seven Deadly Sins, anger is possibly the most fun. To lick your wounds, to smack your lips over grievances long past, to roll over your tongue the prospect of bitter confrontations still to come, to savor to the last toothsome morsel both the pain you are given and the pain you are giving back--in many ways it is a feast fit for a king. The chief drawback is that what you are wolfing down is yourself. The skeleton at the feast is you.

- Frederick Buechner
Wishful Thinking: A Seeker's ABC

Wednesday Gathering: May 28, 2008

2008-05-29T09:59:00.000-07:00

Tonight, we gathered to talk about James 4:13-17 (Warning about Self Confidence) and we read through James 5:1-6 in preparation/warm-up for the next gathering on June 11th.

At the end of the night, we also talked further about the group: how to build relationships so we feel safe enough with one another to challenge each other in following Christ in response to what we learn in Scripture, and possible changes to the format of the group. We each change and so that does lead the group to adapt. People are sharing openly. We’ll see how God guides our group in the days to come and the conversation will continue. Please continue to pray for one another and this process.

We are off next week, June 4th — the first week of the month.

Next Communion Feast is scheduled for Saturday, June 14th, 6:30pm at the Petersons. Details to follow.

Have a good week, everyone. “If the Lord wants us to, we will do this or that.” James 4:15 (NLT) Be a good “mist.” :-) (James 4:14 (NIV)

Think About These Things

2008-05-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

This is the information from the signature of house church e-mails. Are these true for our group? How are we doing, then?

We are committed...

To participate consistently in gatherings and friendship, as we learn to care for one another, grow together through the joys and struggles, and extend grace.
To dig in God's Word in conversation together and live differently in response; tough questions and honest sharing are welcome, encouraged, and kept confidential.
To move forward in serving, identifying opportunities for giving, for sharing resources, and for taking action.
To celebrate the goodness of God in times of shared life in communion, fellowship, and gatherings.

Sharing in God’s story of reconciliation, community, and blessing...
Looking for our story in God’s story
Walking in honesty together on our journey.

*Mobile: able to move quickly, freely or easily in response to needs
*Exegetical: relating to the study and interpretation of Scripture

“Personalities united can contain more of God and sustain the force of his greater presence better than scattered individuals.” Dallas Willard

What's Going on with Milton House

2008-05-25T11:49:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday night, May 21, we discussed James 4:1-12 — a big passage about humility, quarrels, friendship with God, and grace.

After we closed in prayer, we began a conversation about the group — who we are, what we want, why we come, and what’s next.

Participation in Wednesday nights has been faltering this spring. It, again, was a small group on Wednesday night. Some of those who were absent had contacted Cindi to let us know they’d be absent. Five were in attendance. Everyone present expressed their thoughts, feelings, and ideas about the group and it was a beneficial conversation, Part II of a discussion three had begun the Wednesday prior.

We need to continue this conversation with all who are still interested in and committed to the group. We will consider everyone’s ideas and come to some conclusions for the time to come. We need to choose a time and place to have this conversation, probably on a weekend. Be in prayer about the direction God has for each of us and together.

We also need to select the next communion feast night and place.

James Dates:

Wednesday, May 28th: James 4:13-5:6 — Warning about Self-Confidence; Warning to the Rich
Wednesday, June 4: No gathering
Wednesday, June 11: James 5:7-20 — Patience & Endurance; the Power of Prayer; & Restore Wandering Believers
Wednesday, June 18: James Reflection & Application -- how will I live differently in light of the Scripture?

Church News

We would like to send big congratulations to two families in our group with their youngest kids graduating from high school in June. Congratulations to Philip & Laura on the graduation of Dora, and to Bob & Rene on the graduation of Zach.
Jeff is speaking at WCHS’s Baccalaureate on Sunday, June 1st, 3:00pm. If you’d like to go and support him in this nice opportunity, we’ll see you there! No tickets needed.
Tabeth's husband finished his master's degree in school administration! Also, she is having major surgery on June 17th (I think that’s the most recent date I’ve heard). She may need our help in the recovery stage with meals or other support — definitely prayer.
Karen’s sister and brother-in-law, niece and nephew will be moving to the San Francisco area, once school is out; this is her only family in the area.
20% of proceeds on Wednesday, June 4th from meals served at Ruby’s will be donated to the short term missions team headed to Estonia this summer. The group is composed of college kids from a local church going to teach English and share Christ. If you are looking for a place to eat that night between 4:00-9:00, and Ruby’s is an option, consider it a great way to eat and contribute.

Be sure your emails are correctly addressed . . .

2008-05-21T22:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight's funny story about the email is from Wes Robert's Blog titled ". . . on so little sleep

Wake up . . . Be Alive . . . Stay Curious

The Truest Index of Our Real Situation

2008-05-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Our lifelong nostalgia, our longing to be reunited with something in the universe from which we now feel cut off, to be on the inside of some door which we have always seen from the outside, is no mere neurotic fancy, but the truest index of our real situation.

- C.S. Lewis

What's coming up---

2008-04-23T12:32:00.000-07:00

Remember...

TONIGHT: Wednesday, 4/23...change of pace...don’t come to the Petersons. Next Wednesday, we are meeting at...
IHOP near Whittwood at 7:00pm for food and fellowship.
It is a fundraiser and 20% of proceeds from the evening will go to support a team traveling to Malawi this August to work at the children’s hospital being built there. Call Cindi, if you’ll be late, at 562-900-6597, so we can save you a seat.

Wednesday, April 30th:
James 3:13-18
We will also take a special offering on this night to help pay for van repairs for a ministry in Mexico that Bob has been helping out. They estimate the van can be repaired for about $300, so we’ll contribute what we can to help out.

Serve Weekend is Coming

2008-03-23T08:44:00.000-07:00

On March 29th, 1:00-5:00, we will be gathering to serve a ministry in our community by cleaning and doing some light decorating in a men's home main bathroom. Gross! Yes, but it is a labor of love for Christ and His followers. So grab your rubber gloves, safety goggles, and great attitudes and we'll see you scrubbing on Saturday! The various tasks will be assigned to volunteers this Wednesday night. We'll clean the kitchen along the way, too, since all of us won't fit in the bathroom at once! Join us after for a wrap-up time at El Buen Gusto and/or on Sunday evening, March 30th at 6:00 for a Serve Weekend pizza celebration at WACC to hear the stories from various projects. Over 100 groups are going serving this weekend -- church services at WACC are cancelled to worship through serving others.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

2008-03-12T20:43:00.000-07:00

We started out considering cancelling the gathering, but ended up moving ahead with those in attendance. Rene, Karen, Erica, and Cindi participated. Absentees: Jeff, Glen, and Bob had work. Bly and Lalo were exhausted by the day of work and responsibilities. Tabeth had to pick up her sister at the airport (and will be absent next week with out-of-town sister visiting). Philip Hernandez got home late from Bakersfield, and since it looked like few to none were coming, we told them we'd cancel (oops! sorry for misleading info -- but we thought it was going to cancel).

