Sometimes

Sometimes, I look at this world and wonder if God is even awake. Whether it is on a personal level, or watching the goings on around the world, it can be very easy to develop a fatalistic perception of God and his motives. Unless, you spend time with Him. I have been impressed lately at the hope that Paul, Peter and the boys express in scripture, even though they are going through tough times. They chose to focus on their Hope in Jesus rather than the fact that they were getting their asses kicked.
They chose to try and see life from God's perspective rather than their own selfish perspective.

I am seeing scripture in a new way these days. If we are to get through the hard times, we will need to depend on God. If we are going no trust Him, we need to know Him. Fresh every day, because we forget. Read the book, and learn to see and hear the hope.

Peace,

K

Cultivate

Cultivate is a gathering that is happening August 19th in Hamilton at the Freeway. It is a gathering of people trying to do this "be the church" thing in a way that is real, not only to ourselves, but to the world at large as well. So, we are going to get together and talk about it. You know, encourage each other, share ideas, etc. Check out the link above and feel free to join us. Actually it isn't free,... it is 40 bucks, and includes lunch... Space is limited, so stop procrastinating already.

Peace,

K

Blessed & Perplexed

Last night some of the people who care the most about us, gathered together to pray for Joe and our family. It was a real simple prayer time. Just a bunch of people calling out to God on our behalf. I was blessed as I looked around the room. These friends, putting feet to their love, by walking this journey with us. You don't get more "community" than that. Thank you to those who came out. It means more than you know.

I must admit, I was also perplexed, by those who were missing. Those who are very much a part of our community, and verbally express their love for us. Several people didn't respond to the invitation at all. I have learned over the years that people say alot of things, but the truth is found in the walking. I know most people don't talk about this stuff, but I think it is important that, if we are going to receive from community, we also need to give to it.


Peace,

K

Sometimes Life Sucks

Two weeks ago my Father in law, Joe, was diagnosed with Blastic NK Lymphoma. That is cancer. It is a very rare form of cancer, there are about 4 cases worldwide every year. It is incurable and they don't have enough cases or data to really know what they are doing. So, Joe is literally in God's hands. It is only in his skin at the moment which is the good news. He starts treatment in two weeks, it is experimental. The Dr's say it should work, because it has worked on other lymphomas, but that isn't exactly what you want to hear when you are in this position. Again. Joe is literally in the hands of God. They can't give him the full treatment they usually give because it would kill a 70 year old. Ironically, so will the cancer. Joe is in the hands of God.

It is really hard to leave a loved one in God's hands. It is easy to say it and wish it, even dream it. But it is hard to walk it day in and day out.

Peace,

K

The Power of God in Our Lives

Through most of my life following Christ, I have been taught and socialized to believe that the power of God in my life will be evident through big events, like crisis or major victories. You know, "and one hundred people got saved....." events. So, we look for major opportunities to share Christ, like mission trips, camps, conferences, etc. Then we will get pumped and be "on fire". The problem with things on fire is, they burn out.

I have come to realize that this is a false teaching. The real evidence of God's power in our lives is seen by how we handle life on a day to day basis. How we handle stress, victory, betrayal, people who annoy us, sickness, death, relationships, etc., is where Christ is most evident. Do we really trust and love Him. It is easy to give lip service to these ideas. It is another thing to get up everyday and walk in the power of God.

I wish it were more glamorous that that, but, it is not.

Church Planting

Church planting is thirsty work. One take on that is it will drive you to drink. Another is it is hard work. Both can be true. It can also be lonely.

On Thursday the 8th of June, we will be having our first Greenhouse meeting. This is an informal group for those who have begun planting a church or are dreaming about it. We will get together and just share thoughts and experiences and just be a support to each other. The meeting will be downtown at Dave Brazzeal's house. Starts at 7pm. Directions will come later.

If you are interested in coming, contact me at kim@the-open-door.org Planting or dreaming, we would love to have you.

Peace,

K

Da Vinci Code nonsense

Christians are idiots. Every now and then Hollywood does a great job of reminding the world how dumb we can be. The last Temptation of Christ was one of my favorite moments and now, The Da Vinci Code is proving it once again. Let me refresh your memory, The Last Temptation of Christ was a forgettable movie that Christians turned into a major success, by picketing and writing letters of protest. Most people went to see it BECAUSE Christians were so upset at it.

So, now Hollywood has produced another movie that will bring Christianity to its knees?... And that Happy Days kid wouldn't put a disclaimer in the opening credits.... that satanist. Actually that was a brilliant promotional move. It just added fuel to the fire of controversy. I don't blame him one bit.

Once again Christians are known for what they are against, not what they are for.

I am amazed at how weak some believers seem to think God is. We act like he needs us to protect his integrity. Actually the testament to his greatness is that in spite of his followers, people still come to faith.

