Sunday, March 22, 2009

Fences and the Appeal of God

This all started a month or so ago, when, while enjoying lunch with a co-worker, he asked how does God appeal to you? Not in the way you find a steak appealing or that great deal on a new car/camera/giant box of diapers, but in the way in which you are invited into something with Him. Michael, this co-worker (he's actually more of a boss, but a great man of God as well, hence this conversation) said he had spent a lot of time ruminating on John 1 and the way in which Jesus begins to call the disciples, and how each one gets a different appeal. The first two he spends the day with, the second he gives a name, the third he tells him what to do, the fourth he promises to show him amazing things.
So I've spent a lot of time on this: How does God appeal to me?
I have always said, music and mountains are how that appeal comes to me, but that's just a couple ways. I discovered a new one that I've always kind of known about, carpentry. See, I've been building a fence this weekend, by myself for the most part, which is good, because I am the only one who hears it when I say something in anger I shouldn't. Which is often, more often that I am comfortable with.
Anyway, as I put together this fence, I began to feel a kinship with Jesus, a carpenter's son. He built things with his hands, cut them to fit, pieced them together, solved the problems that arose. In fact, after popping the I-pod in my ears, I really discovered I found more peace, and less angry explosions over the ever stripping drill bit. I began to enjoy myself and feel God's presence. I prayed a bit more.
All this to say, maybe God doesn't just appeal to us in one way, but in many, if we're only willing to see it.

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Open to Suggestions

We've been meeting weekly with the Gate for almost a month now, and we really are looking for alternative ways of worship. We set out to be 'not your typical church' in style, and yet thats what we look a whole lot like. So, we are thinking of alternative ways to do the corporate worship, besides announcements, sing, pray, and speak.
There is always taking the Eucharist, or Lord's Supper for you Evangelicals, but we want to steer that more toward the more intimate small groups. Dramatic readings can often be...not engaging at best and not worshipful at worst, prayer times are great, but for non-believers or those uncomfortable praying, it can be difficult. Vivid video with background music, asking people to read along silently and contemplate might be an option, but we need good video and music.
So what about you? What are some interesting ways you have experienced corporate worship?