We read James 2: 1-13 and looked for directions on living the lifestyle of a believer. This is a very direct passage, which was nice. Read it for yourself, if you get a chance, and see if you support our conclusions:

1. Don't show favoritism (v. 1): embrace distinctions in the body of Christ, affirm unity, and have equal respect and appreciation for persons. We discussed how discrimination differs from discernment. Karen shared some from a book she is reading, Reconciliation Blues, as part of the diversity committee at Biola in which she participates. We commented that this is subtle when one is guilty but blatant when one is victim. We agreed that churches can do better in this area -- that we can do better as part of the church. We talked briefly about cultural influences that complicate our sensitivities to this issue.

2. Love your neighbor as yourself (v. 8): 'nuff said. Again, no room for partiality.

3. Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom...judgement without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful (v.12): Yikes! Practice that mercy. We've been put on notice.

Again, we see in this passage: "Thus, the Gospel offer of salvation by faith includes more than a pardon, it also includes a transformation. God will declare the sinner righteous, and then God will act to make the sinner what God declared him to be." [Teacher's Commentary p. 1023]

We each shared something we could apply tonight's scripture to in living differently this week. Then each one prayed for another's situation. Nice evening. Done at 8:10pm.

We missed everyone! Hope your evenings all went well. Great to be together last Sunday. Dig deep in God's word and live differently this week.

The Shack

2008-03-09T16:53:00.000-07:00

Welcome back. You are appreciated here!

What takes most of us a life time, Mac learn in a special encounter on a weekend at "the shack." Grace, forgiveness, eternity are all wrapped up in the experiences that he has with "Papa." It's a quick read and worth the time invested. I'd love to hear what you think. Leave a comment if you've read it.

On being right, Anne Lamott

2008-03-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

I think joy and sweetness and affection are a spiritual path. We're here to know God, to love and serve God, and to be blown away by the beauty and miracle of nature. You just have to get rid of so much baggage to be light enough to dance, to sing, to play. You don't have time to carry grudges; you don't have time to cling to the need to be right.

- author Anne Lamott, in a recent interview. (Source: The Washington Times)

Project Serve #1: Room Make-over

2008-03-05T07:43:00.000-08:00

Our March Serve Weekend is coming up. Our first project is defined below.

We are confirmed to do a simple room-makeover for Come to Him Ministries, their Whittier house.

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2008
Time: TBA (probably afternoon like 1:00-5:00?)
Details: We are tasked to spruce up a room in the house. We will be supplying the items needed.
Steps:

Anyone interested in surveying the home during the day during the week of March 17-22 to select a project? Please contact Cindi. Many of you are not available during the day, so Cindi may go with Kay, pick a room, take digital pictures, and then talk details.
If you can help with ideas and share decorating talent, please help make choices and determine specifics.
If you are decent at measurements, and it is determined that we need some in advance, we'll call on you! Let Cindi know.
If you can help with any shopping or gathering of materials needed prior to the project date.
We need many to help with the physical labor involved. Your children can be included, as appropriate.
If you are interested in helping fund purchases, let Cindi know.

March Communion Feast

2008-03-05T07:36:00.000-08:00

This weekend! Our March Communion Feast will be at 2:00pm...a late lunch on Sunday, March 9th, at the Petersons. Pick up something you'd enjoy for lunch, bring it on over, and we'll place it all on the counter and create a buffet of surprise lunch eats.

In honor of the unity of the body of Christ, we will celebrate and share the bread and the drink to remember Christ's death in fulfillment of our reconciliation and look forward to His return.

Conservative or Liberal?

2008-02-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Bleeding-heart liberals could accomplish far more if they reached out to build common cause with bleeding-heart conservatives.

- Columnist Nicholas Kristof, in an article titled, "Evangelicals a Liberal Can Love." One example he cites: "In parts of Africa where bandits and warlords shoot or rape anything that moves, you often find that the only groups still operating are Doctors Without Borders and religious aid workers: crazy doctors and crazy Christians." from the New York Times.

Lewis on Giving

2008-02-04T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Christian way is different: harder, and easier. Christ says, “Give me all. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want you.... Hand over the whole natural self, all the desires which you think innocent as well as the ones you think wicked—the whole outfit. I will give you a new self instead. In fact, I will give you Myself: my own will shall become yours.” Both harder and easier than what we are all trying to do.

C.S. Lewis
Mere Christianity

February Communion Gathering

2008-02-02T14:07:00.000-08:00

Our next Communion Feast is scheduled for Saturday, February 9th, 6:30, at the Philip & Laura Hernandez home. These are awesome evenings of learning to love one another and reflecting God's work in our world. It is vital to visit in each other's homes in order to know each other better, so thank you to the hosts each month!

"Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms."

For the address, contact the Philip, Laura, Glen, or Cindi.

Bring: Side dish...or should I say...a tithe dish?!! :-)

Cindi is bringing a #5 cake to celebrate five years since the group was formed! Wow! What an honor to God that this fellowship of believers, a spiritual family, has walked the journey together in His name. What a blessing that new folks have joined us along the way, too.

Some Ministries nearby in Mexico

2008-01-30T20:37:00.000-08:00

Bob presented some ministry ideas tonight in our group. Here are some links to those he talked about. Take a look and ponder a bit. We will think of some individual and group ministry opportunities.

From James Chambers

2008-01-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

The Heart of God
Reaching Out to the Poor & Needy:

Report on the Cold Weather Shelter 2008

Coming into the CWS season, we had a three-fold hope. Our first was that we as believers would heed Christ’s command to help the poor and the needy. Our second hope was that the Lord would bring in those whom He was calling into His kingdom. And the third was to help our community to decrease the number of homeless on the streets of Whittier thru our participation in the Cold Weather Shelter.