I don't embarrass easily, but this kind of nonsense makes me put a disclaimer in my conversation when someone says, "so, you are a Christian?..."


Peace,

K

Ecclesiology

I have spent the last two days with a bunch of our Free Methodist family members thinking through the FM ecclesiology. That is, talking about the basic principles upon which we do "church". It was a fun two days. I don't know of another denomination that would call on emerging type church people and house church people to the table with conventional church people, to find a frame upon which we can have different expressions of church within the same family.

The diversity makes us rich. We challenge each other to look beyond our own borders. I feel privileged to have been a part of this exercise. I am optimistic about our future. If we continue to grow FM will be an example to others of how a denomination can celebrate diversity and commonality.

I will post our synopsis when I get a copy.

Peace,

K

The Manifesto,... please sign it

Last week I mentioned the Manifesto on poverty and homelessness. Here it is. Please read it and sign it. I think it is important for us to remember that the poor are not just the governments problem. God called "the church" to act with compassion toward the poor.

Peace,

K

Homeless in the WI

I have a friend who lives in the WI, but he is homeless. My friend lives in a tent. He has spent the last year or so chasing his next fix. He is a crack addict. Two years ago he had an apartment and a good job, but partying became a priority and he found himself running from people he ripped off. He had been exploring who God was, but he got distracted.

3 weeks ago he reappeared, tired of running and abusing himself. Now he is trying to regain control of his life, but he is finding that it is easier to lose yourself than it is to find yourself. So, my friend is living in a tent, looking for a job, and fighting his demons. He is making amends. He is once again talking about God, but this time it seems to be less questioning. Somehow, in the midst of all his running and partying, he has come to know that God is real, now they just need to get acquainted.

God is merciful. We strive to be the same. I am glad my friend has returned. I pray that he will continue on his journey towards recovery and God.

Peace,

K

Street Level 2006

Last week I was at the Street Level conference in Ottawa. 350 people who work in adolescents, the poor and the homeless gathered for a few days of learning and refreshing. It was an awesome time. I hooked up with my buddy Dwayne from Brandon Man. It was awesome just to hang out and talk for a few days. Met some other old friends and made some new ones.

The organizers did a great job of putting this conference together. The Ottawa Manifesto on Homelessness was signed by most of the attendees. It appeared in the Ottawa Citizen in a full page add on Monday as sessions opened on parliament. I will post it when I can get a copy of it.

The whole conference was a re-affirmation that the poor are on God's heart, and therefore should be a priority for his followers.

Peace,

K

Onion & Mustard Sandwich

There was a time in Montreal where if you were talking about poor people, you were referring to a few specific neighborhoods. St. Henri, Little Burgandy, Pointe St. Charles, Verdun. The reality we live with today is that the lines have been blurred. There is poverty in every area of our city. Even The West Island.

One of our volunteers came in a while ago and shared with us that at a kid at one of the local elementary schools had brought an onion and mustard sandwich to school for lunch. He did not bring this for lunch because of preference, but rather because that is all his mother had to give him.

Close your eyes for a minute and picture biting into a sandwich of onion slices and mustard. I wonder what the mother felt like that day as she made her child his lunch. She is struggling to take care of her loved one and all she can offer is an onion and mustard sandwich. This is why we must be about the business of helping the poor. To nourish kids who need food and help poor parents maintain some dignity as they strive to love their families.

It is the heart of God.

Peace,

K

It is hard to believe

I have mentioned that we are feeding kids at a local elementary school. 25 kids a day. Last week in a conversation with the principal, Don found out that for approximately 12 of these kids, the lunch we provide is the only meal they get on any given day. That is messed up.

I had another conversation last week with a guy about church and missions. We were talking about how immoral we can be, when we pat ourselves on the back for sending cash to foreign missions, while the guy next door, or down the street is starving. Somehow, foreign hungry people seem to be more appealing, I guess.

Maybe its because a hungry kid in my neighborhood look just like my kid,.... only hungry. Maybe they need to network more. I have found that all it takes to really see what is going on around us, is to get out in the community and start rubbing elbows with people. Real people. I have also found that in many cases meeting the need is very simple.... Can you make a sandwich?

Peace,

K

Sunday School lessons?......

So, the other day we were sitting around and someone discovered this book that Syl's parents used to read to her. The book is called, Stories for the Children's Hour, by Kenneth Taylor. WOW! It is amazing and shocking at the same time how we have been socialized into the kind of Christianity we have come to know,.... and run from.

Here is the final paragraph to one of the stories called, When Mitzi Didn't Obey Her Mother, "Boys and girls, when we disobey our mothers and fathers it does not mean that we will always get sick. But it does always mean that the Lord Jesus is sorry, and that He will have to take away from us some good thing when we get to Heaven, something that we might have had if we had been obedient. Always remember that Jesus wants obedient children."

