tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80294241166044275012024-03-08T14:56:31.093-06:00Rhythms of Gracea journey with the Ward familyBryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-5386789181797016302016-05-10T10:04:00.000-05:002016-05-10T10:04:57.003-05:00Greater Than the Sum of Their Parts<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: .5in; margin-right: .5in; margin-top: 0in;">
<i>When followers of Jesus
share life together in a particular place they become greater than the sum of
their parts – they actually become something altogether new. The parish forms
the context, and relationships of faith form the connectivity for wonderful new
possibilities. </i>(<u>The New Parish</u> by Sparks, Soerens, and Friesen, p
22)<o:p></o:p></div>
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We barely knew each other, we came from different
backgrounds, and very different church experiences. To be completely honest, I
wasn’t too sure how I felt about what God laying on my heart.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Pastor Ronnie Jackson’s church, Cornerstone Crusade Faith
Center, has been located in the Hamline-Midway neighborhood for nearly 20 years.
Pastor Jackson and I serve together on the leadership team of Mission St. Paul,
a diverse group of pastors and leaders from around the Twin Cities, who pray
for the transformation of our city. Although we serve together in Mission St.
Paul, we are very different people. However, it was clear that God was calling
us to join forces in praying for our neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNhnt0CpHTs/VzH2LxEzk7I/AAAAAAAAEjM/TSxKic7Cb7kzamC4lgprlaAVVyJiy_AdQCLcB/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dNhnt0CpHTs/VzH2LxEzk7I/AAAAAAAAEjM/TSxKic7Cb7kzamC4lgprlaAVVyJiy_AdQCLcB/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Jackson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Pastor Jackson grew up on the South Side of Chicago in the
1960s, and I grew up in a medium-sized town in Central California in the ‘70s.
He comes from a traditional and more formal church setting and often wears a
suit, and I work with exploratory church-planters and can’t remember the last
time I wore a suit. He is in his 60’s, and, although I’m 50, I often work with
people in their 20’s and 30’s. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When we started meeting in the Fall of 2014, it was just the
two of us. We didn’t have an elaborate plan, but we did make one commitment
that I believe was the key to our longevity. We determined to meet every Friday
from 8:30-10 regardless of whether or not someone else joined us. Also, since
we had invited others from our neighborhood, we agreed that if one of us was
out of town, then the other one would still show up to pray at the designated
time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the first several months, it was typically just the two
of us. And, as discouraging as that may sound, it was anything but discouraging.
As we shared our life stories, our current challenges, prayed for one another and
the neighborhood, a deep friendship began to grow. I began to understand more
of the history of our neighborhood from someone who has been here a lot longer
than me. Pastor Jackson began to regain his hope for the neighborhood as I
shared stories of new expressions of church that were being birthed. And, we
both felt encouraged that we had an ally who was deeply committed to seeing
transformation in our neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In early 2015, others from the neighborhood began to join
us. A couple of young church planters, a family with a ministry to the Arts
community, a “retired” missionary who spent many years in Somalia, and an
Eritrean immigrant who uses her East African restaurant to bless homeless young
people. Our growth has been slow, but our growth has been deep, and this little
band of intercessors has become a beautiful expression of the Church united.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4J2Zg02MIiA/VzH2L9KHejI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/mu2u8zQiekgBUtXT-DS3YqFkWJqWOJBYACKgB/s1600/PWard2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4J2Zg02MIiA/VzH2L9KHejI/AAAAAAAAEjQ/mu2u8zQiekgBUtXT-DS3YqFkWJqWOJBYACKgB/s320/PWard2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prayer mapping as we pray for the neighborhood.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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This past year as we have prayed, two things have stood out
to me. First of all, prayer is powerful. The power of praying for one another
and our neighborhood has deeply united us relationally and spiritually, which
is a compelling sign to a watching world. Our times of prayer are also
profoundly shaping how we, as the wider Body of Christ, are living on mission
corporately in our neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Secondly, a united, praying Church is essential for creating
a healthy environment for the transformative, redemptive work of God. A healthy
Body life is crucial if we expect to see healthy, new expressions of church
birthed in our neighborhood. If seeds of God’s kingdom are intentionally being sown
throughout our neighborhood, then the condition of the “soil” is of vital
importance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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And, this dream of a unified, praying Church is not only
happening in our neighborhood, but is taking root in other neighborhoods as
well. Wouldn’t it be beautiful to see more neighborhoods enjoying the power and
beauty of the Church united in prayer and mission? It only takes a couple of
people…could one of those be you?</div>
Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-23506068994521770422015-07-26T13:01:00.000-05:002015-07-26T13:01:53.855-05:00Neighboring<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif;">As a
church community we have been studying </span><span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif;"><u>The
Art of Neighboring</u></span><span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif;"> for the
past month or two. During that time, we have had great conversations
about how to impact our neighbors, how to build relationships that
will lead to deeper intimacy with Christ and transform lives. But, in
all of these conversations, we could never really imagine how
powerful a simple “braai” (like an American barbecue, only with
more meat) with our next-door neighbors could be.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Last
summer, Bryan and I invited the 3 young men from next door to come
over for a backyard braai. They had not lived in the neighborhood for
very long and, as with most young men, they were often just passing
in and out of their home. To get to know them better, we invited them
to our home for a meal to spend a pleasant few hours in conversation.
Basically, it was your typical introductory meeting with neighbors.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif;">One of
the young men, Andrew, brought along a young woman, Becky, whom he
had just started to date. We learned that Andrew was studying to be a
music pastor and that he was the one playing the organ at weird hours
both day and night. He worked for Caribou Coffee, and he and his
girlfriend Becky had actually met a few years before, went on a few
dates, but decided they “weren't that into each other.” She moved
away, he went on with school, time passed, and then one day she
walked into the coffee shop where he worked. There was Andrew in
green tights. Nobody is sure why he was wearing green tights
(Halloween perhaps?), but she took another look at him and they
reconnected. This time it was a different story and they began to
date. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif;">That
evening at our home, we talked about how Bryan and I met, our
relationship, and having teenagers. We talked about Jane Austen, my
furniture, the Twins, and the weird hours that he played the organ.
It all seemed rather normal, strangers who share a common fence
getting to know each other. For the next year, we would watch them
come and go, we would wave, have short conversations over the back
fence, and we became Facebook friends. Bryan and I watched their
relationship become more serious, we would ask the normal neighborly
questions and so on. Then earlier this year, we received an
invitation to their wedding, and Bryan and I assumed all the
neighbors were invited. We debated whether or not we should go
because we didn't really “know” them, we didn't want to intrude
on an intimate family event, you only get so many beautiful
Saturdays to enjoy in Minnesota, etc. </span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AQQ11ngDS0/VbUgLd5BYPI/AAAAAAAAEis/z4laCgNuG2Q/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4AQQ11ngDS0/VbUgLd5BYPI/AAAAAAAAEis/z4laCgNuG2Q/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In the
end, we decided that we'd actually enjoy going, so we did. We got up,
put on our Sunday best, and drove the two hours to Wisconsin. Once
there, we were surprised at how small and intimate the wedding was,
and that we were the only neighbors there. It was a beautiful
ceremony that was dedicated to God and their love for Him and each
other. I was honored to be there, yet a bit confused as to why. We
knew no one except for Andrew's roommate, Tim. But we mingled and
ended up having a wonderful time, as their love and pure delight in
each other was evident in every detail of the intimate and slightly
crowded setting. During the reception, Andrew and Becky made it a
point to struggle through the crowd and make their way over to the
corner where Bryan and I sat. I was surprised that they would make
the effort, but got up and hugged them in congratulations.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif;">Andrew
told me how pleased they were that we came, and how badly they wanted
to share this day with us. Apparently, unbeknownst to us, our
conversation the year before in our backyard had impacted them
immensely and gave them the courage and hope to move their
relationship forward, and eventually toward marriage. </span>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Vani, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We were a
bit stunned. We couldn't for the life of us remember what we said
that was so profound. I am still trying to remember what I said,
apparently it was gold and I might want to say it again. But I am
realizing that it was not even the words we used, but the moment that
God chose to use. A seemingly normal chat with neighbors was
transformed by a loving God into an encouragement for yearning
hearts. We never know what someone needs to hear when we enter into a
conversation with them, but God knows and is always eager to give us
just the right words to say even when we can't imagine their impact.
I am learning more and more, that if we live with Christ-like intent,
no word will ever be wasted.</span></div>
Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-12105345900472364472015-05-28T06:40:00.001-05:002015-05-28T06:41:10.822-05:00Angelie<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">At the central intersection of our
neighborhood sits a local coffee shop/restaurant/bakery. Over the
past decade, this coffee shop has changed ownership several times,
and has had several different names, but it has always been the
neighborhood coffee shop. Today it is known as Groundswell, and is
owned by two families who are part of Third Way Church. Groundswell
has become “the” local hang out in our immediate neighborhood.
And, it was here, while having coffee with a friend, that I first met
Angelie.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeOZR1K1m_I/VWb9A1hS73I/AAAAAAAAEiA/seA5c6SG09Y/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span></a><span style="font-family: inherit;">I can still picture the scene. My
friend and I were talking about how Third Way could become more
embedded in our neighborhood when Angelie, who was sitting at the
other end of a long, communal table, leaned over and said, “I need
to meet you guys because you are talking about some of my favorite
things.” After introductions were made, it was fun to find out that
Angelie lived on our street, just a block or two down the road.</span><br />
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeOZR1K1m_I/VWb9A1hS73I/AAAAAAAAEiA/seA5c6SG09Y/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YeOZR1K1m_I/VWb9A1hS73I/AAAAAAAAEiA/seA5c6SG09Y/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Over the next several months, we slowly
got to know Angelie better, meeting over coffee, hearing bits and
pieces of her story, and sharing parts of our own. It didn't take
long to realize that we shared a similar love for the Church, and a
desire to see fresh, new expressions of church birthed and nurtured.
