Obviously this post is about a week too late.
But I felt bad leaving out week 3 just because I haven't had time to blog about it.
So I'll keep this short and sweet:
Week 3 of [Advent Conspiracy] is about giving more; or, I would say, giving better.
Week 2 was about spending less overall, not giving many meaningless gifts. Week 3 is basically an extension of that - giving better, more thoughtful gifts, and then giving away some of what you've saved (from not giving all those meaningless gifts), to organizations that are doing good things in the world.
Around The Porch this Advent season, we've suggested giving to three different organizations:
More to come about these organizations later, but for now this note Dave wrote gives a good little overview of all three, if you want the cliff notes version.
Happy Christmas Eve Eve!
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
[AC] Spend Less (Part 2)
At our gathering on Sunday, our discussion began with thinking through our holiday spending. Some shared about no longer purchasing "things" as gifts; rather, giving "experiences" to loved ones for Christmas (tickets to plays, holiday river cruises, etc). A few of my friends have adopted the four gift idea - one thing you want, one thing you need, one thing you wear, and one thing you read. I shared my struggles with spending too much out of a desire to give (aka, my previous post).
Then Dave took us to Luke 3:1-6, this week's passage in the Lectionary.
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all people will see God’s salvation."
John is calling on the people to repent and turn around, looking to the coming of Jesus. (That's the idea of Advent, preparing for the coming of our Savior.). He's telling us to look at our lives - what is unnecessary? What is getting in the way of us fully inviting Jesus into our lives?
The Times
After this last week or so, I am really identifying with this idea. It has been a crazy/wonderful/difficult week in the life of the Porch, West Central, and the Pacific Northwest.
Thursday morning a friend of mine underwent a procedure to remove numerous, most likely cancerous, polyps from her stomach. This is one more thing in a long line of serious health issues, and came at an especially discouraging time for her and her family. However, when they began the procedure, the polyps were literally nowhere to be found. I may be known to joke around with the phrase "Christmas miracle", but this time I am completely serious. My dear friend was miraculously healed! This was the kind of situation where multiple specialists had seen the polyps and were extremely concerned - and none of them can understand or explain what happened. Praise God, she's healed!
Friday morning when I walked out to my car, I noticed that the street a block down from my place was blocked off. There were multiple police vehicles, a crowd of bystanders, as well as two news trucks. It turns out that, about an hour before, a body had been discovered about a block and a half down from me, in the alley behind my place. The police have no suspects.
Saturday morning, a woman was discovered dead in her home about two blocks from the Porch building. Her boyfriend is the prime suspect. He stole her car afterwards and is currently being hunted somewhere near Ellensburg, I believe.
Needless to say, 2 homicides within 4 blocks of each other, in a 24 hour period - it was a rough weekend in West Central.
And yesterday, a shooter goes on a rampage in the Clackamas Mall in Portland.
This connection may seem strange at first, but there is a Body Shop at that mall. While I do not personally know the employees who work there, my coworkers and I talk with them on the phone all the time, and my manager visits them periodically. Not to mention the fact that, when the shooting happened, I was working at my mall here in Spokane. Why did it happen at Clackamas, and not Northtown? (Thankfully, all of the Clackamas Body Shop employees are safe and sound).
This morning I saw a story from Clackamas of how an employee at the Lancôme counter at Macy's helped save a customer he was working with, showing her the safe exits out of the mall. Once she was out of harm's way, he ran back inside to help evacuate others. He commented on the fact that he knew the mall better than most of the shoppers, so he knew he would be able to help them find exits faster. I was actually in tears as I watched this, thinking of my coworkers and I - that could so easily have been any of us.
Like I said, it has been an intense week.
(In the midst of all this, I found great comfort in the December 11th [AC] reading. It's a Haitian pastor's perspective on worshipping through pain.).
Advent Hope
Which brings me back to my Luke 3 musings. In these times of healing and affliction, life and death, I keep coming back to the idea of what really matters. At this point it is pretty easy to think of things in my life that are unnecessary.
And in all of this, the most important piece is finding that hope of Advent. Right now it is really tempting to give in to fear and worry - what will happen when I walk out my door, when I walk into the mall? But hope is Advent, hope of the coming Savior.
For me, this week of looking at spending less is about more than the actual amount of money I spend on gifts this season. It's about clearing out the things that clutter up my life, materially and spiritually, making room, preparing the way for the coming Savior. Looking forward to his advent in hope and worship.
How is this second week of Advent speaking to you?
Then Dave took us to Luke 3:1-6, this week's passage in the Lectionary.
"In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— during the high-priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
And all people will see God’s salvation."
John is calling on the people to repent and turn around, looking to the coming of Jesus. (That's the idea of Advent, preparing for the coming of our Savior.). He's telling us to look at our lives - what is unnecessary? What is getting in the way of us fully inviting Jesus into our lives?
The Times
After this last week or so, I am really identifying with this idea. It has been a crazy/wonderful/difficult week in the life of the Porch, West Central, and the Pacific Northwest.
Thursday morning a friend of mine underwent a procedure to remove numerous, most likely cancerous, polyps from her stomach. This is one more thing in a long line of serious health issues, and came at an especially discouraging time for her and her family. However, when they began the procedure, the polyps were literally nowhere to be found. I may be known to joke around with the phrase "Christmas miracle", but this time I am completely serious. My dear friend was miraculously healed! This was the kind of situation where multiple specialists had seen the polyps and were extremely concerned - and none of them can understand or explain what happened. Praise God, she's healed!
Friday morning when I walked out to my car, I noticed that the street a block down from my place was blocked off. There were multiple police vehicles, a crowd of bystanders, as well as two news trucks. It turns out that, about an hour before, a body had been discovered about a block and a half down from me, in the alley behind my place. The police have no suspects.
Saturday morning, a woman was discovered dead in her home about two blocks from the Porch building. Her boyfriend is the prime suspect. He stole her car afterwards and is currently being hunted somewhere near Ellensburg, I believe.
Needless to say, 2 homicides within 4 blocks of each other, in a 24 hour period - it was a rough weekend in West Central.
And yesterday, a shooter goes on a rampage in the Clackamas Mall in Portland.
This connection may seem strange at first, but there is a Body Shop at that mall. While I do not personally know the employees who work there, my coworkers and I talk with them on the phone all the time, and my manager visits them periodically. Not to mention the fact that, when the shooting happened, I was working at my mall here in Spokane. Why did it happen at Clackamas, and not Northtown? (Thankfully, all of the Clackamas Body Shop employees are safe and sound).
This morning I saw a story from Clackamas of how an employee at the Lancôme counter at Macy's helped save a customer he was working with, showing her the safe exits out of the mall. Once she was out of harm's way, he ran back inside to help evacuate others. He commented on the fact that he knew the mall better than most of the shoppers, so he knew he would be able to help them find exits faster. I was actually in tears as I watched this, thinking of my coworkers and I - that could so easily have been any of us.
Like I said, it has been an intense week.
(In the midst of all this, I found great comfort in the December 11th [AC] reading. It's a Haitian pastor's perspective on worshipping through pain.).
Advent Hope
Which brings me back to my Luke 3 musings. In these times of healing and affliction, life and death, I keep coming back to the idea of what really matters. At this point it is pretty easy to think of things in my life that are unnecessary.
And in all of this, the most important piece is finding that hope of Advent. Right now it is really tempting to give in to fear and worry - what will happen when I walk out my door, when I walk into the mall? But hope is Advent, hope of the coming Savior.
