My imaginary friend was named Marty. What was yours?
A few weeks ago I had my first train experience. Well, I'm just full of all kind of firsts lately. It was pretty neat. If it were possible, I would make it necessary to ride it each week. Oh, the places I would go, right? I doubt, however, I would want to go anywhere if I knew the experience would be something like this video.
Crowded Train
Japanese Crowded Train
Tony P: Neosonic | MySpace Video
What areas in my life are crowded right now? Where do I see myself getting pushed by others to do something? How much do I really need to get where it is everyone is going?
stay blessed...john
Crowded Train
Japanese Crowded Train
Tony P: Neosonic | MySpace Video
What areas in my life are crowded right now? Where do I see myself getting pushed by others to do something? How much do I really need to get where it is everyone is going?
stay blessed...john
The worship of God in the Christian Church has been formed and reformed, constructed and reconstructed by time and culture. Believers have shared foundational understandings of faith and practice. What is shared in belief, however, is expressed and articulated in a variety of manners. The result is a myriad of styles, customs and understandings surrounding the ideas and functions of worship in the life of members of the Church. Often, for many people, differences in these areas do not represent a diverse realm of worship experiences, but rather clear cut distinctions between us and them.
Two unfortunate repercussions occur when diversity in worship is not recognized, explored or cherished. First, the social context of a particular social group (African American, Hispanic, Anglo, etc) can be lost. The celebrations, struggles and faith forming events of a people are often expressed in worship. A single minded focus of worship neglects these aspects of the spiritual journey others have shared. Secondly, when diversity is not routine, those within the various worship traditions can lose sight of the many ways their practices are related.
To better appreciate the many expressions of faith within the Christian Church it is most appropriate to consider the image Michael Hawn describes in his book One Bread, One Body. There can never be a uniform expression of faith; that would sever specific cultural practices. Instead Hawn describes an experience of worship that considers varying traditions as part of the mosaic that is Christian worship (Hawn: p4). Each part contributes its own beauty to the overall masterpiece; no one piece can be seen alone.
Throughout the varied traditions there are common elements of worship weaved within the structures of congregational gathering, though outward demonstrations may seem different. This idea ties into Hawn’s considerations and is demonstrated in James White’s Introduction to Christian Worship. In reviewing the history of Christian worship it becomes apparent that all traditions have shared elements: public prayer, reading and preaching of scripture, community boundaries, observance of the Lord’s Supper and common “pastoral rites” (White: p24). These are core practices, though not an exhaustive listing, associated with worship that exist throughout Christianity despite what can seemingly be observed as dissimilar practices.
Both authors contribute to our understanding of a more “culturally conscious” sense of worship. One area in particular both works take time to consider is the role music plays into Christian worship. Music is given high priority by both authors. White asserts that music adds “a deeper dimension of involvement to worship” (White: p110). That is music, regardless of the type or style, allows for the gathered body of believers to move towards a more profound worship experience. A “liturgical chemistry” is created that spreads throughout the collection of rituals in a worship setting (Hawn: p115). Music allows participants the opportunity to more fully appreciate and understand their role in their liturgical setting.
Most likely many church goers do not recognize the collective practices that unite the body of Christ. Instead what is seen are overwhelming differences in practice that separate churches within Christianity. So, what they do is completely different from what we do. Or, their services are nothing like ours. This sentiment is especially true with regards to music. As unifying as music is, as both Hawn and White describe, in many ways it has been used to further divide congregations, cultures and generations.
A younger person might be inclined to consider a hymn as ancient or irrelevant. Older worship participants might view new musical styles as an attempt to entertain crowds or distort the message of the Christian faith. Conversations about church music can erupt accusations of hollow faith and artificial worship. Of course, both of these arguments could be true. One could find examples to support each opinion. What about more culturally related worship practices from outside the U.S.? It might be fair to suggest what separated the younger and older person(s) might now unite them as they consider what kind of influence, for example, an African spiritual might have in a worship setting today. These negative views are not helpful in the practice of worship.
Music does unify and bridge gaps in liturgical understandings. However, it would appear many people are content to only consider what is comfortable to their personal experience—that worship music is limited to something “I like.” This attitude stands against what Hawn describes as the mosaic of worship experience and what White views as a prominent piece of Christian worship. The result is an idolization of music. A worship experience of the living God becomes limited by the tastes and preferences of a particular group of people. If the music wasn’t “good” (either in performance or preferred style) then the time of worship wasn’t good—as if worship were a service or delicacy.