Angelie also joined us for our backyard barbecue and conversations
that summer, where a handful of people gathered for a monthly meal
and conversation about launching new churches and communities of
faith.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Like the coffee shop, Angelie has been
part of the fabric of our neighborhood for many years (19 to be
exact), and has seen many changes. Having worked as an engineer for
many years, she is now a spiritual director, life-coach, and master
gardner. She was also involved in the leadership of a church plant,
and was considering a position with her denomination – a process
that had been going on for more than a year.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As I got to know Angelie, I could see
how CRM could be a great fit for her. However, it was important for
me to honor the process Angelie was in with her denomination. The
focus of our team is not to make more CRM staff, but to help leaders
live into their calling and passion more fully, whatever that calling
happens to be. Therefore, we kept laying the relational foundation
that would support a kingdom partnership with Angelie.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Eventually, nearly a year after first
meeting Angelie, I felt the nudge of the Spirit to invite her to
explore the possibility of coming on staff with CRM. After several
conversations, I invited her to the CRM world conference, an event
that only happens every four years. I figured it would be a great
opportunity to get to know CRM as a whole, and an important piece in
making a decision regarding CRM staff. At the end of the conference,
I spoke to Angelie and she told me that she had finally found her
“tribe”.
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnePtz2oKaY/VWb9AjPZe8I/AAAAAAAAEh8/YNDs-Blj3ro/s1600/PWard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" height="153" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GnePtz2oKaY/VWb9AjPZe8I/AAAAAAAAEh8/YNDs-Blj3ro/s320/PWard2.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Angelie with her new teammates.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Although we felt like Angelie would fit
well on our team, her call to a Spanish-speaking context near the
US-Mexico border led her to explore other options within CRM. She has
since joined ReNew, a team based in Southern California, who<span style="font-size: small;">
</span>walk
alongside pastors, ministry leaders, and their spouses, to help them
experience rest, renewal, and restoration in the midst of the ongoing
demands of life and ministry. Being part of this team will allow her
to live in community with other ReNew staff in a predominately
Spanish-speaking neighborhood of San Diego.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we walk alongside leaders in the
Twin Cities, we love helping them embrace their giftedness, and gain
clarity in their calling. In the grand scheme of things, we
played a small part, but for her, the ReNew team, and those she will
minister to, it has huge implications.</span></div>
Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-37030939340835568142015-03-16T14:53:00.002-05:002015-03-16T14:53:58.427-05:00The Art of Neighboring<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes you hear or read something that you just can't shake. Something that gets
under your skin and becomes a part of you. Often times, it's something very simple, yet
it has a profound impact on the way you think and live. The following story is one of
those moments for a group of pastors, and, in their retelling of the story, it became one
of those moments for me. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In 2009, a group of pastors in the Denver area gathered to think, dream, and
pray about how their churches might join forces to serve their community.
They invited Bob Frie, the mayor of Arvada, CO, to join them, and asked him a
simple question: How can we as churches best work together to serve our city?
</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The discussion that followed produced the typical list of social problems that
many cities face: at-risk kids, areas with dilapidated housing, child hunger, drug
and alcohol abuse, loneliness, and elderly shut-ins. The list went on and on.
</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then the mayor said something that stopped these pastors in their tracks:
</span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">“The majority of the issues that our community is facing would be eliminated
or drastically reduced if we could just figure out a way to become a community
of great neighbors.”
</span></i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mayor's words that day were convicting, as the pastors considered his words
in light of the words of Jesus to “love the Lord with all your heart, and all your
soul, and all your mind,” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.” What if we
did this with our literal neighbors, who live next door? As they wondered at the
genius of Jesus, a joint-church movement was launched.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The (Lost) Art of Neighboring</b> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OX84dqrJbX4/VQczVSlzN7I/AAAAAAAAEhc/6DAdMG1vmRA/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OX84dqrJbX4/VQczVSlzN7I/AAAAAAAAEhc/6DAdMG1vmRA/s1600/PWard1.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Partners in the art of neighboring.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Neighboring (or being a good neighbor)
seems to be a dying art. I often hear
people express a longing for deep
meaningful relationships, and I hear
Christians express a longing to share
the Gospel and create kingdom realities
in the communities where they live.
However, in the midst of the busyness
of life, it is easy to allow these longings
for good things to remain just that...
longings and not a reality.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Third Way Church recently asked me to help their three house churches to grow
in sharing the Gospel with neighbors and co-workers. At the time, I was reading a
book, The Art of Neighboring, and it felt like the right place to start. It seemed
wise to work on building the kind of relationships with our neighbors/co-workers
that would create the context to not only share our words, but our lives as well. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the book, two things really hit me. First of all, the authors ask people to think of
the eight families that directly surround their house/apartment (see picture). They
then ask: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z797Du440vw/VQczV3PkiOI/AAAAAAAAEhY/u8CsqS4w6z8/s1600/Block%2BMap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z797Du440vw/VQczV3PkiOI/AAAAAAAAEhY/u8CsqS4w6z8/s1600/Block%2BMap.jpg" height="195" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1) can you name each neighbor? (10% of
people can name all eight) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2) do you know anything about them,
such as where they work? (3% can do
this for all eight) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3) do you know something of a personal
nature, such as struggles, needs,
dreams, desires, spiritual journey?
(less than 1% can do this for all eight) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Secondly, I was encouraged by the
countless ways neighbors began to
practically love and care for one another as they established deeper relationships.
As people moved along the continuum from stranger to acquaintance to
relationship, they began to invite one another into the more intimate and
challenging areas of their lives. People began to taste of, and experience firsthand,
the realities of God's kingdom and His love. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The definition of incarnating is “to personify; to give human form to; to realize in
action or fact.” There is nothing more beautiful than seeing the incarnation of the
Gospel. We see it in Jesus, but we also see it when Christ-followers enter in, live
out, and share the story of the great love of God in the person of Jesus. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">May it be so in our neighborhood as well as in yours.</span>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-71708803248526903242014-10-14T09:48:00.001-05:002014-10-14T09:51:44.287-05:00embed<div class="MsoNormal">
Although he grew up in the suburbs of Denver, Michael found
himself in Texas addicted to drugs and living in a house frequented by members
of the notorious gang, the Crips. After years of running with a pretty rough
crowd, and several run-ins with the law, it was in 2009 in a county jail that
Michael gave his life to Christ. He now lives in Visalia, CA, where he serves
in a ministry home for children, and attends Bible college.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRqiLVneh0/VD03NcYS6-I/AAAAAAAAEgY/NBQNmHpFpAo/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ArRqiLVneh0/VD03NcYS6-I/AAAAAAAAEgY/NBQNmHpFpAo/s1600/PWard1.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Michael engaging some personal development.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of my roles as a team leader is recruiting like-hearted
people to join us in launching young leaders, who will launch fresh expressions
of church. For the past few years, I have been getting to know Michael. I’m
always drawn to people like Michael, who don’t seem to fit the mold, have an
insatiable desire for God, and a natural way of inviting others to experience
the good news of Jesus.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Dayton’s Bluff is known to be one of the “rough”
neighborhoods of St. Paul. By rough, I mean higher crime rates, people living
around or under the poverty line, more rentals/less ownership, and multiple
families/generations occupying one house. Dayton’s Bluff is home to our newest
missional community, Ekklesia, which is being led by our teammate, Tony.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 18.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">emˈbed/ </span><i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">verb </span></i><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">- </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">to fix firmly and deeply in a
surrounding mass; to implant within something else so it becomes an ingrained
or essential characteristic of it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As our team has been preparing for the launch of Ekklesia, we
often talked about being embedded in the Dayton’s Bluff community. We want
Ekklesia to be fixed firmly and deeply in the surrounding community. We want it
to be an expression of the Body that isn’t just <i>in the neighborhood</i>, but one that is <i>of the neighborhood</i>. A group of people ready to be/bring the good
news, yet ready to learn from the neighborhood, and woven into the very fabric
of neighborhood life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZF7Ol18WJw/VD03OPcFvEI/AAAAAAAAEgc/5t3RNm_p2aU/s1600/PWard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rZF7Ol18WJw/VD03OPcFvEI/AAAAAAAAEgc/5t3RNm_p2aU/s1600/PWard2.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Free Yard Sale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Knowing that Michael is someone who connects easily with
others, especially those who come from “rough” backgrounds, we invited him out
for an internship for the month of August. Our hope was that he would help to connect
Ekklesia relationally in the neighborhood. During August, he lived in the core
community house of Ekklesia and spent a majority of his time living alongside
and getting to know the people of Dayton’s Bluff.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Michael did a great job helping to organize and host neighborhood
events like National Night Out, where neighbors gather on their street to share
a meal and get to know one another. He also helped organize Ekklesia’s Free
Yard Sale. This event runs on the premise that “some are able to give from
their excess, and others are able to give by only taking what they need,” and
it was wonderful to see people honor the spirit of the event.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some days Michael would set out with a lawnmower to bless
the neighbors by cutting their grass, which often led to deeper conversations.