For me, this week of looking at spending less is about more than the actual amount of money I spend on gifts this season. It's about clearing out the things that clutter up my life, materially and spiritually, making room, preparing the way for the coming Savior. Looking forward to his advent in hope and worship.
How is this second week of Advent speaking to you?
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
[AC] Spend Less (Part 1)
The second week of [Advent Conspiracy] is all about spending less.
I'm a gift giver. Anytime I see anything that reminds me of someone that I love, I want to buy/make/bake it for them. I have an extremely hard time saving gifts until the occasion they were meant for - most often I will give it to the person just because, and be left to find another gift for their birthday or Christmas. (Or I just give it to them two months early because I can't wait!).
The first year or two that The Porch took part in [AC], I mostly avoided it because I thought it meant not giving gifts at all. Obviously I wanted nothing to do with a movement that wouldn't allow me to give gifts to the people I love!
As I've become more involved with [AC], I've come to understand that the idea isn't to stop all gift-giving - rather, the idea is to stop mindless gift giving. Instead of buying countless gifts that will be quickly broken or forgotten, focus in on a few gifts that are actually meaningful.
My love for gift giving can become a real problem this time of year when all I really want to do is buy everything for everyone. In the past I have definitely racked up a bit of debt on the ol' credit card to do so. This year I'm trying to think through how I can give everything (i.e. all of me) to everyone, without buying everything. (For example, how many extra blankets do I have lying around that I can donate to Our Place? For gifts I'm buying, how many can I purchase at The Book Parlor or Boo Radley's (local retailers) instead of Target?).
In my opinion, my family has always been pretty great about giving thoughtful gifts. Growing up, my Dad would always get us each a couple of cds he thought would fit our individual musical tastes, while Mom would purchase new books for all of us. These last few Christmases we've been minimizing the actual number of gifts, and working on upping the thoughtfulness factor, or buying what is truly needed. Over the years we've given fair trade, organic scarves, purchased animals through World Vision or Heifer International in honor of loved ones, made photo books of family trips, and given homemade scarves or hats.
This year my goal was to purchase all my Christmas gifts used, at Global Neighborhood Thrift, yard sales, etc. Unfortunately, I sort of ran out of time to purchase all of my gifts that way, but did it for some! As for the rest, I'm trying to purchase items that are either needed or will be especially loved, with a few silliness factors thrown in also.
This Advent, I've challenged myself to avoid debt while being extra thoughtful in my gift giving. (And making - many of my gifts this year will be baked). Somehow I don't think Jesus' vision for Christmas had anything to do with credit cards or ribbons - based on his example, I'd say it has more to do with giving all of your self to others.
What's your plan for Christmas giving this year?
I'm a gift giver. Anytime I see anything that reminds me of someone that I love, I want to buy/make/bake it for them. I have an extremely hard time saving gifts until the occasion they were meant for - most often I will give it to the person just because, and be left to find another gift for their birthday or Christmas. (Or I just give it to them two months early because I can't wait!).
The first year or two that The Porch took part in [AC], I mostly avoided it because I thought it meant not giving gifts at all. Obviously I wanted nothing to do with a movement that wouldn't allow me to give gifts to the people I love!
As I've become more involved with [AC], I've come to understand that the idea isn't to stop all gift-giving - rather, the idea is to stop mindless gift giving. Instead of buying countless gifts that will be quickly broken or forgotten, focus in on a few gifts that are actually meaningful.
My love for gift giving can become a real problem this time of year when all I really want to do is buy everything for everyone. In the past I have definitely racked up a bit of debt on the ol' credit card to do so. This year I'm trying to think through how I can give everything (i.e. all of me) to everyone, without buying everything. (For example, how many extra blankets do I have lying around that I can donate to Our Place? For gifts I'm buying, how many can I purchase at The Book Parlor or Boo Radley's (local retailers) instead of Target?).
In my opinion, my family has always been pretty great about giving thoughtful gifts. Growing up, my Dad would always get us each a couple of cds he thought would fit our individual musical tastes, while Mom would purchase new books for all of us. These last few Christmases we've been minimizing the actual number of gifts, and working on upping the thoughtfulness factor, or buying what is truly needed. Over the years we've given fair trade, organic scarves, purchased animals through World Vision or Heifer International in honor of loved ones, made photo books of family trips, and given homemade scarves or hats.
This year my goal was to purchase all my Christmas gifts used, at Global Neighborhood Thrift, yard sales, etc. Unfortunately, I sort of ran out of time to purchase all of my gifts that way, but did it for some! As for the rest, I'm trying to purchase items that are either needed or will be especially loved, with a few silliness factors thrown in also.
This Advent, I've challenged myself to avoid debt while being extra thoughtful in my gift giving. (And making - many of my gifts this year will be baked). Somehow I don't think Jesus' vision for Christmas had anything to do with credit cards or ribbons - based on his example, I'd say it has more to do with giving all of your self to others.
What's your plan for Christmas giving this year?
Monday, December 3, 2012
[AC] Worship Fully
This first week of [AC] is focused around the idea of worshiping fully.
During our Porch gathering last night, we spent some time discussing what this means. How do we take some extra time to slow down during this season and focus in on Jesus?
Parents shared stories of advent wreaths on kitchen tables, lit candles, Bible reading, and discussion over family dinners. (Growing up we would use that tall countdown candle that had 25 numbers and pictures on it, that way each night you let it burn through one day, getting us that much closer to Christmas. Of course we also would read Bible stories with our advent calendar in the evenings; I just always loved that candle!).
A friend of mine asked a question that I was wondering also: it seems that all these advent traditions are focused around families with children - but what do you do if you don't have kids?
(I was thinking - what do I do if it's just me?).
In response, others shared about special advent devotionals, or Pandora stations that helped them focus in and worship.
For starters, I've decided to begin using [AC]'s interactive daily advent calendar.
I've also decided to try to be more disciplined about spending time in prayer, silence, and Bible reading. What better way to slow down, quiet our hearts, and focus in on Jesus than by, you know, actually setting aside a chunk of time to be with him?
For me, this also means I'll be cutting down the amount of time I waste on facebook. This doesn't mean I'm not using it at all, it just means that, when I get up in the mornings, I won't spend my first 20 minutes just scrolling through my facebook feed. Instead I'll use that time in a more productive way, like washing the dishes, or taking extra time for my daily Disciplines reading.
What about all of you? How are you centering in and worshiping fully this advent season?
During our Porch gathering last night, we spent some time discussing what this means. How do we take some extra time to slow down during this season and focus in on Jesus?
Parents shared stories of advent wreaths on kitchen tables, lit candles, Bible reading, and discussion over family dinners. (Growing up we would use that tall countdown candle that had 25 numbers and pictures on it, that way each night you let it burn through one day, getting us that much closer to Christmas. Of course we also would read Bible stories with our advent calendar in the evenings; I just always loved that candle!).
A friend of mine asked a question that I was wondering also: it seems that all these advent traditions are focused around families with children - but what do you do if you don't have kids?
(I was thinking - what do I do if it's just me?).
In response, others shared about special advent devotionals, or Pandora stations that helped them focus in and worship.
For starters, I've decided to begin using [AC]'s interactive daily advent calendar.
I've also decided to try to be more disciplined about spending time in prayer, silence, and Bible reading. What better way to slow down, quiet our hearts, and focus in on Jesus than by, you know, actually setting aside a chunk of time to be with him?