Let me first start by sharing my early morning experience on morning of the 14th. I was anticipating our guest to arrive at 5:30 Monday evening however; I received a call, from the gentleman spearheading the CWS, on Monday morning at 7:00 am. He said that the mats for the residents had arrived and the driver did not know where to put them. I mentioned to him that I was not aware of this and he countered quickly with needing to get to work and not being able do it any other time. Anxious to be of service and get the shelter started I hustled down to WHBC. Upon arrival I was startled and amazed to see unfamiliar faces unloading mats, bags, suitcase, pillows, TV’s and various other items from several vehicles. The strange thing about the situation was that they knew where to go and proceeded to tell me how it was run. After I came to my senses, I realized that I was in charge and began to take the reigns, directing traffic, meeting new friends and being filled with compassion.

As the dust cleared and all were settled we were on our way to hosting 25 men, nine women and one child. I know that they [the guests] are all very thankful that we opened our doors to them. They all seem very happy that they continued to have a place to go at night and especially a place that showed genuine love and care; not only by word but by deed!

How did we help the poor and needy in our land by our deeds? The guests were provided with a bed and food during their stay. WHBC served unlimited meals, headed up by dedicated Dana Janney and her selfless crew who did a marvelous job. Our guests were treated to wonderful meals including egg casseroles, cold cereal, oatmeal, potato dishes, pastries, coffee, juice, tacos, enchiladas, pork roast, lasagna, pizza, barbequed chicken and steak and an assortment of homemade desserts. They were fed in a cozy dining room complete with fresh flowers and a fire in the fireplace.

Once at the shelter, guests were not allowed to leave and return to the premises, with the exception of smoking breaks in a supervised area. The guests were guarded and kept safe by a variety of noble men who gave up their late nights and early mornings to keep an eye on things. Our church was kept in tip-top shape for our guests by Jim Garbat and his cleaning brigade. They snuck in daily when no one was around to do a thankless job by keeping the place clean and sanitary. I even observed a WHBC mother vacuuming with a baby on her back!

While WHBC was closed to the guests during the day, many made gradual improvements toward being more successful. Some of the guests would go to their employment, others searched for work, others visited friends and family, some would hang out at the community center while a small remnant would find the local park.

At night the guests ate a healthy meal and mingled with those who sponsored the dinner. On Thursday night we had movie night in Maclintock’s and it was a hit. The majority of nights, the guests relaxed in their room, resting until their next move.

As I think about those whom God may be calling, I cannot get a clear picture but what I can rejoice in is that 10 guests visited our Sunday Worship service and three visited the Firm Foundations class.

For our final hope of getting the homeless off the streets of Whittier during this cold season, we accomplished this thru the generosity of our staff and volunteers. We were able to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ to our guests by giving of our time, abilities, money, hard work, sleep, and hopefully by giving a little bit of ourselves to them. I’m sure most of our volunteers would agree that they were blessed tremendously by serving in the Cold Weather Shelter. I know for my family and me, that is the case.

As the final day arrived, I watched as our guests packed up their belongings only to be relocated to another church. While we were able to help them during a difficult time, we were only a band-aid on their problem. So it was with mixed feelings that I watched them leave. BUT, God is good! We have been able to help two people from the Cold Weather Shelter relocate from our church into a rehabilitation center and seven people moved into Come to Him Ministries. Three more are on a waiting list to move in as we get the room. We praise God for the chance to continue to be in contact with these men and women, to help them gain employment and hopefully move to the next step of being independent. We want to continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus in their lives and see what God has in store for them.

It was a blessing to be such an intricate part of Cold Weather Shelter. I was amazed at how it ran like a well oiled machine due to the past efforts of Jeremy McMillan and Scott Himes and the continued efforts of veterans Dana Janney and Jim Garbat. I am grateful for their patience with me as they helped navigate me through my first year overseeing the CWS.

One poignant moment I had with one of the residents seems to sum up what WHBC meant to this group. As this gentleman ate his dinner off of china, he remarked to me that “Because you serve us our meals on china instead of paper plates, you make us feel like we aren’t disposable.” But what did the Cold Weather Shelter mean to WHBC? I can’t help but share what my wife thought as she watched different groups of people joyfully serving and genuinely caring for our guests as if it was done regularly. Does Christ not have ways for us to serve in this capacity everyday? Our final hope is that our church, WHBC, will always be a church that serves our Lord everyday, with the same joy and enthusiasm as we had for the Cold Weather Shelter.

Submitted by James Chambers
January 21, 2008

Jim Wallis new book tour in Pasadena February 4 at 7 pm

2008-01-21T12:52:00.000-08:00

Jim Wallis will bring his book tour to All Saints Church in Pasadena on Monday night, February 4 at 7:00 p.m. Jim will be speaking about his new book: The Great Awakening: Reviving Faith & Politics in a Post-Religious Right America. Books will be available for sale and signing; no reservations necessary. Come hear and meet one of the great voices in progressive Christianity. For more information about Jim or about Sojourners, the magazine and the movement, go to Sojo.net. Read Jim’s daily blog at godspolitics.com.

"No More Mr. Nice Group"

2008-01-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

I just reread an article from Leadership magazine, Summer 2005, with the title "No More Mr. Nice Group." It is about five practices essential to move "small groups beyond polite 'sharing' to the disciplines that change lives." Maybe these are helpful to us as we reflect on how we are doing. I'll summarize the key points. The article was written by John Ortberg.

"Simply meeting with a small group does not automatically result in spiritual growth. There are certain practices that must be present, spiritual disciplines that must occur, to facilitate the transforming work of Christ in us. The presence of these things is what makes the difference between all-too-typical small groups, and life transforming communities of spiritual formation."

John Ortberg's results from study, observation, and conversations:
1. Confession..."the appropriate disclosure of my brokenness...for the purpose of healing, forgiveness, and spiritual growth." Ortberg suggests guarding against "confession killers: inappropriate use of humor, judgemental statements," etc. Sometimes I notice groups try to fix a problem, when the person sharing just needs to be listened to at that time. Ortberg suggests "we acknowledge the reality of who we are and open ourselves to God's transforming work." I think this is powerful. A small group can be the safe place to be real and not be alone.
2. Application...apply the teachings to real life. Find alternatives in Scripture to live differently. Consider the real ways to live those out. Then, later, talk about how that is going.
3. Accountability...in small groups we can share how intentional we've been with changing through applying what we've learned. The article states that William Paulson said, "It is unlikely that we will deepen our relationship with God in a casual or haphazard manner." Ortberg adds, "People do not drift into becoming loving, joy-filled, patient, winsome world changers. It requires intention and effort. The default mode of the human heart is to drift." Important decisions are made about how to live in response to Scripture and within community. Community is essential to supporting those changes. We can discuss how our "obedience to Christ is going."
4. Guidance..."we help each other learn how to listen to God" and one another. "Every small group should include the question, 'Is anybody facing a significant decision this week?'" The group can support anyone in a struggle, and seek the Spirit's direction in prayer and conversation and listening.
5. Encouragement...commit to each other and love/accept one another as we continue our journey of transformed life. This cannot happen in large gatherings.

