tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-176079532012-01-28T23:22:17.812-05:00a gathering of emerging christians in the columbus ohio areaNick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.comBlogger4521100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-7401012080133395342012-01-25T10:53:00.000-05:002012-01-28T23:22:17.934-05:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Update: Location changed to Nick's house. 1270 Courtland Ave.</span><br /><br />This Sunday at 5:00pm we will be having a Celebration of the Faithful at the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red; font-size: large;">Nick's house</span>&nbsp;<strike>Newby's house</strike>. &nbsp;Potluck dinner will follow a time of worship and communion. &nbsp;We will probably make a pot of soup or chili so bring sides, desserts or drinks please. &nbsp;Please post and let us know if you are coming, and if so what you are planning on bringing. &nbsp;We are looking forward to seeing everyone and spending some time with you. &nbsp;Everyone is free to join in.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-740101208013339534?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-54634048963439366622012-01-21T10:46:00.000-05:002012-01-21T10:46:26.528-05:00This <b>Sunday, January 22</b>, we will have a <b>book discussion</b> about The Secret Message of Jesus. We will meet from <b>3-5pm</b> at the <b><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3535+n+high+street+columbus+ohio&amp;ll=40.035714,-83.016858&amp;spn=0.009512,0.01354&amp;hnear=3535+N+High+St,+Columbus,+Franklin,+Ohio+43214&amp;gl=us&amp;t=m&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=0">Global Gallery, 3535 N. High St</a></b>. Global Gallery is a not-for-profit, fair trade coffee shop. You can get a good cup of coffee or tea for less that $3, and some snacks as well. We meet in the back room around the big table.<br /><br />We have had one discussion already about <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Message-Jesus-Uncovering-Everything/dp/084990000X">Brian McLaren's book, The Secret Message of Jesus</a>. There is no set agenda for this book discussion. However, I would suggest that every take a look at the discussion questions in the back of the book, and pick one or two questions that are interesting to you. Mark these down and bring them to the meeting as "discussion starters."<br /><br />Discussions are open to everyone, if you have read the book or not, if you agree or disagree, Christian, Atheist or otherwise. All are welcome, and we try to offer an open and affirming opportunity for everyone to share viewpoints and learn from one another. By doing so, we believe that we take on a posture of humility and attempt to engage with "the Other," - both in one another, and in the Divine.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5463404896343936662?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-40797572024305725032012-01-07T12:58:00.000-05:002012-01-07T12:58:06.142-05:00Hi friends -<br /><br />This poem came through the <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=zqcya8n6&amp;et=1109049361716&amp;s=13360&amp;e=001e4gHemAoNUucUA-acYeT20XzY_akeFj6d-JNiRXFX9LRxGKo_FpL2HudP07ui_pv6exa64IksORVBXZRCt1MoIa9X_0tUPnFoMGKn_pMfa8W52KdDXX-sSQvs7A6yIbQ">MINemergent</a> daily email, and I thought it was fitting for our cohort:<br /><br /><br /><h1 align="center" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif" size="3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Christ, the Middle&nbsp;</strong></span></h1><h1 align="center" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; font-weight: normal;">Sean Hall</span></h1><h1 align="center" style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></h1><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>As we eat together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Have a drink together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Friends, this is our worship</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the middle of every part</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the core of who we are</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>As we talk for hours</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Share the love that's ours</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Friends, this is our worship</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the middle of every part</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the core of who we are</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Living life together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Sharing dreams together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Friends, this is our worship</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the middle of every part</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the core of who we are</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>When we cry together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Laugh out loud together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Friends, this is our worship</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the middle of every part</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the core of who we are</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>When we kiss our lover</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>When we dance