The smallest small group in America

Todd Hunter has recently initiated a new small group ministry called Three is Enough. Here is an article saying that three might be too big.

http://larknews.com/august_2004/print.php?page=4

Gregory the Great on Pastoral Care

Today, I read in Celebrating the Seasons a selection from Gregory the Great's "Pastoral Care." It actually comes from chapter seven of Book One, "Of the Life of a Pastor." Celebrating the Seasons does a great job of using more modern vernacular. But I think that the way the Early Church Fathers series writes them is still understandable.

Here in this reading, I find it interesting, that even in life "back then" pastors could get caught up in things that pull us away from what we need to be doing. Read this below and tell me what you think. Does this exhortation need to be heard by more of us today? If you need a more modern reading, go to Google Books and do a search for Celebrating the Seasons and go to page 332.

The ruler should not relax his care for the things that are within in his occupation among the things that are without, nor neglect to provide for the things that are without in his solicitude for the things that are within; lest either, given up to the things that are without, he fall away from his inmost concerns, or, occupied only with the things that are within bestow not on his neighbours outside himself what he owes them. For it is often the case that some, as if forgetting that they have been put over their brethren for their souls’ sake, devote themselves with the whole effort of their heart to secular concerns; these, when they are at hand, they exult in transacting, and, even when there is a lack of them, pant after them night and day with seethings of turbid thought; and when, haply for lack of opportunity, they have quiet from them, by their very quiet they are wearied all the more. For they count it pleasure to be tired by action: they esteem it labour not to labour in earthly businesses. And so it comes to pass that, while they delight in being hustled by worldly tumults, they are ignorant of the things that are within, which they ought to have taught to others. And from this cause undoubtedly, the life also of their subjects is benumbed; because, while desirous of advancing spiritually, it meets a stumbling-block on the way in the example of him who is set over it. For when the head languishes, the members fail to thrive; and it is in vain for an army to follow swiftly in pursuit of enemies if the very leader of the march goes wrong. No exhortation sustains the minds of the subjects, and no reproof chastises their faults, because, while the office of an earthly judge is executed by the guardian of souls, the attention of the shepherd is diverted from custody of the flock; and the subjects are unable to apprehend the light of truth, because, while earthly pursuits occupy the pastor’s mind, dust, driven by the wind of temptation, blinds the Church’s eyes.

Ancient Faith sermon series

What would a sermon series look like today preaching through the Apostles Creed? The Creed is a succinct telling of the orthodox faith. In a world of swirling belief systems and competing narratives, how could we approach this statement of faith in a relevant way that calls a congregation to live out/practice, as well as call those who are on the way to faith, to experience this faith?

Born of God, Arise

This song was a part of the Morning Office at Mission St. Clare today. The words are pretty simple. The song reminds us of who we are and calls us to enter fully into our new identity given to us by the risen Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Come and be clothed in God's righteousness:
Come join the band who are called by God's name.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Look at the world which is bound by sin:
Walk into the midst of it proclaiming new life.

Alleluia! Alleluia!
Alleluia!, born of God, arise.
Alleluia! Alleluia!
born of God, arise and follow your God.

Words and music: Mimi Farra, adapted (20thC)

The Future lies in the Past

Christianity Today ran an article in the February 2008 edition entitled "The Future Lies in the Past." I'd be very interested to get your input on this. I am among these whom Webber called "the younger evangelicals" and resonate with the article. Do you agree with Webber that the path to the future runs through the past?

The Kite Runner

Tonight, Amy and I watched The Kite Runner. I found it to be a very deep and beautiful story. Beautiful? But, it's a movie of such violence and silence! Grace is woven all through the film. It is beautiful how Hassan refuses to hit Amir, even after he is pelted by his best friend in an effort to move him to attack him for his cowardice. I find it fascinating how the son of Hassan continues his work of redemption...even as he is being saved. I find it interesting how the Amir, whom we never see pray in the film before, is brought to a place of prayer. There's so much to this film.

Easter, Day 17 of 50

Trying to stay in the rhythm of Easter is difficult, especially since it doesn't get the attention it deserves from the surrounding culture like Christmas does (and that cultural celebration/observance is placed in Advent rather than Christmastide). I found this hymn this morning that is beautiful. The tune wasn't something I was familiar with so I used the trusty "Sing to the Lord" hymnal and cyberhymnal.org to try to find some melodies that are more familiar to our Christian tradition so we could sing this wonderful hymn. Its meter is LM, which can be sung to the tune of "When I Survey the Wonderful Cross." I find this a very interesting juxtaposition especially considering that "When I Survey" is focused on the cross, and this hymn is about resurrection. The hymn can also be sung to "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day." I think it is good to be able to cross the tunes from the seasons, especially from Christmas because of its joyfulness. There is also tune from "Jesus Shall Reign" that works well. This hymn is really great and I hope that it ministers to you as it did me.

Christ is alive! Let Christians sing.
The cross stands empty to the sky.
Let streets and homes with praises ring.
Love, drowned in death, shall never die.

Christ is alive! No longer bound
to distant years in Palestine,
but saving, healing, here and now,
and touching every place and time.

Not throned above, remotely high,
untouched, unmoved by human pains,
but daily, in the midst of life,
our Savior with the Father reigns.

In every insult, rift, and war
where color, scorn or wealth divide,
Christ suffers still, yet loves the more,
and lives, where even hope has died.

Women and men, in age and youth,
can feel the Spirit, hear the call,
and find the way, the life, the truth,
revealed in Jesus, freed for all.

Christ is alive, and comes to bring
good news to this and every age,
till earth and sky and ocean ring
with joy, with justice, love, and praise.

Words: Brian Wren