Where do you get your news?

A few weeks ago during a discussion session, people briefly referenced the different news sources they trusted (or didn't trust). It made me wonder where everyone went to get the news - whether online, TV, print or otherwise. I thought if we shared what sources we find particularly helpful, we might find some "new news."

So - where do you get your news?

Next Meeting: COTF - May 3rd

This Sunday, May 3rd, we will have a "Celebration of the Discipline" gathering. We will meet a little later than usual, at 6pm at Jesse & Kellye's house in Grove City. We will have the grill hot and ready to go, so please bring your favorite meat and veggies to put on the grill (for yourself) and then a side dish or beverage to share with everyone else. Kellye will be making a strawberry pie, which you don't want to miss :)

We'll eat dinner first, relax and hang out, and then build a fire and have our time of community worship, prayer, spiritual engagement and communion around the fire pit. We will plan to end around 8:30pm.

As always, everyone is welcome, even if this would be your first time visiting the group - looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday evening!!

Is Violence Ever a Good Thing?

Yesterday we asked that challenging question as we explored the topic of violence and attempted to understand God’s character as it is depicted in the Old Testament.

I am currently reading a book by James Hollis called “What Matters Most.” In one of the chapters he discusses the fact that we die many small deaths to become larger. I agree with this idea.

I allow God to bring about certain deaths:

The death of my pride, the death of my judgments, the death of my fears.

But what about the death of those things that I cling to?

My need to feel safe, my need to be loved, my need to feel secure about my future.

And do I have trust like Abraham? I raise the knife. Will God ask me to plunge it into the very promise I believe He gave me or will God stay my hand?

Sacrifice.

Violence.

I allow the death of everything I have, everything that I am. When Jesus said, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me, the answer was the cross.

Is violence ever a good thing? What have I to gain?

The Kingdom of God.

Film night!

Hey all,

I'm hosting another installment of Faith, Film, and Philosophy on Saturday April 25 at 7pm. Andrew is leading the discussion this time. Here is his description of what will take place:


Join us to watch Slumdog Millionaire followed by reactions and discussion. The movie itself contains a lot of interesting ideas about the narrative structures of our lives, the unknown events that become meaningful in time etc., but we will also consider the movie as a 'cultural phenomenon' that has received Hollywood's highest honor. Is the depiction of slum life exploitative, a kind of seemingly distant, but ultimately damaging, form of scintillating poverty pornography? How can we think of poverty as people of faith whose tradition calls us to love others as ourselves? Globalization. .. Flattening Worlds... The rise of sprawling urban slums... The utopian failures of low-income housing solutions... The looming population booms... It's all there. Perfect for Faith, Film, and Philosophy night.


My address is 1212 Summit Street and I live on the corner of Fifth Ave and Summit. Parking is available on the street but if you have any trouble there is some room behind my duplex as well. My number is (937) 572-2751. Please let me know if you're coming so I can get enough chairs!

Bring your thoughts, questions, and your best Who Wants to Be a Millionaire Trivia.

Hope to see you there!

Julia Sullivan

Psalm 88, 44, and 39

This Sunday, let's explore some of the uncomfortable implications about God and violence suggested
in the video below.

Easter Church Ideas?

Hi everyone - we've talked about a few of us trying out a church for Easter Sunday. I am pretty open to suggestions, so if you've got an idea go ahead and post it below. I would be happy to go to the same Catholic church from last year, but I am a little peaved with Rome right now...so perhaps something else?

Generate Magazine

I'm not sure why I haven't seen or understood what this was earlier, but Generate Magazine is "a forum to retell the stories of the grassroots communities and individuals who are finding emergent and alternative means to follow God in the Way of Jesus." From what I can tell, it is just getting started (officially) and they are asking for unsolicited submissions of all shapes and kinds: "completed essays, photo and art galleries/portfolios, poetry/verse, long and short fiction, plays, interviews, new liturgy/worship expression and reviews."

Is there something we could contribute to this? A collaborative effort? Favorite blogposts? Essays (Nancy's incredible work comes to my mind immediately....) Reflections on our past year and a half together?

What would you like to talk about?

We would like to extend an invitation for you (or anyone) to ask any question or raise any topic for one of our discussion sessions. Whether you have attended our meetings before or not, you are welcome to ask a question or point out a concern - just something you would like to hear so-called "emergents" discuss. Nothing is off the table!

You can post your question in the comments section of this blogpost, or email schroeder.jesse@gmail.com. We'll post information regarding the discussion session later.

Celebration April 5

This Sunday, April 5, Adam and Kara will host our Celebration/Worship time (1008 Manor Lane, Unit D). The idea for this celebration came from listening to Peter Rollins talk about IKON so it will include a bit of drama and story.

The food theme for this Sunday is fish (be it shrimp or fish sticks or tuna!)

I encourage you to bring a story or testimony to share--it can be a story that has brought you closer to knowing and loving Jesus. But it doesn't have to be serious. Feel free to tell a 'big fish' story as well.

Thank you in advance for allowing me to lead this time. I have really had fun planning and preparing it.

See you all Sunday.