For me, this also means I'll be cutting down the amount of time I waste on facebook. This doesn't mean I'm not using it at all, it just means that, when I get up in the mornings, I won't spend my first 20 minutes just scrolling through my facebook feed. Instead I'll use that time in a more productive way, like washing the dishes, or taking extra time for my daily Disciplines reading.
What about all of you? How are you centering in and worshiping fully this advent season?
[The Advent Conspiracy]
The last few years The Porch has taken part in Advent Conspiracy. This is a movement started a few years back by a group of churches that really wanted to let go of the consumerism that has taken over Christmas. Basically, it's all about refocusing our lives and hearts in this season of Advent - turning them back to the Savior that changed the world, and endeavoring to live lives of love and service that honor his life and story (aka Can Christmas Still Change the World?).
Even though The Porch has been a part of this movement for awhile, personally I never really took the time to connect to it.
As a student, life was just so busy around this time of year; all I could really do was look forward to a break.
In Costa Rica, things were pretty similar, with the added bonus of looking forward to seeing family and friends I hadn't seen in months.
After I started working retail last year, the idea of have weeks off around Christmas changed. Suddenly, I only had a 24-36 hour period to head to my folks' place and celebrate Christmas. We didn't even make it to a Christmas Eve service because we really wanted to take advantage of our time together as a family.
This year it's my goal is to really lean into the plan and vision of [AC]. The last few years I have just felt so disconnected from Advent; this year I want that to change.
Based on four tenets [Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All], [AC] encourages us to take the time to slow down and focus in on the Savior whose advent we're meant to be preparing for. Over the next few weeks I plan to get into each of these topics, sharing thoughts and ideas based on discussions around The Porch, as well as my personal experiences.
If you're feeling discouraged by how much debt you accrue this time of year, or struggle to remember why Christmas is anything more than time with family and gifts, I invite you to join in the [AC]. This season, let's turn Christmas upside down.
Even though The Porch has been a part of this movement for awhile, personally I never really took the time to connect to it.
As a student, life was just so busy around this time of year; all I could really do was look forward to a break.
In Costa Rica, things were pretty similar, with the added bonus of looking forward to seeing family and friends I hadn't seen in months.
After I started working retail last year, the idea of have weeks off around Christmas changed. Suddenly, I only had a 24-36 hour period to head to my folks' place and celebrate Christmas. We didn't even make it to a Christmas Eve service because we really wanted to take advantage of our time together as a family.
This year it's my goal is to really lean into the plan and vision of [AC]. The last few years I have just felt so disconnected from Advent; this year I want that to change.
Based on four tenets [Worship Fully, Spend Less, Give More, Love All], [AC] encourages us to take the time to slow down and focus in on the Savior whose advent we're meant to be preparing for. Over the next few weeks I plan to get into each of these topics, sharing thoughts and ideas based on discussions around The Porch, as well as my personal experiences.
If you're feeling discouraged by how much debt you accrue this time of year, or struggle to remember why Christmas is anything more than time with family and gifts, I invite you to join in the [AC]. This season, let's turn Christmas upside down.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Merger Poem
A friend and West Central pastor posted this poem on facebook a few days back, we used it in our Porch gathering on Sunday, and now I thought I'd share it with all of you.
It's that good.
Especially if you read it in the context of The Lord's Prayer - "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven":
(for Reign of Christ Sunday)
Merger Poem, by Judy Chicago
And then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power
And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person will be subject to another's will
And then all will be rich and free and varied
It's that good.
Especially if you read it in the context of The Lord's Prayer - "thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven":
(for Reign of Christ Sunday)
Merger Poem, by Judy Chicago
And then all that has divided us will merge
And then compassion will be wedded to power
And then softness will come to a world that is harsh and unkind
And then both men and women will be gentle
And then both women and men will be strong
And then no person will be subject to another's will
And then all will be rich and free and varied
And then the greed of some will give way to the needs of many
And then all will share equally in the Earth's abundance
And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old
And then all will nourish the young
And then all will cherish life's creatures
And then all will live in harmony with each other and the Earth
And then everywhere will be called Eden once again
And then all will share equally in the Earth's abundance
And then all will care for the sick and the weak and the old
And then all will nourish the young
And then all will cherish life's creatures
And then all will live in harmony with each other and the Earth
And then everywhere will be called Eden once again
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Thankful
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I thought I'd jot down a little list of things I'm thankful for:
On a separate note, I am not as thankful for the dead mouse I found on the floor of the office yesterday. I guess I'm thankful that it died of apparently natural causes, and wasn't in a gross/messy trap. It was kind of a sad little sight to behold.
There are so many other things I'm thankful for, these are just the ones I came up with off the top of my head. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving shared with family and friends. Whoever you are reading this blog, know that I'm thankful for you!
- my family coming to my apartment for Thanksgiving
- the 2 teaspoons of baking soda my neighbors gave me so that I could finish making pumpkin chocolate chip bread on Thanksgiving
- surviving the craziest Black Friday schedule of my life :-)
- the strong, hardworking, beautiful women I work with at The Body Shop
- living in the beautiful West Central community - I love this area and my wonderful neighbors!
- Indaba Coffee Bar (this is obvious, right?) - the neighborhood gathering place where I get to enjoy tasty treats and the company of friends
- Let's expand that to just "coffee in general"
- My current playlist - a blend of The Head & The Heart, The Civil Wars, Band of Horses, etc.
- My wonderful family - especially my parents who continue to support me in all endeavors, even crazy things like giving up high paying jobs in order to raise my own salary and serve at my church...
- The Porch people - this group of crazy people who are like family to me!
- A deepening relationship with Jesus Christ - my guide, strength and faithful provider of all of my needs
- All the wonderful people who are praying for my ministry and supporting me financially - I wouldn't be able to follow God's call to this ministry without a team of faithful supporters!
On a separate note, I am not as thankful for the dead mouse I found on the floor of the office yesterday. I guess I'm thankful that it died of apparently natural causes, and wasn't in a gross/messy trap. It was kind of a sad little sight to behold.
There are so many other things I'm thankful for, these are just the ones I came up with off the top of my head. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving shared with family and friends. Whoever you are reading this blog, know that I'm thankful for you!
Monday, November 5, 2012
Porch Office Times
Work at the Porch happens in many different locations - Indaba, multiple other coffee shops, at my kitchen table, sometimes even in the actual office (I know, right?). The last week or so, I've been trying to get work done in the office. This usually isn't too difficult, considering Dave (pastor) and I are more or less the only Porch employees (with a few other people in and out).
Since I've been spending so much time in the office lately, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite office related moments with y'all.
Following are a few Porch Office Times gems, for your enjoyment.
(Aka - office interactions that I find hilarious and thought I'd share with the rest of you).
A text conversation between Dave and me:
Me: "Someone turned my office recycle bin into a garbage can :-("
Dave: "I'll send out an interoffice memo. I wonder if anyone will fess up!"
Facebook a few days later:
My status: "Finding moldy coffee cups randomly strewn in the office? Not abnormal. Realizing the newest moldy coffee cup is my own? Embarrassing".
Dave's comment: "Ha! I'm not the only slob who works here!"
Yep. Always lots of good fun to be had around the Porch office.
Since I've been spending so much time in the office lately, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite office related moments with y'all.
Following are a few Porch Office Times gems, for your enjoyment.
(Aka - office interactions that I find hilarious and thought I'd share with the rest of you).
A text conversation between Dave and me:
Me: "Someone turned my office recycle bin into a garbage can :-("
Dave: "I'll send out an interoffice memo. I wonder if anyone will fess up!"
