Life on Rural Street

Jubilee is over for another year. I know that next year's weekend has already begun though. Feb. 25-27, 2005. Frightening.

Between the two of us, John and I managed to purchase three books this weekend:

1. Emerging Worship: Creating Worship Gatherings for New Generations by Dan Kimball

2.Reimaging Spiritual Formation Needs Community: A Week in the Life of an Experimental Church by Doug Pagitt

3. Good News about Injustice: A Witness of Courage in a Hurting World by Gary Haugan

I started the first one by Dan Kimball. I already feel convincted. I'm not sure if that was even Dan's goal in the writing of the book - but I know the effect it has had on me is not what I expected when I purchased the book. I was excited to get new ideas about our worship space at CW and ways to enhance and maybe even "entertain" (oh I HATE that I had to use that word... but I'm being honest)

I read the first chapter nodding my head in agreement about the "Emerging Church" feeling very agreeable to what Dan was saying and resonating. Upon entering the 2nd and 3rd chapter I found myself feeling foolish. He pointed out (quite well, I might add) that a church is NOT about the one or two (or more) weekend services. It is, in fact, about much more than that.

Suddenly it hit me that even though it's important to have a "sacred space" and a good, worshipful gathering - I need to be thinking of ways we can all serve our Lord. I need to be fostering real community. My focus is often too narrowed-in on ONE hour every week! That's crazy! That's not a church.

I'm excited to read the rest of the book.

I was discussing some of this with my Dad last night. Saying that I get frustrated when we get so focused in on one service. He said, "You know Alyssa, I am as guilty of doing that as anyone else." I couldn't say anything except, "me too." God is really good at knocking you flat on your ass when he needs to.

John is on a two-day backpacking trip with Rob. He left yesterday morning and is planning on coming back tomorrow sometime. I'm so happy he got time away. He needed it. I think I also needed some time to myself. I'm convinced that having time apart in a marriage is not a bad thing. (this coming from someone who's only been married 3 1/2 years - so take it with a grain of salt) But they (who's "they"?) do say "absence makes the heart grow fonder. Last night was a night spent with my family. Tonight will be a night spent with my cat and reading. Fun times.