Question Marks

Kim and others have recently spent some time discussing the idea of certainty and faith. The theme also runs through many of the books I am reading at the moment. It is a little surprising to find that my peace and sense of safety seems to increase as my certainty about all things theological decreases. It led me to re-visit an essay from a few years ago. Never one to run from recycling my old work, I proudly offer this link for critique and/or comment.

Pax.

Remember...

Yeah... what SHE said.

My friend Jerusalem made the most profoudly simple statement today - maybe the truest take on giving I have heard in years. It was contained in an ongoing email conversation regarding our evolving ministry to kids at The Vineyard. Our little community is humble, small, and lacking in many of the resources taken for granted at most large churches. I did not ask, but I am pretty sure Miss J wouldn't mind me sharing.

"Asking me to give thousands of dollars to build a new building is something that only serves to point out to me how inadequate I am financially to make an impact on the world for Christ. Asking me to bring a loaf of bread or a 6 pack of juice or a bouquet of flowers fills me with hope & optimisim, and brings tears to my eyes because I feel like I can actually do something useful, something needed and helpful to contribute to the greater good."

Nice Russert Tribute...

Why?

. . not because the pews in other churches were full, but because the places of dream making and leadership in other churches were full. There were too many existing communities of faith in which outsiders simply hear words about God packaged in attractive and relevant ways and too few places in which all could participate and experience the transformative workings of God through community. Our desire was to create a place where those who are envisioning new ways of Christianity could give birth to their dream together."

Doug Pagitt