Stay blessed...john
Two unfortunate repercussions occur when diversity in worship is not recognized, explored or cherished. First, the social context of a particular social group (African American, Hispanic, Anglo, etc) can be lost. The celebrations, struggles and faith forming events of a people are often expressed in worship. A single minded focus of worship neglects these aspects of the spiritual journey others have shared. Secondly, when diversity is not routine, those within the various worship traditions can lose sight of the many ways their practices are related.
To better appreciate the many expressions of faith within the Christian Church it is most appropriate to consider the image Michael Hawn describes in his book One Bread, One Body. There can never be a uniform expression of faith; that would sever specific cultural practices. Instead Hawn describes an experience of worship that considers varying traditions as part of the mosaic that is Christian worship (Hawn: p4). Each part contributes its own beauty to the overall masterpiece; no one piece can be seen alone.
Throughout the varied traditions there are common elements of worship weaved within the structures of congregational gathering, though outward demonstrations may seem different. This idea ties into Hawn’s considerations and is demonstrated in James White’s Introduction to Christian Worship. In reviewing the history of Christian worship it becomes apparent that all traditions have shared elements: public prayer, reading and preaching of scripture, community boundaries, observance of the Lord’s Supper and common “pastoral rites” (White: p24). These are core practices, though not an exhaustive listing, associated with worship that exist throughout Christianity despite what can seemingly be observed as dissimilar practices.
Both authors contribute to our understanding of a more “culturally conscious” sense of worship. One area in particular both works take time to consider is the role music plays into Christian worship. Music is given high priority by both authors. White asserts that music adds “a deeper dimension of involvement to worship” (White: p110). That is music, regardless of the type or style, allows for the gathered body of believers to move towards a more profound worship experience. A “liturgical chemistry” is created that spreads throughout the collection of rituals in a worship setting (Hawn: p115). Music allows participants the opportunity to more fully appreciate and understand their role in their liturgical setting.
Most likely many church goers do not recognize the collective practices that unite the body of Christ. Instead what is seen are overwhelming differences in practice that separate churches within Christianity. So, what they do is completely different from what we do. Or, their services are nothing like ours. This sentiment is especially true with regards to music. As unifying as music is, as both Hawn and White describe, in many ways it has been used to further divide congregations, cultures and generations.
A younger person might be inclined to consider a hymn as ancient or irrelevant. Older worship participants might view new musical styles as an attempt to entertain crowds or distort the message of the Christian faith. Conversations about church music can erupt accusations of hollow faith and artificial worship. Of course, both of these arguments could be true. One could find examples to support each opinion. What about more culturally related worship practices from outside the U.S.? It might be fair to suggest what separated the younger and older person(s) might now unite them as they consider what kind of influence, for example, an African spiritual might have in a worship setting today. These negative views are not helpful in the practice of worship.
Music does unify and bridge gaps in liturgical understandings. However, it would appear many people are content to only consider what is comfortable to their personal experience—that worship music is limited to something “I like.” This attitude stands against what Hawn describes as the mosaic of worship experience and what White views as a prominent piece of Christian worship. The result is an idolization of music. A worship experience of the living God becomes limited by the tastes and preferences of a particular group of people. If the music wasn’t “good” (either in performance or preferred style) then the time of worship wasn’t good—as if worship were a service or delicacy.
Stay blessed...john
We will be taking time to study Revelation this week in class. I came across this video entitled When It Will Be Silent. It's a love story, I suppose. This is the kind of thing people start thinking about when the book of Revelation, end times and all that is brought up. There is more hope that that!
When it Will Be Silent (כשיהיה דומם) from Dan Sachar on Vimeo.
Stay blessed...john
+The Zeray Gazette
When it Will Be Silent (כשיהיה דומם) from Dan Sachar on Vimeo.
Stay blessed...john
+The Zeray Gazette
This was just as fun to watch as it was to listen to. Those of you who read by email here is the link to listen.
Stay blessed...john
I still haven't had time to drive by to see what it looks like without the stadium there. The Fletchers all hopped in the Minivan with thousands of our neighbors to watch the implosion of Texas Stadium. That was a first for me.
I understand being sentimental; I do. But I don't understand how some people get all emotional when talking about this stadium (or lack there of). No, it's not because I am a loud mouth Eagles fan. We won some pretty good games there, too. I thought it was alright to be able to attend the last Monday Night game there.
It was a building. I have a hard time with people crying about it. When the Vet in Philadelphia was torn down I thought the same thing.
Still, it was a little fun to watch. Here is what we saw:
You know me. I was kicking myself for not making some signs that said something like: I Was on my Way to Church Before I Saw This Building Fall Down. Now, I'm Going to Church. Wanna Come?