together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Friends, this is our worship</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the middle of every part</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Christ, the core of who we are</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Say a toast together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Lift our cups together</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i>Friends, this is our worship</i></span></div><div align="center" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif;">--</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eating, drinking, talking, living life, sharing dreams, crying, laughing, dancing, toasting, lifting our cups - these are all activities we share in the cohort. And I truly believe that Christ is in the middle, the core, the center, of these activities.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I think its helpful to remember that, to picture it poetically or imaginatively. I also wonder if there are ways that we can acknowledge the center place of Christ in our cohort? I don't believe that the Spirit of Christ relies upon our verbal acknowledgment or invitation to be present. But I think words, rituals, and expressions can be helpful for us to remember that Christ truly is in the middle of our gatherings.&nbsp;</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Paul says, "In him we live and move and have our being." I believe this is fully a reality, but as the contemplatives remind us, our role is to awaken to the reality around us. How do we "see" Christ "in the middle" more clearly and more often? How do we awaken to the reality of the beauty that this poem embodies?&nbsp;</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-4079757202430572503?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-81414292328394007962012-01-07T12:41:00.001-05:002012-01-07T12:41:25.036-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://women.ucsd.edu/_images/Logos/high%20res%20CCC%20logo.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://women.ucsd.edu/_images/Logos/high%20res%20CCC%20logo.gif" width="195" /></a></div>On <b>Sunday, January 8th, at 5pm</b>, we will have a "Community Night."<br /><br />This is a time particularly designed to allow each person present to share what is happening in their life. What are the good things? The bad things? The challenges? The joys? Whatever the person or couple wants to share.<br /><br />In response, the other people present will listen - truly listen. In some ways, our best response is simply, "We hear you." Other responses may be words of affirmation, love, or reminders of truths learned in the past.<br /><br />To make the gathering that much better, <b>everyone will bring food to share</b>! Eating and drinking makes sharing life together so much more beautiful. For the sake of <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=+735+South+18th+St+43206&amp;hl=en&amp;hnear=735+S+18th+St,+Columbus,+Ohio+43206&amp;t=m&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=0">our hosts</a>, Ian and Nikki, please post in the comment that you will be attending, and what food you will be bringing to share.<br /><br />You can click on the calendar link to the right for more information, or email/call Jesse if you have questions: schroeder.jesse@gmail.com / 614-557-5768<br /><br />Hope to see everyone there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8141429232839400796?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-34223850076042671762012-01-02T12:33:00.001-05:002012-01-02T12:33:50.128-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://blog.eventish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IPP3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://blog.eventish.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/IPP3.png" width="200" /></a></div>We will be meeting <b>Thursday (1/5) at 6:30pm at the Newby's house</b> to talk about planning the first few months of 2012. We will tentatively put down dates for gatherings and schedule in "special events" (for example, Peter Rollins is in Columbus in February).<br /><br />We would love your input! Here's a brief description of the types of gatherings we have had in the past:<br /><br /><ul><li><b>Celebration of the Faithful</b> - about an hour of songs, prayer, Scripture, reflection, communion - designed by anyone in the cohort, and shared with the group, followed by a potluck meal</li><li><b>Community Night</b> - each person shares latest news, triumphs, struggles, upcoming challenges, etc. The group listens and responds with affirmation.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Discussion</b> - about a book, a topic, a passage of Scripture, whatever we've been thinking about or reading lately. Usually suggested and led by one member of the group.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Composting Stories</b> - Reading and discussing a familiar story from Scripture, and then retelling it in our own words</li><li><b>Faith, Film and Philosophy</b> - Watch a thought-provoking film and discuss.&nbsp;</li><li><b>Service Projects</b> - such as picking up trash in the community or volunteering at a local agency</li><li><b>Super Fun!</b> - any sort of fun activity like games, concerts, festivals, parties, food, etc.