November 2013 – Gathering in Light

The Possibilities and Challenges of Building a Participatory Church

I love the word participation. It’s stem means “taking part” or to “partner.” The Quaker meeting of which I am the ‘released minister,’ Camas Friends, strives to be a participatory church. A partnering church. A church that welcomes the contributions, leadership, insights, resources, personalities and concerns of those who are in the meeting. As IContinue reading “The Possibilities and Challenges of Building a Participatory Church”

‘…That Passeth All Understanding’ by Denise Levertov

An awe so quiet I don’t know when it began. A gratitude has begun to sing in me. Was there some moment dividing song from no song? When does dewfall begin? When does night fold its arms over our hearts to cherish them? When is daybreak?

Participatory Church and the Trials of Falling Asleep (Luke 22:39-46)

“He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him. When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.” Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if youContinue reading “Participatory Church and the Trials of Falling Asleep (Luke 22:39-46)”

Waking Up To The Gifts

There is another way to think about Zacchaeus’ story and that is it is a call to wake up to the gifts that are before us (see part one here). Jesus helps to restore Zacchaeus to the community of the people of God, yes he humanizes him, and yes, he gives him back his dignityContinue reading “Waking Up To The Gifts”

Zacchaeus in the Present Tense

“He entered Jericho and was passing through it. A man was there named Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was rich. He was trying to see who Jesus was, but on account of the crowd he could not, because he was short in stature. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore treeContinue reading “Zacchaeus in the Present Tense”

OMG! A film on GMOs: Review of “GMO OMG”

Monday evening, I had the opportunity to watch Jeremy Seifert’s new film GMO OMG. Jeremy and his family hold a special place in my heart because of our friendship that developed while he and I were in school together at Fuller Seminary. During the time that we were a part of a small group weContinue reading “OMG! A film on GMOs: Review of “GMO OMG””