Early video of Soularize

Escaping Nassua before Noel stranded us for a few days left us scrambling and tired. I have a number of posts to put up regarding the event and content. For now find that Christian, one of pastoral team members at the NPCC, offered a recap video with music provided by my friend, Barry Taylor. Enjoy.

Treat to Retreat

Finishing up a week of vacation with a impromptu retreat. If Noel does not flare up too soon, I will be home on schedule - soon.

Seeing Through the Window Clearly … Ouch!

We often refer to Paul’s description of our lack of clarity this side of the fulfilled Kingdom of God. Seeing through a dim glass clearly describes attempts to get our being around the depths of God’s truth and love. After our return from a trip to Rose Island, otherwise known as Robinson Carusoe, I headed out to the porch to chat with Jordon and Mike. I looked straight out the sliding glass door and discovered it closed as my forward progress was suddenly halted. In the process my sunglasses cut my forehead leaving me with a souvenir of sorts for my trip to Nassau.

Now for those of you still laughing, I might throw in the fact that we spent the day on an island in the Bahamas. We snorkeled and saw some colorful fish. We took in a large amount of sun and rain. We cruised by the home of Tiger Woods. And, to top it off, I rode in a van with N.T. Wright and his wife Maggie. We discussed the circumstances and issues in the Anglican Communion.

I suffered a bit of a cut on the forehead. The evidence may indeed linger. The memory of a chat with Bishop Tom will mark me more.

Crashing Waves

We are staying right on the ocean. This morning the waves crashed against the shoreline. The rugged coast gave evidence of the repeated lashing of the waves. The force of Living Water against the boundaries we make for our own lives creates the distinctive work of the Spirit. There are certain to be times of challenge these next few days. Hearing the noise of the waves reminds me to listen to the Spirit as the life of Jesus crashes the shoreline of my life.

Stories

One of the features of Soularize is the sharing of stories; stories of the Spirit of God. We toured the location for Soularize to get a feel for the church community with which we would share the next few days. Along the road adjacent to the church rests an “Art Garden.” One of the features of the display resulted from the consequences of a storm.

Spencer shared how a storm had stripped a group of trees bare leaving them lifeless. A local artist equipped with a chain saw carved faces in the tops of the barren trees. The beautiful image conveyed the picture of resurrection, of life after life after death. We often would pass by such a display without referencing the context creating the power of the story.

I could not help but think of the times I have quickly passed an expression of the work of the Spirit without thinking of the ways in which the experiences of life constantly communicate the wonder of Resurrection.

I look forward to hearing more stories this week.

If you can’t change the weather … change your location

Sunday evening the wind began to howl out of the north. Prognosticators ensured viewers will consider them worth listening to another day. It is that time of the year. We will look for frost on the pumpkin soon. Most of the time we simply add layers and enjoy whatever the weather. As for this particular cold front, I will change locations for a week. Further south the highs are in the mid-80’s and the lows are not supposed to drop below 70. Chances of rain will threaten everyday but after more than 50 inches here in the plains that should not be disconcertin.

I will hop a plane and fly south. For a few days of vacation I will help a friend working at a conference. We will share time with the likes of Bishop Tom. Conversations around “church beyond borders” will probe possibilities for the Church around the globe.

Should you be a tad bit envious, you may join in via an high-speed connection. Get you pass and join us regardless of your weather. While you may not be able to change your location, you could engage in some thought-provoking conversations. Friday begins webcast interviews with Len Sweet and Shane Claiborne. Don’t delay sign-up and join us.

Singing in the Park

Sunday afternoon Tommie and Matt provided entertainment for a benefit. Organizers offered giveaways, a silent auction and music to raise money for a free medical clinic in Oklahoma City. Short notice did not keep Tommie and Matt from offering their own renditions of some popular tunes. They ended with Johnny Cash’s, “Jackson.” Great job!

Happy Birthday Craig!

We are blessed with a great son (in-law)! Today he celebrated number 24. This means Dad grills steaks while Patty throws together baked potatoes, salad, veggies and Kimberly on the bread. We will be glad to celebrate many more.

Soularize Webcast with “Starfish and the Spider” Author Ori Brafman

My friend Spencer is putting together another learning party and inviting you to get a taste of things to come …

Soularize Webcast with “Starfish and the Spider” Author Ori Brafman – This Thursday Oct 18, 6pm PST

Join us for a free Soularize FeedLive webcast preview this Thursday at 9pm Eastern (6 Pacific) with Spencer Burke and Ori Brafman, courtesy of Soularize.net and ShapeVine. Come experience firsthand the content and technology of this year’s learning party!

Ori Brafman is a peace and economic development consultant and activist. He is co-author of indie business cult favorite <a href= http://www.starfishandspider.com>The Starfish and the Spider</a>, about leaderless groups and what makes them so powerful.

Spencer Burke is a “pastor alumnus,” author, speaker and founder of TheOOZE.com. In Thursday’s interview Spencer will talk to Ori about the Church that primarily running as a Spider organization in a Starfish world; together, we’ll investigate Starfish front-runners and Hybrids—can organic and institutional models can live in harmony?

You can ask Ori and Spencer question, take live polls, and more. We’ll pull your questions from the chat window and answer them live via streaming video. There’s no software to download—Mac AND PC compatible; use any web browser with high-speed internet access.

WHEN: This Thursday, October 18—at 6pm pacific/9pm eastern

WHERE: http://Soularize.net/feedlive . Just click the “Preview” button and you’re in.

Saturday is for Links

Is Your Faith Endo- or Exoskeletal?

Tim Keller: What are the risks to evangelicalism?

Should Women Teach Women?

Telling God’s Story: “Homiletics as Biblical Hermeneutics”

Can Two Walk Together Except They Be Agreed?

Sacred Texts in an Oral Culture: How did they function?

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