Facebook a few days later:
My status: "Finding moldy coffee cups randomly strewn in the office? Not abnormal. Realizing the newest moldy coffee cup is my own? Embarrassing".
Dave's comment: "Ha! I'm not the only slob who works here!"
Yep. Always lots of good fun to be had around the Porch office.
Tuition Freedom Day
Sometime around March, Whitworth students celebrate Tuition Freedom Day.
This is the day when money donated to the Whitworth Fund from Alumni & Friends kicks in to cover the rest of student costs for the year. Let's just say this day is generally celebrated by all.
Well, I'm happy to say that yesterday was like my own little Tuition Freedom Day.
That is, yesterday I got a check that puts me essentially at full funding!
(If you don't know what I'm talking about - since June I have been raising most of my own support to work at the Porch. Friends and family have been making monthly pledges and one-time donations to support me for the next year. And yesterday I got a check covering the last monthly pledge/funding I was working to raise - so now I'm essentially fully funded!).
Praise God for funding and paychecks!
He has been so faithful in providing for my every need, and this was a huge one (the last 35% of the support I needed to raise!). After about 5 months of raising support, it is such a freeing feeling to know that I am basically funded for this year.
A huge thank you to all of you who have donated to my support fund, bought me groceries when my fridge was empty, given me fresh produce from their gardens, taken pity on my sad running shoes, etc. And an even bigger thank you to those of you who are still supporting me monthly - my neighbors/landlords are very grateful when I receive paychecks and can pay the rent.
I am so grateful for the way that my friends and family (especially my Porch family) have pitched in to provide for my needs, enabling me to work and serve in a neighborhood I love, doing work that I'm passionate about. I am so blessed to be a part of the Porch - a group of people endeavoring to follow Jesus in faith, hope and love.
Praise God for full funding and a beautiful, talented church family!
This is the day when money donated to the Whitworth Fund from Alumni & Friends kicks in to cover the rest of student costs for the year. Let's just say this day is generally celebrated by all.
Well, I'm happy to say that yesterday was like my own little Tuition Freedom Day.
That is, yesterday I got a check that puts me essentially at full funding!
(If you don't know what I'm talking about - since June I have been raising most of my own support to work at the Porch. Friends and family have been making monthly pledges and one-time donations to support me for the next year. And yesterday I got a check covering the last monthly pledge/funding I was working to raise - so now I'm essentially fully funded!).
Praise God for funding and paychecks!
He has been so faithful in providing for my every need, and this was a huge one (the last 35% of the support I needed to raise!). After about 5 months of raising support, it is such a freeing feeling to know that I am basically funded for this year.
A huge thank you to all of you who have donated to my support fund, bought me groceries when my fridge was empty, given me fresh produce from their gardens, taken pity on my sad running shoes, etc. And an even bigger thank you to those of you who are still supporting me monthly - my neighbors/landlords are very grateful when I receive paychecks and can pay the rent.
I am so grateful for the way that my friends and family (especially my Porch family) have pitched in to provide for my needs, enabling me to work and serve in a neighborhood I love, doing work that I'm passionate about. I am so blessed to be a part of the Porch - a group of people endeavoring to follow Jesus in faith, hope and love.
Praise God for full funding and a beautiful, talented church family!
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Hope of the Earth [Jesus for President]
Within moments of Mitt Romney’s closing argument, my facebook feed was blowing up with responses to the comment about the United States being “the hope of the earth”.
So let’s talk about hope.
I had the awesome opportunity this week to hear Shane Claiborne speak at Whitworth. One of the co-founders of The Simple Way, author of Irresistible Revolution and Jesus for President, and a leader in the New Monastic Movement, suffice it to say that I’ve been looking forward to this lecture for months. (He also co-authored Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, the book that has been revolutionizing my prayer and devotional life these last 9 months).
Speaking about Christians in American political life, Shane gave new perspective and ideas on how we may follow Christ in our current political system, seeking a prophetic imagination and voice. However, what spoke to me the most was something he said about hope – that in this political season, we are in grave danger of misplacing our hope.
This post isn’t about convincing you who you should or shouldn’t vote for. I do hope that you vote, as we are hugely blessed to live in a nation that allows us to do so in peace and safety. (I loved Shane’s words about voting as a form as damage control). As we decide which candidate or party we will support in this season, let us remember true hope should never be placed in any one candidate or political party.
And let me say this:
NO Mr. Romney – the United States of America never has been, and never will be the Hope of the Earth.
NO to every politician, Republican, Democrat or otherwise, who has ever made similar claims– no nation will ever serve as the Hope of the Earth.
Only one ever has been, and ever will be the Hope of the Earth – and he was no politician.
In this season of political turmoil and anger, division and manipulation, let us not misplace our hope.
Jesus is the only Hope of the Earth, and in him alone will I place my hope.
So let’s talk about hope.
I had the awesome opportunity this week to hear Shane Claiborne speak at Whitworth. One of the co-founders of The Simple Way, author of Irresistible Revolution and Jesus for President, and a leader in the New Monastic Movement, suffice it to say that I’ve been looking forward to this lecture for months. (He also co-authored Common Prayer: A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals, the book that has been revolutionizing my prayer and devotional life these last 9 months).
Speaking about Christians in American political life, Shane gave new perspective and ideas on how we may follow Christ in our current political system, seeking a prophetic imagination and voice. However, what spoke to me the most was something he said about hope – that in this political season, we are in grave danger of misplacing our hope.
This post isn’t about convincing you who you should or shouldn’t vote for. I do hope that you vote, as we are hugely blessed to live in a nation that allows us to do so in peace and safety. (I loved Shane’s words about voting as a form as damage control). As we decide which candidate or party we will support in this season, let us remember true hope should never be placed in any one candidate or political party.
And let me say this:
NO Mr. Romney – the United States of America never has been, and never will be the Hope of the Earth.
NO to every politician, Republican, Democrat or otherwise, who has ever made similar claims– no nation will ever serve as the Hope of the Earth.
Only one ever has been, and ever will be the Hope of the Earth – and he was no politician.
In this season of political turmoil and anger, division and manipulation, let us not misplace our hope.
Jesus is the only Hope of the Earth, and in him alone will I place my hope.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Community
A few weeks back, my dear friend Danielle and I were talking about our day. As I was going on about how lovely my afternoon was - working at Indaba, running into all sorts of friends and neighbors, then visiting the West Central Marketplace (Tuesdays, 3-6pm) and seeing other friends - she stopped me by saying "That's because you're living in community again! It's like when we went to Whitworth. I could never have that kind of community up north."
And Danielle is completely right. I haven't experienced this kind of tight-knit community since Whitworth, when we were all living together, eating together, doing everything in the same block of buildings together, seven days a week. I am so blessed to have gone to a school that worked tirelessly to teach us what it means to live and love in community. It is the most glorious feeling to have that kind of community again. Only now this is my neighborhood (aka real life - not that strange and magical phase called college).
I walk down the street and see my neighbors as I pass. Working at the coffee shop I get to catch up with my neighbor Rachel, my friends who make such tasty coffee treats, others who work in the neighborhood and are getting some caffeine while they work. At the Marketplace I catch up with my friends who grow beautiful produce just blocks from my home, and with my neighbor who bakes fresh bread and sweets. At different Porch gatherings and coffee dates throughout the week, I connect with a group of people who is quickly becoming family to me.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that "[t]he person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community". This type of community isn't something that can be forced. This is just what happens when we live life together in love.
It's hard to believe I've been in the neighborhood for 4 months now. I am so grateful for the way this community has embraced me - allowing me to jump right into its hurts, struggles, joys - into its life.