One teary-eyed, single mother was amazed that this young man would willingly
come and help her in this very practical way. And, finally, he simply lived
daily life with those who live on the block, deeply connecting with one house
in particular where an extended family of 17 people lived.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Some significant steps were taken this August in helping
Ekklesia become embedded in the neighborhood. For Ekklesia, the challenge now
is to move forward in these relationships that have been started, and to continue
to presence the kingdom of God and bring the good news of Jesus in word and
deed. Please join us in praying that this would indeed be the case.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-76654347820320515352014-07-07T19:58:00.000-05:002014-07-07T19:58:14.167-05:00Natalie’s Hurdle: Others’ Love and Respect<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Natalie stood at a critical juncture in her
life and didn’t even realize it. Quite frankly, I’m not sure that others
realized it either. Natalie’s heart and passion were on the line, but all of
this could have so easily gone unnoticed. It was going to take someone who knew
Natalie well to see the importance of the decision she was about to make.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Natalie has an inviting spirit and wisdom
beyond her years. She naturally leads others, and has a sense of loyalty and
responsibility that defies her age. Although she is only 25 years old, she has
been a vital part of launching Thirdway Church. She has served in leadership
for more than five years and is loved and well-respected. And, this very love
and respect became one of Natalie’s biggest hurdles to following God’s call on
her life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnuzeGgOARQ/U7tA_LnXmRI/AAAAAAAAEew/C7WE9u_2JAY/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XnuzeGgOARQ/U7tA_LnXmRI/AAAAAAAAEew/C7WE9u_2JAY/s1600/PWard1.jpg" height="320" width="280" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daleen and Natalie</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Over the past five years, Natalie has grown
in her understanding of God’s call upon her life. She is a natural builder of
deep, intentional community among God’s people. She also has a love for sustenance
farming, and envisions bringing these two worlds together in an urban setting. As
clarity came and Natalie started pursuing her calling, an opportunity opened up
at a church in Illinois that runs a local farm. In this setting she could
continue to grow as a leader, and also gain invaluable experience working on
the church’s farm. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Natalie began to share about this
opportunity, and her desire to follow God’s leading. However, this began to
cause dissonance for the people who love and value Natalie. Of course they were
excited for her clarity of calling, but they certainly didn’t want her to move
away. People began trying to convince Natalie to stay in St. Paul. And, for
someone who is deeply loyal and responsible, this created a confusing
situation.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Enter Daleen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Daleen has been meeting weekly with Natalie
for the past 3 years. During that time, Daleen has listened to, prayed with,
challenged, guided, and encouraged Natalie in her walk with God, and in her
growth as a leader. With that foundation, Daleen was ready to step in and help
Natalie gain perspective, and navigate this transition into a new season of
life. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">“...if I had made that choice, I think it
would have stifled me,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0.5in 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">and snuffed out the fire in my spirit.”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Natalie recently told me, “As long as I have
known Daleen, she has encouraged me to GO. Not only physically, but to also go
towards God and to not let fear stop me…I have a tendency to think the “right
thing to do” is to settle down, and keep the home fires burning. But, if I had
made that choice, I think it would have stifled me, and snuffed out the fire in
my spirit.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In the end, Natalie was able to embrace her
calling, and confidently move into this new stage of life and development. Not
long after Natalie moved, she wrote these words to Daleen:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<i>You have certainly changed my life for the
better...You have encouraged me to dream of something better. You have helped
me to know my own freedom and confidence. You have spoken into and brought
forth the best of who I can be. You’ve helped me to realize who I am. You’ve
spoken about walking alongside women and I can attest to your gifts in that
area because I feel truly gifted by you.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We consider walking alongside leaders like
Natalie to be a privilege and a great responsibility. In a context where only 20%
of American Millennials (pre-teens to 30 year olds) believe that church
attendance is important, the role of these young leaders is crucial. Our goal
is to develop leaders, who are not only confident to move into their personal
calling, but are bold enough to lead the Church into its future as well. </div>
Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-937706010492573982014-05-19T10:52:00.000-05:002014-05-19T10:52:21.237-05:00Changing Demographics<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Three-quarters
of students in St. Paul are people of color (</b><b>African Americans,
Latinos,<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b>Native Americans, and Asians)
and speak more than 100 languages.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: right;">
<i>Minnesota’s Tomorrow: Equity Is The Superior Growth Model, <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: right;">
a report by
Policylink and USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1in; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
In
1980, 96% of Minnesotans were white, many with Scandinavian roots. However, over the past decade, Minnesota
experienced the seventh-fastest growth of people of color among all the states,
a large proportion of which are refugees. When
our family arrived in Minnesota just three years ago, we were pleasantly
surprised to find such a rich mix of cultures in the neighborhoods of St. Paul
and Minneapolis. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OUgzOv4OFE/U3onjy2rdZI/AAAAAAAAEeM/obcwztjVOjk/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8OUgzOv4OFE/U3onjy2rdZI/AAAAAAAAEeM/obcwztjVOjk/s1600/PWard1.jpg" height="320" width="209" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last
month, I attended a symposium on Minnesota’s changing demographics at the
University of Minnesota. Minnesota’s
long history of active volunteerism in immigration and refugee resettlement, as
well as active involvement from faith-based organizations, helped to establish
Minnesota as a major refugee gateway in the Midwest.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
Minnesota is currently home to the largest Somali community
in the country (more than 30,000) and the second-largest Hmong community (more
than 60,000), many of whom live within 5 miles of our home. And, although the
largest refugee communities in Minnesota have historically been Hmong, Somalis,
Vietnamese, Ethiopians, Liberians, Cambodians, and Bosnians, more recent
refugees include Karen people from Burma, Nepali-speakers from Bhutan, and
Iraqis. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b> “We
must face the sad fact that at the eleven o’clock hour on Sunday morning when
we stand to sing, we stand in the most segregated hour in America.”</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: right;">
.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Much of our daily life is shared
with people from around the world, who look, think, act, and dress differently
from us. Living and working alongside people from other cultures often creates
cultural stress, which can magnify our differences. Tolerance has become a buzzword of our day,
but tolerance rarely leads to deeper relationships. However, when we learn to
actually celebrate our diversity, it can open up wonderful opportunities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Here in the Twin Cities, we have
the privilege of working alongside pastors and leaders, who are embracing these
cross-cultural opportunities. Pastors
like Touger, a second-generation Hmong, who is planting a multi-cultural church
community in our neighborhood. Organizations like SALT (Somali Adult Literacy
Training), who are bringing the Somali community and local churches together in
language learning and friendship. And leaders like Jim, who pastors Bethel
Christian Fellowship, where six different ethnic churches share one building
and function as a family of churches. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCEF-_CDP8k/U3onj6HhAkI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/KQZeGJj9xFU/s1600/PWard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: justify;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sCEF-_CDP8k/U3onj6HhAkI/AAAAAAAAEeQ/KQZeGJj9xFU/s1600/PWard2.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As noted above, 75% of students in
St. Paul are people of color, and by the year 2045, whites will no longer be
the majority of Minnesota’s population. As we look to the future, I believe
that the Church can learn much from the youth of today. Daleen and I are amazed
at how easily our children connect with their friends, who come from a variety
of cultural backgrounds. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If we’re not attentive and
intentional, the changing demographics of our cities can be unsettling. As part
of our work, we encourage and challenge local leaders to pioneer new church
communities and initiatives that will transcend cultural barriers, and allow
people to hear, experience, and be transformed by the Good News. I believe the
changes in the cultural makeup of our cities is just another invitation to the
missionary heart of God, and an opportunity to celebrate the beautiful
diversity of the kingdom of God that will be our eternal reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-2927141732143757022014-02-13T12:48:00.000-06:002014-02-13T12:48:08.261-06:00The Beloved Community<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>But the end is
reconciliation; the end is redemption; the end is the creation of the beloved
community. It is this type of spirit and this type of love that can transform
opposers into friends…It is an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return.
It is the love of God working in the lives of men. This is the love that may
well be the salvation of our civilization.</i></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
“The Role of the Church in Facing the Nation's Chief Moral Dilemma,”
1957<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="right" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
St. Paul, like all cities, is a
city with scars. There are events, moments and people that have shaped St.
Paul. Some of them have been good, and some have left painful scars. In our
neighborhood, one of the visible scars is I-94, the freeway that runs about ½
mile south of our home. When construction began in the 1960’s, nearly half of
the residents of the Rondo community were displaced. The Rondo neighborhood, a
vibrant African-American community in the heart of the city, was shattered, and
I-94 was an ever-present reminder.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42DRnY1BbpQ/Uv0SfcgvyLI/AAAAAAAAEd0/kqzedpoiqTo/s1600/DSC_0916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-42DRnY1BbpQ/Uv0SfcgvyLI/AAAAAAAAEd0/kqzedpoiqTo/s1600/DSC_0916.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a>Just as the city of St. Paul bears
its scars, the Church has also suffered its own fractures, and reconciliation
and restoration are necessary if we are to reflect the Beloved Community of
Christ. Therefore, in addition to working with young leaders and church
planters, our CRM team, Launch, has been working to foster a spirit of
collaboration and unity among the Body of Christ. For the Church is not called
to simply tolerate one another, but rather to live and work together in unity –
a powerful sign to a watching world.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<b>Better Together<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
For the past year, I have served
on the leadership team of a cooperative kingdom effort called Mission St. Paul.
The thrust of Mission St. Paul is city-wide transformation as the
whole church brings the whole gospel to the whole city. Groups of
pastors gather weekly to pray for one another and for each other’s churches,
and a wider group of Christians gather once a month to systematically pray through
the city, precinct by precinct. And, occasionally throughout the year, Mission
St. Paul will host an event to help nurture this spirit of collaboration and
unity within the Body of Christ.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bme1YWlmdOg/Uv0SfVNqIbI/AAAAAAAAEd4/eGWQktKTU9o/s1600/DSC_0886.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bme1YWlmdOg/Uv0SfVNqIbI/AAAAAAAAEd4/eGWQktKTU9o/s1600/DSC_0886.JPG" height="211" width="320" /></a>Mission St. Paul recently hosted a
city-wide celebration at the Union Gospel Mission on Martin Luther King, Jr.
weekend. The theme of the gathering was “Better Together: Becoming the Beloved
Community,” where we celebrated the rich diversity of God’s people in St. Paul through
worship, prayer, communion, God’s Word and personal testimonies of spiritual
and racial reconciliation. Daleen and I were asked to coordinate the serving of
communion to the group of more than 300. And, in the spirit of the evening, we
asked eight pastors and their spouses from different ethnic and denominational
backgrounds to serve communion alongside of us. What an encouraging, and
powerful, evening.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
As beautiful as events like this
can be, the real beauty lies in the relationships that are forged and lived out
day-to-day. So, just as there are currently several groups of pastors praying
in various neighborhoods of St. Paul, we will soon begin gathering with pastors
and leaders in Hamline-Midway, our neighborhood of 12,000 residents. Wherever
these groups of pastors are gathered, we see healing and restoration of racial
and denominational fractures in the Church. Competition also begins to
diminish, and in its place, collaboration and kingdom initiatives take root.
And, when the Church is living in this spirit of unity and commitment to prayer,
we can expect to see our neighborhoods, and our city, transformed.</div>
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Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-34907734009176677412013-10-14T21:39:00.000-05:002013-10-14T21:39:39.092-05:00walking alongside<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>“You are the only
older, wiser people, who have stuck it out as long as you have with me.
Everyone else, who has expressed the desire to walk alongside and mentor me in
my vision for church planting, has abandoned me along the way.” <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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These words were spoken to Daleen and me at a recent staff gathering
by our teammate, Tony. Although these were encouraging words for us to hear at
one level, they were bittersweet because they carry a deep level of pain for
Tony. As a matter of fact, it’s due to similar stories that we’ve heard over
the past ten years that our commitment to younger leaders has grown. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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As you may remember, a few years ago, Tony gathered several
friends and moved into one of the “roughest” neighborhoods in St. Paul. For two
years, this group of young men pursued an intentional life of discipleship together,
and a life of mission in their neighborhood. Not only were they a light in a
dark neighborhood, but they were also a new lens for many of their friends to
see their city with fresh eyes. And, after a hiatus to finish seminary, Tony is
once again re-forming this intentional community, known as Ekklesia, and moving
back into the neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Although young leaders like Tony are full of passion and
vision, they often lack the resources or encouragement to see their vision
become a reality. These leaders are trying to reach their generation with the
Good News of Jesus, and, therefore, think outside the box of familiar forms of church.