"Spiritual formation in community is mostly about loving people, and that is something we can do." Yes indeed!

Definition Pursued

2007-12-30T10:38:00.000-08:00

I have been chasing some definition to my spiritual journey since I departed from a traditional organized church about one year ago. What is essential as I follow Christ? What truly transforms my faith walk and life as I follow him? How do I avoid religion? How do I avoid repeating my recent experience -- being sucked into being uber-busy at church, without being connected there or in my neighborhood? How do I avoid a staleness and a faith rut as I desire to age gracefully?

I was recently reading information from RockHarbor, Costa Mesa. I have found similar points of growth reflected at Westminster Chapel (Bellevue, WA -- my friend works there), and The Chapel (Akron, OH - my parents church and my church of origin). I really identified with some things stated there and the simplicity of the concepts, though complex and deep in opportunity. I'll share their ideas:

"What is the path to transformation? Celebration. Community. Service." [RockHarbor]

Celebration: RockHarbor wrote that weekends are the "celebration services – an expectant gathering to seek and respond to God through teaching, music, communion, giving, and prayer."

Community: "Life groups are simply groups of people who meet during the week to dive deeper into the weekend's message through the study of God's word, worship, and prayer. In addition to caring for one another, Life Groups also embrace the Biblical call to be Christ’s ambassadors by serving together within our own communities."

Service: (see below)

For me, this helped crystallize some parts of following Christ and how our house group fits. My view continues to evolve with new conversation and learning. Spiritual transformation is my heart's desire, and I agree that these broad components for me are essential. I am responsible to commit to these values and find opportunities to pursue them.

1. Celebration: For me at this time, this happens in two ways -
a. Participation in our house church monthly communion feasts
b. Attending gatherings on Saturday nights at Whittier Area Community Church. [I won't go into detail here about why I respect what's going on at WACC, and why it is a decent fit for me at this time. I still have BIG questions about what God desires from local traditional organized churches and my responsibility.]

2. Community: For me, this begins with the house church that I call "Milton House," which meets mid-week in a local home. I am deeply committed to the time and people in this small group, the church as modeled in the New Testament. I cannot grow without this connection to a small community focused on "mid-week gatherings for prayer, encouragement, and deeper study" of God's Word together.

3. Service: I agreed with what RockHarbor stated - "God is also shaping us and stretching us as we take steps together to serve. Whether serving 'inside' to help with the weekly operations of the church, or serving 'outside' to people in need, God is calling us out of our comfort zone. We are not spectators. We are called to get out of the stands and into the game, to serve Him and one another with love and grace."

To me, our house church group is distinctive from a Sunday service and from a regular Bible study. Here are the distinctions in my opinion:
A. Commitment to participate consistently and to share life, as we learn to love and care for one another as we truly get to know each other.
B. Digging in God's Word in conversation with others where tough questions are welcome.
C. Moving on to serve, as opposed to pew-sitting Sunday after Sunday. We are taking steps together to grow in serving and will continue to determine God's opportunities for us big and small, through giving, sharing, and action.

We seek to "find out what God is doing" and respond in asking "how can we get in on that."

What does house church mean to you? How does it serve as a key component as you follow Christ?

On Forgiving

2007-12-21T23:24:00.001-08:00

The test of forgiving lies with healing the lingering pain of the past, not with forgetting that the past ever happened.

Lewis B. Smedes
Forgive and Forget

Making a Difference at Christmas

2007-12-20T10:35:00.000-08:00

Last night we ended our offering project for December. We collected $385 to send to World Vision. The gift was designated to give three goats, two chickens, and a share in a clean water well to people in other parts of the world to assist in their survival. We give to honor God in caring for others. It is our privilege.

We all shared of the money we've earned as blessed by God. It was delightful to hear from our youngest participants about how they set a goal and earned points (dollars) to give. Isaiah, fourth grade, presented his earnings to provide two chickens. Tashi, second grade, earned enough to reach her goal of providing a goat to a family.

As we continue to bless others as we are blessed, we are blessed again with the joy that brings. Thank you to everyone!

How Old Are We as a Group?

2007-12-20T10:06:00.000-08:00

Last night, during our last gathering of 2007, Rene asked how long the group had been meeting. We all discussed it briefly and weren't quite sure. Having a history together is part of the good glue that keeps a group connected in love and builds the bonds of "spiritual family."

This morning, I dug out my photo albums to research. I found photo evidence that the group began meeting at the Peterson home in January 2003. Time has flown and participants have come and gone. Bill Vickonoff is pictured in our first potluck photos, December 2003. In September 2004, he went home to Heaven. We walked that path with him as long as he was with us.

We've surfed the wild waves of health concerns, unemployment, financial stress, heartache over children and relatives, selling a home -- finally, and more. We've celebrated the achievements of children, the purchase and renovation of a home (finally), new jobs, God's providence, a new kitten, and a variety of good news. Some have survived the drama and trauma of leaving a local church, and the joy of realizing the small group in a home is a New Testament church in it's design, intimacy, and stewardship. And there has been healing.

Through it all, we've met together and navigated the ups and downs of adulthood, clinging to God's grace. We've laughed and cried and agreed and disagreed. We've talked, listened, and sat silently. And we've prayed and sung together. We've worked together (toilets, cupboards, etc.) and served together in giving and in action. We've shared evenings in each other's homes. And the food. Mmm...mmm...mmm. And coffee. The blessing of a steamy cup on a cold night. On gathering nights, we've survived summer heat, and then sat by the fire in cold weather. We've begun a new communion experience that links closer to Scriptural communion stories.

We are stronger together than as individuals. We need to be together to grow in our faith journey. As we dig into Scripture, we draw closer to the Lord and one another.

January 2008 will be the 5th anniversary. A milestone! Let's rejoice together! Thank you to each one who participates. You are a blessing to the group.

Advent Conspiracy

2007-12-19T08:14:00.000-08:00

[AC] Advent Conspiracy from Jon Collins on Vimeo.

The Golden Compass--UPDATE

2007-12-02T19:03:00.000-08:00

A new movie has been noted as controversial and was mentioned the other evening in out group. The new movie Golden Compass is reviewed at Hollywood Jesus here. What do you think? Leave a comment here.

[UPDATE] More on the film from Christianity Today here and here.

