Well, this week has been much longer than anticipated! It feels very "Friday" to me, and it's only Wednesday! Sigh.
I took a look at our pastor's blog (Lee's Laud) and saw some of the great work that our ministry team is doing in Mexico. It is an interesting view though, because every one of the pictures makes it look like they are building a church in the middle of the desert! I'm sure there must be houses somewhere in the area, but each picture has this great looking church frame, and in the background is sand, some bushes, and a mountain. I guess it's on the edge of town (cue the Mancini music)...
Well, I finished VELVET ELVIS last week, and started TEACH LIKE YOUR HAIR'S ON FIRE, but I haven't been nearly as successful in reading this week. I don't feel like I can read in the classroom during my lunch when I have a student teacher there, and evenings have been busy and/or long. I haven't given up on my book a month, though. I'm just glad that I read the first book in two weeks --give myself some breathing room.
VELVET ELVIS was a good read. The overall concept of the book being that we cannot simply accept Christianity and everything that is said from our pastors. Our faith was built on discussion, question, and dissection. We are not lemmings, and we shouldn't just accept everyting on the word of others. The Bible was a living, breathing book in that it was an oral tradition for hundreds of years before it was written down. If it was oral, and quoted, then it stands to reason that it was argued as well. So shouldn't we now still get together to read and dissect scripture? Surely I don't understand everything that is written in the Bible! (and those of you that know me at all know that to be true!!!) I questioned some of his thoughts at the end of the book (don't ask what, I don't have the book with me, and I'm a bear of very little brain. I just remember disagreeing), but overall, Rob Bell continues to be a pastor/teacher that I am excited to hear words from. If you get the opportunity, you should check him out (or the NOOMA videos)
So now I'm learning to teach like I have hair...or like my hair's on fire...or something. :) No, actually, I've enjoyed the first couple of chapters. Unlike the Essential Fifty-Five or the Excellent Eleven, or even the FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL, this book feels like it's written by someone who's been in the classroom, struggled with the same struggles that we deal with as teachers daily (tardies, testing, discipline, respect, screaming, ...you get the idea), yet still loves what he does. He's still a teacher in LA (as of the writing of the book anyway), so that holds some credibility with me. He didn't write a book, get rich, and run away to show others how it's done. He's still doing it. Ooops: "he" is Rafe Esquith. Sorry about that.
I should point out that Ron Clark is trying to open an academy in Atlanta, and Harry Wong is highly respected and knows what he's talking about. I just like the fact that Rafe is still teaching. To me, it shows someone that still loves what he does.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Easing back into teaching
Happy Monday!
Well, my first day back "in the classroom" with my student teacher, and we had four out of five classes with free days! So I spend my morning on the playground and the afternoon playing kickball. Not a bad way to start the week. It's amazing, you can buy $100 toys and playground equipment that costs thousands, but all kids really want to do is chase after bubbles! I took my bottle of bubbles out with us, and Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade ALL went crazy running after the bubbles. Screaming at the top of their lungs of course, but at least it was outside where the voices aren't bouncing against four walls and a ceiling! Me? No, I had no fun blowing the bubbles at all... :)
Well, my first day back "in the classroom" with my student teacher, and we had four out of five classes with free days! So I spend my morning on the playground and the afternoon playing kickball. Not a bad way to start the week. It's amazing, you can buy $100 toys and playground equipment that costs thousands, but all kids really want to do is chase after bubbles! I took my bottle of bubbles out with us, and Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade ALL went crazy running after the bubbles. Screaming at the top of their lungs of course, but at least it was outside where the voices aren't bouncing against four walls and a ceiling! Me? No, I had no fun blowing the bubbles at all... :)
Friday, April 20, 2007
And then in other news, the sun is playing our song! Well, not really OUR song. But a song. Kinda cool if you're a music geek or science nerd. :)
VT Thoughts
I've not made any comments this week about the tragedy that Virginia Tech (and our country) has had to deal with this week. In the last couple of days, we have seen video that give some idea about the mind of the shooter. We have seen a groundswell of support for the members of the VT community. We have seen tributes and memorials. Something that brought me to tears this morning was the marching band of VT performing at the hospital where many of the victims are still recovering. Seeing the band playing and the faces of the victims in the window, smiling and getting to forget for a few moments.