They are experimenting with forms of church that have meaning in the world in
which they live where authenticity, social justice, and downward mobility are
important values. They pursue the ways of Jesus in everyday life that run
counter to our prevailing American culture, and often times, counter to our
prevailing church culture.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUbeOt0oqzY/UlyqVWHPyYI/AAAAAAAAEdk/5I3JsJKcDAE/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hUbeOt0oqzY/UlyqVWHPyYI/AAAAAAAAEdk/5I3JsJKcDAE/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our teammates, Tony and Tiffany.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unfortunately, young leaders are often left to their own
devices. The support of pastors, churches and denominations that began with
enthusiasm can often wane and slowly disappear as the church plant begins to
blossom and take shape. The passion and vision that was once so exciting, can
now feel threatening. The church plant that was once highly anticipated (and
celebrated) is now left to find its own way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Daleen and I long to see healthy, vibrant churches being led
by healthy, vibrant people. That’s why we walk alongside these young men and
women as they break new ground and plant churches. And, not only will we
continue to work with the leaders of future generations, but Tony will do the
same. We are working hard to cultivate a group of young men and women, who will
not only be practitioners and leaders in their own neighborhoods, but will have
the vision to share what they are learning by walking alongside and encouraging
other young leaders. We invite you to join us in prayer and partnership as we
move forward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Please pray for:<o:p></o:p></div>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Tony and his new wife, Tiffany, who were married
on September 21</span><sup style="text-indent: -0.25in;">st</sup><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">, and will be moving into Dayton’s Bluff in early
October. Pray for them, and the leadership team of Ekklesia, as they re-launch
into Dayton’s Bluff this month. Pray for Daleen and me as we walk this road
with them.</span> </li>
</ul>
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</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Symbol; text-indent: -0.25in;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Young leaders full of passion and vision to join
our team here in the Twin Cities. We are praying for at least two more people to
join our CRM team, Launch, in the upcoming year. We would love to eventually
have a whole network of young church planters learning from one another and
expanding God’s kingdom throughout the neighborhoods of the Twin Cities and
beyond.</span></li>
</ul>
Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-85122293804192025062013-05-11T09:13:00.000-05:002013-05-11T09:28:48.327-05:00Daleen<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I write the
following because Daleen never would. As a matter of fact, she
doesn’t know that I am writing this newsletter about her. It all started at a
recent leadership retreat for Thirdway Church, where I was struck by the
affirmation my wife was receiving for the role she has played over the past couple
of years. It was then that I knew I had to share what Daleen has been doing to
strengthen and extend the Body of Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thirdway Church began three years
ago after several families moved into the Hamline-Midway neighborhood of St.
Paul. The original vision for Thirdway centered around the University Avenue
Corridor, a 10-mile stretch that links the downtowns of St. Paul and
Minneapolis. University Avenue is built along the historic path that people
took to get from the docks of the Mississippi River in St. Paul to the flour
mills in Minneapolis. It has become one of the most diverse areas of the Twin
Cities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I recently sat down with the
founding leader of Thirdway, Seth, to hear his thoughts on Daleen’s role and
impact. As we started talking, he immediately mentioned that, although Thirdway
had dreams and vision for the University Avenue Corridor, it had become stuck
in how to move forward as a church. He saw Daleen as a person who came
alongside him, and the community, to implement some foundational building
blocks for a strong missional community. He saw her contribution in the
following ways:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Covenant groups</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – Thirdway is a covenanted community, which
means we have committed ourselves to pursuing God, one another and our
neighborhood in a very intentional way. Daleen was the driving force in
establishing covenant groups, where small groups of people gather to create
more sustainable rhythms of life together. It is also through these groups that
new people are assimilated into our community over a one-year process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fy8hGfEF-0/UY5RcR-PgGI/AAAAAAAAEa8/FN8MGMCUiwo/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fy8hGfEF-0/UY5RcR-PgGI/AAAAAAAAEa8/FN8MGMCUiwo/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Mentoring </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">– Daleen has poured herself over the past two years into a group
of young women within Thirdway. She has also played a significant role helping
individuals, couples and groups navigate difficult life decisions. According to
Seth, she has become a motherly figure, who has brought care and stability that
has lowered the sense of anxiety within Thirdway.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Creative space for spiritual formation </span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">– whether it be creative worship through
dance, helping others to understand how they connect deeply with God, or by
leading a Passover Seder meal, Daleen has brought a fresh perspective to
spiritual formation. From what I have seen, she has been the most intentional
force in helping members of Thirdway grow more deeply in their relationship
with God.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miirI-sPAcQ/UY5RdhQtQKI/AAAAAAAAEbE/jQqki7hb6dY/s1600/PWard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-miirI-sPAcQ/UY5RdhQtQKI/AAAAAAAAEbE/jQqki7hb6dY/s320/PWard2.jpg" width="246" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Heart Team</span></b><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> – for the past 15 months, Daleen has been one of four part-time
staff people at Thirdway. She gives leadership to the Heart Team, which
facilitates pastoral care, hospitality, and spiritual formation. When Thirdway
started seeking someone for this role, I recommended Daleen because I knew she
was a great fit for the job. As I have watched her lead this team, I realize
that I was spot on in my assessment. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Our team’s mission is to walk
alongside churches, leadership teams, and individuals, helping them to live out
their calling. These churches are missionally-minded, intentional about
creating sustainable rhythms of life together, and are embedded in local
neighborhoods that are often antagonistic towards church. They are filled with
young people in their 20’s and 30’s, and many times lack the financial and
human resources of larger churches. In light of this, I’m realizing how
invaluable it is to have people like Daleen on our team because I believe that
the greatest asset our team has to offer is our staff themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-32344763980193897642013-02-10T19:58:00.000-06:002013-02-10T20:06:00.481-06:00tilling the soil one step at a timeIt’s a Tuesday morning around 9 a.m. It’s January, and the
weather is a brisk 25 degrees. I’m bundled up from head to toe as I walk a
two-mile loop down my street and back again. The snow crunches under my shoes
with each step I take, and my eyes are attentive, my mind engaged, and I am
listening. Something shifts in my spirit and I find myself praying for a family
as I pass by their house. What, Lord, are you busy doing in this home, on our
street, and in this neighborhood? Who are the people, Father, whose hearts are
ready to receive your good news?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
For some time now, God has been speaking to me about the
importance of prayer in the spiritual receptivity of a neighborhood, city,
region and country. Most of us wouldn’t argue about the importance of prayer,
yet I find that I don’t always give the time and energy to prayer that would
demonstrate its importance.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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I have started to dedicate several hours a week to the
practice of walking the streets in prayer. And, as I prayer-walk, the picture
that I keeps coming to mind is one of tilling the ground, preparing the soil
for the harvest that is to come. I am also praying for specific <i>people of peace</i>, who are seeking God and
are ready to receive the Gospel, and who will connect us into their sphere of
influence and relationship. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Essentially, there are four places/people groups I feel lead
to pray for at this time:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfrPrKgeESk/URhOriXyEHI/AAAAAAAAER8/9zTIB7FPeEA/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dfrPrKgeESk/URhOriXyEHI/AAAAAAAAER8/9zTIB7FPeEA/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b>Hamline-Midway
neighborhood</b> – I’ve had a strong sense that I am to start right here where I
live, work and play; therefore, I am specifically praying along a one-mile
stretch of Van Buren Ave. I have also been praying at Groundswell coffee, which
is located in the center of our immediate neighborhood and serves as a hub for
this community.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><!--[endif]-->Many <b>Somali
families</b> work and shop at the Walmart, which is located just a half mile
from our house. In 2009, there were 103,000 Somali in the U.S. with more than ¼
(28,000) living in the Twin Cities. As I prayer-walk the aisles of Walmart and
engage people in conversation, I am praying/looking for people of peace in the expanding
Somali community. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b>Dayton’s
Bluff</b></span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> is the area just outside of downtown St. Paul where our teammate,
Tony, will be planting a church later this year. The area has a reputation for
being low-income and rough, but God has been/and is doing great things in that
neighborhood. Again, we are tilling the ground, exploring what God is already
busy doing, and considering the specific neighborhood where the church will be
located.</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mEMCT_tCdk/URhOvs2RpyI/AAAAAAAAESE/rz8j-yhH67w/s1600/PWard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_mEMCT_tCdk/URhOvs2RpyI/AAAAAAAAESE/rz8j-yhH67w/s320/PWard2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span>There is a substantial <b>American Indian </b>population in Minnesota. My interest in Native Americans began when I
was young, and has resurfaced since moving to the Twin Cities. The two major
tribes in Minnesota are the Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Dakota (Sioux). I know there are
strong Christians within the American Indian population, but I am praying for
fresh expressions of church that will capture the hearts and imaginations of the
younger generations. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
As I learn and move forward with prayer-walking, I am inviting
others to join me. I would also like to invite you to join me as well in
praying for fertile soil in the Twin Cities. From a vibrant Arts community to a
large immigrant and refugee population, and from dying neighborhoods to young,
urban hipsters, the untapped opportunities abound. Our call is to identify and
walk alongside leaders and churches as they move into these neighborhoods and