&nbsp;</li></ul><div>These are just a few of the things we do somewhat regularly. We have also had baby blessings, nature walks, singing, fire nights, prayer, and various guest speakers. We have met in coffee shops, libraries, parks, and of course, homes.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>The cohort is only what we make it. These are just a few things we've done in the past that folks have seemed to enjoy and benefit from - but what do we want to do in the new year? Do we have new ideas, new areas we want to focus on, issues we are wrestling with, practices we want to introduce or revisit?&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I look forward to hearing from different people in the cohort, even if you've only visited once or twice. My favorite thing about the cohort is seeing what happens when we collaborate, sharing our faith in various ways, and going through life together.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Feel free to post comments or ideas here on the blog, or come to the planning meeting Thursday night!</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3422385007604267176?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-63061565076545388002011-12-27T08:27:00.002-05:002011-12-27T09:36:10.615-05:00Hey all, just wanted to give those interested a little more information on the New Year's Eve party.<br /><br />Who: Anyone who has access to this blog or "belongs" to the cohort<br /><br />Where: The home of Wayne and Ruth Ann Hamilton <br />19761 Powder Lick Rd, Raymond 43067 (about 10 miles north of Marysville)<br /><br />When: Saturday, New Year's Eve, (12/31/11) 7pm<br /><br />Why: To celebrate the new year over food, drink, cards, and games <br /><br />How: My family will all arrive in automobiles. You may arrive in any style you feel comfortable with. Also,there will be plenty of children so don't bother with the sitter (Warning: My mother might "steal" any babies or small children as you walk in the door, but she will return them at the end of the evening). Pets are welcome as well, plenty of room to roam around on the property, and a few nooks to hide away inside the house and take a nap, if they so choose. <br /><br />Fondue is on the menu. Cory and my sis will be in charge of that. Since my sis is involved the final menu probably wont be set until an hour before party is started (we are a family of procrastinators if you haven't already figured that out). I know there will be a cheese and a chocolate fondue, along with a fruit and veggie tray. Cory's planning on making an "adult" punch, there will also be, soda, beer, wine, and water to drink. If you want to make a finger food dish, by all means please do, but it is <strong>NOT</strong> a requirement. Also, there is a heated shop so if you have a tasty cigar you would like to fire up----that option is available as well. <br /><br />If you want to RSVP (or you have a question) please do so by commenting. Hope to see ya.<br /><br />Thanks<br />Matt<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6306156507654538800?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Matt Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11090676502918926592noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-18130169511256741282011-12-18T14:19:00.000-05:002011-12-18T14:20:38.641-05:00<object height="300" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fscooterg%2Fsets%2F72157628471991975%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fscooterg%2Fsets%2F72157628471991975%2F&amp;set_id=72157628471991975&amp;jump_to="> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=109615" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&amp;lang=en-us&amp;page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Fscooterg%2Fsets%2F72157628471991975%2Fshow%2F&amp;page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Fscooterg%2Fsets%2F72157628471991975%2F&amp;set_id=72157628471991975&amp;jump_to=" height="300" width="400"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1813016951125674128?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08016510304939198260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-81932385952505461242011-12-14T15:41:00.000-05:002011-12-15T18:17:28.395-05:00<i>Melinda Carter contacted us and asked to be able to write a guest blog post. We were more than happy to oblige. Below is her post:&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><br /><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><u>Volunteering During the Holidays: Reflection and Giving in Columbus</u></div><div><u><br /></u></div><div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">As the holidays approach, there are always strong feelings of&nbsp;<a href="http://emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">faith</a>, love and family that seem to pervade the conversations throughout the season. In the central Ohio area, there is such rich pride taken in each city and home neighborhood for that matter. The winter season serves not only as the perfect time to celebrate the things mentioned above, but also is an excellent time to dedicate some extra resources towards volunteering, specifically with those that are homeless and underprivileged.