I've heard many news commentaries about the psyche of the shooter. All of them have commented on how he was a loner - how he did not talk, and how people tried and gave up communicating with him. How he probably had severe mental issues. I grew up with some self-esteem issues (anyone that knows me well knows that I still project these issues). I didn't have a lot of friends. I looked down when walking and was quiet in unfamiliar environments. I am a product of a wonderful and loving family. I had more friends than I knew. And I worked my way through many of my issues to become a productive member of society. I also had a strong group of Believers in Christ that supported and built me up and prayed when I didn't know they were praying. I had God on my side.
One of my friends commented this week that all Cho needed was for someone to share Jesus with him. I respect his thoughts, but I have to respectfully disagree with him. We don't know what his background was. We don't know how many people "shared Christ" with him. What we know is that people gave up on him. They looked at him, tried to talk to him, gave up, and began to talk about him when he wasn't around. It does not matter how many people told Cho about Christ. When it comes down to it, there were not people SHOWING him Christ.
Christ never gave up on me. He never gave up on you. When I was wallowing in the pit of despair (figuratively), Jesus was with me. When I had given up on myself, Jesus picked me up and dusted me off, and said "go on with me." He did this not just in a spiritual sense, but in a very real, very physical sense. Christ touched me - was SHOWN to me - by the people in my life who did not give up on me. I'm not saying that if all of these people in Cho's life had continued to reach out that this tragedy wouldn't have happened. But I think it's possible that the people around Cho did let him down in the opportunity to reach out and touch his life because they gave up on him.
There are others like Cho. Others that seem to be mean or odd or scary or alone. Ones that have been approached and discarded. As Christians, how do we respond to them? Do we "share" Christ with them, punch them off on our Witness Card, and forget about them? Or do we SHOW Christ to them, refusing to give up? (the following is a sentence that I thought I'd never actually write - because I would never wear the bracelet) What Would Je...ah, you know the rest. Let's try another one. Whatchagonnadowithwhatchagot?
Blessings.
I've heard many news commentaries about the psyche of the shooter. All of them have commented on how he was a loner - how he did not talk, and how people tried and gave up communicating with him. How he probably had severe mental issues. I grew up with some self-esteem issues (anyone that knows me well knows that I still project these issues). I didn't have a lot of friends. I looked down when walking and was quiet in unfamiliar environments. I am a product of a wonderful and loving family. I had more friends than I knew. And I worked my way through many of my issues to become a productive member of society. I also had a strong group of Believers in Christ that supported and built me up and prayed when I didn't know they were praying. I had God on my side.
One of my friends commented this week that all Cho needed was for someone to share Jesus with him. I respect his thoughts, but I have to respectfully disagree with him. We don't know what his background was. We don't know how many people "shared Christ" with him. What we know is that people gave up on him. They looked at him, tried to talk to him, gave up, and began to talk about him when he wasn't around. It does not matter how many people told Cho about Christ. When it comes down to it, there were not people SHOWING him Christ.
Christ never gave up on me. He never gave up on you. When I was wallowing in the pit of despair (figuratively), Jesus was with me. When I had given up on myself, Jesus picked me up and dusted me off, and said "go on with me." He did this not just in a spiritual sense, but in a very real, very physical sense. Christ touched me - was SHOWN to me - by the people in my life who did not give up on me. I'm not saying that if all of these people in Cho's life had continued to reach out that this tragedy wouldn't have happened. But I think it's possible that the people around Cho did let him down in the opportunity to reach out and touch his life because they gave up on him.
There are others like Cho. Others that seem to be mean or odd or scary or alone. Ones that have been approached and discarded. As Christians, how do we respond to them? Do we "share" Christ with them, punch them off on our Witness Card, and forget about them? Or do we SHOW Christ to them, refusing to give up? (the following is a sentence that I thought I'd never actually write - because I would never wear the bracelet) What Would Je...ah, you know the rest. Let's try another one. Whatchagonnadowithwhatchagot?
