Tag Archives: Mars Hill

What’s Cookin’? 110

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) My seminary retreat. Guest speaker was Andy Crouch, who was awesome! His theme was “Live More Musically” (see notes 1, 2, 3, and 4). (2) Practiced Sabbath this past Sunday, which for me was really turning off my phone. I really enjoyed spending the time with my family without any distractions. (3) Amanda was runner-up for “Teacher of the Month,” which is voted on by students. This is actually a greater achievement than it sounds because she only teaches two grades (versus others who teach 3 or 4) and has only been there for one month. I’m proud of her.

What I’m reading: Currently, reading Relevant Magazine’s November-December issue. Reading very slowly – my friend Derek’s book So You Thinking About Going to Seminary: An Insider’s Guide and The Art of Reading Scripture edited by Ellen Davis and Richard Hays. For class, I’m reading Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature by Ernest C. Lucas and Old Testament Parallels: Laws And Stories from the Ancient Near East by Victor H. Matthews and Don C. Benjamin. I also picked up The Great Emergence: How Christianity Is Changing and Why by Phyllis Tickle.
Listenin’ and lovin’:
  • Podcasts: Mars Hill podcast; Speaking of Faith‘s “The Sunni-Shia Divide and the Future of Islam.” That was really helpful in developing a better understanding of the current state of Islam.
  • New ones that I’m trying – “Best of Mike and Mike in the Morning,” “ESPN Soccernet,” “Best of YouTube” video-cast, and “Divine Office” which gives prayers and readings for each day.
  • Music: Listened to Derek Webb’s The Ringing Bell. In the Christmas music mode, thanks to my wife.

What I’ve been vegetating in front of: (1) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia season 3 that I just bought. (2) The Office. (3) FIFA 2009 on XBox 360.

iPhone app I’m happy about: (1) “Advent08” that will assist our family in the Advent season. It provides prayers and Scripture for each day. (2) Google app added links to Google Reader!

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Andy Reid benched McNabb? What? I thought I’d never see that. (2) Tim got a flat tire over the weekend. I went with him on Saturday to find a new one, but, apparently, everyone in the Valley Forge area didn’t have the tire for his Mazda 3. How do tire places not have a certain tire?

Job update: still not much progress. I’m talking to InterVarsity. I was denied an English teaching job at a local Christian school. I put my resume on youthspecialties.com and workphilly.com so maybe that will turn up something. I’m going to apply for unemployment compensation. I never wanted to be “that person,” but I’ve been humbled.

Seminary update: we have off of class this week, but our seminary retreat to Valley Forge was awesome! I had so much fun with my friends, and I really appreciated laughing, crying (yes), and talking with many of them.

Looking forward to: (1) What God has in store for me. (2) Finding a place to live on our own. (3) Observing Advent as a family. Amanda and I talked about it today, and we are going to do it. We bought candles and a wreath. We also hope to not eat any meat or junk food during Advent. On Christmas day, we’ll party! (4) So, Advent to begin. (5) Observing Sabbath again! (6) Thanksgiving!

What’s Cookin’? 109

Mac: Would you like a spot of tea?
Dennis: MMMMMYEEESSSS!

(-It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: “The Gang Cracks The Liberty Bell”)

–

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent some time yesterday [Sunday] with our dear friends Tim and Susan and their wonderful baby boy, Nathan. (2) Amanda let me buy FIFA 2009 for XBox 360, which I was pretty excited about. (3) I wrote five posts for Everyday Liturgy. One in particular was mentioned publicly on Emergent Village’s twitterfeed. (4) I have my own website now! (view here – if you are about to click, I must inform you that you are already there).

What I’m reading: Currently, reading Relevant Magazine’s November-December issue. Also, my friend Derek’s book So You Thinking About Going to Seminary: An Insider’s Guide and The Art of Reading Scripture edited by Ellen Davis and Richard Hays. For class, I’m reading Exploring the Old Testament: A Guide to the Psalms & Wisdom Literature by Ernest C. Lucas and Old Testament Parallels: Laws And Stories from the Ancient Near East by Victor H. Matthews and Don C. Benjamin.
Listenin’ and lovin’:
  • Podcasts: Mars Hills “Bricks and Boards,” and Speaking of Faith‘s “Liberating the Founders,” which I recommend to help remove some of the old assumptions about America’s founders and their religious beliefs.
  • Music: I’ve fallen into the trap of listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, which I promised I’d never do

What I’ve been vegetating in front of: (1) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Office; (2) Heroes; (3) FIFA 2009 on XBox 360 – I recommend to all soccer fans who play soccer video games. (4) I’ve also been on a Law & Order kick. No sure why? May have something to do with it being the only good afternoon television besides SportsCenter.