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Taking part in chances for giving is certainly one of the most amazing opportunities during the winter time, especially with the numerous events in an area such as Columbus and other Central Ohio towns. There are also tons of great groups, churches and organizations that serve not only to give the homeless short term shelter, but also serve to fight for long term opportunities in Columbus apartments&nbsp;and homes for them as well. It is during the winter that food and shelter are two of the most valued things, what better way to celebrate the holidays than to help give the underprivileged the chance to have both during the season.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Those who would potentially volunteer their time have plenty of options, especially in an area such as Central Ohio where there are so many churches and organizations that serve to make a difference. Whether it’s donating simple food items or&nbsp;<a href="http://emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com/2011/10/this-sunday-1023-operation-christmas.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">volunteering time</a>&nbsp;that would be spent otherwise, every little bit helps when it comes to giving.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Having the chance to be around family also offers the opportunity to spread the message of giving during the holidays. Advocates of volunteering can help spread awareness on the importance of donating goods or services during the winter season.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">Whether there’s an opportunity down at a Central Ohio church or through a community group, there are usually a constant stream of events going on that serve to help others during the holiday season. As the December carries on, a day or even a few hours of time spent lending a hand to the underprivileged can end up making a world of difference this winter.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8193238595250546124?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-75611439582942416152011-12-13T10:22:00.029-05:002011-12-15T07:57:55.033-05:00Even though it has taken a couple days, my pride has mended. :) I see myself much more as a "conditional" dreamer (<em>if</em> "this" were different the outcome <em>could</em> be "this") than I do as a sore loser, but of course I am a biased participant. Seriously, I can't remember the last board game I played that I still held vivid memories of, this many days afterward. Why? Was it that I blindly walked into a "cutthroat" tradition, where some serious bragging rights were being defended, or that, certain competitive juices can only be bottled up for so long, or maybe it was, the "few" rule changes that occurred through the completion of just one game? I'm not sure which of those choices was more prevalent, but I will say I totally enjoyed myself! Bragging rights, competition, a game in which the rules can and will be changed, that's my cup of tea! Just by your gracious allowance of my <em>active participation</em> (albeit it, in my own egocentric way) I have now come to know a little more about cohort tradition, bragging rights, and this "process of becoming" a cohort pictionarian, (still a little skeptical on the rules part though). :)<br /><br />I am extremely grateful to be part of a group who allows this "process of becoming" to those willing to <em>actively participate</em>. These ideas of "process", "becoming" and "participation" have been reoccurring ideas in my life recently. It seems like any book I pick up or any podcast I listen to has been shot through this lens of "process". I cant adequately define it, especially in theological terms, but let me say this, process is what we live <em>in and through</em> everyday. Our processes are what make us. Each of us has a story (the process) of our past from somewhere and understand we have a story (process) of future that will take us somewhere. What is it about our stories (processes) that brought <strong>us </strong>together; around a colorful square of cardboard, a few markers, a drawing board to communicate on, in a remote room, in a small town, on a given night?<br /><br />I recently read a story of a Rabbi who was traveling that came upon a fork in the road. After careful directional consideration he decided which path he would take. At the end of this chosen path he came upon the castle of the ruling Queen in that particular territory. As he walked up to the gate, an armed centurion called out, "Who are you and why are you here?" The Rabbi pondered the question and answered back, "How much are you paid to ask that?" The centurion reply, " The Queen graciously gives me 10 denari a week for my services." The Rabbi chuckled and responded, "I'll give you 20 if you follow me around and ask me that same question everyday."<br /><br />I think that in this season of advent (which means; coming, or arriving), it is most important to keep the centurion's question in the forefront of our minds. But not just that question, let's also keep the Rabbi's response close to it. Notice the Rabbi is asking for "everyday" participation. It's a great question, from the centurion, but it means nothing if its left behind and forgot about. The everyday question has to follow us through our processes. As active participants, we often crash into "cutthroat" traditions with competitive juices that are determined to change the rules, in order to distract us from our freedom to participate. This everyday question frees us from those distractions.<br /><br />So, in that room, on that given night, was it just a game? Was it just another gathering in order to distract us from our chaotic lives of our individual dramas in pain, disagreement, separation, division, divorce, sickness, or the (dis)ease of our past? (At least in my case). I think not!