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"Referring to the church as a building is like referring to people as two-by-fours." a few sundays ago chanida (our 2 year old) woke up and said in a big, happy voice, "church is comin' over today!" we've been trying to change not only our language, but our whole thinking about this phrase "going to church". its a statement that perpetuates this thinking that church is a building when in reality the church is a PEOPLE. we don't go to church ~title of blog is taken from shane claibourne's book quoting another guy and i can't find it right now to give credit properly~ ps i like saying "shake and bake". i think its funny. really funny. try saying it - just any time you want a little lift, a little laugh. "shake and bake"  Generosity as Friends/ChurchSubmitted by Carlene on Fri, 2007-02-02 21:37.
Hi Church/Friends...I love how Chanita uses "church" interchangeably with "friends". As I think about this change in perspective in being the church rather than going to church I'm seeing a shift in accountability and responsibility on our part. From this new perspective, we can no longer refer to our church with fickle association and claim great closeness when its doing something we're proud of and distance ourselves and point fingers when we're not pleased...I feel challenged and yet hopeful. Speaking of hopeful, each of your thoughts about how to live out our faith in the area of finances has been encouraging. Ironic how I came across these blogs in the midst of working on a job application! Good to be reminded of this. Here's a little tidbit that came to mind as I pondered your thoughts this afternoon. Mark Buchanan's "The Rest of God" speaks about generosity... "The world of the generous gets larger and larger;/the world of the stingy gets smaller and smaller" (Prov. 11:24, MSG). GENEROUS PEOPLE GENERATE THINGS...More abounds with them and yet they have a greater thirst and deeper capacity to take it all in...The taproot of generosity is spiritual..."They gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us" (2Cor. 8:5). True generosity always moves in that sequence: first God, then others" This speaks to my prayer for us as a church, may we be a generous people that draws near to the Lord and generates an abundance of life-giving things. Jesus, we give you our dreams and hearts that long to give your love and blessings to others, especially those who have little. We also give you our human desires that crave more than we need and our hardness that wants to cling to our wealth. We trust you to guide and protect us in this journey. Surround us with examples to follow, openness to be held accountable, and courage to step out and lead. Lord, help us to listen and obey.  hahaha...peopleaslumber...hahahahaSubmitted by Terry on Fri, 2007-02-02 15:20.
I like the quote Jolie...I used it last night at our home group...crazy 2x4's... i love love love it! thisSubmitted by kristi on Thu, 2007-02-01 13:29.
i love love love it! this made me smile :) |
Thanks for that Jolie. I was
Thanks for that Jolie.
I was with the kids last Sunday as my niece joined us. She was sooo happy to make some new friends in Chanida and Luke. I was blessed to be with them.
Shake and Bake! I just watched Talladega Nights 2 days ago... so shakin' and bakin' is fresh in my mind... Sweet Baby Jesus :) How sweet HE is!