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) our beloved Philadelphia Eagles found a way to a tie with the 1-win Cinncinati Bengals. Wow! Super Bowl, here we come! (2) The Bible talks about “beer” – I knew it talked about wine, but beer? I never knew that! (see Deut. 29v6; 1 Sam. 1v15; Isa. 29v9, 28v7, 24v9; Prov. 31v6 – the TNIV uses the word “beer”). (3) the subscriptions in Psalms likely weren’t part of the original text and “of David” could mean a number of things other than that they were written by David. Take that, fundies! I’m just kidding, but seriously.

Job update: still not much progress. I contacted a few places, but I haven’t heard back. I’m not worrying yet.

Seminary update: tomorrow will be the second class on Old Testament poetic books. I’m enjoying it so far. I didn’t know the Psalms could be so complicated!

Looking forward to: (1) What God has in store for me. (2) Giselle to associate “Da-da” with me. (3) Finding a place to live on our own.

What’s Cookin’? 108

Sinbad: “You’re in Sinbad’s House. Rob Thomas. Matchbox 20. Sing something. Shut up.”

(-It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: “Dennis Reynolds: An Exotic Life”)

–

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) the Emergent Mid-Atlantic Conference (#emergentma08) was a great time. More than anything, I enjoyed hanging with all my friends – Todd, Thom, and Tim - over some beers and meeting Peter Rollins [author of How (Not) to Speak of God] for the first time and spending various times over 1 1/2 days talking with him. Also, I spent time on Saturday with Derek Cooper (a good friend of mine) and John Franke from Biblical Seminary. Great guys. (2) During the conference, I met some new people from other Emergent cohorts. It’s always nice to meet new people who are in the same “conversation” as you. I actually accompanied Charlie from Princeton to 30th Street Station since we were both picking up trains there. (3) Throughout all the curve-balls my life has been throwing me, Amanda has been incredibly supportive, and I love her more than ever because of it [plus, I think she said something in our vows about supporting me no matter what]. (4) Giselle says “Da-da” but not in reference to me. So, all I have to do is make that connection. “Da-da” is beating out “ma-ma” right now. (5) Amanda and I had a good laugh with Giselle the other day when she smacked her head really hard on the mirror from her dressing table – I thought she would cry, but, instead, she cracked up laughing. Kids always keep us laughing, don’t they?

What I’m reading: Hey! I finally finished Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson. Two books in one week, woo-hoo! Currently, reading Relevant Magazine’s November-December issue. Also, my friend Derek’s book So You Thinking About Going to Seminary: An Insider’s Guide and The Art of Reading Scripture edited by Ellen Davis and Richard Hays.   

Listenin’ and lovin’:

  • Podcasts: As always - Mars Hills podcast every week. Emergent Village which announced that it is making some changes for the better (i.e., Tony Jones is no longer the head of Emergent Village. He didn’t do anything wrong, but they are attempting to break down hierarchy). But besides that, not much.
  • Music: I listened to part of Oh Sleeper’s When I Am God. Underoath’s newest CD – Lost in the Sound of Separation. 

What I’ve been vegetating in front of: (1) A&E’s Biography on Barack Obama helped me understand more of who our President-elect is as a person. (2) I set up my Xbox and played EA Sports’ UEFA Euro 2008 for some time. I want to buy FIFA 09, but I don’t have a job to make money to buy it. (3) I’m all caught up on Heroes, which has gotten a little weird for me, but I still like it. (4) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia and The Office put some humor into my life.

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) Not sure if this blew my mind, but it is mind-blowing – Barack Obama is the President of the United States of America. He is our first black president, and I don’t think that can be overstated. Todd had a great post in reflection about the election (whoa, that rhymes). I’m really interested in seeing how things play out. (2) Barack Obama becoming the President-elect brought about a lot of hate, but even more love. I was really surprised by staunch McCain supporters who said that they will be supporting and praying for Obama – very cool. 

Job update: I haven’t really made much progress in this area. I’m not sure where I want to go with all of this. I’ve been looking though, but I’m confident that God will provide.