<br /><br />"Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people."....... Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with an angel, praising God and saying "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will toward mankind"<br /><br />When God enters our world, angelic host proclaim it. When God participates he can't help but to leave behind peace. That's just what happens. Underneath (my) tradition, underneath (my) ego, underneath the (dis)ease of (my) past there IS peace. The season requires us to remember that arrival and to anticipate what it truly means to be. When God comes, peace will surely follow, but participation (being) is required.<br /><br />By focusing on advent, my hope is to notice, a little more intently this year, how important active participation is. Even though it can be uncomfortable at times, even though the rules aren't always agreed upon, even if I don't get my way. The idea that God (through humanity in Jesus) would participate in this same journey of competitive traditions ---hellbent on distracting him--- in order to usher in peace for all--- this is something I can only grasp through a "participation process." The same way Jesus did.<br /><br />I have only been apart of this group for a few months. When I started peace was something I didnt think much about, because I was to wrapped up in that (dis)ease of my past. It's only been through your friendships that the centurion's question was brought back in my mind. It's only been through your gifts of patience and acceptance that I've noticed the importance of the repetition of that question. These are great gifts to realize! Thank you all! Merry Christmas!<br /><br /><br />--Boys rule, Girls drool!----there's always next year pictionarians! (pretty obvious I live with a 1st grader)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7561143958294241615?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Matt Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11090676502918926592noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-17949421019202752202011-12-02T13:08:00.002-05:002011-12-02T13:30:30.080-05:00<span style="font-family: georgia; color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"><br /><br />The Millers</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);"> (hosts)</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">will provide</span> MEATS, DRINKS and TABLESERVICE.<br /><br />Please <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">RSVP</span> by <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Dec. 8th</span> and inform us if you will be bringing a <span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">side dish</span> and or<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"> dessert</span>. We will also need to know how many will be attending.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Gift</span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Exchange</span>: <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Optional</span></span> - No parameters theme wise (ie: goofy/gag/serious/thoughtful)- $10 to $15 range <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0); font-weight: bold;">if</span></span> <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">purchased</span> -<br /><br />Looking forward to lots of fun!<br /><br />Address: 179 Bridgeport Way<br /> Delaware, OH 43015<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1794942101920275220?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08016510304939198260noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-3839486250989039312011-11-30T20:48:00.001-05:002011-11-30T20:50:07.626-05:00Hi everyone,<br /><br />The Zack and Eve welcome back for awhile party is going to be Saturday at 7:00 at my house (1270 Courtland Ave). Bring a snack/drinks if you would like and a game. If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Zack and Eve, then for you this will be a great chance to meet them, so please come.<br /><br />At some point some of us will head over to my show at Bernie's on High Street. I'll need to be there around 9:00ish, and my band should start our set between 10:00 and 10:30. It's a free show. Info <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/230415053682668/">here</a>.<br /><br />Nick<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-383948625098903931?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-59406240536560805032011-11-16T10:09:00.000-05:002011-11-16T10:09:47.103-05:00<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yj0CrKNElQE/TsPSDAATRAI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/TEr9AUhzJ_g/s1600/393402_10150532301409152_568489151_11566542_1636925077_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yj0CrKNElQE/TsPSDAATRAI/AAAAAAAAAGQ/TEr9AUhzJ_g/s200/393402_10150532301409152_568489151_11566542_1636925077_n.jpg" width="200" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Just a reminder that the baby&nbsp;</span><span class="il" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">blessing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">&nbsp;for Aleli Schroeder will be this Sunday, at the Schroeder's house, from 4-6pm. &nbsp;We will be having light snacks, but not a meal (please let me know if you would like to help). &nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">There is no need for gifts, the Schroeders were wanting this to be a time for us to pray for them, and baby Aleli, and for this to be her introduction to the Cohort. &nbsp;I'm sure there will be lots of ohhhing and ahhhing. &nbsp;Come prepared with your best baby voice :).