Knowing God's Will

2007-12-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

Jeff Amann talked about knowing God's will Saturday night at our communion feast celebration. It wasn't on the agenda, it was just what several wanted to talk about. This is the diagram that Laura helped draw on a napkin.

Here is Jeff's eplanation: "Here the wisdom model graphic. Top left is God's Moral Will, Top right is God's Wisdom, Bottom is personal preferences and the blue outside is God's Sovereign Will." --Jeff

Christmas Offering

2007-11-29T21:24:00.001-08:00

Last night, we talked about taking a collection this month that will go towards a World Vision "Christmas gift that really matters to the world." Anyone who wishes to do so can contribute cash or check (payable to World Vision) during the month of December. We will total it up and choose to designate the gift for chickens (2 for $25), educational support ($32), hope for exploited girls ($35), goat ($75), and or clean water fund (provide wells, latrines, irrigation and more - $100). Maybe one of each! This is a great opportunity in follow-up to our reading Scripture about caring for the needy. For more information: www.worldvisiongifts.org

Wednesday Update

2007-11-29T19:30:00.001-08:00

We gathered last night following a week off for Thanksgiving. It was good to be together.

We missed Jeff (not feeling so good), Karen (working on a paper for her class), Lalo, and Philip and Laura. Wow! Five people out — imagine how easy it was to get a good seat! Hope to see everyone back next week.

Welcome to Tabeth Gomez who joined us for the first time last night. She brought Isaiah (4th grade) and Tashi (2nd grade) who hung out in the den, watching the Disney Channel. Tabeth is a neighbor of the Petersons and co-worker of Cindi’s. So, welcome Tabeth! Glad to have you participate!

Communion Feast this Saturday!
December 1st @ 6:30pm
Jeff & Erica Amann’s Home in Placentia

Contact Information for Amanns will be sent in an e-mail.

Bring:
1. Meat to grill for you
2. Dish to pass — truly a potluck — whatever we end up with we eat! If it is only dessert, then we’ll have abundance, a good laugh, and a sweet evening. :-)

This is a casual evening to share life and honor God’s goodness in our lives as a small community of people investigating the claims of Christ and living in response.

Last Night’s Conversation
This was our final night on looking at Scripture regarding what God has to say about the needy. We began to summarize what we’d read and then discussed how we might live in response to that. Glen took notes and mentioned he’d talk with Jeff to craft a value statement to bring to the group for consensus. Stay tuned! We talked about three points of progression in getting more active in caring for the needy:

[I tried to summarize from what I recall; the title words are my summary words]

Awareness: Look for opportunity to help with what you have (time, money, possessions), and then contribute from right where you are.
Stretch: Look for where you can do with less to help others more and make some changes to do so.
Risk: Grow to the point where you can give/serve/help in radical ways, confident God’s economy can sustain (builds on the cliché “You can’t outgive God.”]

Glen said he will talk to Jeff about what we will dig into next. Bly mentioned it is good to study a book of the Bible. Cindi mentioned she’d like to know more about “tithe” and “Sabbath” from Scripture. Glen reminded us that Jeff had a list of issues we’d come up with in the past.

That’s all for this week. We closed in prayer and dismissed.

Rob Bell Review

2007-11-14T09:27:00.000-08:00

I really enjoyed the evening we spent listening to Rob Bell and "the gods aren't angry" evening last night. He tells Scriptural and life stories and that really connects with me. I appreciated the historic and cultural background of the altar and the systems of appeasing the gods. It helped me better understand the context of religion during Bible times. This also helped clarify the purpose for participating in a church and how to evaluate our "Christian" activities. It helped me understand “living sacrifice” and repentance. It helped me begin to see in a fresh way the magnitude of the work of Christ to turn the human system of getting to the gods on its face. Lots to chew on. Made me stronger in why I believe what I believe and more natural in sharing it with my life.

Although out of context here, these points really struck me as powerful. Here are some of my notes:

Highlights
[The system of the alter/sacrifice/offering] created a great turbulance deep into the soul…
PROBLEM: ONE NEVER KNEW WHERE ONE STOOD WITH THE GODS
-----
Regarding Abraham...he was called by an audible voice to leave his father’s worldview behind. This was the voice of a diety speaking to a human. Unheard of at this time, in the Sumerian culture of worshipping gods afar off.

NEW: Diety connects with humanity in a way that calls for response – intimacy.
------
Abraham obeyed and prepared to sacrifice Isaac and God provided a ram. This story is horrible to us, yet very normal in the day of worshipping false gods. This story is not about Abraham. It is about the God who provides…a contradiction to the local understanding of diety of that day.
------
What is it that you trust as you navigate this existence? Everyone trusts something. [I really like this. When dealing with people who speak out against Christians, this gives me a common ground to start. We all trust something.]

Jesus – AN EPIC TURNING POINT IN HUMAN HISTORY

THE ALTAR THING IS OVER

As rituals developed, it was realized that the rituals are for us. For us to feel OK. The rituals became religion. [to make us feel better]

We all get stuck in destructive patterns that are evidenced in anxiety, stress, worry, doubt. The [religious] system helps us feel good.

An experience you do that might help you trust God’s work is good.

The point of repentance? It is not to do this and then God will do something. Instead,…repentance is opening your eyes to what has been done and see the peace has already been made. “Of course I live differently then in response to this realization."

Rituals…why do you go to church? To feel OK? To appease?

Caution: anything that piles on guilt, shame, falling short is not Christian no matter what it is called.

Doing things that ground you in the peace already completed in Christ is good.

Reconciliation of all things in Heaven and earth has been accomplished. [Colossians]

Offer your life as an example of this reconciliation. Live in such a way. [He gave large and small examples of living this way in helping others.]

2007-11-13T09:18:00.001-08:00

“Some of you have been coming to church for 20 years, feeling bad about everything, but not feeling free about anything.”

This Week's Meeting

2007-11-07T21:35:00.000-08:00

We missed you Rene, Bob, Bly, & Lalo! Hope you are all doing OK and we hope to see you next week! We prayed for you. And, Lalo, there was chocolate!

We had a good discussion about James 2...the entire chapter. Challenging thoughts!

Jeff & Erica, Philip & Laura, Bob & Rene, and Glen & Cindi are heading to the Rob Bell event next Tuesday. The Amanns are bringing some students and Glen is bringing two friends. Details are available at housechurch.blogspot.com [see entry below this one]

Sharing in prayer was sent in an e-mail.

Have a good week, everyone! Next week we will be working on wrapping up our response to the Scripture about the needy.