Seminary update: last assignment (take-home final exam) for Gary Schnittjer’s class on the historical books of the Hebrew Scriptures is due tomorrow. Also, starting tomorrow is my class with David Lamb on the poetic books of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Looking forward to: (1) What God has in store for me. (2) How Barack Obama’s presidency will go. (3) If “Barack” and “Obama” will stop coming up as an incorrect spelling in spell-check (e.g., for “Obama” spell-check offers “Abeam”). (3) Finding a new place for our family to live. We’ve been living at my in-laws, but we’re looking to move on. (4) Exit-interview with Great Valley Presbyterian, which should provide some closure.

What’s Cookin’? 107

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies won the World Series! (2) Partying at Five Points in NE Philadelphia. (3) Parade with Amanda and Giselle. (4) Amanda has been incredibly supportive of me, and I really appreciate it (see “Ministry Update/Something(s) that broke my heart” for reason why). (5) Sunday – I got to go to The Well, and I actually was able to go to church with my family without having to do a million things (again, see below). (6) Amanda made waffles for breakfast yesterday. That was really cool.

What I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson; Relevant Magazine‘s November-December issue. 

Listenin’ and lovin’:

 

  • Podcasts: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week. The most recent one was called “Beware the dogs,” which I blogged about; and the Emergent Village Podcast; Everyday Liturgy started a podcast. I had to give a shout-out to my boy, Thom Turner.
  • Music: Sara Bareilles’ “Love Song” which I listen to, to make me happy. It’s just peppy, good fun. The Fall of Troy’s Doppelganger

 

Something(s) that blew my mind: How much fun it is when your team wins the World Series! Yeah!

Ministry update/Something(s) that broke my heart: I lost my job as a youth pastor because the economy is going down the tubes. The church had to make budget cuts. I was one of them. They’re paying me until the end of December so that helps (but doesn’t). What killed me is hearing from some of the kids about how much they’ll miss me. Talk about a heartbreaker.

So, I don’t know what to do next. I’m just praying and keeping my head up. 

Seminary update: still reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer. Almost done. 

Looking forward to: (1) What God has in store for me. (2) Trying to go to the Emergent conference on Sunday. We’ll see.

The Tribal Jesus Is Killing Our World

“Dennis: You cut the sleeves off of all your t-shirts. What, to show off your tats? Those are really original.

Mac: They’re tribal.

Dennis: ‘They’re tribal.’ I’m sorry, what tribe are you from?”

–It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

The above quote has little to do with anything, but it mentions the word “tribal” and helps us laugh a little before reading something that may anger us (not sure why it would, but just in case it does).

I recently listened to Rob Bell speak about Philippians 3v1-6 (“Beware the dogs” on October 19, 2008). Much of his talk was about “tribal affiliation.” We each are a part of some “tribe.” The tribe sets up boundaries, beliefs, systems, etc. This comes from a natural human instinct.

I’d like to summarize and interpret some of what Rob was saying before I move to my point – There are three parts to human development. First, ego-centrism comes at a very early age. My 6 month old daughter, Giselle, swears the world revolves around her because she doesn’t know any better (or can’t know at this point). You are concerned with your own welfare. Second, ethno-centrism comes about in concern for one’s tribe. You understand the world is bigger than you, but your tribe limits this. You are concerned about the welfare of people in your tribe. Third, world-centrism understands that people are connected, and you are ultimately more concerned about everyone’s welfare versus your own.

The problem is that most of us are stopping at stage two, that is, ethno-centrism. It can be understood as “us vs. them.” My tribe versus your tribe. Me versus you. My beliefs versus your beliefs. Get the picture? What happens is that we begin to think the world is our tribe. For example, if I’m Reformed, that’s my tribe, and everyone else who believes differently than my Reformed theology is outside of my tribe and is incorrect or needs to understand the way I do.

The thing is, as Rob Bell states, “Jesus is always bigger than your tribe.” We desire for Jesus to be our tribe, but the fact is, he’s not. He’s bigger than it.

So, I think about this in light of being critical towards each other as Christians. We follow Jesus Christ. Jesus is world-centric. He is bigger than our tribe. What we often to do is criticize those who are outside of our tribe. Let’s use the above example again. The Reformed tribe criticizes the Pentecostal tribe because the Pentecostal tribe believes that you have ultimate free will in choosing or rejecting the Holy Spirit. So, the Reformed criticize. But remember – Jesus is always bigger than our tribe. On the other hand, we have those who criticize people who view the world in tribes and act like those people are ridiculous. That’s the same problem.