The author omitted his Bible reference for this moral, but I am sure he had one,..... where is that verse about conditional forgiveness?

I think heaven is going to be pretty barren for me.

Peace,

K

Church Culture

Many in the "emergent" or "postmodern" church genre have a problem. It is this, that they are constantly looking back for approval and affirmation from those they left. You can read it in the many blogs and message boards that populate the canvas of postmodernity. I have grown tired of people posting links about what the modernist church is up to and being angry or unsettled because they do what they do. The other dead horse that gets flogged is the "anti-emergent" blogs, etc. Who cares. The reason we left that genre is that they didn't connect with us. Why would you expect them to change? Who even says they should? They are still reaching people I am not reaching. How does it change what I do?

I think people who genuinely seek to do church differently should just focus on what God has called them to do. Live optimistically, in the call that God has given you. Stop looking, to see who's watching or what they think.

The disciples once approached Jesus about some people who were preaching about Him, but doing it differently than the disciples were doing it,.... Jesus told them to let it go. He said that even if they were doing it with false motives, at least His name was being preached. An interesting response don't you agree?

If we are to make an impact in the world it will be through loving others and God with all that we are, not by pointing out the flaws of others.

The only approval you need in the end, is that of the Father. Worry about what He thinks.

peace,

K

Reaching the World

"We need to reach the world". Yes this is true. But, so often this statement comes from people or groups that are doing nothing but talking about the need. I think many of us enjoy the discussion more than the "reaching". If we keep talking is such broad terms, we will sound passionate and,... almost like we are doing something.

I think we need to dial down the rhetoric and really take a look at how "we" reach the world with the love of Christ. Let's not talk about "the world", or even "the community". What about your life? Who are you loving in your little circle of people you touch every day? Who are you sharing your life with? Who are you praying for, doing coffee with, playing with, eating with, etc.?

You see, that is the real question. That is the problem or issue we need to be talking about. It is so much easier to talk about "world" problems than to get dirty in the muck of relationship. If we all did a little bit, the world would be reached.... You tell two friends, and they'll tell two friends, and...... Vidal understood.

Peace,

K

A New Thing

So, we have started a new program to serve our community. It is simple and can be done anywhere there are hungry people. We have hooked up with a local elementary school and will be providing lunches for 25 kids that come to school without a lunch because their family can't afford it.

Don and I went and met with the principal to find out if this was a need and if he would like our help. He was thrilled that we would care and be willing to help.

Every Monday, we will make 50 lunches for Monday & Tuesday. On Wednesday we will make 75, for the rest of the week. This is a simple project with immediate impact on the poor in our community. Several people have already started donating food and cash toward the project. As I said earlier, this can be done anywhere.

Some of these families may become a part of our regular food distribution on Mondays. This is a simple way of being incarnational in our community.

Peace,

K

Coke vs Pepsi....

For years Coke has been putting commemorative bottles and cans out. In the last few years, Pepsi, the ever so original company that it is, has joined the fray. However, they seem to suck at choosing who to support. Take for example, this past Olympics. If you take a look in your local grocery store you will notice that Pepsi cans are adorned with images of players from the Canadian men's hockey team. This actually proves a point I have been making all along,... Pepsi is for losers.

Peace,

K

Other Than Christian

What do you do when you run into Christians who just don't get it? Christians who just want to get together and be "ministered to". Christians who have very little if any contact with the real world. Jesus told us to go into the world and make disciples. The only real way to do this is to go into the world and BE a disciple. To enter your community/culture with the same grace, compassion and mercy that Jesus did.

I find it disheartening that so many Christians think the only contact they should have with "the world" is to preach at them. An interesting idea since Jesus didn't make it a rule to do that. There is no record that He said anything to Zaccheus that even remotely could be construed as "preaching". Jesus ate with him and loved him. Interesting that we feel the need to add to Jesus example.

God has asked us to feed the poor far more than he has asked us to preach, and yet we prefer to preach, and even use this as a reason not to feed the poor,... unless we can preach at them. Much of the church is over-fed and lazy and make excuses for not serving the unlovely.

I met with a group of pastors this morning. One asked, "Is it our job to tell church people they don't get Jesus' message?" My answer to this was, "if Christians are not doing the things that Jesus told us to, regarding the people he died for(that is everyone), ie. feeding the poor and taking care of those less fortunate, then they are "other than" christian. It is time they knew it."

Christians who sit back, demand to be fed and don't do anything to love the world need to consider their "christian-ness". Who does God say "I never knew you" to? They are people who thought their actions spoke loudly of God,..... but in the end, only spoke of religiosity.

Micheal Frost has suggested that Jesus would never be allowed membership in most of our churches,... interesting.