Blessings.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Erwin McManus
Just got back from the taping of Erwin McManus for the Life Today television ministry. No pictures unfortunately (well, there's one from my cell phone, but it kinda stinks), but he was exciting to listen to nonetheless. His heart for his city (Los Angeles) and for the lost in general truly shines through. He spoke of how we, as Christians, must first build relationships. We are called to love one another, and too often that is not seen in our actions. Four of his books were mentioned, and I was grateful to receive one (STAND AGAINST THE WIND) as a gift. That will be my next read after I finish with Rob Bell.
The air dates for the shows with Erwin are July 9 - 10. Check your local listings, as they say...
You can find out more about Erwin McManus and the MOSAIC ministries by clicking on their names in this sentence, and you can download audio or video podcasts of the Mosaic sermons on their website or on itunes - gosh, technology is cool!
Okay, it's late (for a teacher), so I'm gonna go catch some sleep. God Bless!
Jermaine
The air dates for the shows with Erwin are July 9 - 10. Check your local listings, as they say...
You can find out more about Erwin McManus and the MOSAIC ministries by clicking on their names in this sentence, and you can download audio or video podcasts of the Mosaic sermons on their website or on itunes - gosh, technology is cool!
Okay, it's late (for a teacher), so I'm gonna go catch some sleep. God Bless!
Jermaine
Thoughts on VELVET ELVIS reading
I just finished movement four of Velvet Elvis - Tassels. This was the chapter that caught my attention in the bookstore, dealing with Rob Bell's Sunday morning freak out about preaching. In his discussion and healing with a therapist, he was given a great bit of insight.
"Your job is the relentless pursuit of who God made you to be. And anything else you do is sin and you need to repent of it."
Wow.
Y'know, I've spent years putting up a good front - SuperChristian. I've spent the last few years breaking down that wall and image, trying to mold myself into a more real person. But these two sentences still hit me today. The relentless pursuit of who God made you to be. It reminded me of the song, "The Way I Was Made."
"I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around.
I want to sing like no one's listening.
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty.
I want to love like I'm not afraid.
I want to be the man I was meant to be.
I want to be the way I was made."
If I am not in constant pursuit of Christ, then what is the purpose of my life? If I truly am going to call myself a follower of Christ, then my very breath is taken with the sole purpose of being more of what God made me to be. The Lord is our refuge and strength. He is our guide, and our leader. I am on a journey, and I don't want to spend 40 years in the wilderness. I've been in the wilderness before. I don't want to be like Moses and only get look at the promised land - I want to dance in the fields of gold and splash in the rivers of milk and honey! I want to be what and where God wants me. No more. No less.
"Your job is the relentless pursuit of who God made you to be. And anything else you do is sin and you need to repent of it."
Wow.
Y'know, I've spent years putting up a good front - SuperChristian. I've spent the last few years breaking down that wall and image, trying to mold myself into a more real person. But these two sentences still hit me today. The relentless pursuit of who God made you to be. It reminded me of the song, "The Way I Was Made."
"I want to live like there's no tomorrow
I want to dance like no one's around.
I want to sing like no one's listening.
Before I lay my body down
I want to give like I have plenty.
I want to love like I'm not afraid.
I want to be the man I was meant to be.
I want to be the way I was made."
If I am not in constant pursuit of Christ, then what is the purpose of my life? If I truly am going to call myself a follower of Christ, then my very breath is taken with the sole purpose of being more of what God made me to be. The Lord is our refuge and strength. He is our guide, and our leader. I am on a journey, and I don't want to spend 40 years in the wilderness. I've been in the wilderness before. I don't want to be like Moses and only get look at the promised land - I want to dance in the fields of gold and splash in the rivers of milk and honey! I want to be what and where God wants me. No more. No less.
(most of) Hebrews 10:19 - 39 - the Message version
"So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.
"So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
"If we give up and turn our backs on all we've learned, all we've been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ's sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he'll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: "Vengeance is mine, and I won't overlook a thing" and "God will judge his people." Nobody's getting by with anything, believe me.
"Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.
It won't be long now, he's on the way; He'll show up most any minute."
I love the first couple of paragraphs here - We can, without hesitation, walk right up to God! What an awesome gift! I'm going through Leviticus and Hebrews right now, and it's an interesting dichotomy. In Leviticus we have all of these rules that we can and can't do, and how to do or not do it! To worship, there were sacrifices, rules on what they could and couldn't use, the color you could paint your toenails (not really, but you get my drift)... And now? I can enter into His throneroom without any of that! Come just as I am, without hesitation!! What a blessing! Then the second paragraph - "So let's Do It!!!" We have this gift! Use it! Talk to Him all the time! ABUSE the right to talk to God! I dare you! I dare me! It's not possible to bother Him. He even tells us to - "If we give up and turn our backs...we repudiate Christ's sacrifice and are left on our own to face judgment..." So why would I want to refuse what has been given? God is good, and His name shall be praised on all the earth and in the heavens! I want to be one of that chorus. How about you? Care to join in on a verse?
"So, friends, we can now—without hesitation—walk right up to God, into "the Holy Place." Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of his sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The "curtain" into God's presence is his body.
"So let's do it—full of belief, confident that we're presentable inside and out. Let's keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going. He always keeps his word. Let's see how inventive we can be in encouraging love and helping out, not avoiding worshiping together as some do but spurring each other on, especially as we see the big Day approaching.
"If we give up and turn our backs on all we've learned, all we've been given, all the truth we now know, we repudiate Christ's sacrifice and are left on our own to face the Judgment—and a mighty fierce judgment it will be! If the penalty for breaking the law of Moses is physical death, what do you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? This is no light matter. God has warned us that he'll hold us to account and make us pay. He was quite explicit: "Vengeance is mine, and I won't overlook a thing" and "God will judge his people." Nobody's getting by with anything, believe me.
"Remember those early days after you first saw the light? Those were the hard times! Kicked around in public, targets of every kind of abuse—some days it was you, other days your friends. If some friends went to prison, you stuck by them. If some enemies broke in and seized your goods, you let them go with a smile, knowing they couldn't touch your real treasure. Nothing they did bothered you, nothing set you back. So don't throw it all away now. You were sure of yourselves then. It's still a sure thing! But you need to stick it out, staying with God's plan so you'll be there for the promised completion.
It won't be long now, he's on the way; He'll show up most any minute."
I love the first couple of paragraphs here - We can, without hesitation, walk right up to God! What an awesome gift! I'm going through Leviticus and Hebrews right now, and it's an interesting dichotomy. In Leviticus we have all of these rules that we can and can't do, and how to do or not do it! To worship, there were sacrifices, rules on what they could and couldn't use, the color you could paint your toenails (not really, but you get my drift)... And now? I can enter into His throneroom without any of that! Come just as I am, without hesitation!! What a blessing! Then the second paragraph - "So let's Do It!!!" We have this gift! Use it! Talk to Him all the time! ABUSE the right to talk to God! I dare you! I dare me! It's not possible to bother Him. He even tells us to - "If we give up and turn our backs...we repudiate Christ's sacrifice and are left on our own to face judgment..." So why would I want to refuse what has been given? God is good, and His name shall be praised on all the earth and in the heavens! I want to be one of that chorus. How about you? Care to join in on a verse?
Monday, April 16, 2007
Happy Monday
Greetings!
I have nothing of note to say today (yet), but I REALLY wanted to get a new post up! So let's see - had a great day of worship yesterday. It's amazing to me how God can use simple vessels like us to move His message forward. I didn't get any further in VELVET ELVIS yet - that will be later today. And darn it, I forgot to "borrow" the Erwin McManus book from Mike's office yesterday too! Now I won't be prepared for the interview tomorrow night. Oh well, it's a good thing that I'm not the one doing the interview!