</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5940624053656080503?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-88531408645918735662011-10-31T14:41:00.001-04:002011-11-02T13:45:35.568-04:00This Sunday, November 4, we will travel up to Scot and Mary's house for a celebration of the faithful. We will have a time of worship, communion, and a meal. &nbsp;Mary is planning on making&nbsp;Stromboli, which is not to be missed. &nbsp;She asks that we bring sides to accompany. &nbsp;We will begin <strike>at 5 </strike><b>at 4pm (please note the change)</b>&nbsp;. &nbsp;We will probably be arranging a couple of carpools up there, if you are interested. &nbsp;You can e-mail or comment if you need directions. Please post if you are planning on attending and if you are planning on bringing anything. &nbsp;This goes a long way in helping the hostess plan. &nbsp; Looking forward to a great time!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8853140864591873566?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-30873666465689564022011-10-24T10:42:00.002-04:002011-10-24T10:42:46.172-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial; font-size: x-small;"></span><br /><div>Thanks to those who came yesterday for the Operation Christmas Child packing. &nbsp;I had a great time! &nbsp;I just wanted to let you all know that we are changing the date of the baby blessing. &nbsp;It is now scheduled for <b>Nov 20th.</b> &nbsp;Jesse and Kellye thought this date would be better, because at that time Aleli will be&nbsp;officially&nbsp;full term, and perhaps a little better able to handle all the company. &nbsp;Also, we will be having it at the Schroeder's House. &nbsp;More details to come later.</div><div><br /></div><div>This Sunday, we will be having a discussion on the book the Secret Message of Jesus. &nbsp;Everyone is welcome, regardless of whether you have been able to read the book :). &nbsp;It will be at the Newby's house. &nbsp;E-mail if you need directions.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3087366646568956402?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-6347219251552336762011-10-22T13:13:00.001-04:002011-10-22T13:13:15.156-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pS0dIUufOI/TqL5QUZxIEI/AAAAAAAAR5U/vHvXXa3p-E0/s1600/Picture+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9pS0dIUufOI/TqL5QUZxIEI/AAAAAAAAR5U/vHvXXa3p-E0/s1600/Picture+1.png" /></a></div><i>from Kara's email:&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><i>--&nbsp;</i><br /><br />In the past we have always had an Operation Christmas Child event. &nbsp;If you are not familiar with OCC, here is a&nbsp;<a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">link to more info.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; You can also e-mail me if you want me to explain further. &nbsp;In the past, we have met, left to go shop together, then came back to our house to wrap boxes. &nbsp;Somehow, in the most recent planning we forgot to add this in. &nbsp;I always love this event and wanted to be sure we didn't miss the opportunity this year. <br /><br />So on<b> Sunday, the 23rd</b>, please come and meet at our house (Adam &amp; Kara's) at <b>3:00pm</b>. &nbsp;We can disperse from our house to Big Lots, and/or Target and come back to the house to wrap gifts. &nbsp;I will also probably put a pot of soup or chili in the crock pot if you want to stay for dinner. &nbsp;Please plan on bringing a shoebox(s) to fill and wrap, money for the gifts inside and a check to&nbsp;Samaritan's&nbsp;Purse for handling (will find out the exact amount and get back to you, I believe in the past it was $12-15 per box). &nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Please let me know if you are planning on coming and if you think you would like to stay for dinner.<br /><br />Need directions or more info? Email: schroeder.jesse@gmail.com / text/call: 614-557-5768</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-634721925155233676?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-40386325123972026082011-10-04T17:01:00.002-04:002011-10-04T17:02:04.013-04:00Hey everyone,<br /><br />Let's get together this Sunday at 5:00 for a Celebration of the Faithful and a pot-luck meal. We will be at 1270 Courtland Ave. and anyone is welcome. Please post in the comments section if you can come and what you plan to bring.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-4038632512397202608?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-60615089792574686142011-10-04T13:25:00.002-04:002011-10-04T13:30:02.664-04:00I wanted to let everyone know you are welcome to come to my house tomorrow evening (October 5). I have been doing a lot of reading in the book of Exodus and as a result have been thinking about the vision I have of my life with God. Let's spend time praying for our present and our future.<br /><br />Please come at 6:15 and so we can begin together at 6:30. Let me know if you need directions.<br /><br />Hope to see you then,<br /><br />Nancy J.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6061508979257468614?