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Ever so often the NHL does something really cool-- case & point the Winter Classic set for tomorrow at 12 noon (local time). Imagine Ralph Wilson Stadium-- an outdoor venue-- playing host to the first U.S. outdoor contest featuring the Buffalo Sabres and the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Way cool. I'm pumped.
Here's a series of photos depicting the rink construction.
And here's a promo video worth watching.
Author David Fitch is asking some really good questions. Here's an excerpt:
1. Spend less time writing sermons, more time listening and speaking truth relationally lovingly into people's lives. My goal, when I am preaching, is to never spend more than twelve hours a week writing sermons. Preaching the Word is important. It takes skill and practice. Yet the sermon is for speaking truth over people's lives, not for entertainment. Sometimes the "entertainment" piece takes too much extra work. The sermon proclaims the true reality as it is under the Lordship of Christ and calls people into Him. It is my opinion the reason why sermon prep takes so much time is that often pastors place too much self-importance into it. How many hours a week do you spend on sermon prep?
2. Spend less time reading-writing on leadership and more time walking with/mentoring young leaders, speaking into their lives, having them with you when you minister, in the hospital, in the coffee house, in the homes, in the neighborhoods. I am finding less and less time to do this but am aiming to make for more. How much time do you spend mentoring leadership? It is absolutely essential to missional community.
3. Spend less time planning the worship gathering - more time in silence before God on a quiet hill overlooking the mission field of NW Suburbs (this place is Walter Payton Hill - Arlington Hts.) Sunday morning gathering is liturgy. It has its moving parts. It is people coming together organically to be centered in God thru Jesus Christ thereby being re-centered for Mission Dei. My theory is, that even if everyone who was participating in the service somehow came up sick 5 minutes before service, everything should be able to go smoothly. This makes possible more time for mission. How much time/energy does your church spend on the worship gathering?
For more, click here.
I suppose the one thing that grabbed my attention was the "silence before God" statement. That's something I need more of.
Blessings on all of you at the dawn of another new year! :-)
The NY Times has a poignant slideshow of the moments leading up to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto. Warning: Photos of the actual bombing are also included.
This was (and is) a sad day for Pakistan and the greater global community.
HT: JordonCooper
Here's an interesting quotation from Whittenburg Door's interview of N.T. Wright:
The cross is not just an example to be followed; it is an achievement to be worked out, put into practice. But it is an example nonetheless, because it is the exemplar—the template, the model for what God now wants to do by his Spirit in the world, through his people. It is the start of the process of redemption, in which suffering and martyrdom are the paradoxical means by which victory is won.
Click here for the entire interview.
From Maggie Dawn:
regardless of theologies and postmodern theories and new ideas of church, and irrespective of our programmes, plans and energy levels, God will come and be born in our world...
...he will be born in our world whether we are ready or not, deserving or not, prepared or not. The incarnation of God will defy our plans, upset the organised and come with ease and rapturous joy to undeserving sinners and the poor in spirit.
HT: JonnyBaker
This appears to be a Godzilla-like movie. Can't wait for it!
Click here for the official site.
[Click on photo for the rich detail.]
With Christmas just around the corner, I hope you will use this season as an opportunity to:
+ Overcome lies with truth
+ Overcome evil with good
+ Overcome apathy with loving service to the least, the lost and the lonely.
Have a wonderful holiday weekend.
pax,
meb
Take a look at your eccentric neighbor's yard decorations.
Should he/she be added to this site? :-)
Due to a three month gastro battle, I had another colonoscopy yesterday morning.
The previous colonoscopy (three years ago) produced an "acute colitis" diagnosis. Now, they're saying I have ulcerated colitis.
So that means steroids, anti-inflammatory meds and a high fiber diet for the foreseeable future. Fun, fun.
I spent most of yesterday recuperating from the "sedation buzz."