Have a great day - I might pop back up later with something of note. You just never know with me... :)
Blessings,
Jermaine
I have nothing of note to say today (yet), but I REALLY wanted to get a new post up! So let's see - had a great day of worship yesterday. It's amazing to me how God can use simple vessels like us to move His message forward. I didn't get any further in VELVET ELVIS yet - that will be later today. And darn it, I forgot to "borrow" the Erwin McManus book from Mike's office yesterday too! Now I won't be prepared for the interview tomorrow night. Oh well, it's a good thing that I'm not the one doing the interview!
Have a great day - I might pop back up later with something of note. You just never know with me... :)
Blessings,
Jermaine
Friday, April 13, 2007
Imus
So here's my thing: I don't listen to Imus. I don't think he's funny, I don't like his cowboy hat, or his show. I don't like what he said a couple of weeks ago. But, really...fired? For making a joke in poor taste? I used to listen to "The Don and Mike Show," and I can pretty much guarantee that they said similar crude/rude things. I know Howard Stern did when he was on public airwaves. How many music projects are inflamatory, sexist, racist, or just crude? How many television shows that are shown on ABC, CBS, and NBC contain similar or worse comments and commentary on our world? CBS has fired Imus for his comments, saying something to the effect of "we feel that what he said is wrong and we don't want the CBS name being associated with such language and rhetoric." If that is the case, then I look forward to CBS going through their entire stable of music, television, and radio, and removing other shows and artists from their posts in order to maintain a positive image for CBS.
However, this also brings up an issue of free speech. Was what Imus said offensive? Yes. Was it inappropriate? Yes. Was it illegal? ...not so much. Doesn't our constitution provide for us to say what we want? My understanding has always been kind of a "your right to swing your fist ends at my nose" type of thing. Words hurt, but they are allowed. If the members of the Rutgers basketball team wish to sue Imus for libel (or is it slander? My "Spider-Man" lesson in freedom of the press is limited...), then I say go for it. You may have a case. But CBS censoring him just seems wrong to me for some reason. Slap him with a fine. Suspend him. But is Imus really the straw that broke the camel's back? Really? Imus? I would have hoped for something bigger than a man talking without thinking. Obviously, I have differing opinions swirling around in my head. As a Christian, I feel that I should applaud CBS for taking a stand. But if that is the case, then should I find movies like MALLRATS or OLD SCHOOL enjoyable? Should I laugh at crude humor if I'm going to act offended when it's said in the context of "real" life?
Sheesh -- I'm ranting about something that I told my wife I didn't care about! Maybe I just need to take a breath...
However, this also brings up an issue of free speech. Was what Imus said offensive? Yes. Was it inappropriate? Yes. Was it illegal? ...not so much. Doesn't our constitution provide for us to say what we want? My understanding has always been kind of a "your right to swing your fist ends at my nose" type of thing. Words hurt, but they are allowed. If the members of the Rutgers basketball team wish to sue Imus for libel (or is it slander? My "Spider-Man" lesson in freedom of the press is limited...), then I say go for it. You may have a case. But CBS censoring him just seems wrong to me for some reason. Slap him with a fine. Suspend him. But is Imus really the straw that broke the camel's back? Really? Imus? I would have hoped for something bigger than a man talking without thinking. Obviously, I have differing opinions swirling around in my head. As a Christian, I feel that I should applaud CBS for taking a stand. But if that is the case, then should I find movies like MALLRATS or OLD SCHOOL enjoyable? Should I laugh at crude humor if I'm going to act offended when it's said in the context of "real" life?
Sheesh -- I'm ranting about something that I told my wife I didn't care about! Maybe I just need to take a breath...
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Picture pages picture pages, lot's of fun with picture pages...
Or not. So I got four people to respond by telling me that they don't see the pictures. I went to another computer and looked...sure enough, it showed up on my laptop, but not anywhere else. Weird. Anywho, there SHOULD now be a picture of my Naunie and I in the right hand corner (instead of an "x"). It's not the bestest picture in the world, but when only one out of twenty work, you tend to quit while you're ahead...well, sort of ahead. But still. Picture. Yay me. :)
1st grade program tonight - woo-hoo!! It's short: three songs. But gosh, if my little rugrats aren't just the cutest when they are shaking their rumps and singing "you brush your teeth! Ch ch ch ch, ch ch ch ch ch!" Some of them shake a little too well -- too much BET and rap videos I think -- I had to ask them to chill out just a bit. *on the other hand, our PE teacher subjected them to the greatest hits of CHICAGO yesterday, so they're probably entitled to a little leeway!*
TTFN!