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-45868417270484244342011-09-23T13:11:00.003-04:002011-09-25T08:04:18.898-04:00<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-size:130%;" >CANCELLED </span><br /><br /><br />It's our turn to host the C.of F. this Sunday and as has been the case lately once again the logistics are challenging. Lots going on for various cohort attendees and to be honest the economy impacts peoples mobility as well.<br /><br />We are up to hosting but would like to hear from whoever is considering coming before we invest the preparation needed. Just being practical :/<br /><br />Sunday @ 5pm<br />179 Bridgeport Way<br />Delaware, OH 43015<br /><br />If we scrub the C.of F. perhaps there is the option to do something at the hospital so as to include the Schroeders...wouldn't have the same "edge" but would be community-ish:). Totally their call of course.<br /><br />love to all<br />Scot<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-4586841727048424434?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08016510304939198260noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-28693212482890885752011-09-19T14:11:00.000-04:002011-09-19T14:12:09.081-04:00I would like to invite you all to my home this Wednesday night (September 21, 2011) for prayer and study. Arrive at 6:15 p.m. so we can begin at 6:30.<br /><br />I know there are many things going on and that Adam and Kara will be out of town. A guest, Rebekah Lyons, has expressed interested in the Cohort and will be joining us on Wednesday night.<br /><br />If you need directions or address, please let me know.<br /><br />Hope to see you there,<br /><br />Nancy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2869321248289088575?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-78255079079867572582011-09-16T10:11:00.000-04:002011-09-16T10:11:09.410-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br /><h1 align="left" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif" size="3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>This came in the MINemergent daily email, and I really liked it.</i></span></h1><div><span face="Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif" size="3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal;"><i>------</i></span></div><h1 align="left" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span face="Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif" size="3" style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">In praise of the semicolon</span></h1><h1 align="justify" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; clear: both; color: black; line-height: 1.3em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">In Praise of the Semicolon<br />Never put a period,<br />or colon or even a comma<br />where God put a semicolon.<br /><br />Unlike the settled-<br />before-its-time<br />period<br /><br />or the colon's<br />invitation to see all<br />possibilities<br /><br />or the exclamation point's<br />screaming, insistent<br />finality<br /><br />or even the lighthearted<br />comma with its<br />sabbath pause<br /><br />the outrageous<br />semicolon holds<br />us in the middle<br /><br />without yielding to one<br />thing or the other.<br />It's so easy to get lost<br /><br />along the way where<br />there is so much<br />pushing and pulling.<br /><br />God I believe;<br />Help my unbelief.<br />Amen; Life.&nbsp;</span></h1><br /><div><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: normal;"><i>Terry L. Chapman</i></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7825507907986757258?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-42490656832266029622011-09-09T14:34:00.002-04:002011-09-10T22:19:25.921-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span">POSTPONED. We will reschedule this event.</span></div><div><br /></div>I hope everyone can come the the discussion on this book. I found it very good and it helped me to realize that I wasn't so far off the mark afterall! I have three books for anyone who does not have one.<br /><br />There are discussion questions and guidelines in the book, so this will help keep the conversation somewhat organized. But, we can go off on our own tangents if we want. We can see what everyone thinks about how to proceed with conversation on this book. One idea would be to keep it going on the Blog site. Something like a book conversation is difficult to attempt for one evening and I doubt that everyone would want to schedule a discussion for several weeks. Then again, maybe you would. Anyway, we can keep that open and see what happens.<br /><br />The discussion will be at Adam and Kara Newby's house on Sunday. If would be a good idea to have an idea of how many are going to be there. So, let me or Kara know, OK? My phone is 505-7410.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-4249065683226602962?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Brother Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14371901421411142662noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-21898949143828382082011-08-24T19:43:00.001-04:002011-08-25T08:40:46.624-04:00<div><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYWRRWQarYA/TlZCqSdQAkI/AAAAAAAARYk/Qf4TT422NNI/s1600/Transfig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eYWRRWQarYA/TlZCqSdQAkI/AAAAAAAARYk/Qf4TT422NNI/s320/Transfig.jpg" width="236" /></a>We are all familiar with so-called "mountain top experiences," the "highlights" or "high moments" of our lives. There is a famous mountain top experience in the Bible too, when Jesus takes his disciples to the mountain of transfiguration.