Peace,

K

Renewal in the church....

Here is an Insightful letter by Richard Foster regarding renewal within church structures. He makes some comments that should at least make us pause to reflect critically on what we are doing, and ask ourselves whether we are being the effective or not.

His caution to the average congregational church is especially important, I think.

Peace,

K

These are the ways of Jesus...

So, as previously stated, we have been exploring our domestication. We had a "family meeting" in church a few weeks ago, to talk about who we are, what we are good at and what we need to improve on. It was pretty clear that we are authentic, we love each other and we are good at "doing". It was also clear that we need to be more introspective and spend time being quiet with God.

So, to keep us a little more mindful, I came up with a postcard that asks us a few horizontal questions and a few vertical ones.

Have you, Loved/Encouraged, Forgiven, Served, Eaten with or Fed someone? Have you Listened to & Learned from God?

The postcard is just a reminder of some very real things that we need to keep in the forefront of our community. These are the things that have drawn us together. They are things Jesus cared deeply about, so we need to continue to be an authentic community, growing in grace and loving the world.

Peace,

K

MVP should have gone to the Referees....

I watched the Superbowl on Sunday. I was not passionate about either team, but I did feel bad for Seattle. All the media is making a big deal about the Steelers "getting one for the thumb". This is understandable, but nobody is talking about the lousy reffing that took place. Consider two bad calls, that even Madden et al. admitted were bad calls.

1) The touchdown that was disallowed because of offensive interference. This was an call that was just dumb. Watch the replay and you see that the "push" wasn't even close to impeding the defense.

2) The holding penalty that called back a ball that was on the one yard line. The bottom line, no one could find the "holding" penalty.


If the Seahawks had of scored on the one yard line that would have been 14 points more for Seattle, however the trusty refs made sure they did their part. Seattle made some mistakes too, but the potential 14 points that the refs "determined" would have made the difference in who won this game. That sucks. I think it sucks even more that nobody is talking about the reffing blunders. The commentators made note of them during the game, but that is the last we heard of them.

It almost sounds like the church organized the Superbowl....... shhh let's not talk about our mistakes,... people won't notice...... or maybe the refs are figure skating judges in the off season.

Peace,

K

Domestication Sucks

That's right, The OD has been in existence for approximately 2.5 years, and we have come to the conclusion that we are on the verge of being domesticated. That is a bad thing. We have been slowly falling into a routine. That is a bad thing. We have become kind of comfortable. That is also a bad thing.

The good thing is we have a fairly large group of people who become very uncomfortable with being comfortable. So, in the past week, we have started to take some action. Mainly having open discussions about what we do and how we do it. This leads to new ideas and suggestions. Some of them totally loopy and some are great. The point is, we need to be constantly looking at what we do and why we do it, so that we are intentional and on point in our journey with Jesus. Our eyes need to be fixed on Him. Our lives must reflect Him.

Any group will fall into complacency after doing the same old thing every week. Domestication sucks, but it is inevitable, unless we determine to keep the spark that set us off in the first place. We need to have fun with God and each other. This is a love relationship after all, is it not?

Let's face it, people know when your in love because they see it on your face and in your actions.

So, pee on the carpet every now and then......... even if it ties the room together.

Peace,

K

What a weekend.......

It was an awesome weekend. Mark Scandrette, Adam and Dan came up from San Fran to hang out with us and a few other churches like us. David Brazzeal from Curieux was amazing to put this whole thing together. Mark is involved in the Emergent.US "thing". He and his friends, are striving to live like Jesus in their neighborhoods. They came up to Montreal to hang out and share some of their experience and gifting with us and to learn what is going on here.

It was a great time of encouragement. We had a house party on Saturday night where some of our community came to meet and talk with "Mark and the Funky Bunch"(Adam & Dan). Dave Brazzeal(the guy with the cape) and some of his crew came too. It was an evening of sharing stories, experience, food and wine. There is nothing so fun as blessing and being blessed by friends.

I hope that we can continue to grow these connections. Sometimes it is nice to know that you aren't alone,... even if you are crazy....

I have been encouraged and challenged.

Peace,

K

A Friend We Haven't Met Yet

This weekend Mark Scandrette is in town. He is a leader of another community trying to navigate this journey of life and walking with Jesus. He is part of Reimagine. Mark and a few friends will be at our house Saturday night to hang out and talk about this road we are on.

Sometimes it is good just to hang out with others, and be reassured that you aren't crazy,... or that at least you have company.

Peace,

K

Politics and Religion

Here is an interesting glimpse into the thoughts of our political leaders regarding politics and religion. I think the worst comments come from the Heritage dude. Gilles Duceppe and the Bloc were pretty "Political" in their non-answer, but what's new. I liked what Layton and Harper had to say.

Peace,

K