1st grade program tonight - woo-hoo!! It's short: three songs. But gosh, if my little rugrats aren't just the cutest when they are shaking their rumps and singing "you brush your teeth! Ch ch ch ch, ch ch ch ch ch!" Some of them shake a little too well -- too much BET and rap videos I think -- I had to ask them to chill out just a bit. *on the other hand, our PE teacher subjected them to the greatest hits of CHICAGO yesterday, so they're probably entitled to a little leeway!*
TTFN!
Hey Look! I got a picture to show up! I almost feel as if I've accomplished something now... :)
My reading list is getting longer. I opened up my book bag today and remembered (re: saw) a book that I bought a while back called TEACH LIKE YOUR HAIR'S ON FIRE. I have the opportunity to go to a taping of an interview with Erwin McManus next week as well, so I'd really like to read THE BARBARIAN WAY before that taping. I don't know if that will happen - I'm not that quick of a read. However, McManus' book is relatively short, so I might work on that one Sunday - Tuesday (after I "borrow" it from Mike). Guess I'd better get to reading!
Blessings,
Jermaine
My reading list is getting longer. I opened up my book bag today and remembered (re: saw) a book that I bought a while back called TEACH LIKE YOUR HAIR'S ON FIRE. I have the opportunity to go to a taping of an interview with Erwin McManus next week as well, so I'd really like to read THE BARBARIAN WAY before that taping. I don't know if that will happen - I'm not that quick of a read. However, McManus' book is relatively short, so I might work on that one Sunday - Tuesday (after I "borrow" it from Mike). Guess I'd better get to reading!
Blessings,
Jermaine
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Boredom
Today I didn't have any church work to finish, school work to finish, and my "holding room" was taken from me so I didn't have a room to practice my guitar. My student teacher is in the classroom, and I spent my day in the teacher's lounge. Doing just that. I did read some in Hebrews, and I read the first chapter of VELVET ELVIS, but it was a long day. I might have to find someplace outside to spend my time, that way I can practice without bugging anyone, and as a bonus, I would get to be in God's beautiful creation!
I found out that we had over 1000 in attendance for Easter - Praise God! I hope that we will have trouble filling our pews this Sunday! I know that Easter and Christmas bring everyone and their dog out to services, but if those people can come for one Sunday, what is to keep them from coming back?
So, VELVET ELVIS, chapeter one. I'm going to enjoy this book I think. It may be the closest to a "serious" book that I will read - you know the kind where the writer is asking legitimate questions and talking about serious biblical truths, ideas, and philosophies. That is not usually me. I'm way too scatterbrained and unfocused for that. But since I have prior knowledge that I enjoy Rob Bell (again, see NOOMA videos), I am able to dig a bit deeper.
Hmmm, that's a bit like people at church. We have added guitars and drums and taken away the organs and choirs. Why? Well, we want people to engage in worship. We want new visitors and curious people to come in, feel comfortable, and want to stay. So we sing songs that they might hear on the radio (or at least the styles of songs they might hear). We "dress down" so that they are comfortable and don't feel out of place if they are not in a suit. We have to be careful that we don't entertain...that's not our purpose is it? My purpose is to worship. It's not even about bringing others to worship - that's my job. Don't get me wrong. I love that part. Creating a worship experience that is engaging is a huge part of my joy. But I am at church myself to worship. Not to be a show for the congregation. I pray that in my worship, I am able to bring others with me on the journey. But God doesn't want show. God wants me. You. He wants us naked and unassuming. He wants us questioning and fearful and in awe of His presence and wonder. Do you wonder about God?
I found out that we had over 1000 in attendance for Easter - Praise God! I hope that we will have trouble filling our pews this Sunday! I know that Easter and Christmas bring everyone and their dog out to services, but if those people can come for one Sunday, what is to keep them from coming back?
