Tuesday, September 30, 2008

"See through" faith

Been wrestling with the idea of grace alot lately. We spent a month this summer talking about GRACE at the Launch. At first, I was a bit bothered with having to come up with 5 different sermons about grace. But on the back side of that series, I feel like we barely scratched the surface.

My latest thought on grace: We simply cannot experience grace in the parts of our lives that we hide from others.

The more I think about the culture of church, the more I see how we all too often create an atmosphere where TRANSPARENCY is not really allowed. Joy is allowed (at least at the Launch). Emotion shows up on occasion. Thoughtfulness is encouraged. But if we're honest, TRANSPARENCY is discouraged.

Transparency means we let people see us as we really are. It means we're honest with ourselves, and with God, and with those around us.

The scriptures talk about being in the light; walking in the light. In the light, you can see. In the darkness, you can't see.

Have you ever seen someone try to hug a kid who doesn't really want to be hugged? That's what I think it's like to try to live in the embrace of Jesus when there are these parts of our life that we are trying to hide.

Grace is such a better way to live. It is the heart of God. It is embrace, full and unrestrained embrace, regardless of what we've done. And you can't really enjoy that embrace while your arms are crossed on your chest because you don't really want to be honest about what's going on deep down.


How do we carve out safe places in our family of faith where we can lay it all on the table and even still be reminded of the great big hug of God, garbage and all?

Monday, September 29, 2008

Melissa in Malawi

Just talked to Melissa. She called from Lilongwe, Malawi. Her and her dad are having a great trip so far. The trip there was long but fairly smooth. Until they arrived. Melissa's luggage is nowhere to be found. Pray that turns up. But its really just clothes. She'll be in phone contact for another day or so until they drive over to Mulanje where they'll be for 3 days before starting the long trip back. Keep her in your prayers.

Monday, September 22, 2008

My new favorite song EVER!!!!

Sorry about the long delay between postings. But we're back with a doozy.
Jaron's been working on some new tunes for worship. What do ya'll think of this one?

What's really revealing about this song is that it reminds us: Jesus is like a "Mountie".

That's quality.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

A time for eveything - especially for partying

Write it down:
September 7th: One Year Anniversary Celebration
and Fall Kick-off for
THE LAUNCH!!!

During worship - we're gonna celebrate what God has done this past year. It will be a nostalgic look back at the year that was. And an awe inspiring challenge for the year ahead. We'll laugh; we'll cry; we'll eat donuts.

And after worship - we're gonna party. Hope you can join us for catered BBQ. Tons of games and activities for the kiddos. And, rumor has it, a dunk tank where you can show your pastors how much you love us!!!

Remember - we're back to our normal schedule starting this Sunday!
9am - classes for all ages
10:30am - worship in "sanctuteria / cafetorium."
11:45am - BBQ / Party under the big tent in front of Barkstall.

Hope to see you there!