More About Rob Bell Event

2007-11-07T20:54:00.000-08:00

Several from the church will be attending this event soon:

Rob Bell
"the gods aren’t angry" Tour

http://www.thegodsarentangry.com/

“Part anthropology, part history, part deconstruction - this is new material that Rob hasn't taught before, exploring how humans invented religion to make themselves feel better.”

Begins at 8pm — doors open at 7pm

Rob Bell is the founding pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grandville, Mich., one of the fastest growing churches in American history. He is known for sharing spiritual insight in dynamic, fresh ways. He is the author Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith and is featured in the first series of spiritual short films called NOOMA.

Proceeds raise funds for World Relief’s microfinancing project in Africa. The date in San Francisco is above.

The gods aren't angry tour

2007-10-24T21:49:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, November 13, 2007 some of us will be going to hear Rob Bell speak at the Wiltern in Los Angeles in his "the gods aren't angry" tour. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased from Jeff or from Ticketmaster.

Malibu Church building burned, first person

2007-10-22T21:58:00.000-07:00

I read this and thought it is worth sharing.

What children learn at church!

2007-10-19T23:48:00.000-07:00

3-year-old Reese:

"Our Father, Who does art in heaven,

Harold is His name.

Amen."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A little boy was overheard praying:

"Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it.

I'm having a real good time like I am."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

After the christening of his baby brother in church,

Jason sobbed all the way home in the back seat of the car.

His father asked him three times what was wrong.

Finally, the boy replied,

"That preacher said he wanted us brought up in a Christian home,

and I wanted to stay with you guys.."

What's the uniform at your work?

2007-10-17T15:16:00.000-07:00

Jeff told me that I should always wear a tie at WCHS. Do as he says, not as he does.

Communion

2007-10-13T21:57:00.000-07:00

These are notes from Wednesday.

At the core of it communion is a Celebration of our community and communion with God.

Is for everyone, the physical act is not exclusive, meaning is for Christians

Community: God’s relationship to humans and humans with each other

A look backward in remembrance forward in faith for Jesus’ return (Revelation 21)

Physical presence on earth, physical return—“Do this until I return.”

Thanksgiving for abundance: abundant life and daily bread

Patterned after a feast/meal--Passover

Bread (single loaf) symbolizes unity of the body of Christ

Proclaim victory even through death

Unworthy means people who partake selfishly without deference for others, causing divisions. Not unworthy because of non-believer status.

The difference between praise music and a hymn

2007-10-07T14:18:00.000-07:00

An old farmer went to the city one weekend and attended the big city church. He came home and his wife asked him how it was. "Well," said the farmer, "It was good. They did something different, however. They sang praise choruses instead of hymns." "Praise choruses", said his wife, "What are those?" "Oh, they're OK. They are sort of like hymns, only different," said the farmer. "Well, what's the difference?" asked his wife. The farmer said, "Well, it's like this - If I were to say to you, "Martha the cows are in the corn" - well that would be a hymn. If on the other hand, I were to say to you,

"Martha, Martha, Martha, Oh Martha, MARTHA, MARTHA, the cows, the big cows, the brown cows, the black cows the white cows, the black and white cows, the COWS, COWS, COWS are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, are in the corn, the CORN, CORN, CORN." Then if I was to repeat the whole thing two or three times, well, that would be a praise chorus."

The next weekend, his nephew, a young, new Christian from the city came to visit and attended the local church of the small town. He went home and his mother asked him how it was. "Well," said the young man, "It was good. They did something different, however. They sang hymns instead of regular songs." "Hymns," asked his mother, "What are those?" "Oh, they're OK. They are sort of like regular songs, only different," said the young man. "Well, what's the difference?" asked his mother. The young man said, "Well, it's like this - If I were to say to you, "Martha, the cows are in the corn," - well, that would be a regular song. If, on the other hand, I were to say to you:

'Oh Martha, dear Martha, hear thou my cry

Inclinest thine ear to the words of my mouth

Turn thou thy whole wondrous ear by and by

To the righteous, inimitable, glorious truth.

For the way of the animals who can explain

There in their heads is no shadow of sense

Hearkenest they in God's sun or His rain

Unless from the mild, tempting corn they are fenced

Yea those cows in glad bovine, rebellious delight

Have broke free their shackles, their warm pens eschewed

Then goaded by minions of darkness and night

They all my mild Chilliwack sweet corn have chewed

So look to that bright shining day by and by

Where all foul corruptions of earth are reborn

Where no vicious animals make my soul cry

And I no longer see those foul cows in the corn."

Then if I were to do only verses one, three and four and do a key change on the last verse, well, that would be a hymn."

[Source Unknown]

Prayer for the Poor

2007-09-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

Who is Jesus to me?
Jesus is the Word made Flesh.
Jesus is the Bread of Life.
Jesus is the Victim offered for our sins on the Cross.
Jesus is the Sacrifice at Holy Mass
 for the sins of the world and mine.
Jesus is the Word - to be spoken.
Jesus is the Truth - to be told.
Jesus is the Way - to be walked.
Jesus is the Light - to be lit.
Jesus is the Life - to be loved.
Jesus is the Joy - to be shared.
Jesus is the Sacrifice - to be given.
Jesus is the Bread of Life - to be eaten.
Jesus is the Hungry - to be fed.
Jesus is the Thirsty - to be satiated.
Jesus is the Naked - to be clothed.
Jesus is the Homeless - to be taken in.
Jesus is the Sick - to be healed.
Jesus is the Lonely - to be loved.
Jesus is the Unwanted - to be wanted.
Jesus is the Leper - to wash his wounds.
Jesus is the Beggar - to give him a smile.
Jesus is the Drunkard - to listen to him.
Jesus is the Little One - to embrace him.
Jesus is the Dumb - to speak to him.
Jesus is the Crippled - to walk with him.
Jesus is the Drug Addict - to befriend him.
Jesus is the Prostitute - to remove from danger and befriend her.
Jesus is the Prisoner - to be visited.
Jesus is the Old - to be served.
To me Jesus is my God,
     Jesus is my Spouse,
     Jesus is my Life,
     Jesus is my only Love,
     Jesus is my All in All,
     Jesus is my Everything.

Amen.

(By Mother Teresa of Calcutta.)

Bread and Wine

2007-09-28T15:15:00.000-07:00

Numbers . . .

2007-09-10T10:16:00.001-07:00

1: The number of times in Scripture Jesus tells us to "Be born again..." (to Nicodemus in the Book of John)
33: The number of times in Scripture Jesus tells us to "Follow me..."