Thank you West Central for taking me in, allowing me to become a part of the myriad names, faces, occupations, skills, lives - accepting me as a part of you.
And Danielle is completely right. I haven't experienced this kind of tight-knit community since Whitworth, when we were all living together, eating together, doing everything in the same block of buildings together, seven days a week. I am so blessed to have gone to a school that worked tirelessly to teach us what it means to live and love in community. It is the most glorious feeling to have that kind of community again. Only now this is my neighborhood (aka real life - not that strange and magical phase called college).
I walk down the street and see my neighbors as I pass. Working at the coffee shop I get to catch up with my neighbor Rachel, my friends who make such tasty coffee treats, others who work in the neighborhood and are getting some caffeine while they work. At the Marketplace I catch up with my friends who grow beautiful produce just blocks from my home, and with my neighbor who bakes fresh bread and sweets. At different Porch gatherings and coffee dates throughout the week, I connect with a group of people who is quickly becoming family to me.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer said that "[t]he person who loves their dream of community will destroy community, but the person who loves those around them will create community". This type of community isn't something that can be forced. This is just what happens when we live life together in love.
It's hard to believe I've been in the neighborhood for 4 months now. I am so grateful for the way this community has embraced me - allowing me to jump right into its hurts, struggles, joys - into its life.
Thank you West Central for taking me in, allowing me to become a part of the myriad names, faces, occupations, skills, lives - accepting me as a part of you.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
A Celebration
This is an exciting time to be a part of the life of The Porch.
(Okay, it's history lesson time).
The Porch came into being a little over 6 years ago. In the Christian & Missionary Alliance (CMA) denomination, when a new church begins it is known as a "Church Plant". As time passed we went from meeting monthly, to weekly, to purchasing our own building and settling down in this lovely neighborhood we call West Central. We've been in the neighborhood for about 4 years now.
The last few months we've been going through the process with the denomination of becoming an "Established Church" (as opposed to a "Church Plant"). It's kind of like graduating from high school - first we were a little plant, not quite ready to do everything on our own so the District CMA office "parented" us; now we're graduated and told "you're adults, take control of your life and future, you're ready and able".
To mark this change in our church status, a few Sundays ago our friend Randy from the District office came to visit. We made a celebration out of it - a light, homemade meal (thank you Badria & Linda!), a different worship set up, a friend visiting to talk with us about Global Neighborhood (look forward to a post all about them soon), and such. It all culminated with Dave and Randy sitting in front of the gathering, walking us through the details. Then Randy took a moment to ask us to solemnly consider this a planting a stake in the ground moment - that from here on out things are different.
This whole service was extremely moving for me. Daily I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have this beautiful opportunity to live in this neighborhood, working with people I know and love, serving in the name of Christ. But this gathering was even more for me - it was a very real moment - a moment where you can feel God's hand moving, guiding our paths and plans. And I was so grateful to be a part of it. While changing status with the denomination doesn't really change anything about the way the people in The Porch function, it is still a pretty amazing deal.
Like I said, it's an exciting time the be a part of the life of The Porch, and I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of it.
(Okay, it's history lesson time).
The Porch came into being a little over 6 years ago. In the Christian & Missionary Alliance (CMA) denomination, when a new church begins it is known as a "Church Plant". As time passed we went from meeting monthly, to weekly, to purchasing our own building and settling down in this lovely neighborhood we call West Central. We've been in the neighborhood for about 4 years now.
The last few months we've been going through the process with the denomination of becoming an "Established Church" (as opposed to a "Church Plant"). It's kind of like graduating from high school - first we were a little plant, not quite ready to do everything on our own so the District CMA office "parented" us; now we're graduated and told "you're adults, take control of your life and future, you're ready and able".
To mark this change in our church status, a few Sundays ago our friend Randy from the District office came to visit. We made a celebration out of it - a light, homemade meal (thank you Badria & Linda!), a different worship set up, a friend visiting to talk with us about Global Neighborhood (look forward to a post all about them soon), and such. It all culminated with Dave and Randy sitting in front of the gathering, walking us through the details. Then Randy took a moment to ask us to solemnly consider this a planting a stake in the ground moment - that from here on out things are different.
This whole service was extremely moving for me. Daily I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have this beautiful opportunity to live in this neighborhood, working with people I know and love, serving in the name of Christ. But this gathering was even more for me - it was a very real moment - a moment where you can feel God's hand moving, guiding our paths and plans. And I was so grateful to be a part of it. While changing status with the denomination doesn't really change anything about the way the people in The Porch function, it is still a pretty amazing deal.
Like I said, it's an exciting time the be a part of the life of The Porch, and I couldn't be more grateful to be a part of it.
Monday, September 24, 2012
A Prayer for West Central
This morning I got a phone call from my Mom: "So, tell me all about the stabbing in West Central last night!".
I'd seen the ambulance, fire truck, multiple police and sheriff cars about 4 blocks west of The Porch as I was heading out after our gathering last night, but hadn't heard what actually happened. Thanks for the info Mom; I guess I'll go ahead and sign up for the news text alerts, so that I can have a clue what's happening around me. (Here's the link to the story of last night, if you're interested.).
Last weekend some friends who live 7 or 8 blocks north of me were awakened by a helicopter searchlight shining through their window in the middle of the night. Apparently someone had tried to rob the nearby gas station. The lady who works there packs, and rumor has it she shot the person trying to rob her. The searchlight was the police attempting to hunt the guy down.
A few days ago when I got into the Porch office, there was a message from the Department of Corrections notifying us of a warrant out for a man in the neighborhood. At some point the man had mentioned our church, so they wanted us to know that he is a violent sex offender and they're trying to find him. Call 911 immediately if we see him.
This morning I got to the Porch building and discovered new graffiti on a side window and our back garage doors. (No worries, Dave scraped some of it off, and painted over the rest of it).
This is nothing new. This is urban life, urban struggle. This isn't unique to Spokane, or even West Central. Honestly, in many ways, WC reminds me a lot of the neighborhood I grew up in in Moses Lake.
This is fallen, hurting, broken humanity.
Love or Fear?
The last few months we've been going through 1st John at our Sunday Porch gatherings. We've been talking a great deal about our decision making processes - are our actions based out of love or fear?
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us."
1 John 4:18-19 (TNIV)
I love my neighborhood. I'm getting to know my neighbors. As I run in the mornings, I'm learning about new places and admiring buildings, house by house, block by block. There is always something new to see. And I am seriously loving it.
I tell you about all these things going down in my neighborhood not to make you fear for my life (I certainly don't), but rather, to ask you to help me hope for the future.
Pray for West Central.
Pray that our neighborhood can know the love of Christ. That love will cast out fear, and bring hope and healing to the place I now call home.
Instruments of Peace
A few weeks ago the Whitworth Facebook network was exploding with links to this prayer. Jena Lee Nardella, the Whitworth alum who cofounded Blood:Water Mission with Jars of Clay, gave the benediction the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. Please follow that link and read or watch it - it was the most inspiring prayer about letting go of the ugliness of politics, and simply seeking justice and mercy as we endeavor to walk humbly with our God.
She finished her prayer with that of St. Francis of Assisi, and I will here do the same:
My Prayer for West Central
"Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen."
Amen.
I'd seen the ambulance, fire truck, multiple police and sheriff cars about 4 blocks west of The Porch as I was heading out after our gathering last night, but hadn't heard what actually happened. Thanks for the info Mom; I guess I'll go ahead and sign up for the news text alerts, so that I can have a clue what's happening around me. (Here's the link to the story of last night, if you're interested.).
