This past week was a pretty sweet time together, but then again when isn't? I was glad my mom was able to join us and share a little bit of what she and my Dad are doing in the mother land of Africa. We had what a pretty sweet time of worship. In the time of worship we focused on listening to Gods voice. But not listening for directions, or commands, but listening for Him to tell us how He loves us, and how He is with us. It was pretty refreshing for me, hopefully for others as well.
We also spoke some about the group and the purpose of it and where we were heading. We restated the purpose of the group being to build a loving community that encourages and walks with one another. Helps one another through hard times and rejoices in the good times. As we grow we hope to invite others from all walks of life to join us as we seek to live a life style worthy of the calling of Jesus. But lets not stop there, because we don't want to be greedy, but as we grow as a community we want to seek to love the body of Christ as a whole. Loving the body of Christ is not the end of our purpose though. Our ultimate purpose is to love the city of Philadelphia through prayer and tangible acts of love. As we grow as individuals we also want to grow as a group, because we believe God wants to do great things with and in this group. Josh and I are super excited with the things God has been doing. As always we are open to and look forward to hearing suggestions on how we can see these goals accomplished. This group is everyones.
Thanks everyone once again for everything!
We miss those that haven't been able to make it. We hope all is well with you and look forward to seeing you soon.
Much love,
Chris
Any thoughts or things you want to add, feel free.
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Awesome Teachings.
Ello friends and family! We will actually be meeting in a short 20 min this Thurs night. I am just posting the teachings that we hope everyone can listen too. We will be discussing these in about 4 or 5 weeks. That us gives plenty of time to listen to them bout 5 times each... just kidding. Don't be intimidated by the length of them. They will probably be some of the most thought provoking teachings you have heard in a while. They may even be the equivalently to 3 months of church. Settle down with a cup of coffee or tea and all will be AMAZING. The links are below, feel free to post thoughts as you listen to them. They have inspired Josh and I in many aspects of life, like starting this group. You wont regret listening, I promise, and if you do I'll make you dinner...Grace and peace,
Chris
Re:Engage:
Dr Kim Tan- Jubilee Gospel
Patrick Dodson:
God and the domains
Calling in the City
If you want to to listen to them on an MP3 player, you can download the files by going up to File>Save for the Re:Engage one. Patrick Dodson you would have to download the Podcast in itunes or maybe you can find it on his web page.
Enjoy, and thanks so much for all the good times and the good times that are going to follow!! I mean it!
Monday, April 14, 2008
Tell Me Your Tale
This morning I sit at the kitchen table in front of a computer screen to tell the tale of our last meeting and share some thoughts. But before I forget, I read an article at Church Think that was really good. So check it out if you get the chance.
I just wanted to start out by saying a quick "Thank you" to all, and especially to Sally for making dinner the other night. I really think that God is doing something pretty cool in our midst and I excited to see where it goes from here.
This last week after an amazing dinner, we spent the bulk of our time in conversation processing some of the stuff that has been brewing in our hearts and minds over the last few weeks, hammering out together what it really means to walk with God in this city. We shared a few stories crazy stories, and talked about transformation and turning the world right side up.
My hope in the next coming month's is that we get creative, that we start using our giftings and thinking of ways that we can love the people around us in real tangible ways. And that we gather people together to hang out and chill.
Also We are probably going to have some homework over the next four or five weeks. "Oh no!" You might say. But we promise that it won't be anything difficult, mostly listening too a couple teachings that have really helped Chris and I along in our thought processes, and probably searching the scriptures. And again, it will be spread out over the next 5 weeks or so, so the burden should be light. Hopefully we will be given us some fresh ideas and that will encourage us. We will try and post it up with in the next couple of days.
Yo, We missed all of you who weren't able to make it out this time and hope to see everybody next week. And again thanks for everything.
Peace and Love
Josh
Monday, April 7, 2008
Perseverance
Sorry it has taken to so long to update this blog.
This past Thursday turned out to be a really beautiful night (at least in my opinion). Josh had prepared an amazing meal for us even though he was unable to eat with us, and had to work the grave yard shift of west elm. Josh we missed you much.
After we had finished eating and sharing our joys, we then shared announcements. It was really exciting for me to see all the things that are going on and the things that we as a group can get involved in to serve the community and the church. Monique was also kind enough to volunteer to assemble a list, and email it out to everyone(Again Thanks SOOO much Monique, such an awesome job!). If you didn’t receive that email and would like it let us know.