So, VELVET ELVIS, chapeter one. I'm going to enjoy this book I think. It may be the closest to a "serious" book that I will read - you know the kind where the writer is asking legitimate questions and talking about serious biblical truths, ideas, and philosophies. That is not usually me. I'm way too scatterbrained and unfocused for that. But since I have prior knowledge that I enjoy Rob Bell (again, see NOOMA videos), I am able to dig a bit deeper.
Hmmm, that's a bit like people at church. We have added guitars and drums and taken away the organs and choirs. Why? Well, we want people to engage in worship. We want new visitors and curious people to come in, feel comfortable, and want to stay. So we sing songs that they might hear on the radio (or at least the styles of songs they might hear). We "dress down" so that they are comfortable and don't feel out of place if they are not in a suit. We have to be careful that we don't entertain...that's not our purpose is it? My purpose is to worship. It's not even about bringing others to worship - that's my job. Don't get me wrong. I love that part. Creating a worship experience that is engaging is a huge part of my joy. But I am at church myself to worship. Not to be a show for the congregation. I pray that in my worship, I am able to bring others with me on the journey. But God doesn't want show. God wants me. You. He wants us naked and unassuming. He wants us questioning and fearful and in awe of His presence and wonder. Do you wonder about God?
Monday, April 9, 2007
Easter Sunday
Hey everyone,
Easter was a great day at FBC Aledo! Oh, sure, it started early (the alarm went off at 5:00), but what a great day of worship! We had a strong 8:15 showing, but we were packed out at the 10:45. We had the middle schoolers come up and sit on the platform where the guitar choir played last week.
So I'm starting a goal today. I'm going to try and read one book a month. No, books of the Bible won't count (though maybe they should!). I'm starting with VELVET ELVIS by Rob Bell. I've enjoyed his NOOMA videos, and the little bit that I've read in the bookstore, I have enjoyed. So, since I have two weeks of not teaching (it's my student teacher total teach time - I'm barely in the room!), we bought the book and I'm a whole twenty pages in! When I a bit further in, I'll let you know about it.
Easter was a great day at FBC Aledo! Oh, sure, it started early (the alarm went off at 5:00), but what a great day of worship! We had a strong 8:15 showing, but we were packed out at the 10:45. We had the middle schoolers come up and sit on the platform where the guitar choir played last week.
So I'm starting a goal today. I'm going to try and read one book a month. No, books of the Bible won't count (though maybe they should!). I'm starting with VELVET ELVIS by Rob Bell. I've enjoyed his NOOMA videos, and the little bit that I've read in the bookstore, I have enjoyed. So, since I have two weeks of not teaching (it's my student teacher total teach time - I'm barely in the room!), we bought the book and I'm a whole twenty pages in! When I a bit further in, I'll let you know about it.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Happy Easter!
Hello cyberland,
Just thought I'd wish all of you a happy Easter weekend! It is so often overlooked, due to bunnies and Cadbury, but I'm looking forward to worshiping this weekend with FBC Aledo. We've just finished our "Amazing Grace" series, and with it, we've finished a series of hymns. I love hymns, but I'm looking forward to bringing back in some contemporary worship styles. This week: "I Am Free," "You Are Good," and "My Savior Lives." And we're throwing in a little Gaither Vocal Band, baptisms, and what I'm sure will be a powerful message! Thanks be to God for our Life and Eternal Assurance!
Blessings,
Jermaine
Just thought I'd wish all of you a happy Easter weekend! It is so often overlooked, due to bunnies and Cadbury, but I'm looking forward to worshiping this weekend with FBC Aledo. We've just finished our "Amazing Grace" series, and with it, we've finished a series of hymns. I love hymns, but I'm looking forward to bringing back in some contemporary worship styles. This week: "I Am Free," "You Are Good," and "My Savior Lives." And we're throwing in a little Gaither Vocal Band, baptisms, and what I'm sure will be a powerful message! Thanks be to God for our Life and Eternal Assurance!
Blessings,
Jermaine
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