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".
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?
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?
posted by Sarah Notton | 11:36 PM
2 Comments:
Tonight at our house it was college students....hot dogs, hamburgers, salad, humus, whole grain goodness, and other things for our vegetarians. we spoke of life...laughed a great deal, looked at new cell phones, had a muted Astros game on...two people blogging or looking for funny clips or great trailers at all times...then it turned into listening to 'Hotel California' and 'The Last Resort' by the eagles. We talked of Christ...how the church is being reformed...relationships being more vital than programs, how the "world" views the church or the body of Christ and should that be an issue because aren't we a part of the world? How and why the church became a subculture. All agreed that there is a reformation taking place, and we need to be a part of it.
I love this vibrant group and the discussions we have of life in general. Then we all had a good laugh at the kitten's new toy...the kitty vibrator. lol.
Life....lives it. What I love most is the fact that many of these young adults are not followers of Christ.
church or not church?
CHURCH! I heartily believe that what's important about church isn't the structure or events, but the connection we have with others. Have you brought life to someone else? Do they have a clearer sense of God because of you? My husband and I are pastors and consider our most valuable ministry to be laughing with friends at the corner cafe or sitting around the fire encouraging an artist. Relationships have always been God's first priority. I love hearing what you're doing!
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