We started the night by talking about the idea of perseverance, and asking God for things. In our lives we often will ask God for parking spaces, health, and passing grades, but do we ask Him for his kingdom and more of Him in our life? How hungry and desperate are we to see Gods kingdom come and His will be done? What are we willing to give up to become more whole creatures that are more in-tune with God? How can we put flesh and blood on the gospel in such a way that those around us can’t help but taste God? The bible is full of stories of preserving, everything from the women who pushed through the crowd to touch Jesus to be healed, or the blind men that followed Jesus into a home to be healed, or the lepers who called out even when told to be quiet, or the widow in the parable who goes to the unjust king over and over and over again until justice is granted her or any of the other parables and people in Jesus’s life. Its kind of odd that Jesus likens God to that king, saying we need to keep going to God and asking over and over again. If we don’t get the answer right away keep asking and keep seeking. In this our city we need to keep asking and bugging God for justices and asking how we can be apart of His great plan of redemption for the people in this city, and even us.
After we talked about that for a little be we watched a Nooma movie by Rob Bell. It talked about the song that is being sung and has been sung since creation. The song is a metaphor for who God is. Rob Bell says that everyone is singing a song but the question is are you in-tune or not, what key are you singing in. After the movie we had an amazing discussion, maybe the best yet, exploring what it means to be in-tune here in our city of Philadelphia. We talked some about the struggle of what does it look like to be a christian in the everyday work place, and the idea of “Am I really where God wants me to be?”. The question was asked, why in the book of Acts are people coming to the movement of God by the thousands each day, and being healed when shadows fall on them, but today we see nothing like that? Are those same events meant to happen today like they did then? I think so. I think it goes back to perseverance, and are we asking for and seeking it with all of our being.
Untill next time, Grace and peace,
Chris
If you have time you should check out some of the podcasts that are on the right side of the page. Rob Bell ones are epic and not to long and the re:engaged once are full of meat and amazingly challenging.
This past Thursday turned out to be a really beautiful night (at least in my opinion). Josh had prepared an amazing meal for us even though he was unable to eat with us, and had to work the grave yard shift of west elm. Josh we missed you much.
After we had finished eating and sharing our joys, we then shared announcements. It was really exciting for me to see all the things that are going on and the things that we as a group can get involved in to serve the community and the church. Monique was also kind enough to volunteer to assemble a list, and email it out to everyone(Again Thanks SOOO much Monique, such an awesome job!). If you didn’t receive that email and would like it let us know.
We started the night by talking about the idea of perseverance, and asking God for things. In our lives we often will ask God for parking spaces, health, and passing grades, but do we ask Him for his kingdom and more of Him in our life? How hungry and desperate are we to see Gods kingdom come and His will be done? What are we willing to give up to become more whole creatures that are more in-tune with God? How can we put flesh and blood on the gospel in such a way that those around us can’t help but taste God? The bible is full of stories of preserving, everything from the women who pushed through the crowd to touch Jesus to be healed, or the blind men that followed Jesus into a home to be healed, or the lepers who called out even when told to be quiet, or the widow in the parable who goes to the unjust king over and over and over again until justice is granted her or any of the other parables and people in Jesus’s life. Its kind of odd that Jesus likens God to that king, saying we need to keep going to God and asking over and over again. If we don’t get the answer right away keep asking and keep seeking. In this our city we need to keep asking and bugging God for justices and asking how we can be apart of His great plan of redemption for the people in this city, and even us.
After we talked about that for a little be we watched a Nooma movie by Rob Bell. It talked about the song that is being sung and has been sung since creation. The song is a metaphor for who God is. Rob Bell says that everyone is singing a song but the question is are you in-tune or not, what key are you singing in. After the movie we had an amazing discussion, maybe the best yet, exploring what it means to be in-tune here in our city of Philadelphia. We talked some about the struggle of what does it look like to be a christian in the everyday work place, and the idea of “Am I really where God wants me to be?”. The question was asked, why in the book of Acts are people coming to the movement of God by the thousands each day, and being healed when shadows fall on them, but today we see nothing like that? Are those same events meant to happen today like they did then? I think so. I think it goes back to perseverance, and are we asking for and seeking it with all of our being.