What we like to do is tribal-ize the gospel. We like to make the gospel sound like the language of our tribe. But, if Jesus is bigger than our tribe, and he is world-centric, we need to rethink this. We constantly belittle the efforts of others in other tribes. We constantly see them talking to other people from other religions, and we say, “They’re universalists! They believe all roads lead to heaven!” Or, we say, “They believe we’re all universalists! What idiots!” Paul says, “Beware of those dogs!” (Phil. 3v2). Beware of the Judaizer who thinks circumcision is necessary for salvation. Beware of anyone who tribal-izes Jesus.

Jesus is always bigger than our tribe.

The world needs Jesus. It doesn’t need our tribes. (Sorry to say it, but it’s true.) The world doesn’t need another Pentecostal church, or Reformed systematic theology, or an Anglican liturgy. The world needs Jesus.

Do you wonder why kids go to college and walk away from Christianity? They don’t struggle with Jesus. But they struggle with the tribe’s Jesus. They struggle with, “Well, everything you learn at that liberal, pagan university is a bunch of atheistic, Marxist pish-posh (Christians wouldn’t curse, would they?).” For instance, Galileo didn’t struggle with Jesus, but he sure struggled with the tribal-ized Jesus. He struggled with the tribe’s view that the world is flat – “the Bible says it (Isa. 11v12 – “four corners” can’t be on a globe) so I believe it!”

Is that Jesus? No, that’s a tribal-ized Jesus.

I hate to go here, but another example is this. “God hates gay people! And all those universities are following a homosexual agenda.” Then, a kid meets a gay person for the first time in their life, and the person is actually kind and not evil and doesn’t have an agenda; so what happens? They say, “Well, the Bible must not be true. It’s just a bunch of folktales. So, Jesus isn’t the way for me.” No, Jesus is the way for you, but the tribal-ized Jesus isn’t. You see what I mean? (If you’re angry, which I’m not sure why you would be, just read the above quote again. That should help). The tribal Jesus is killing our world, not helping it.

Jesus is always bigger than your tribe.

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

What’s Cookin’? 105

Highlight(s) of the week: (1) The Phillies are NL Champs and are in the World Series! Go Phillies! (2) The Red Sox didn’t make it. I’m very happy about that, not for matchup-sake but because I’m tired of “the nation.” (3) Amanda, Giselle, and I spent the weekend in Lancaster with my family. It was very nice to get away for a little while. (3) New addition to the Green-side of the family: Liam Joseph Fleming was born on Friday. He’s huge – almost as long as Giselle is now at 6 months.

Book(s) I’m reading: still reading Jesus for President by Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw and now reading The Historical Books by Richard D. Nelson (for class – but talk about a book that is almost everything against what I’ve learned growing up or even believe now – but it’s still a good read. I don’t recommend it for those who are the faint of heart, but I do recommend thus far for those who are into ‘scholarly pursuits.’)

Listenin’ and lovin’: Listen to Mars Hills podcasts every week; APM: Speaking of Faith with Krista Tippett – most recently I listened to one that discussed religion in the Democratic party. I will be listening this week to her one on religion in the Republican party, too, but which is normally assumed by many. I recommend Speaking of Faith to get a broad range of thought on religion; also have been enjoying Relevant Magazine’s podcast. It is a weekly podcast with a few people having a good time together and also getting serious at times. It’s very good. Music-wise: I have to say I keep listening to Viva la Vida for whatever reason that only addiction may explain. Also I recently listened to Phil Wickham’s Cannon, and Fear Before the March of Flames’ Always Open Mouth (again, not for the faint of heart).

Something(s) that blew my mind: (1) I taught Jr. Church (1-5th graders) on Sunday morning, and they were respectful. It shows what a few rules will do to hold it together. (2) I posted three things about politics on my blog, which I swore I wouldn’t do so I named the category “Politics (Eww…)” to express my dislike for the subject, but I find it unavoidable around every four-year cycle. (3) Colin Powell is going to vote for Obama – very interesting – I hope this grows into something that will bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats.

Ministry update: last night we presented to the whole church our New Orleans missions trip from this past summer. We had a video – it was cool – thanks, Jorge! Dan and Tyler who presented the impact the trip had on their lives did exceptionally well. 

Seminary update: reading like crazy for our class on the historical books of the Old Testament with Gary Schnittjer

Looking forward to: (1) game 1 of the World Series; (2) UnderOath and The Devil Wears Prada show on October 22; (3) Giselle will be 6 months tomorrow – wow!

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