Last weekend some friends who live 7 or 8 blocks north of me were awakened by a helicopter searchlight shining through their window in the middle of the night. Apparently someone had tried to rob the nearby gas station. The lady who works there packs, and rumor has it she shot the person trying to rob her. The searchlight was the police attempting to hunt the guy down.
A few days ago when I got into the Porch office, there was a message from the Department of Corrections notifying us of a warrant out for a man in the neighborhood. At some point the man had mentioned our church, so they wanted us to know that he is a violent sex offender and they're trying to find him. Call 911 immediately if we see him.
This morning I got to the Porch building and discovered new graffiti on a side window and our back garage doors. (No worries, Dave scraped some of it off, and painted over the rest of it).
This is nothing new. This is urban life, urban struggle. This isn't unique to Spokane, or even West Central. Honestly, in many ways, WC reminds me a lot of the neighborhood I grew up in in Moses Lake.
This is fallen, hurting, broken humanity.
Love or Fear?
The last few months we've been going through 1st John at our Sunday Porch gatherings. We've been talking a great deal about our decision making processes - are our actions based out of love or fear?
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us."
1 John 4:18-19 (TNIV)
I love my neighborhood. I'm getting to know my neighbors. As I run in the mornings, I'm learning about new places and admiring buildings, house by house, block by block. There is always something new to see. And I am seriously loving it.
I tell you about all these things going down in my neighborhood not to make you fear for my life (I certainly don't), but rather, to ask you to help me hope for the future.
Pray for West Central.
Pray that our neighborhood can know the love of Christ. That love will cast out fear, and bring hope and healing to the place I now call home.
Instruments of Peace
A few weeks ago the Whitworth Facebook network was exploding with links to this prayer. Jena Lee Nardella, the Whitworth alum who cofounded Blood:Water Mission with Jars of Clay, gave the benediction the opening night of the Democratic National Convention. Please follow that link and read or watch it - it was the most inspiring prayer about letting go of the ugliness of politics, and simply seeking justice and mercy as we endeavor to walk humbly with our God.
She finished her prayer with that of St. Francis of Assisi, and I will here do the same:
My Prayer for West Central
"Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.
Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen."
Amen.
Friday, August 31, 2012
The Neighbs
It's sweet to become a neighbor.
Oftentimes we get so caught up in the busyness of our own lives that we forget about the people living life right next to us. At least, I know I can definitely be accused of living this way at times. And while I think life is all about rhythms - in some periods we need more solitude, and in others more community - I think simply being neighborly is something we can easily forget.
Here in West Central, I'm trying to become more of a neighbor. It's crazy to me that I've already been living here for 2 months! In some ways I'm making real progress, and in other ways I still don't even know the people that live next door. This is something I've decided I'm going to try to work on and be more intentional about doing, getting to know the people around me better.
Becoming a neighbor is something that happens slowly but surely. I love living here, walking from home, to the office, to Indaba, etc, and running into people that I know. The more I see of WC, the more I love it. And I love becoming a part of this awesome little community. (As a Whitworth alum, I am obviously a community junkie. So much so that my favorite TV show even carries that title - Community). I love that every day I meet new people. It's exciting to think about the work/life/friend prospects of just knowing and caring about all the people in close proximity to you. But I'm realizing that I need to push myself a bit more to really get out there and meet my neighbors. The more I dig in around here, the more grateful I am for these people, this place, this opportunity.
My living situation is no exception. I love getting my own space, but living on the same plot/compound with others. It's awesome that I have an assigned laundry day because 7 of us share the washer and dryer. I am experiencing the Biblical theme of community in an entirely new way these days - at home in the Caraway Commune, with my Porch family, and just living in WC. I have a feeling this is a theme I'll be revisiting over and over.
So don't be alarmed if you hear me singing "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" a little more often. Mister Rogers seemed to have some things figured out.
Oftentimes we get so caught up in the busyness of our own lives that we forget about the people living life right next to us. At least, I know I can definitely be accused of living this way at times. And while I think life is all about rhythms - in some periods we need more solitude, and in others more community - I think simply being neighborly is something we can easily forget.
Here in West Central, I'm trying to become more of a neighbor. It's crazy to me that I've already been living here for 2 months! In some ways I'm making real progress, and in other ways I still don't even know the people that live next door. This is something I've decided I'm going to try to work on and be more intentional about doing, getting to know the people around me better.
Becoming a neighbor is something that happens slowly but surely. I love living here, walking from home, to the office, to Indaba, etc, and running into people that I know. The more I see of WC, the more I love it. And I love becoming a part of this awesome little community. (As a Whitworth alum, I am obviously a community junkie. So much so that my favorite TV show even carries that title - Community). I love that every day I meet new people. It's exciting to think about the work/life/friend prospects of just knowing and caring about all the people in close proximity to you. But I'm realizing that I need to push myself a bit more to really get out there and meet my neighbors. The more I dig in around here, the more grateful I am for these people, this place, this opportunity.
My living situation is no exception. I love getting my own space, but living on the same plot/compound with others. It's awesome that I have an assigned laundry day because 7 of us share the washer and dryer. I am experiencing the Biblical theme of community in an entirely new way these days - at home in the Caraway Commune, with my Porch family, and just living in WC. I have a feeling this is a theme I'll be revisiting over and over.
So don't be alarmed if you hear me singing "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" a little more often. Mister Rogers seemed to have some things figured out.
Spam & Details
A few minutes ago as I was cleaning out the Spam folder of my email I noticed one entitled "Love Your Job". As I glanced at the next line of it, it said something about "Don't love your job? Find a new one!". My immediate response was - "no, I love my job, thanks anyway though spam email".
I love that I love my job.
There is something so freeing about struggling for months and months, agonizing over the next step, and then finally figuring it out. In fact, the day that I for real, for real committed to working at the Porch, that was one of the first things Dave said to me - "You seem free; more confident". I guess that's what happens when you finally get The Word and go for it. There is something so freeing, and so joy giving about knowing God's will and then living in it. It feels so good to know that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Anyway, I'm starting to get into a bit of groove around here. Trying to schedule a few different meetings or visits each week, getting to know all that's happening in West Central. And then it's a lot of office time (either in my actual office, or at Indaba, my preferred local coffee shop/office). Office time means exactly what you think it means - lots of emails, phone calls, database work, organizing, cleaning, etc. I'm excited though - we're getting some good details set and organized that should make life around the Porch a lot easier for everyone.
On a separate note, I think I'm going to start giving shout outs in some of my posts to organizations in West Central that I think are doing good work. Part of my work with the Porch is narrowing down the field of options to find places that we are best fit to serve with. However, there are lots of organizations in this area that deserve support. So I've decided to start a little section at the bottom of my blog called the West Central Shout out. Here goes:
West Central Shout Out
This one goes to PROJECT HOPE.
Their Riverfront Farms, Green Collar Job Corps, West Central Marketplace, and West Central Lawn Care projects are all pretty stellar, providing employment and job training to local students.
If you're a Spokane reader, consider lending a helping hand this fall. They need lots of help harvesting their gardens Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
Contact me if you want more info, and be sure to check out their site.
I love that I love my job.