networks of people with fresh expressions of God’s timeless Church.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-3386516683768216372012-10-13T21:36:00.000-05:002012-10-13T21:36:49.296-05:00Meet Tony<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;"><b><i>Missional is a way
of being that leads to a way of acting.</i></b><i> </i>- Ed Stetzer<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">What
I enjoy about working with young leaders is not only their vision of a
transformed world, but also their gumption to move toward that vision in ways
that often challenge and stretch me. In 2010, while visiting the Twin Cities,
Daleen and I began hearing about a small band of young, idealistic men, who
called themselves <i>Ekklesia</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJu-NdXAaGU/UHokCxBQT7I/AAAAAAAAEPo/v62Ta78bsTU/s1600/4737_179244610095_654430095_7171980_2748481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJu-NdXAaGU/UHokCxBQT7I/AAAAAAAAEPo/v62Ta78bsTU/s320/4737_179244610095_654430095_7171980_2748481_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Although
most were born and bred in the suburbs of St. Paul, this group of 20-somethings
felt moved by God to relocate to a decaying neighborhood called Dayton’s Bluff
just outside of downtown. Even though their new apartment was located on one of
the most notorious corners in the city, known for its crime and violence, these
young men began to incarnate into their new neighborhood. They quickly realized
that true incarnation isn’t flashy, but rather it’s quiet, subtle, constant and
powerful. Incarnation looks like the Gospel lived out in everyday life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyuy8FuP6B4/UHokB6yPw2I/AAAAAAAAEPg/gdVFr2mELTc/s1600/35796_675901227000_5350964_n.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Kyuy8FuP6B4/UHokB6yPw2I/AAAAAAAAEPg/gdVFr2mELTc/s320/35796_675901227000_5350964_n.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">For
two years, these young men lived a life of discipleship, simplicity and shared
possessions. Moving beyond their initial fear, they began to live an alternative,
Jesus-centered life, seeking to be a constant presence as advocates of the
urban poor. The poured deeply into each other, and to those who lived around
them. Before long, others from the neighborhood (and beyond) began to join
them. The group finally disbanded (on good terms, mind you) when several of the
guys left to finish their university/post-graduate studies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">In
2010, as we considered moving back to the States, it was stories like these
that sparked our interest and gave us hope. Having lived in intentional
community for 10 years, we were amazed that a group of 20-somethings could
navigate the challenges of deep community life in a high-risk/high-need
neighborhood for such an extended period of time. And it was the opportunity to
work alongside such missional communities that was an integral part of our
decision to move to the Twin Cities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Tony<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Once
we moved to St. Paul, we began meeting people, who were involved in Ekklesia. During
our conversations, we kept hearing about Tony, who was a key figure in starting
and maintaining Ekklesia. In April of this year, I finally met Tony face to
face, and it didn’t take long for us to realize that we had a similar dream – a
city transformed by missional bands of Christ-followers spreading through the
neighborhoods and networks of St. Paul. As we continued to meet, it became
clear that God was moving him to not only partner with us, but to join our
staff team so that we could pursue this dream together. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjYrrT4YF4k/UHokDXjsDRI/AAAAAAAAEPw/D13WWlYw9q8/s1600/481933_3777656392463_1551331938_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pjYrrT4YF4k/UHokDXjsDRI/AAAAAAAAEPw/D13WWlYw9q8/s320/481933_3777656392463_1551331938_n.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Tony
finished his seminary degree in Community Ministry Leadership in June, and just
last month he officially joined our CRM team here in St. Paul. In addition to
starting Ekklesia, he is on the leadership team of another church plant called
The Gallery, where he continues to lead worship on occasion. And, although he
has a heart for urban areas, Tony loves fishing, bow hunting and just about
anything else that happens in the great outdoors. He describes himself as a Daydreamer, Fence-burner, Wall-mover, Cross-bearer, and
Revolutionary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-size: large;">Over
the past 15 years, Daleen and I have counted it a privilege to walk alongside
young leaders, helping them grow into the men and women God has created them to
be. Therefore, it’s with great anticipation that we welcome Tony to our team as
he pursues his dream to re-launch this tight, Christ-centered, formational
community in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-57022874811634033842012-08-09T08:50:00.000-05:002012-08-09T08:55:04.195-05:00Love Thy Neighbor<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">“Some neighbors are easier to love than others.” There’s a good
chance that those words would have escaped my mouth if I were present when
Jesus gave the two Great Commandments, <span class="woj">“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your
soul and with all your mind” and “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It wouldn’t
have been my proudest moment, but it would have been an honest one.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="woj"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aoqo31nAGqA/UCO_VoVuYeI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/zcBEvQwBUqk/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aoqo31nAGqA/UCO_VoVuYeI/AAAAAAAAEOQ/zcBEvQwBUqk/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our street.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">We love the street we live on and the neighborhood that surrounds
us. We have some wonderful neighbors, who live next door and across the street.
We even love the close proximity of urban living. However, there is that one
house on the block, which sits across the street and two doors down. It’s a
rental. There are parties four or five nights a week, which spill onto our
street around 3 a.m. with loud talking and occasional fighting. There are
people stopping by throughout the day to buy marijuana. The police usually end
up being called several times a month. Some neighbors are easier to love than
others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes, I’ve called the police…numerous times. Yes, I’ve spoken with
my other neighbors about what we could possibly do to remedy the situation.
Yes, I’ve silently hoped for an eviction notice. Yes, yes, yes. To be honest,
the police are aware of the situation and have an officer on the case, but have
not solved the problem. My neighbors yearn for this family to just pack their
bags and get out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAHn7OsW-Rw/UCO_WRlVC5I/AAAAAAAAEOY/vvfTmp92GDg/s1600/PWard2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VAHn7OsW-Rw/UCO_WRlVC5I/AAAAAAAAEOY/vvfTmp92GDg/s320/PWard2.jpg" width="268" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Our Neighbor, Julie</span></td></tr>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Then there is Julie. Julie is a social worker for the county, and lives
directly next door to the problem house. Julie is a Christian. On the way back
from the bus stop a couple of months ago, Julie told me of her efforts to talk
to this family. She is the only person I know, who has actually gone to the
family and talked with them face-to-face. She’s the only neighbor that I’m
aware of, who has invited this family into her home. And, although change
doesn’t happen immediately, Julie has chosen to engage the situation in a
direct, honest, hospitable, loving way. As we spoke that morning, I was
convicted.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I began to ask myself what it means to love this family. It seems
passive-aggressive to talk with everyone on my street but them. It seems futile
to wait for the police to “fix the problem.” What does love even look like in
this situation? How do I look out for the best interests of my family and other
neighbors, yet still love this family? The short answer is, “I don’t know.”
What I do know is that in the Gospels I see Jesus loving the “unlovable” – a Samaritan woman, a leper, a tax collector,
etc., etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Loving my neighbor is sometimes complex. Loving my neighbor can
make me uncomfortable. Loving my neighbor will cause me to risk. Loving my
neighbor moves me beyond myself and what I am capable of on my own. Loving my
neighbor calls me to be as wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove. Loving my
neighbor is for all my neighbors, and not just the easy ones.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: black; color: #f3f3f3; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Of course, in the economy of God, the definition of neighbor
extends well beyond the people on my street. And, there are times when I am
called to move into those situations that are farther from my home. However, I
find that I don’t have to look far for opportunities to partner with God in his
kingdom work among my neighbors. It often takes little more than walking out my
front door.</span><o:p></o:p></div>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-21692221164023977992012-06-06T10:42:00.001-05:002012-06-06T10:47:25.049-05:00incarnation<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Evangelism is not a word that is used
all that much among young adult Christians. As a matter of fact, I find that
many young people cringe inwardly when confronted with the word. Social
justice, sure. Missional, sure. Loving others in the name of Jesus, sure.
Partnering with God in His Kingdom work, sure. Evangelism, not so sure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I serve as part of the teaching team
of Third Way Church, and, as we move into the summer, we are talking about
evangelism for a couple of reasons. First of all, it seems as though we need to
rediscover the word evangelism. Unfortunately, many have come to see evangelism
as a program, methodology or tool (especially of the 1970’s and 80’s). Rarely is evangelism seen more holistically as
an intentional lifestyle that permeates the everyday relationships in the places
where we live, work and play. Thus, evangelism is not always viewed as necessary
for the equipping of Christ-followers, and for the building up of the Body of
Christ (see Eph. 4:11-13).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqqbbpNLwtc/T895ntwlxyI/AAAAAAAAEOA/4N2PrxvKCNM/s1600/PWard1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YqqbbpNLwtc/T895ntwlxyI/AAAAAAAAEOA/4N2PrxvKCNM/s320/PWard1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">with our next-door neighbor, Rachel, at the local seedling distribution</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Also, we have noticed that most Minnesotans
don’t readily invite others into their homes, especially if they don’t have an
established relationship. This presents a significant challenge for getting to
know our neighbors because most people are holed up inside their homes for five
months during winter. The summer months become an important time to establish
deeper relationships with people because the days are long, and most people are
out and about enjoying the nice weather. Our hope is to establish solid
relationships with people during the summer months that will continue inside
our homes during the winter months.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The Word became flesh and blood,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1.0in; text-indent: .5in;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and moved into the neighborhood.
(John 1:14)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Jesus’ incarnation is a perfect
example for us as we seek to incarnate into the neighborhoods where we live.