Untill next time, Grace and peace,
Chris
If you have time you should check out some of the podcasts that are on the right side of the page. Rob Bell ones are epic and not to long and the re:engaged once are full of meat and amazingly challenging.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Rhythms and Melodies
Just a reminder to everyone that this week we will be meeting at the Vineyard church office. The address is:
4523 Springfield Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143.
I’m sad to say also that this week we will not be able to share our joys after we finish eating, because there will be no dinner at the Vineyard church office. Sorry guys.
It is about 3 blocks north of where we usually meet. It should be a really good time of worship and creativity with some more people joining us.
I will recap last week for those who were unable to make it. Last week we continued with the story of Joseph. We talked about how Joseph continued to serve God even though all the crap kept happening to him. We also talked about how this story displays a bit of God’s character. We can see God as a father and as a provider through this story. God told Abraham that we was going to make his people as numerous as the stars in the sky, so that they could be a blessing to all nations. In the story of Joseph God begins to fulfill His end of the deal. He puts Joseph in a place of authority as to bless the Hebrews as well as the Egyptians. If not for Joseph, all of Egypt and the land could have staved to death due to the famine that happened. But God showed His love by providing for the Hebrews as well as the Egyptians. Out of Gods love He wanted to provide for His children.
One of the most amazing parts of the story is how in-tune Joseph was with God through everything that happened to him. We talked a little about the idea of God and Joseph being in communication through this whole thing, maybe, maybe not... This week even though we will be at the church office, the creative exploration ties in a way to the idea of Joseph. The idea that Joseph released all his bitterness, anger, hate, and ultimately control over situations for the glory of his God. Because Joseph didn’t hold onto these things he was fully in-tune with God, I would say. Because of this harmony with God, Joseph, was able to do great things for all the families of the earth, not just himself or his family, but everyone.
The question for us then is how can we become more in-tune with God, and what does that mean? How do we give up things in our life which make it hard to hear the rhythm and melody of God? Because when we can’t feel His rhythm or hear His melody we aren’t being a blessing to all families, and aren’t able to walk out in the fullness of life given to us. Like when musicians aren’t playing in the same time signature and in different keys it sounds down right awful, even painful. When this happens those who are listen and don’t even “know” the song still think it sounds terrible. Lets be in-tune with one another and God, and join in the most beautiful song ever heard.
Grace and peace, see you Thursday.
Chris
If anyone has any thoughts feel free to comment...
4523 Springfield Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19143.
I’m sad to say also that this week we will not be able to share our joys after we finish eating, because there will be no dinner at the Vineyard church office. Sorry guys.
It is about 3 blocks north of where we usually meet. It should be a really good time of worship and creativity with some more people joining us.
I will recap last week for those who were unable to make it. Last week we continued with the story of Joseph. We talked about how Joseph continued to serve God even though all the crap kept happening to him. We also talked about how this story displays a bit of God’s character. We can see God as a father and as a provider through this story. God told Abraham that we was going to make his people as numerous as the stars in the sky, so that they could be a blessing to all nations. In the story of Joseph God begins to fulfill His end of the deal. He puts Joseph in a place of authority as to bless the Hebrews as well as the Egyptians. If not for Joseph, all of Egypt and the land could have staved to death due to the famine that happened. But God showed His love by providing for the Hebrews as well as the Egyptians. Out of Gods love He wanted to provide for His children.
One of the most amazing parts of the story is how in-tune Joseph was with God through everything that happened to him. We talked a little about the idea of God and Joseph being in communication through this whole thing, maybe, maybe not... This week even though we will be at the church office, the creative exploration ties in a way to the idea of Joseph. The idea that Joseph released all his bitterness, anger, hate, and ultimately control over situations for the glory of his God. Because Joseph didn’t hold onto these things he was fully in-tune with God, I would say. Because of this harmony with God, Joseph, was able to do great things for all the families of the earth, not just himself or his family, but everyone.
The question for us then is how can we become more in-tune with God, and what does that mean? How do we give up things in our life which make it hard to hear the rhythm and melody of God? Because when we can’t feel His rhythm or hear His melody we aren’t being a blessing to all families, and aren’t able to walk out in the fullness of life given to us. Like when musicians aren’t playing in the same time signature and in different keys it sounds down right awful, even painful. When this happens those who are listen and don’t even “know” the song still think it sounds terrible. Lets be in-tune with one another and God, and join in the most beautiful song ever heard.
Grace and peace, see you Thursday.
Chris
If anyone has any thoughts feel free to comment...