There is something so freeing about struggling for months and months, agonizing over the next step, and then finally figuring it out. In fact, the day that I for real, for real committed to working at the Porch, that was one of the first things Dave said to me - "You seem free; more confident". I guess that's what happens when you finally get The Word and go for it. There is something so freeing, and so joy giving about knowing God's will and then living in it. It feels so good to know that I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Anyway, I'm starting to get into a bit of groove around here. Trying to schedule a few different meetings or visits each week, getting to know all that's happening in West Central. And then it's a lot of office time (either in my actual office, or at Indaba, my preferred local coffee shop/office). Office time means exactly what you think it means - lots of emails, phone calls, database work, organizing, cleaning, etc. I'm excited though - we're getting some good details set and organized that should make life around the Porch a lot easier for everyone.
On a separate note, I think I'm going to start giving shout outs in some of my posts to organizations in West Central that I think are doing good work. Part of my work with the Porch is narrowing down the field of options to find places that we are best fit to serve with. However, there are lots of organizations in this area that deserve support. So I've decided to start a little section at the bottom of my blog called the West Central Shout out. Here goes:
West Central Shout Out
This one goes to PROJECT HOPE.
Their Riverfront Farms, Green Collar Job Corps, West Central Marketplace, and West Central Lawn Care projects are all pretty stellar, providing employment and job training to local students.
If you're a Spokane reader, consider lending a helping hand this fall. They need lots of help harvesting their gardens Tuesday mornings and Thursday afternoons.
Contact me if you want more info, and be sure to check out their site.
Monday, August 20, 2012
Life is Good
This phrase will forever make me think of Lindy Scott. Throughout all the ups and downs of our work in Costa Rica, Lindy would just take a deep breath, and calmly remind us that "life is good". And he was always so right. I just marveled at his leadership when he would use that little phrase to remind us all to take a step back from the insanity/stress/worry of the moment and realize that, truly, our lives were awesome.
I've been thinking about my time in CR a lot lately. And I've been marveling at God's timing throughout all of this.
Most of you probably don't know this, but a few months before graduation (in the spring of 2010), Dave (pastor at the Porch) and I were ready to go for it. We were going to just create this position, I was going to be the newest employee at the Porch, it was all going to happen.
And then over a series of events (in about 3 days) God made it really clear that I was supposed to take another look at this whole volunteering in CR thing. Long story short, I applied, got the job and moved to CR. And felt like the worst Porch person ever for leading Dave and that community on.
Here we are 2 years later, and all the things we were just starting to dream about are now happening. I live in dear ol' West Central, I'm on staff at the Porch, and we're all together focusing on ways that we can become more invested in our neighborhood.
Which bring me back to my original musing - I've been thinking about my time in CR a lot because my work right here and now in WC reminds me SO MUCH of our work those first few months in CR. My work now is "easier" in many ways because I have a broader, better established network to tap into, with many connections already existing on some level, and, oh yeah, (almost) everyone speaks English. (Side note: lately I've been able to speak Spanish with quite a few customers and other mall employees at the Body Shop - Spanish times, I miss you!).
It's super clear to me now that the work I did in CR was on some level preparing me for the work I'm doing now. On the Monte I learned so much about myself and grew in big ways professionally and personally, so that I now have some actual game plans for my work - ideas and things that never would have existed in my mind had I not put in the time in CR beforehand, and learned from the wisdom of those working alongside me.
Mostly I'm just so grateful to be where I am now - to know that I am in God's will and calling, getting to do something that I love.
As you think about me in the next days/weeks, please pray that I can be focused in my work, and that I may be as effective as possible in the time that I have.
Also, please pray for my finances - as of today I am 60% funded. This is huge and I am so thankful for all of you who feel called to invest in my work and ministry. The goal is to be fully funded by September 1st, which means that I have a bit of a way to go. If you would like to support my work, click on the "donate" button on my About page.
Please pray that I reach my goal by September 1st!
I've been thinking about my time in CR a lot lately. And I've been marveling at God's timing throughout all of this.
Most of you probably don't know this, but a few months before graduation (in the spring of 2010), Dave (pastor at the Porch) and I were ready to go for it. We were going to just create this position, I was going to be the newest employee at the Porch, it was all going to happen.
And then over a series of events (in about 3 days) God made it really clear that I was supposed to take another look at this whole volunteering in CR thing. Long story short, I applied, got the job and moved to CR. And felt like the worst Porch person ever for leading Dave and that community on.
Here we are 2 years later, and all the things we were just starting to dream about are now happening. I live in dear ol' West Central, I'm on staff at the Porch, and we're all together focusing on ways that we can become more invested in our neighborhood.
Which bring me back to my original musing - I've been thinking about my time in CR a lot because my work right here and now in WC reminds me SO MUCH of our work those first few months in CR. My work now is "easier" in many ways because I have a broader, better established network to tap into, with many connections already existing on some level, and, oh yeah, (almost) everyone speaks English. (Side note: lately I've been able to speak Spanish with quite a few customers and other mall employees at the Body Shop - Spanish times, I miss you!).
It's super clear to me now that the work I did in CR was on some level preparing me for the work I'm doing now. On the Monte I learned so much about myself and grew in big ways professionally and personally, so that I now have some actual game plans for my work - ideas and things that never would have existed in my mind had I not put in the time in CR beforehand, and learned from the wisdom of those working alongside me.
Mostly I'm just so grateful to be where I am now - to know that I am in God's will and calling, getting to do something that I love.
As you think about me in the next days/weeks, please pray that I can be focused in my work, and that I may be as effective as possible in the time that I have.
Also, please pray for my finances - as of today I am 60% funded. This is huge and I am so thankful for all of you who feel called to invest in my work and ministry. The goal is to be fully funded by September 1st, which means that I have a bit of a way to go. If you would like to support my work, click on the "donate" button on my About page.
Please pray that I reach my goal by September 1st!
Monday, July 16, 2012
And I'm off!
July 1st I simultaneously moved into a new apartment and started my new job at the Porch! So the last couple of weeks have been a little packed as I've worked on getting settled in my new place, continuing to raise support, and figuring how to get started with my new job. Maybe I'll tackle all of this in that order.
New Place
My apartment is so amazing! It is more than I could even have known to ask for. It's a cute little 2 bedroom apartment set behind a couple's house. Not only is it my own place (didn't think I'd be able to afford to live alone), but I still feel secure knowing that a family and two other renters live in the house right in front of me. Also, the family is already composting, gardening, has chickens, and rainwater catchment systems in place. All the things I could ever want to do at my own place, already happening! And it all came together so smoothly and quickly, I can only thank God for preparing this wonderful spot just for me.
Raising Support
I'm about a third of the way funded, which is super encouraging. I'm continuing to trust that God has called me to this work and this neighborhood, and that he'll take care of all the details to keep me here.
New Job
It's exciting to start getting more connected with details of the Porch again. (Near the end of college I was volunteering around the office). I had my first (of what I can only assume will be many) coffee date/meeting this morning, with a woman who has been doing similar work in the neighborhood for years. Tomorrow she's going to take me for a walk through of the neighborhood, so that I can become more acquainted with what is where, and begin my list of who I need to start connecting with. It looks like this is what the first couple of months will be for me - making connections, getting to know the people and the places in West Central in order to begin identifying needs. Then I'll start coming up with a plan and finding people who want to get more involved. But it's all getting off to a very exciting start!
I'll leave you with a quote I saw in Common Prayer:A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals last week, that really inspired me:
"I read in a book that a man called Christ went about doing good. It is very disconcerting to me that I am so easily satisfied with just going about".