Jesus’ incarnation wasn’t complete just by becoming a man, but by being fully
engaged in life with those, who lived around Him. In the book of Matthew alone,
we can see how this played out in His life: Jesus </span>was born, was
baptized, was tempted, preached that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, invited
people to follow him, went throughout all of Galilee – teaching and proclaiming
the gospel, healed, was with the crowds, forgave, dined with many tax
collectors and sinners, prayed, withdrew to be by himself, fed the hungry, had compassion for people, warned his
disciples of insincere religious leaders,
spent time with children, spent time alone with his disciples, touched
the untouchable and the sick, allowed himself to be questioned, spent time with
the outcasts, allowed himself to be betrayed, allowed himself to be judged, allowed
himself to be put to death, was buried, and was resurrected. Jesus fully
incarnated into the human reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p> </o:p> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So, how do we incarnate into the neighborhoods where we live, work
and play? The following matrix has been helpful for me as I think about living
on mission in my everyday life: <span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="left" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; margin-left: 6.75pt; margin-right: 6.75pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-table-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-table-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-table-left: center; mso-table-lspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-rspace: 9.0pt; mso-table-top: 8.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
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<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 29.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 60.9pt;" width="81"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Listen<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 29.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 60.9pt;" width="81"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Submerge<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 29.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 60.9pt;" width="81"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Invite<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 29.45pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 29.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 60.9pt;" width="81"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Live<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
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<br /></div>
</td>
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<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 29.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 60.9pt;" width="81"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 29.45pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 29.45pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; width: 60.9pt;" width="81"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;">Work<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
</td>
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<br /></div>
</td>
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<br /></div>
</td>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">As I begin to listen in the areas
where I live, work and play, I find myself asking: What is God already busy doing? What is really
going on in others’ lives? What would my
neighbors consider to be a blessing to the neighborhood? Submerging requires
time and margin in life that allows us to go deeper by intentionally seeking
others out, and sharing our own life and challenges. And Jesus was the master
of the invitation. He often invited others to come and see, or to come and be
with Him. He also accepted invitations from others, even when it was socially
awkward or unconventional. Daleen and I found ourselves being hesitant in
accepting invitations from others, so we have made it a policy to “just say
yes” whenever possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It isn’t enough that we “moved into
the neighborhood,” our hope is to become part of the tapestry that God is
weaving together in the lives of those, who we call neighbor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-80040332969908823882012-04-07T07:42:00.011-05:002012-04-07T07:54:54.638-05:00Stay Awhile<div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span style="background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; " ></span></p><span><span><span><span >Last month, the following story was circulating around the internet: </span></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; "><span><span><span><span ><br /></span></span></span></span></div><div><span ><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "><span><span><i>A man sat at a metro station in Washington DC and started to play the violin; it was a cold January morning. He played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, since it was rush hour, it was calculated that 1,100 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work.<br /><br />Three minutes went by, and a middle aged man noticed there was musician playing. He slowed his pace, and stopped for a few seconds, and then hurried up to meet his schedule.<br /><br />A minute later, the violinist received his first dollar tip: a woman threw the money in the till and without stopping, and continued to walk.<br /><br />A few minutes later, someone leaned against the wall to listen to him, but the man looked at his watch and started to walk again. Clearly he was late for work.<br /><br />The one who paid the most attention was a 3 year old boy. His mother tagged him along, hurried, but the kid stopped to look at the violinist. Finally, the mother pushed hard, and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. All the parents, without exception, forced them to move on.<br /><br />In the 45 minutes the musician played, only 6 people stopped and stayed for a while. About 20 gave him money, but continued to walk their normal pace. He collected $32. When he finished playing and silence took over, no one noticed it. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.<br /><br />No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the most talented musicians in the world. He had just played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, on a violin worth $3.5 million dollars.<br /><br />Two days before his playing in the subway, Joshua Bell sold out at a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.<br /><br />This is a real story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste, and priorities of people. The outlines were: in a commonplace environment at an inappropriate hour: Do we perceive beauty? Do we stop to appreciate it? Do we recognize the talent in an unexpected context?</i></span></span><br /></span><p style="font-family: Georgia, serif; "></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><o:p></o:p></p><span style="font-family: Georgia, serif; background-image: initial; background-attachment: initial; background-origin: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; "><br /></span><span><span>Daleen and I are working through a book, </span><u>Practicing the Way of Jesus</u><span> by Mark Scandrette, with a small group of people from Thirdway Church. As we’ve engaged both individual and corporate spiritual practices, I’ve noticed that these practices serve us in much the same way as the children in this story. Under the direction of the Spirit, our spiritual practices tug at us to slow down, to listen, to pay attention, and to stay awhile. They be</span><span>g for us to linger in the presence of God, to n</span><span>otice what He is up to, both in our lives and in the</span><span> world around us. The Spirit is constantly bidding us to live in tune with the music of God’s kingdom.</span></span></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /><span style="font-style: normal; margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U73m1xIzS5Q/T4A2Y1t6c5I/AAAAAAAAENs/zZRF0At88_w/s320/DSCF1671.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5728638526379684754" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px; " /></span></span></p></div><div style="font-style: normal; "><div style="text-align: center;"><span ><br /></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span >Throughout this Lenten season, God has been wooing me to savor my time with Him and with others. Woody Allen once said, “80% of success is just showing up.” I sense that there is some truth in this as I pursue greater depth in my relationship with God. In the busyness of life, I find that it takes some creativity, and attentiveness, <span>to make space where I can linger in His presence and quiet myself before Him. Often this doesn’t come in huge blocks of time where I can sit alone in solitude, but rather in the ordinary and everyday routines of life. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><o:p></o:p></span></p></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; "><span ><br /></span></div><div style="font-size: 100%; font-style: normal; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-align: center; "><span><br /></span></div>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-45499954910283900312012-03-19T11:11:00.002-05:002012-03-19T11:13:16.134-05:00<div>The following video will give you an idea of the rich cultural diversity of the Twin Cities:</div><div><br /></div><a href="http://cityvisiontc.org/jam_video_short/streaming.shtml">http://cityvisiontc.org/jam_video_short/streaming.shtml</a><div><br /></div><div>Enjoy, Bryan</div>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-90608529233563931142012-03-02T11:27:00.004-06:002012-03-02T11:51:29.876-06:00Creating Space and Shared Practices<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8b3Y9YUFYs4/T1EIYmsz3OI/AAAAAAAAENA/E-VVohCB5S0/s1600/PTWOJ-3d-book.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 242px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8b3Y9YUFYs4/T1EIYmsz3OI/AAAAAAAAENA/E-VVohCB5S0/s320/PTWOJ-3d-book.png" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715358620908248290" /></a><br /><blockquote style="font-style: normal; "></blockquote><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>'Unless you are the queen of England, you probably don't live in a museum. We might visit a museum occasionally or, for many of us, just once or twice in a lifetime. Museums preserve the history of a nation or civilization, displaying the best achievements of artists and artisans over decades, centuries or millenniums. I've always been fascinated by the contrast between the order and prestige of museums - where works of art are displayed in rooms gleaming with marble and stationed with security guards - and the places where most artwork is made: in dingy warehouses in low-rent districts, in studios splattered with paint or piled with debris. The most important visitor to the museum is not the patron or connoisseur, but the artist, in her paint-splattered pants, who comes to the museum to pay respect and be inspired by those who have gone before her. The museum preserves the long conversation about what art is, and the community of artists labor with the hope of making their contribution to this ongoing dialogue, that one day their work will be worthy of display.<div><br /><div>For seekers of the Way, the buildings, rituals, documents and theologies of the Christian tradition serve as a rich museum that inspires our efforts to practice the way of Jesus. They remind us that we are part of an unfolding story and an ongoing conversation about what it means to live as "children of light" (John 12:36) in our time and place. But we don't live in museums. The place where we create our "art" isn't in the clean and well-ordered world of books, historic institutions or even public gatherings, but in the grit and messiness of daily life and in our relationships with one another. The question for us is, how will we act courageously together to make our contribution to this unfolding story?' (<i>Practicing the Way of Jesus </i>by Mark Scandrette, p. 40)</div><div style="font-style: normal; "></div></div>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-3372903692845700102012-02-13T14:09:00.009-06:002012-02-13T14:25:31.795-06:00building blocks<div style="text-align: left;"><span><span>Last year, my daughter gave me a book for Father's Day called </span><i>Manhood for Amateurs </i><span>by Michael Chabon. I'm pretty sure this gift wasn't so much a judge of my masculinity,</span><i> </i><span>but more a result of a sale at Borders and the limited budget of an 11-year-old. In any case, the motives b</span>ehind the purchase aren't important here, but the book is.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><span><span>In a chapter titled </span><i>To The Legoland Station, </i></span>Chabon explores the development of Legos and the freedom of imagination and creativity in children. Chabon points out the simplicity of Legos when he was a child. Squares and rectangles, six basic colors, simple trees, snap-in doors and windows, and red sloping roof tiles. Abstract, minimal, and never meant to be "realistic," we accepted Legos for what they were, a product for our imagination. Open-ended and exploratory.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><br /></span></p><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VKHopFzer1U/TzluwthjTDI/AAAAAAAAEMQ/YFFMBjJDWIw/s200/PWard1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708715785801911346" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 152px; " /><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><u><br /></u></span></div><div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><span>Somewhere along the way, Legos changed. Now, this shouldn't surprise us because most things change; however, it wasn't only the Legos that changed, but the rules that govern playing with them. A short trip to any Legos store will prove that there are numerous color options, every shape imaginable, uncountable minifigures (Lego lingo for Lego people), etc, etc. Even though such changes are to be expected, Chabon writes that it was the predetermined boundaries and the prescribed f</span>ormula for play that he resented most.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span><br /></span></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><span>What used to be basic building blocks for your imagi</span>nation and creativity to run wild, have now become elaborate attempts to create realism based on predetermined outcomes. Most Lego kits now come with detailed, step-by-step instructions for creating miniature versions of things like race cars, pirate ships and pretty much anything from the Star Wars movies. The dreaming and scheming of working with these basic building blocks has been substituted with the frustration of trying to follow a 47-page manual with no words. And once some of these elaborate things are made, children are cautious in playing with them for fear of breaking them or losing an irreplaceable part.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><br /></span></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r9lgXpwbMzc/TzlxBkhoDSI/AAAAAAAAEMs/ze8F-zLBKCo/s320/PWard2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708718274467335458" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 218px; " /><div></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>As I read this chapter about Legos, I kept thinking about church planting. The building blocks for church seem to be fairly basic. I'm thinking in terms of things like prayer, service, care, teaching, fellowship, worship, communion, etc. With basic building blocks like these, under the supervision of the Spirit, the possibilities for how a church lives out its mission within its specific context are endless.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>What I have seen, and have been guilty of myself on occasion, is trying to plant a living, local body of Christ using some formulaic set of rules with a predetermined outcome. It's as though we have more confidence in "tried and true" models than in our ability to hear from God and partner with what He is already busy doing. We serve a creative God, who has given us all that we need, but we often turn from the hard work of listening, praying and submerging for quick fixes that boost our numbers and give the appearance of success.