So, is the church a third place in North American society? "The church is the community that believes it is not the star of its own story." (Bertrand & Root, When Church Stops Working) This could be a deeper theological conversation and an often is and it should be. Unfortunately, outside of blogs like this, … Continue reading Is the church a great good place in the community?
Do you have a great good place?
I've lived there twenty years and I still don't feel like I'm from there. "Assumptions (1)", On Community, by Casey Plett You may already be familiar with the term, 3rd place, maybe you have only seen it here on my blog. It has been popularized over the past couple of years, especially because of outfits … Continue reading Do you have a great good place?
Purpose in Pauingassi
Thanks for having me Pauingassi! If you're not sure where that is, click here and get a bird's eye view. I realized this week that this is my 7th year of travelling north to this small community, hopefully bringing something helpful to them, something that stays with them long after I leave. Every time I … Continue reading Purpose in Pauingassi
Happy Thanksgiving… balance your wants and gives
For what are you thankful? That is a loaded question! Generally, you don't just start with that question when you run into someone, for most people, we might like to warm up to it. Gratitude is one of the most important learned and developed character traits, it impacts every element of living in community, and … Continue reading Happy Thanksgiving… balance your wants and gives
Graduation and the obstacles in life
The title may sound like a strange dichotomy, but those who you who have lived a while will understand. Everyone else, bear with me! My youngest child graduated high school this week, which in an of itself, is monumental. I have said it before and I will say it again, this is one of the … Continue reading Graduation and the obstacles in life
Do you have a community of active participants?
How many meetings have you been to and wondered, "Who is going to do all of this?!" I have been to my fair share. I know how it feels to 'organize' volunteers and suddenly realize no one has committed to anything. Or, as the much quoted legendary statistic says, you have the 'top 10%' do … Continue reading Do you have a community of active participants?
Not everything works out
My recent trip to 2 communities did not go as planned. Miscommunication and different people out of the know meant the workshops were not a success. It does not mean I didn't get to meet with some amazing people and hear their stories. You might say it was an unplanned learning experience! If you want … Continue reading Not everything works out
On Purpose: So, what is your purpose?
Do you have a purpose statement? Have you ever written one? Or do you have one memorized? Maybe you have put together a personal statement before or have been part of a process with your team or workgroup. Do you remember it? It does cause some awkwardness in meetings when you bring up the subject … Continue reading On Purpose: So, what is your purpose?
Are you in control?
Do you trust me? Such a simple question, loaded with implications. If you feverishly watched the series The Last of Us like I did, you will remember this important line from our antihero, Joel. In the moment of crisis, he asks this of Ellie, and it is a key moment in the story to come. … Continue reading Are you in control?
Advent and how we love
"What's love got to do with it?!" Tina Turner Ah yes, the title line from one of my favourite Tina Turner songs. The season is festive, and this installment of the Advent season is all about love. It is pretty fitting to talk about love as it seems to fill the whole Christmas celebration! Love is … Continue reading Advent and how we love
Advent and the season of joy!
This is the week of joy in the Advent season. People often struggle with this one, and it impacts how they lead out. There was a study done in Sweden some time back, regarding the happiness people experience in life. Is it found in completing all their goals and getting what they want? Or is … Continue reading Advent and the season of joy!
What is the church for?
Now that is an interesting question! One that many churches, at least the ones I have worked with over the years, do not ask of themselves. The more common question is: What is the church? A philosophical reason for being, an introspection into ourselves on repeat. But that is not the most helpful way to … Continue reading What is the church for?
