Children of Tanzania
Getting Their "Church Fix"

Random Thoughts

Istock_000001675632small_sm_1 Here are the things I've been thinking about over the past few days:

  • Are you celebrating "World Communion Sunday" this weekend?  And if so, how?
  • How far should we go in emphasizing inter-generational ministry in our worship gatherings?
  • Rather than "ditching" the name "Christian,"  let's start living as people-of-redemption, and earn back the reputation we've soiled (or even ruined) over the years.  Let's reject our consumeristic urges to simply go out and acquire something new, so we can just start over. Let's be willing to do the hard work, the right work of redeeming our mistakes and showing the world what Christ-ians are supposed to look like.
  • Within the United States, is anyone actually flying the "Christian flag" OVER (i.e. higher than) the "American flag"?
  • What are people saying who have now watched the docu-film, "Jesus Camp"?
  • My wife and I are still working at reducing our ecological footprint. I'm not hearing anything that would lead me to think that very many others are doing the same -- especially within The Church.

Blessings.
.

image credit: © Nicola Vernizzi, iStockphoto.com

Comments

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You'll find other Christians trying to reduce their ecological footprint etc here http://www.generous.org.uk/

We also have an Ethical Matters group in our town that meets monthly to discuss why buying Fairtrade products, buying organic and locally grown food, switching to 'green energy' etc is the way forward and better for our planet and its people.

Chris,
Good thoughts. I am ashamed to admit that I FORGOT World Communion Sunday. I think it's a good thing for those of us who don't celebrate communion every Sunday to say, "Hey, let's unite TODAY as one body..." all doing the same thing at the same time.

I also agree with your thoughts on being 'people-of-redemption' rather than 'people-of-rejection.' Seems rather... Christ-like. :)

And... in our church building the Christian flag flies higher than the American flag. It has been pointed out to me many times that I "have them backwards". :(

Thanks for sharing. Peace.
dan h.

1) Yes; the pastor talks about it and usually integrates it into communion; this is our usual day of the month to have communion anyway.
2) As far as we can.
3) Amen.
4) Physically they are the same height- and they are both in the back of the sanctuary...in fact they may possibly have disappeared from the sanctuary, which would be ok with me... I've always thought that "the Christian flag" was contrived, and the American flag does not belong in the sanctuary- put them in the fellowship hall if ya gotta have 'em.
5) I only know what I read on the InterWeb-
6) It seems to me that a lot of British Christians are concerned about this, but not so much here...I live in a very Green part of the state/country, and to my knowledge the only Christians speaking and acting on this around here are the UMethodists. Personally I have been oriented this way for a long time, and could still do better.

BTW, thanks for the magazine. Very positive. You and Jordon Cooper are the best (at least best known) reps for the Free Methodists :)

Dana

RE flags, I know you're being metaphorical. I think my more concrete answer ties in ;)

In years past the choir has sung patriotic cantatas for the annual Washington's Birthday tea, but the people who really liked to do that aren't around anymore. Otherwise we don't focus on the flag, being Presbyterians; we don't really recognize the national holidays very much, even with hymns. That's one thing I REALLY like about being a Presbyterian now. The focus is very much Jesus and living as a Christian in our glocal world.

Dana

What is World Communion Sunday? Do I lose any ecumenical cred (if I had any :>) by asking? LOL

Re. ecological footprint, I was thrilled to death that my new roommate agreed to share a CSA box. This is the most hedonistic way I can think of to eat more ecologically. I've also risked TMI to promote alternative menstrual products.

A trick is to approach such things wisely. "Green" can carry a hype of its own. For instance, I've read commentary that recycled paper actually uses more energy and creates more industrial waste than regular paper production. Buying organic food that's been flown in from somewhere isn't exactly helping the environment. Tammy linked to an article on her blog that said using a commercial car wash is better ecologically than a bucket in your driveway, because they recycle their water.

Finally, going "ancient future" might help. :) With the fasting traditions, you end up eating less and eating a vegan or semi-vegan diet for about half the year. Something so simple as eating less, or to extend the idea, re-wearing clothes so that you do less laundry, and the like...? These are not things talked about much, but sometimes we overthink problems. Our forbears did things out of necessity that we might better adopt out of choice.

Karin,

Thanks for the good word. May the "Green" that U.K. believers cherish be increasing found in the U.S.

Blessings,

Chris

Dan,

Glad to hear you've got your flags "backwards". :D

Blessings,

Chris

Dana,

Thanks for the feedback. I like the "put the flags in the fellowship hall if you must" idea. And... as far as mentioning me in the same sentence with Jordan Cooper -- wow!

"our 'glocal' world" -- NICE!

Blessings,

Chris

Gina,

As always, you have such GREAT ideas! I especially like the "wearing your clothes an extra time before washing". Or... how about taking showers every other day instead of daily. Many of our European friends think Americans are crazy for insisting on one (or more) showers/baths each day.

Blessings,

Chris

You ponder how far we should go to emphasize inter-generational ministry...I'm not sure what is beind your question, but I can say that I have gone rather far myself.

A couple of years ago we were starting a service at our church that had the potential of primarily attracting a younger congregation. I spent 6 months speaking to hundreds of our most seasoned citizens telling them that the 15 year old needs to hear the 85 year old pray and vice versa.

I believe that we are better for the effort.

jazztheologian,

"15 and 85 yr. olds" -- that's great! So... you "prep'd" them for 6 months? How about "Tweeners" (10-12 yr. olds)and even younger children?

Blessings,

Chris

As it happens, Chris, some of the members of Year of Living Generously come from your side of the pond.

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