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>One of the goals of play is to engage the imagination and unleash creativity. Similarly, in church planting we need to engage the heart and imagination of God and unleash His creative Spirit. The substance of church, the transformation of its people and its impact on the surrounding community has less to do with forms, and more to do with heart and spirit. Unfortunately, young church planters often become disillusioned, confused or frustrated somewhere along the way because the reality of what is may not resemble some self-prescribed ideal.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; "><span>Because of this, our team has made it our mission to walk alongside young church planters as they work out the dreams that God has laid on their hearts. The results may not follow one of the “prescribed formulas” of church planting, but they certainly strive to be in tune with the heart of God, His kingdom and His mission.</span></p></div></div></div>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-59669674587522383442011-12-12T11:57:00.003-06:002011-12-12T12:24:59.242-06:00significant wins<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I recently had to fill out an annual role review for CRM where I made the comment that there have been times this year when I’ve wanted to be further along as a team both relationally and productively. I then went on to say that I’ve felt God moving my heart to extend grace to myself, especially in light of all that has happened this year.</div></div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The following day, as I went through my role review with my boss, Gary, he challenged me to consider this past year from another point of view. Instead of needing to extend myself grace for things we didn’t accomplish, what if I embraced the wins that our team did have this year. He then proceeded to point out a number of things that I had written in my role review that he considered to be significant “wins” during this year of transition.</p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->We successfully made an international move – it was only 11 months ago, on January 20<sup>th</sup>, that our family landed on American soil.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->We’ve settled into St. Paul and our team is being woven into the fabric of the Hamline-Midway neighborhood.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><o:p></o:p></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gvLjpHZDmwM/TuZBT5_-OxI/AAAAAAAAEJE/OsSZU1OW-aM/s200/PWard1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685303389844290322" style="text-align: left;color: rgb(0, 0, 238); text-decoration: underline; display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: 38.25 pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /><p></p><div><div><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="text-align: left; text-indent: -24px; font: normal normal normal 7pt/normal 'Times New Roman'; "> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-align: left; text-indent: -24px; "> We have some great relational connections – through Thirdway’s coffee house, the kids’ friends and their families, volunteering at local schools and spending time with neighbors, we have made some significant relationships.</span></p></div><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]--> We are mentoring young leaders - both Daleen and I meet weekly with young men and women, who are part of our community.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->We are serving Thirdway, a church plant in our neighborhood – from serving on their leadership team to volunteering in their coffee shop, we are helping them fulfill their mission in our neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->I am walking alongside Seth, the leader of Thirdway – we have been meeting every couple of weeks to think through and consider important issues facing Thirdway. I have also begun to shoulder some of the teaching load at Thirdway.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->We bought a house – in June we moved into our new house and we have made it our home.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->We are networking with other church planters/missional communities in the area.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->We are starting a small business, Bags by Hand, that is making jewelry bags for a local jeweler, as well as hand bags, which are being sold locally. This will not only help to meet our financial needs, but will help connect us into a network of creative locally-owned businesses.<o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font:7.0pt "Times New Roman""> </span><!--[endif]-->We are developing a healthy, balanced rhythm of life for our family.</p><p class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left:38.25pt;mso-add-space: auto;text-indent:-.25in;mso-list:l0 level1 lfo1"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As my perspective shifts, and I begin to embrace the victories of this past year, my focus is moving from myself and my shortcomings to God and His faithfulness. With that, my “need for grace” is being transformed into a voice of gratitude. And, my demanding expectations of perfectionism are moving toward contentment in God’s goodness. This seems like a simple shift in perspective, yet it makes such a vast difference in how I understand this past year.</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><div><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wI26jbP-Vr8/TuZCVsNO8NI/AAAAAAAAEJU/sd_7ykS3uXA/s200/PWard2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685304520013181138" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /><div></div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div> <p class="MsoNormal">As we quickly approach the end of the year, won’t you take a few minutes to consider your year from the perspective of “embracing the wins in your life.” Most will find, as our family did, that there is much to be thankful for.</p><p class="MsoNormal">May you have a wonderful Christmas filled with joy and gratitude, </p><p class="MsoNormal">Bryan, Daleen, Kyle and Zoe</p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div></div>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-84092531116917134042011-10-17T11:59:00.010-05:002011-10-17T12:27:35.886-05:00Launch<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >As we move into Autumn and a new school year, we find ourselves moving into a new season of life and ministry here in the Twin Cities. Summer has been busy with the move into our home (June), Daleen’s trip to South Africa and her father’s passing (July) and a 4-week trip to the West Coast to visit family and friends, and to do some support raising (August). It’s good to be back in our neighborhood, which is feeling more and more like home.</span></div></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nci6DtHyuks/TpxjW02Lv0I/AAAAAAAAD_s/36HQfFY6ek4/s200/DSC09905.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664511675119419202" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ></span></p><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Launch</span></b></div><div><b><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></b></div> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" >In Spring, our team began the process of defining our identity within CRM. If CRM’s vision is to “empower leaders,” then what is the unique contribution of our team? After much deliberation, we felt like “Launch” was a good descriptor of our team vision. We desire to launch vibrant expressions of the Body of Christ that will reach those, who are unreceptive, and sometimes hostile, to the church as we know it. We also desire to launch leaders, who will pilot these young, vibrant, missional communities of faith.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Fresh Expressions<o:p></o:p></span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Over the past ten years we have participated in, given leadership and been exposed to a variety of “missional communities.” This has shaped a longing within us to see local expressions of church that are resolute in effecting transformation in the lives of its people, as well as the wider community where they live, work and play. We find such churches moving from building-centered to <i>community</i>-centered, from attractional programs to <i>missional</i> initiatives and from city-wide to <i>neighborhood</i>-focused.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Missional communities often experiment with alternative ways of gathering where members’ lives are woven together more consistently throughout the week. This will often lead people to live in close proximity to one another. It is proximity to one another that helps missional communities to participate more fully in the life of the local neighborhoods where they are located. And, as people live, work and play in a spirit of being “on mission,” lives are impacted, people transformed and the Kingdom expanded.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; "><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84O1WuU2D20/TpxjpJRNRuI/AAAAAAAAD_4/aGE9vh-MgmM/s200/IMG_0084.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664511989839120098" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Unreceptive and Hostile</span></b></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Many Christians desire for their church to be a welcoming place where people find Jesus. Unfortunately, for many, the church is not the place to go in their quest for Christ. In some cases, it is literally the last place people would go due to past hurts, painful experiences and a sense of “not being welcome.” We want to see followers of Christ mobilized in order to help others venture beyond these barriers, whether perceived or real, so that they might know Jesus and His transforming power. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Our team is trying to lead the way by building relationships with those, who are part of the vast Creative Arts community in the Twin Cities. We are also meeting our neighbors in the local places where they gather, inviting them into our homes and accepting invitations into theirs, engaging in service projects alongside them and tending to their hearts.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" >Leaders</span></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><span class="Apple-style-span" >A church living on mission requires leaders, who have the character, gifts and experience to guide her into uncharted territories. Leaders who will not only inspire with their words, but will demonstrate by their actions what it means to follow God in the way of Jesus. In contrast to always looking for outside “experts,” we are encouraging and assisting churches to cultivate leaders from within, based on faithfulness, gifting, experience and knowledge. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; " ><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PTRBcLzX-A8/TpxkBYCMW6I/AAAAAAAAEAE/HhW9tDCi3Jk/s200/IMG_0122.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5664512406119537570" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px; " /></span></p><div><br /></div><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align:justify"><o:p></o:p></p>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-65173307603754610642011-08-02T18:35:00.003-05:002011-08-02T18:43:52.862-05:00My Father<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">When we moved to Minnesota in January, we knew that my dad was dying and it was only a matter of time. We knew that there was a very good chance that we would never see him again. Taking my kids away from my parents at such a time was one of the hardest things I have ever done; however, Bryan and I deeply believed that it was God’s time for us to move. It was my “Abraham moment”, and I didn’t want an “Ishmael situation” on my hands. So we left. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">Thus began a 5-month plea that God would give me a week with my dad before he passed, and a couple of weeks to care for my mom afterwards. With my brother also living in Minnesota, my father’s passing would mean that my mom</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Leelawadee, sans-serif; "> would be alone to deal with my dad’s death. I could not imagine that for her.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">My dad had been ill for a long time, and there was no way to tell when he would go. I felt like I was walking a tightrope that could snap at any time. There were no promises or guarantees, just blind faith that God’s goodness and faithfulness would extend to every detail of my torn heart. I prayed that God would tell me exactly when to go…<o:p></o:p></span></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YDfvRpIN3tM/TjiKp-cgUmI/AAAAAAAAD-U/6oSXiCya80c/s200/PWard1%2B%25282%2529.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 144px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5636407387396002402" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">In the end of June, God started pressing in on my heart that it was time. We booked a tick</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Leelawadee, sans-serif; ">e</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Leelawadee, sans-serif; ">t</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Leelawadee, sans-serif; "> that allowed me to stay for 3 weeks. The morning after I arrived in South Africa, we brought my dad home from the hospital, and for</span><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif""> the next 5 days I helped my mother take care of him. My dad was never really lucid and only said my name once, but I spent a lot of time praying for hi</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Leelawadee, sans-serif; ">m and reading the Psalms to him.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">On day 6, I was tired and emotionally worn out, so I went to do some shopping and banking for my mother. I was planning on taking my time drinking in the familiarity of home, but God, in His grace, had other plans. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">I took one turn rather than another into the local mall and spotted a car out of the corner of my eye. It looked like the car of my friend who lives on the other side of town. And then I saw her daughter get out of the car. Of all the spaces in the parking lot, that was the only one where I would have noticed her. I pulled over, we hugged and cried. As we spoke, she shared about the day that her father passed away a few years ago. She told me how she went to help her mother, and one day while she left to run a 10-minute errand, her father passed away.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">As I started my shopping, I kept thinking how crushed I would be if I came all this w</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Leelawadee, sans-serif; ">ay to be with my dad and he died while I was at the store. I abandoned my shopping and rushed home. When I arrived home, my mother called for me and told me that it was time. I held my dad and told him how much we loved him, how much he meant to us and how much we would miss him, but that we wanted him to be whole again, to be restored and to be with God whom he loved with all his heart. And as I held him he slipped out of this world into the next.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">In His amazing mercy, God heard the cry of my heart, guided me in his perfect timing, and even chose my friend, Sonja, to guide me back home. For many, such events may seem insignificant, but as I reflect over my time in South Africa and God’s care and faithfulness, I will never again doubt how much God cares about the desires of my heart. <span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:"Leelawadee","sans-serif"">With love, Daleen</span></p>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-68578651692578983692011-06-10T22:23:00.013-05:002011-06-10T22:58:11.919-05:00third places<p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br />The Word became flesh and blood,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >and moved into the neighborhood.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoListParagraph" style="text-align: center;margin-left: 2.5in; text-indent: 0.5in; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >John 1:14 (The Message)<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Jesus set the example. He came to be with us. He “pitched his tent” and liv</span><span class="Apple-style-span">ed among us, inviting us into his world. He ushered the kingdom into our global neighborhood.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >place</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >People desire to know their place in this world. We want to have a place where we fit in. A place where we are known.