Church...or not Church?

In my introduction over on the Emerging Women's blog, I hinted a little bit about our current "relationship to the body of Christ".

No longer slaves to the congregation, we build relationships around the neighborhood bonfire, pass out water on the local hiking trails, invite folks over for movie nights and theology pubs, and plan field trips to exhibits and experimental theater that might stretch our faith or show us something delightfully new about God. What we are doing is not church, but it's a mighty fine way of life.

I knew that this would raise some questions as to what we are doing is or is not church. So, I hope to throw out some things that happen every now then, and we can play "Church...or Not Church".

Exhibit 1:
Yesterday, I got to watch a golden-skinned god of a guy change out of his swim trunks into his street clothes. Full backside view. He had a gorgeous labyrinth tattoo, too, which was NOT on his bum. Can you imagine how awkward tracing THAT path would be?

Exhibit 2:
Today, I got to talk with a neighbor about health issues of undetermined origin, how he'll help his mother as she gets older, a friendship gone south, and the value of having change in one's life. This particular neighbor is more than likely moving away after tomorrow, though I feel protective of him and wonder what will become of him in the big, bad world away from the river community that is teeming with people who know his comings and goings and who are here to watch out for him.

Church...or not church?

The kingdom is for moo-cows, too

"For Jesus, the question wasn't how do I get into heaven? but how do I bring heaven here?
The question wasn't how do I get in there? but how do I get there, here?"
(from Velvet Elvis: Repainting the Christian Faith by Rob Bell, p. 147-148)

During a recent trip to visit our Alma Mater, Evangel University, Ryan & I had the opportunity to join a group of students to help clean up the aftermath of some nasty tornadoes that had hit southwest Missouri. Our particular task involved going through the fields, picking up debris that could either interfere with planting/plowing, or that could be eaten by cows when they are set to graze. Cows are especially drawn to little bits of insulation that blows everywhere during strong winds. It looks like cotton candy goodness, all the puffs of pink stuck to dry grass and barbed-wire fences. However, as you can guess, fiberglass isn't good for cow innards.

I was amazed at how the simple act of walking up and down a field, filling a Hefty bag with little bits of insulation, could make me feel connected to the work of God in the world.

In picking up the mess, I was able to participate in, well, restoration. Cleaning my own bathtub at home doesn't produce anywhere near the same feeling of taking what was broken/dirty and lending my hands to God to help make it whole/clean again.

In doing the work with others, I saw a demonstration of normal people who put aside their own plans for a Saturday morning and instead taking up the burdens of their neighbors as their own. I saw community. And selflessness.

And that, my friends, is a little slice of the kingdom.

Come on in - the door's always open

Welcome to "Tales from Sweethaven Cottage".

I'm starting this blog to capture the stories accumulated and lessons learned during this season of our lives...living at the cozy rental cottage named "Sweethaven" on the White River in Indianapolis, IN. And while this house has been nicknamed "the cool-as-hell Casa on the Rio Blanco", we feel that "Sweethaven" better describes the easy rest and peace we feel here. It's a safe retreat full of joy and goodness. It's home.

If you plan to follow this blog, be prepared for some word dumps that are boring, sloppy, and self-indulgent. Those are for my benefit, not yours--and I don't have the wisdom to always know the difference. Lucky, lucky you have the opportunity to journey along with me as I do some self-exploration and figure out why I am where I am right now, where I'm going, and what I'm doing frittering away my unique gifts and talents as a technical writer/heavy sleeper/foodie/all-around lazy girl with undiscovered passions, hopes, and dreams. Hey, if you're doing the same thing, we can do it together! What fun!

I'll try to stay away from telling you what I had for breakfast. Mostly because "two hard-boiled eggs without yolks and half a grapefruit" repeated every day will get old...though I'm sure you'll be riveted on Fridays when they bring in doughnuts at work - oh, the drama! Will she overcome the siren song of sleep early enough to snag a coveted chocolate-frosted with sprinkles? Or will she be stuck with the last lone powdered-sugar cake doughnut, destined to wear a snow-white dusting across her bosom until she notices it in the restroom mirror after her 3:30 meeting?

I hope this little discourse (and hopefully discussion) will be fun. The best I can hope is that through it, I can maybe learn something meaningful...make some new friends...get to know my place in the world a little more clearly....and possibly even stumble upon something beautiful.

Don't be shy about leaving comments. I really will appreciate hearing from you.