Monday, March 17, 2008
Self love
This past Thursday was a fun night, but we missed those who were unable to make it. We started off the evening with a dose of breakfast, french toast, eggs and bacon to be exact.
After a good time around the table we dove into our creative exploration of the story of Joseph. After the first week of discussion on the story of Joseph I really got to thinking. I started asking myself the question, how was it that Joseph was able to handle all the situations he went through with such righteousness. Even though crappy things kept happening, he was still more than a conqueror. I started thinking about Love and fear. I realized that Joseph had no doubt in his mind that he was loved, at least by his father. And I'm sure that his dad, Jacob, told him stories of El Shadai (God Almighty), and the promises He had made to Abraham, Issac. I then asked myself why is it so hard for us to receive love so often. Or why don't we believe that God's love for us is perfect and not earn able, but a free and amazing gift. There is nothing we can do to earn God's love, but also nothing we could do that would make Him love us any less. I talked this over with a few different people. One of these people said " I think a big reason why we don't believed that we are loved is because we don't really love ourselves." I thought that to be quite profound.
How can you respect an artist if you think his art work is Junk? How can we respect, trust, and beleive God if we think His artwork is crap. The artwork I speak of is Us.
I think we need to love ourselves to believe that God loves us.
Psalm 139 talks about how God knit us in our mothers womb, and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Romans 5:8 talks about how God proved his perfect love for us when HE died when we were still in rebellion against Him (or sinners). And Mat 16:26 talks about how are souls are worth more then the whole world. To gain everything in the world is still comparable to our souls, our essence, ourselves.
So for our time of exploration we busted out the crayons, markers, and other instruments of beauty making and depicted 10 things we like about ourselves, or in other words 10 things we think God likes about us. We then each went around and shared 2 of those things.
This night was a beautiful night of openness, and sharing of the goodness of God and us with one another.
I am really excited about the direction God is leading this Group! Thanks everyone who is apart of it, I've really enjoyed our time together!
Grace and Peace,
Chris
After a good time around the table we dove into our creative exploration of the story of Joseph. After the first week of discussion on the story of Joseph I really got to thinking. I started asking myself the question, how was it that Joseph was able to handle all the situations he went through with such righteousness. Even though crappy things kept happening, he was still more than a conqueror. I started thinking about Love and fear. I realized that Joseph had no doubt in his mind that he was loved, at least by his father. And I'm sure that his dad, Jacob, told him stories of El Shadai (God Almighty), and the promises He had made to Abraham, Issac. I then asked myself why is it so hard for us to receive love so often. Or why don't we believe that God's love for us is perfect and not earn able, but a free and amazing gift. There is nothing we can do to earn God's love, but also nothing we could do that would make Him love us any less. I talked this over with a few different people. One of these people said " I think a big reason why we don't believed that we are loved is because we don't really love ourselves." I thought that to be quite profound.
How can you respect an artist if you think his art work is Junk? How can we respect, trust, and beleive God if we think His artwork is crap. The artwork I speak of is Us.
I think we need to love ourselves to believe that God loves us.
Psalm 139 talks about how God knit us in our mothers womb, and that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
Romans 5:8 talks about how God proved his perfect love for us when HE died when we were still in rebellion against Him (or sinners). And Mat 16:26 talks about how are souls are worth more then the whole world. To gain everything in the world is still comparable to our souls, our essence, ourselves.
So for our time of exploration we busted out the crayons, markers, and other instruments of beauty making and depicted 10 things we like about ourselves, or in other words 10 things we think God likes about us. We then each went around and shared 2 of those things.
This night was a beautiful night of openness, and sharing of the goodness of God and us with one another.
I am really excited about the direction God is leading this Group! Thanks everyone who is apart of it, I've really enjoyed our time together!
Grace and Peace,
Chris
Monday, March 10, 2008
Happy Monday
Hey guys. Happy Monday. Although it is still kind of cold, Spring is upon us. And I don't know about you guys but that has me excited. If you missed out on our last gathering, we cooked up some of our favorite eats and got together around the table as always. We looked at the life of Joseph and some of the themes that run through it. And the discussion went awesome. This next week we plan to pick up where we left off in creative fashion, trying to process what we have been talking about. Read the story this week if you have the time, cause that would be tight. It can be found in Genesis Chapter 37. Grace, Peace, and God Bless.
Josh
Josh
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