- Toyohiko Kagawa (1888-1960)
New Place
My apartment is so amazing! It is more than I could even have known to ask for. It's a cute little 2 bedroom apartment set behind a couple's house. Not only is it my own place (didn't think I'd be able to afford to live alone), but I still feel secure knowing that a family and two other renters live in the house right in front of me. Also, the family is already composting, gardening, has chickens, and rainwater catchment systems in place. All the things I could ever want to do at my own place, already happening! And it all came together so smoothly and quickly, I can only thank God for preparing this wonderful spot just for me.
Raising Support
I'm about a third of the way funded, which is super encouraging. I'm continuing to trust that God has called me to this work and this neighborhood, and that he'll take care of all the details to keep me here.
New Job
It's exciting to start getting more connected with details of the Porch again. (Near the end of college I was volunteering around the office). I had my first (of what I can only assume will be many) coffee date/meeting this morning, with a woman who has been doing similar work in the neighborhood for years. Tomorrow she's going to take me for a walk through of the neighborhood, so that I can become more acquainted with what is where, and begin my list of who I need to start connecting with. It looks like this is what the first couple of months will be for me - making connections, getting to know the people and the places in West Central in order to begin identifying needs. Then I'll start coming up with a plan and finding people who want to get more involved. But it's all getting off to a very exciting start!
I'll leave you with a quote I saw in Common Prayer:A Liturgy for Ordinary Radicals last week, that really inspired me:
"I read in a book that a man called Christ went about doing good. It is very disconcerting to me that I am so easily satisfied with just going about".
- Toyohiko Kagawa (1888-1960)
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
After a year of silence...
I'm back.
For those of you who hadn’t heard, last June when I finished up my year in CR I moved back to good ol’ Spokane, WA. I've spent this last year nannying for dear friends of mine and working at The Body Shop. It has been a really great time to adjust and calm my life pace after the intensity of working in CR. This transitional time is coming to an end though, and I'm excited to announce that I have an amazing opportunity lined up for this next year!
What follows is a support letter I am/will be sending to friends and family. I thought posting it here would be another way to get the word out. So keep reading if you want an update!
(Did anyone notice my title change? Clever, right?)
My dearest family and friends,
For the last few years God has been putting urban ministry on my heart. Through my studies at Whitworth, my experiences overseas, and my involvement with The Porch (my church here in West Central, Spokane, part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance), God has been growing a passion in me for sustainable community development. So here is my plan: move to West Central, immerse myself in the neighborhood and the relationships I’ve been forming for the last few years, and work for my church. After months of prayer and discernment, God has called me act on a dream my pastor and I have been cultivating for 3 years. I begin July 1st.
As the Community Development Director, my role will be to organize, lead and empower the members of The Porch to live out the Gospel in West Central, Spokane and beyond. What does this mean? It means I’ll be pounding the pavement, looking into all the different organizations serving in our neighborhood and surrounding community. After analyzing what is already being done, I’ll plan ways our church can become further involved, by supporting those who are already serving, and endeavoring to fill needs that are not yet being met. I’ll lead programs that provide opportunities for Porch members to become more involved in serving their community, knowing their neighbors, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
I am extremely excited to take this step in fulfilling my vocation and calling. I will be adopting a plan of “bi-vocational ministry”, meaning I will be serving part-time at The Porch, and continuing to work part-time at The Body Shop.
Would you partner with me in this ministry? As I jump into this new chapter and calling, I would love your support in two areas:
Finances: While my church will be matching a portion of my finances each month, this position is dependent on me raising the majority of my financial support. This is both exciting and terrifying. Trusting God with my finances in this way is new to me, but as I believe this is what he is calling me to, I trust he will fulfill my needs. Will you support me financially? My goal is to raise $1000 per month, or $12,000 for the year. If you would like to make a donation and/or commit to supporting me monthly, please go to http://theporchspokane.org/?page_id=16, click “donate”, and be sure to mark your donation for Staff Support. Or send your checks to The Porch, 1804 W Broadway Ave, Spokane WA 99201. Please contact me if you plan to partner with me by supporting me monthly. All donations are tax deductible.
Prayer: Did I mention that raising support is new and scary for me? Please pray that God will provide for me financially. And as I move to a new neighborhood and really immerse myself in the community, please pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray that I will clearly see our community’s needs, and find sustainable, God-honoring ways for The Porch to fulfill them. Finally, pray that God will continue to teach me what it means to live a life of ministry, and how I can best fulfill my new position.
As I transition into this role, I would love to discuss it with you! Please feel free to call/text/facebook/email me anytime for more information. Thank you so much for your love and support!
Paz de Cristo (Peace of Christ),
Emily
For those of you who hadn’t heard, last June when I finished up my year in CR I moved back to good ol’ Spokane, WA. I've spent this last year nannying for dear friends of mine and working at The Body Shop. It has been a really great time to adjust and calm my life pace after the intensity of working in CR. This transitional time is coming to an end though, and I'm excited to announce that I have an amazing opportunity lined up for this next year!
What follows is a support letter I am/will be sending to friends and family. I thought posting it here would be another way to get the word out. So keep reading if you want an update!
(Did anyone notice my title change? Clever, right?)
My dearest family and friends,
For the last few years God has been putting urban ministry on my heart. Through my studies at Whitworth, my experiences overseas, and my involvement with The Porch (my church here in West Central, Spokane, part of the Christian & Missionary Alliance), God has been growing a passion in me for sustainable community development. So here is my plan: move to West Central, immerse myself in the neighborhood and the relationships I’ve been forming for the last few years, and work for my church. After months of prayer and discernment, God has called me act on a dream my pastor and I have been cultivating for 3 years. I begin July 1st.
As the Community Development Director, my role will be to organize, lead and empower the members of The Porch to live out the Gospel in West Central, Spokane and beyond. What does this mean? It means I’ll be pounding the pavement, looking into all the different organizations serving in our neighborhood and surrounding community. After analyzing what is already being done, I’ll plan ways our church can become further involved, by supporting those who are already serving, and endeavoring to fill needs that are not yet being met. I’ll lead programs that provide opportunities for Porch members to become more involved in serving their community, knowing their neighbors, and sharing the love of Jesus Christ.
I am extremely excited to take this step in fulfilling my vocation and calling. I will be adopting a plan of “bi-vocational ministry”, meaning I will be serving part-time at The Porch, and continuing to work part-time at The Body Shop.
Would you partner with me in this ministry? As I jump into this new chapter and calling, I would love your support in two areas:
Finances: While my church will be matching a portion of my finances each month, this position is dependent on me raising the majority of my financial support. This is both exciting and terrifying. Trusting God with my finances in this way is new to me, but as I believe this is what he is calling me to, I trust he will fulfill my needs. Will you support me financially? My goal is to raise $1000 per month, or $12,000 for the year. If you would like to make a donation and/or commit to supporting me monthly, please go to http://theporchspokane.org/?page_id=16, click “donate”, and be sure to mark your donation for Staff Support. Or send your checks to The Porch, 1804 W Broadway Ave, Spokane WA 99201. Please contact me if you plan to partner with me by supporting me monthly. All donations are tax deductible.
Prayer: Did I mention that raising support is new and scary for me? Please pray that God will provide for me financially. And as I move to a new neighborhood and really immerse myself in the community, please pray for wisdom and discernment. Pray that I will clearly see our community’s needs, and find sustainable, God-honoring ways for The Porch to fulfill them. Finally, pray that God will continue to teach me what it means to live a life of ministry, and how I can best fulfill my new position.
As I transition into this role, I would love to discuss it with you! Please feel free to call/text/facebook/email me anytime for more information. Thank you so much for your love and support!
Paz de Cristo (Peace of Christ),
Emily
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