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A place where we can be the person God created us to be. A place in the work that God is doing in and around us.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Daleen and I are slowly, but surely finding our place here in Minnesota. When we landed in </span><span class="Apple-style-span">the Twin Cities, we were embraced by a community of people that make up Thirdway. We were welcomed by Daleen’s brother’s family and their friends. And we were included in the wider CRM community that lives in Minneapolis/St. Paul and throughout the U.S. We were blessed to step into a network of people that</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> extends into our neighborhood and far beyond.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >However, not everyone is so fortunate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >From what I see, many people struggle to find a place where they fit. They struggle to find a community that welcomes and embraces them. They struggle to find their place.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight:normal"><span class="Apple-style-span" >third places</span></b></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6K8KMm-BwpM/TfLlJnbjjgI/AAAAAAAAD9s/cRtAwzISkLw/s200/PWard1.jpg" style="text-align: left;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616803638650572290" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Acco</span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">rding to Wikipedia, '<span class="apple-style-span"><b><i><span style="line-height: 115%; ">third place</span></i></b></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">is a term used in the concept of</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">community buildin</span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">g</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">to refer to social s</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; ">urroundings separate from the two usual social environments of home and the workplac</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 15px; ">e. </span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">In his influential book <u><span style="mso-bidi-font-style:italic">The Great Good Place</span></u>,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">Ray Oldenburg</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">argues that third places are important for</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">civil society,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 115%; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 115%; ">democra</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 18px; ">cy,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 18px; "> </span></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 18px; ">civic engagement, and establishing </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 18px; ">feelings of a</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="line-height: 18px; "> </span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="line-height: 18px; ">sense of place.</span></span></span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">Oldenburg calls one's "first place" the home and those that one lives with. The "second place" is the workplace — where people may actually spend most of their time. Third places, then, are<i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"> "anchors" of community life</i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; "> and facilitate and foster broader, more creative interaction.'</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; " ><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal"><span style="line-height: 115%; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >groundswell</span></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">In the spirit of Jesus, the people of Thirdway Church decided it wasn’t enough to travel in and out of the Midway-Hamline area. They began moving into the neighborhood at a time when many were moving out. As they pitched the</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span">ir tents in the neighborhood, they became pa</span><span class="Apple-style-span">rt of the fabric of local life. Eventually, they bought a neighborhood coffee shop with t</span><span class="Apple-style-span">he hope of creating a third place for those in the neighborhood.</span></span></span></p><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-88SXgwqtb0w/TfLlnm8evYI/AAAAAAAAD90/LxOkoi4hPgE/s200/PWard2.jpg" style="text-align: left;float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px; " border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616804153916308866" /><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span">From what I’ve experienced, Groundswell is a great success. I cannot tell you how man</span><span class="Apple-style-span">y</span><span class="Apple-style-span"> relationships with my neighbors have been fostered at the coffee shop. Groundswell is also growing as a local hub by hosting art shows, music nights and poetry readings. There is a telling joke among transplants to Minnesota that goes something like this: Minnesotans are so nice that they will give you directions to anywhere, except their home. In a culture that may not </span>readily invite into their homes, third places become even more<span class="Apple-style-span"> crucial.</span></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">According to Wikipedia, “all societies already have informal meeting places; what is new in modern times is the intentionality of seeking them out as vital to current societal needs.” </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px; ">In light of this, we are growing in our ability to create third places where others are exposed and introduced to the love of Christ, the reality of God’s kingdom and His community.</span></span></p>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-54261470843450114352011-05-10T13:38:00.006-05:002011-05-10T13:55:34.055-05:00Cold is a relative thing<div><span class="Apple-style-span">I just got this list from a woman, who grew up in Minnesota, but now lives elsewhere. It actually gives some insight into the Minnesota psyche and their pride of survival in extreme conditions. Last year, they built an outdoor stadium for baseball in Minneapolis. My family got to enjoy their first professional baseball game ever on April 27th. It was around 35 degrees and snowing, and the stadium was 75% full when the game started. As I learn more about these hearty people of the North, the well-known description of Russians comes to mind - <span class="Apple-style-span" >"<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 16px; ">a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma</span>." Enjoy.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span">65 degrees Arizonans turn on the heat. People in Minnesota plant gardens.<br /><br />60 degrees Californians shiver uncontrollably. People in Minnesota sunbathe.<br /><br />50 degrees Italian & English cars won't start. People in Minnesota drive with the windows down.<br /><br />40 degrees Georgians don coats, thermal underwear, gloves, wool hats. People in Minnesota throw on a flannel shirt.<br /><br />35 degrees New York landlords finally turn up the heat. People in Minnesota have the last cookout before it gets cold.<br /><br />20 degrees People in Miami all die. Minnesotans close their windows.<br /><br />0 degrees Californians fly away to Mexico. People in Minnesota get out their winter coats.<br /><br />10 below zero Hollywood disintegrates. The Girl Scouts in Minnesota are selling cookies door to door.<br /><br />20 below zero Washington DC runs out of hot air. (Ya think? Nah.). People in Minnesota let their dogs sleep indoors.<br /><br />30 below zero Santa Claus abandons the North Pole. Minnesotans get upset because they can't start the snowmobile.<br /><br />40 below zero ALL atomic motion stops. People in Minnesota start saying..."Cold enough for ya?"<br /><br />50 below zero Hell freezes over. Minnesota public schools will open 2 hours late.</span>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-64181138497148108302011-04-08T11:06:00.006-05:002011-04-08T11:21:54.759-05:00transition<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">Bryan and I love adventure. We would rather experience new places than own ne</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">w things. And for the last 13 years we have dragged our kids all over the world, and we have loved every moment of it. In our minds, we have enriched our childrens' lives beyond measure. And they have endured it, believing that they are richer for the things they have see</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">n and the places they have been.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">Today, I take my hat of to my children because this new adventure of moving to Minnesota has cost them everything that they held dear. And, although this move holds tr</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">easures yet to come, the cost has been great.</span></p><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NdzlJYOngKo/TZ80gpwqRjI/AAAAAAAAD5Y/3pnXjyqxDFQ/s200/DSCF0367.JPG" style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593246997787854386" /> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">I have seen Kyle and Zoe give their possessions away because we could not bring them with. I have seen them say farewell to friendships that were as old as they are. I held them when they gave away their pets, their home, and everything they have ever known to be home. And, I had to drag them crying away from my parents, knowing that we might not ever see my dad again.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">And they </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">did all of this because we told them this is what God has for our family. They did this because they trust that Bryan and I know what we are doing. They did this because they had very little choice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">On the first of February we sent them to school, after just two weeks in America, which was spent living in my brother's basement. In South Africa, they went to an Afrikaans-speaking school where they went barefoot with kids they have known since preschool. Here they knew no one, and it was snowing outside. Since then, they have had to read, write and do math in English. They've done projects, took part in plays, rode the school bus in the freezing cold and faced school bullies.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">As an adult, this </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">transition has been very hard on me. There have been days when I didn't want to get out of bed, or to see people. There have been a couple of days where I have sulked and moped around the house in my PJ's just because I could. Unlike Kyle and Zoe,<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Bryan and I have the freedom to adjust to this new life in our own time. Kyle and Zoe leave the house at 8 a.m. and get back after 4 p.m., and then they have to start with homework. My kids have had little time for themselves or for sulking around. And when they do break down, I often have the expectation for them to keep their cool and get with it.</span></p><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4gnIDjlrz1E/TZ80HfZai7I/AAAAAAAAD5M/JhLSBLHFTZs/s200/DSCF0344.JPG" style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593246565509270450" /><p class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">Kyle and Zoe are my heroes. I know, they lose it sometimes and have their fair share of struggles. However, in spite of having their entire world turned upside-down, they have fought to embrace their new life. They not only do what is expected of them, bu</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">t they have thrown themselves fully into life as we now know it. I stand amazed at their ability to cope, their tolerance for change and their spirit that seems to flourish wherever we take them.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 17px; ">I thank God for Kyle and Zoe, who teach me every day what it means to walk by faith alone.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:13.0pt">With all my heart, Daleen</span></p>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8029424116604427501.post-33052419752628587962011-03-17T18:15:00.008-05:002011-03-17T18:39:35.094-05:00Our New Hood<p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">As you drive down University Avenue toward the Midway neighborhood, you will quickly realize that you are no longer in the suburbs. The first thing you will most likely notice is the hodge-podge of ethnic restaurants ranging from Mexican food to a Thai-French Bakery. It also seems as though each ethnic group has their own grocery store. And, unlike many of the “cuter” areas, there are no quaint brick buildings with their row of coffeehouses, restaurants and local pubs. No, University Avenue is an eclectic arrangement of buildings and businesses that seem to have no rhyme or reason.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Although the Midway neighborhood is not considered to be a “nice” area of town, we are realizing just how much we enjoy living along the University Avenue corridor. First of all, we love that it is very centrally located. We can find most of what we need in and around our neighborhood, and nothing seems to be more than a 20-minute drive away. Not bad considering we are in a metropolitan area with more than 2.5 million people. In 5 minutes we can be in downtown St. Paul, and in 10-15 minutes we can be in downtown Minneapolis.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jInPJmnYPCQ/TYKXUfAi9mI/AAAAAAAAD4w/dyyc34nXjZ8/s200/PWard1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585192866069804642" border="2" /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We also love the diversity. One stop at the local Walmart and you will quickly realize just how many different ethnic groups are represented in our neighborhood. I was recently shopping at a nearby store and there were three ladies working together and each of them was from a different country of origin. Then, when I left the store, I read a bumper sticker that said, “As for me and my house, we will serve Allah.” That was a new one for me.</p><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We also enjoy the fact that many of the local businesses are run by people, who live in our neighborhood. While I've been working on this newsletter here at Groundswell (Thirdway's coffeehouse), I've met two different local business owners. And, yesterday, Daleen and I had an interesting talk with the owner of a local bookstore about the new light rail system that will run along University Avenue.</p><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">We've heard a<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvVVbEC8kdg/TYKXvbbzTQI/AAAAAAAAD44/BSgGzG5IAoQ/s1600/PWard2.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rvVVbEC8kdg/TYKXvbbzTQI/AAAAAAAAD44/BSgGzG5IAoQ/s200/PWard2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585193328966847746" border="2" /></a> lot of mixed messages regarding the new light rail system that would connect downtown St. Paul with downtown Minneapolis. Some think it will bring in a lot of business to our neighborhood. Others are concerned that the process of building the light rail will actually be the ruin of local businesses as the road will be torn up and electricity could be turned off for up to four months at a time. Some people look forward to a rise in the price of their home, while others fear that middle- and low-income residents will no longer be able to afford to live in the area. Needless to say, there is a lot of concern for the future of our neighborhood and the people who live here. Whatever the outcome of the light rail system, we look forward to walking alongside our neighbors as they navigate the changes to come.</p><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">While some are pulling out of places like Midway, there are people, like Thirdway, who are moving into the neighborhood. And, we believe that such missional communities are strategically positioned to bring the realities of God's kingdom into these culturally diverse, transitioning neighborhoods. We are excited to collaborate with churches like Thirdway, who seek to be a blessing and contend for the people who live along the University corridor.</p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">Grateful to be in the neighborhood, B, D, K and Z</p>Bryan and Daleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06989237223495043943noreply@blogger.com0