Here's what's on my mind today:

1. I'm wondering: will the usefulness of parachurch organizations continue into the coming decades?  And if so, will some of them focus on helping the Church effectively engage issues surrounding social justice?
2. I've been fairly consistent over the past year, praying the Compline office each night before sleep. What I've noticed is that I don't sleep nearly as well when I miss a night. Anyone else have a similar experience?
3. Ive finally started reading "Simply Christian" by N.T. Wright, and began resonnating immediately.  I'm also enjoying "Ancient-Future Time" by Webber and "The Elfstones of Shannara" by Terry Brooks.
4. My search for an associate pastor continues.  Dear friends, Dale and Rochelle Dumont -- who have been filling-in for the past 5 months, are now off to Asbury as Dale begins his M.Div.  If you think of it, please keep our need in your prayers.
   

Blessings.

Chris

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image credit: © Nicola Vernizzi, iStockphoto.com

The 2nd Ancient Evangelical Future Conference will be held November 30th - December 1st (2007) at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois.

Organizers are soliciting input regarding the upcoming conference, and would love hearing from you.  Here's the link to an anonymous online survey:

Click here.

If you've yet to read The Call to An Ancient Evangelical Future, you can download it here.

You can also download/read An Introduction to the Ancient-Future Movement by Robert E. Webber, by clicking here.

I already know of two people planning on joining me for this year's conference.  Anyone else interested?

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It continues to amaze me how popular this series of posts has been over the years (top generator of Google hits here at Paradoxology).

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I wore my black neckband shirt to my mother's funeral earlier this month -- in part, because I was to officiate at graveside, and in part, because I figured that the friend of the family who would be officiating at the funeral -- a senior chaplain at Methodist Hospital -- would likely be wearing her collar as well.

As it turned out, however, I ended up being the only one wearing "the collar" that day.  And the reaction I received wasn't at all what I expected.

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A brother said to an old man:  There are two brothers. One of them stays quietly in his cell, fasting for six days at a time, and imposing on himself a good deal of discipline, and the other serves the sick.  Which of them is more acceptable to God?  The old man replied: Even if the brother who fasts six days were to hang himself by the nose, he could not equal the one who serves the sick.
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The valley of the shadow of death...

Not a place I enjoy visiting.

A place where you "feel" alone and vulnerable even though you "know" you're not.

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The death of a loved one is strange that way, messing with the syncrinizing of head and heart (for lack of a better way to put it right now).  The shock and numbness associated with the loss of a loved one often lasts for a couple of months, and leaves you wanting to "feel normal" but unable to get there somehow.

I've been in this valley before. Several times:  when my grandmother died during my sophmore year in High School; when my grandfather died during my undergrad years; when our 1-1/2 yr. old middle child died in tragic accident; and when my father died suddenly three months later.  And for reasons I don't entirely understand, when you lose a loved one the experience tends to reopen the wound of those already gone. This seems to only intensify the sense of pain and loss at the present.

Paradoxically, however, the valley of the shadow of death is also a place where God's presence seems stronger, his grace more visable, and the prayers of friends are mysteriously felt.  And it's in light of these realities that I'm left wondering why I want out of this valley so badly.

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Photo credit: © Rene Mansi, iStockphoto.com

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A deep, heart-felt THANK YOU to all of you who posted condolences, prayers, and kind words of comfort concerning the sudden loss of my mother.  They blessed and helped me more than you'll ever know.

Mom's funeral service last Wednesday honored her well, and -- by the grace of God -- I was able to officiate at graveside; in fact, it turned out to be deeply meaningful for my family and I.

The congregation that I am privileged to serve has also surrounded my family and I in an amazing display of tenderness and support.  I am indeed a very blessed man.

I continue to covet your prayers as my sisters and I make our way through the aftermath of Mom's passing with a multitude of decisions and tasks ahead of us.

Once again, THANK YOU!

My mom passed away unexpectedly this past Friday morning.  She had just turned 70 and was beginning to enjoy her long anticipated retirement.

Although a dear friend of ours will be officiating at mom's funeral this Wednesday afternoon, I'm planning on officiating the graveside service myself.  Your prayers would mean a great deal to me, my two sisters, and all the grandchildren.

We're going to miss you, Mom.