Interesting, isn't it? Leave a comment; let us know what you think.

The New Sacrament

2007-08-18T09:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome back!

Denver Seminary professor has a blog and has posted about the cultural change that he has noticed and called a New Sacrament. I like what our group has done better--a celebratory meal, breaking of bread with everyone, enjoying the fellowship with God and everyone.

Let's celebrate, pass the Merlot!

Your ideas matter here! Please leave a comment.

Sara reports from India

2007-07-16T21:04:00.000-07:00

Sara Mendoza reported this evening on her life transforming trip to India .

Sara told us about the sights, sounds, smells she encountered in Kolcata (Calcutta). She worked with the Missionaries of Charity where Mother Theresa worked with the poor and sick. I am glad we were able to part of the trip.

Welcome Gracie! [UPDATE}

2007-07-16T21:01:00.000-07:00

We got a cake and got a card for Gracie which is a new addition to Karen's household. Pets can be great companions as those of us who have them know.

We would like to go out of our way to show love to our fellowship.

UPDATE: Cindi found out that Karen is OK this evening as she and Gracie went down for a short nap before the group met. She didn't wake up until after we were done. I guess Gracie will not be a very good alarm clock!

What difference does it make?

2007-07-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

From a guy I don't know, Mike Todd, via a guy that I do know, Wes Roberts:

The important question to ask is not, “What do you believe?” but “What difference does it make that you believe?” Does the world come nearer to the dream of God because of what you believe?

By Verna Dozier, The Dream of God (via Inward/Outward)

It's not about me. It's about the world.

Community Meal at the Amann's in Placentia

2007-06-30T23:04:00.000-07:00

I felt a really loud noise a few minutes ago . . .

2007-06-22T13:12:00.001-07:00

. . . and it just occurred to me what it was:

Atlantis' return from NASA's first manned flight of the year was marked by its trademark twin sonic booms that were heard from San Diego to Los Angeles. After deploying its parachute, the shuttle came to rest on the concrete runway under mostly sunny skies.

--LA Times

Jeff & Erica to Host Next Dinner Gathering

2007-06-21T15:28:00.000-07:00

Jeff and Erica have invited us to their new home for dinner. Jeff declined our offers to bring anything. He also expressed his plan to lead us in communion around a meal and conversation about Christ's work in our lives. We will join together for food, encouragement, and celebrating communion in community on Saturday, June 30th at about 6:30. Carpooling will make the evening more fun! Hope everyone can participate.

Simple Way Community Center destroyed by fire

2007-06-21T08:05:00.000-07:00

[UPDATE] More from Shane here. "Love wins always."

Below I wrote about Shane Claiborne and his work in Philadelphia and his interview on NPR. Today, I learned of this on the UrbanMinistry.org blog aggregator and Urban Youth Workers Institute's blog.

This morning, a 7-alarm fire consumed an abandoned warehouse in our Kensington neighborhood in Philadelphia. The Simple Way Community Center at 3200 Potter Street was destroyed as well as at least eight of our neighbors’ homes. Over 100 people were evacuated from their homes, and 400 families are currently without power. Despite this tragedy, we are incredibly thankful to share that all of our community members and every one of our neighbors is safely out of harm’s way.

More information is on the Simple Way website.

A Good Thought

2007-06-13T09:08:00.000-07:00

"The question is not how to survive, but how to thrive with passion, compassion, humor, and style."
- Maya Angelo

My Monday night friends help me keep the passion for walking authentically with God, learn compassion and practice at it, laugh through it all, and go forward in style. Couldn't do it without you guys! Thanks.

This quote came from a Residence Hall Director I worked for in the early 80's at Purdue University where I was a resident assistant for two years. We are having a reunion this year. The director was also a Baptist pastor at the time. Great man. Privilege to function under his leadership.

June Pot Luck at the Mendoza Casa

2007-06-03T18:58:00.000-07:00

New Monastics--Shane Claiborne

2007-05-22T15:31:00.000-07:00

Shane Claiborne was featured on NPR's Speaking of Faith program last weekend. You can listen to the program or list to the whole interview unedited, here.

I appreciate Shane's articulation of how he has grown and changed over the years and his radical commitment to Jesus. Here, I am pictured with Shane in 2005 at the CCDA conference.

What is the Lord's Supper? What should we do?

2007-05-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

At our last meeting, we began a discussion of the topic of communion. We started with Jesus and his last Passover with his disciples as a model for what the church adopted and adapted. Monday, we will start with Paul’s instructions to the church in Corinth found in 1 Corinthians 11. Those verses are printed in the materials that Jeff prepared for us and distributed at a recent meeting. As you read these verses ask yourself “what do these verses say?” Don’t worry about everything you know about communion or anything else—just focus on what these verses say.

To get some background on the topic of communion, read the pages on “Last Supper” on pages 6-14 of the handout. These are from Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels (1992) and are very helpful. This will help inform our background on the topic. It is at this point you may want to reflect on what else you know or thought you know about communion, the last supper or the Eucharist. Go crazy here, write it all down. But remember, we may not have time for everyone to share everything at the group.

After we review the 1 Corinthians 11 passage and background information, we will look at the other verses included in your materials.

At some point will want to make a decision about when, how or if we would like to celebrate this important church activity.

Peace,

Glen

1Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, “This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.” 25 In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.” 26 For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.

1Corinthians 11:27 Therefore, whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord. 28 A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29 For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself. 30 That is why many among you are weak and sick, and a number of you have fallen asleep. 31 But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

1Corinthians 11:33 So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for each other. 34 If anyone is hungry, he should eat at home, so that when you meet together it may not result in judgment.

And when I come I will give further directions.

Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION (NIV). Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved.

A benediction

2007-05-01T22:05:00.000-07:00

I am told that in Philip Yancey's book, Prayer: Does It Make Any Difference? there is this benediction in his chapter on partnership.

May God bless you with discomfort
At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships
So that you may live deep within your heart

May God bless you with anger
At injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people,
So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace.

May God bless you with tears
To shed for those who suffer pain, rejection, hunger and war,
So that you may reach out your hand to comfort them and
To turn their pain into joy.

And may God bless you with enough foolishness
To believe that you can make a difference in the world,
So that you can do what other claim cannot be done
To bring justice and kindness to all our children and the poor.

Amen

Scot McKnight on the Da Vinci Code

2007-04-08T10:54:00.000-07:00

Some of us watched the Da Vinci Code movie recently. I found it entertaining. I commented on it indirectly last Monday at House Church.