Anyways, bad idea. I thought people are unable to get up that early on Sunday morning? Stay blessed...john
I understand being sentimental; I do. But I don't understand how some people get all emotional when talking about this stadium (or lack there of). No, it's not because I am a loud mouth Eagles fan. We won some pretty good games there, too. I thought it was alright to be able to attend the last Monday Night game there.
It was a building. I have a hard time with people crying about it. When the Vet in Philadelphia was torn down I thought the same thing.
Still, it was a little fun to watch. Here is what we saw:
You know me. I was kicking myself for not making some signs that said something like: I Was on my Way to Church Before I Saw This Building Fall Down. Now, I'm Going to Church. Wanna Come?
Anyways, bad idea. I thought people are unable to get up that early on Sunday morning? Stay blessed...john
awesome...
Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around The World from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.
Stay blessed...john
Stand By Me | Playing For Change | Song Around The World from Concord Music Group on Vimeo.
Stay blessed...john
I kick myself every week for not having made this post earlier. Last year we got into the American Idol thing. Music is a big part of our family. So, we like to listen to what these singers can do. I don't care much for the judging panel; it's pretty ridiculous that nine times out of ten I know what each judge will say (their witty humor excluded, of course). Yo!
This is not a boast. But you should know I'm not just pulling names. Last year I correctly picked the final three contestants. Of course, I kicked myself then too for not posting anything. And, well, let's just say the final results were not a bit surprising in the Fletcher household. So, let me give you my final three picks. These are the three I picked once the final big group was comprised (15 or 20?).
Another reason to get this post out now is because one of my finalist had the fewest votes this past week. So, here they are:
And we'll see if my pick to win (Bowersox) will hold. I may need to alter the rest of the list if something crazy like Big Mike gets poor voting again.
There you have it. I have now entered the world of American Idol posting. God bless me. Stay blessed...john
This is not a boast. But you should know I'm not just pulling names. Last year I correctly picked the final three contestants. Of course, I kicked myself then too for not posting anything. And, well, let's just say the final results were not a bit surprising in the Fletcher household. So, let me give you my final three picks. These are the three I picked once the final big group was comprised (15 or 20?).
Another reason to get this post out now is because one of my finalist had the fewest votes this past week. So, here they are:
Casey James
Michael Lynche
Crystal Bowersox
There you have it. I have now entered the world of American Idol posting. God bless me. Stay blessed...john
What are your impressions of audio books? Up to now I have never heard one. However, I recently downloaded my first audio book. The driving factor was the cost; it was free.
I’ve made reference to John Acuff's website before (stuffchristianslike.net). Along with countless other people I have been a reader probably since the website was launched. His writing is not only funny, but quite able to speak to a lot of what is quirky about our faith, or about those of us in our faith. Here are just a few titles of what John knows we Christians like: Saying "I'll pray for you" then not, Chik-Fil-A, The "everyone is on vacation, anything goes" church service. (AKA tomorrow), and Avoiding Your Favorite Christian Radio Station Like the Plague During Share-a-Thon Week.
With the release of the Stuff Christians Like book, Zondervan and Arcuff has made an audio version of the book available for download for free (I heard about it from Hacking Christianity). You can download it here free for the month of April. I’ll probably get started hearing my book this Thursday.
A few questions I have are: How will I take notes? What will replace my underlines, exclamation marks and LoLs. I’ll let you know what happens. At least I'm starting with a work I know I will enjoy. Stay blessed…john
I’ve made reference to John Acuff's website before (stuffchristianslike.net). Along with countless other people I have been a reader probably since the website was launched. His writing is not only funny, but quite able to speak to a lot of what is quirky about our faith, or about those of us in our faith. Here are just a few titles of what John knows we Christians like: Saying "I'll pray for you" then not, Chik-Fil-A, The "everyone is on vacation, anything goes" church service. (AKA tomorrow), and Avoiding Your Favorite Christian Radio Station Like the Plague During Share-a-Thon Week.
With the release of the Stuff Christians Like book, Zondervan and Arcuff has made an audio version of the book available for download for free (I heard about it from Hacking Christianity). You can download it here free for the month of April. I’ll probably get started hearing my book this Thursday.
Here are some of the highlights from our church's Easter services. The first is from Easter Sunday. It is of Brittani singing God of the Sparrow, God of the Whale (United Methodist Hymnal #122).
The second is from our Good Friday service. She is singing When I Survey the Wondrous Cross set to the tune of Gift of Love (UMH #408).
Finally, this song was offered during our Maundy Thursday as an invitation to Communion.
All in all, I was so pleased with our services and our Easter egg Hunt. Over 200 people showed up (the place was packed). Hopefully, we were able to offer times for people to reflect on the importance of the life, death and resurrection of Christ. Stay blessed...john