There is some really good stuff in a speech made by Scot McKnight at the Vineyard that you can listen to here. Dr. McKnight has an interesting blog, Jesus Creed, that I read from time to time.

McKnight is saying that Dan Brown is challenging us to be a more credible church. And not a cow being pushed around on the ice.

Mars Hill: What is a "House Church?"

2007-04-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

This is what Mars Hill Bible Church in Granville, MI has to say:

"This is a bit like asking What is a family? There are no two that are exactly alike. House Churches come in all sizes and shapes. A House Church can be six people, or it can be forty. It can be made up of young families, grandparents, college students or a collection of everybody.

A House Church is not a utopia. It is not a collection of perfect people who have life all figured out. In fact, it can tend to be messy. But a House Church is a safe place to ask questions, to confess sins and to be encouraged when we mess up. We study scripture. We love our neighbors. We eat, play and rest. We might even share possessions.

A House Church is about journeying together to become more like Jesus, even if it's not always perfect along the way."

I really like this description and identify with it. Hope you do, too.

The Meaning in Easter

2007-04-05T18:01:00.000-07:00

This is my first Easter with out personal involvement in a local institutional church. Several have invited me to their's. Not the same. I've thought about where I want to visit. Visiting is somewhat awkward -- and Easter is a big marketing day for many churches to get the "least likely to attend church" to come their way.

So, I've been thinking about Easter and what makes it meaningful. I shudder at the commercials one TV..."Easter...save now...pre-filled baskets...$3.99-19.98...going fast...rush over and buy." Barf. Is Easter merely a family tradition? An American holiday? A Hallmark event? A retail rally? A religious date on the calendar? Being an Easter orphan has made me ponder the depths of the meaningful and not so meaningful obligations/celebrations/traditions/expectations. What's involved? Church? Music? Food? Solitude? Community? Bunnies? Colored eggs?

I usually hide, well - scatter, dog biscuits in the yard so our dogs can have a canine version of an Easter egg hunt. Makes me smile. Seems fun at some level for them. Just not sure what will honor God and how to express my gratitude for the Resurrection in the most sincere way. Looking for meaningful worship for me and relevant and worthy before God...just what does that look like in humble human terms?

Our relatives gathered for dinner last Sunday, since a special relative was in town that day. So I really do have the day off on Easter. I just don't want to get in trouble with the righteous Easter police nor do I want to hear anyone gasp when they here what I did for Easter -- even though I have no idea how that will look. The stretching that takes place since I've backed away from the institutional church brings freshness through the newness of personal pioneering.

Some bookmarks for your reading enjoyment

2007-04-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

A poem for Easter is posted on an "olde" friend's blog here. Enjoy it if you'd like. He often has thoughtful and interesting posts.

For the answers to your questions about Passover from which I was reading last night can be found here. In case you needed more.

I am journaling about the trip to Trinidad at missionaltripping.blogspot.com. It would be great if Sara would blog about her journey to India. Our group offering in support of here missional trip was $650.

Trinidad Itinerary is posted

2007-03-26T17:05:00.000-07:00

I have posted a draft of the Trinidad trip over here. I will be posting on this blog during the trip as I have volunteered to be the group's journalist. I hope you will check this blog and missionaltripping.blogspot.com routinely for updates.

Muggeridge Quote from Ultimate Gift Film

2007-03-24T23:15:00.000-07:00

Every happening, great and small, is a parable whereby God speaks to us, and the art of life is to get the message.

--Malcolm Muggeridge

I like the film, The Ultimate Gift. The character Red Stevens, played by James Garner, is already dead when the story begins and he gets some of the most memorable lines.

2007-03-23T11:39:00.000-07:00

Napoleon had it wrong when he said geography was destiny; character is. We are shaped by the passions and predilections of those we choose to lead us.

Sunday, March 25 at Pomona First Baptist

2007-03-22T22:15:00.000-07:00

Pastor Glenn [two 'n's] Gunderson of Pomona First Baptist Church wants to pray for our Trinidad and Tobago team and another one that is going out this Sunday after each of the services. If you'd like to join us there this Sunday, Cindi and I will be there.

North West corner of Holt and Garey in Pomona

Pomona First Baptist Church

Worship Center (Main Campus):
601 N. Garey Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
(Gary Ave. & Holt Blvd.)
Sundays 8:30 a.m. , 9:45 a.m. and 11:11

If you plan to go, let us know so we can be at the same service.

Quote from Henri Nouwen

2007-03-22T22:09:00.000-07:00

"All the agony that threatened to destroy my life now seems like the fertile ground for greater trust, stronger hope, and deeper love."

--Henri J.M. Nouwen

A trip to India

2007-03-20T21:21:00.000-07:00

Sara Mendoza planning a service trip to India and the house church will support her on her journey. So far, we have raised $600 for her expenses. More information will be forthcoming. This is the weather right now in India.


Plan your trip Local Radar Detailed Forecast

Sticky Church

2007-03-15T18:50:00.000-07:00

One of my clients asked me if I was looking for a new church. I said not really, at least not at this time. She said it must have been hard leaving a church after 15 years -- must have had a lot of friends there. I said not really -- my friends had really gone, too. That is weird, but I slipped away and very few people have asked where I am or what is going on. From this experience, I've learned to ask people what they are doing and what they are going through. It is important to be involved with people, not just friendly.

So, my client suggested this church and that. I didn't say this very well, but I said that I wasn't looking for a traditional church. She asked if I was looking for more contemporary music. I said that wasn't it. I stumbled around attempting to explain that I couldn't give money to pay for a church building and a professional pastor's salary, when there are such big needs in the world -- poverty, etc. She asked me how I expect a pastor to live if we don't support him? Well, I agree pastors needed income, too. Again, I hadn't made my point very clear.

I am wrestling with our call as a church and how we can accomplish that. I have big questions. Attending somewhere on Sunday mornings, sitting in pews, listening to a sermon, just isn't the path I'm taking right now.

But it is sticky to explain. I'm not very good at that part.

External Focus: Come to Him Ministries--UPDATED

2007-03-13T21:23:00.000-07:00

Our group raised $290 [UP TO $300, you can still contribute if you'd like to] in support of Come to Him Ministries and James Chambers by supporting me on the LA Acura Bike Tour. That is more than $10 per mile.

Thanks for your support. James and I are having breakfast on Friday.

UPDATE: James and I had a great time this morning at breakfast. He is going on a missions trip with his church to India.

Stratton's Story in Rwanda

2007-02-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

Who will?

H/T: Wes