<br /><br />What are your "high life" moments? When you think about your life, what are the experiences that were so good, you will always remember them? These experiences shape our lives in a many ways, and it can be meaningful to share them with each other.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsU2YPVwqME/TlZCp4c5jeI/AAAAAAAARYg/c9UWPTGFYkA/s1600/miller_high_life_logo_for_web_400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="161" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qsU2YPVwqME/TlZCp4c5jeI/AAAAAAAARYg/c9UWPTGFYkA/s200/miller_high_life_logo_for_web_400.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />So, <b>this Sunday, at 5pm, at the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2406+altenburg+ct+grove+city+ohio&amp;gl=us&amp;z=16&amp;vpsrc=0">Schroeder's House</a>,</b> join us for a discussion of <i>the High Life</i>. We'll share stories, sing a few songs, read the story of the Transfiguration, share communion, and perhaps a few "High Lifes" too.<br /><br />This is a "Celebration of the Faithful," which means potluck - the theme (given the great weather and upcoming football season) is "tailgating." We'll make sure the grill is hot, so bring your favorite side dish, meat or veggie burger, or dessert to share with the group.<br /><br />Please post that you are coming, and what food you will bring, so we can plan accordingly.&nbsp;</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2189894914382838208?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-39404236563474642842011-08-23T08:15:00.000-04:002011-08-23T08:15:08.343-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"></span><br /><div><span>I thought about the every other Wednesday idea and came up with a very good place to start (with one of my favorite old stories) this Wednesday, August 24.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span></span>&nbsp;</div><div><span>There are 8 Every Other Wednesdays from now until December.</span></div><div><span></span>&nbsp;</div><div><span>...a little structure, a moderate amount of solid direction, definitely prayer and communion (but not necessarily every time), lessons, challenges, silence on occasion and a bit of accountability.&nbsp;</span></div><div><span></span>&nbsp;</div><div><span>I very much look forward to spending them with you.</span></div><div><span></span>&nbsp;</div><div><span>Nancy</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span><i>We will meet at 6:15pm, at Nancy's House - if you need directions or have questions, you can email her at nancykj10@yahoo.com, or call/text Jesse at 614-557-5768</i></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3940423656347464284?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-88520845576426617802011-08-20T15:05:00.000-04:002011-08-20T15:05:18.083-04:00At the planning meeting, there were two new suggestions.<br /><br />1) A regularly scheduled meeting, during the week, in which we would have a low-key time of prayer and sharing communion. Nancy offered to host this, every other Wednesday. The dates are on the google calendar, and if you need directions or more info, shoot us an email.<br /><br />2) We only scheduled gatherings for every other week. This is in hopes that we will be able to keep our commitments, as well as not have too much planned. For the "empty" weeks, we can certainly add in other events, watching a movie, or just hanging out. Anyone is welcome to suggest other gatherings or events around Columbus.<br /><br />Keep an eye on the google calendar (to the right) to see what is coming up! Blessings to all -<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8852084557642661780?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-29034672099246998422011-08-08T20:19:00.000-04:002011-08-08T20:19:32.366-04:00<div>I would like to invite everyone to my home in German Village next Tuesday, August 16 at 6:00 p.m. to spend a little time planning and thinking about our future. If anyone needs directions, please e-mail me at nancykj10@yahoo.com<br /><br />I look forward to seeing everyone again.<br /><br />Nancy</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2903467209924699842?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-36339617736913593922011-08-06T09:42:00.002-04:002011-08-06T09:56:10.256-04:00We will gather to discuss "Liberty, The Perfect Law" (the definitive answer to that age old question "Why did this happen?") at:<br /><br /><div id="link_A_2" class="name lname"> <span class="pp-place-title"><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=16412201828567856846&amp;q=CARIBOU&amp;hl=en&amp;gl=us&amp;ved=0CBEQ-gswAA&amp;sa=X&amp;ei=CkY9Tsb3Ap_MMrCjyKUD"><span><b>Caribou</b> Coffee</span></a></span> </div> <span dir="ltr" class="pp-headline-item pp-headline-address"><span>6745 Avery-Muirfield Drive, Dublin, OH<br /><br />from 6-8pm<br /><br />You may want to bring a blanket in case we end up in a nearby park due to a packed house at Caribou (the Irish Festival is this weekend in Dublin:) )<br /><br /><br /></span></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3633961773691359392?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08016510304939198260noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-69849937710839116342011-07-31T11:48:00.000-04:002011-07-31T11:48:02.332-04:00Hi friends -<br /><br />I just finished reading Rob Bell's "Love Wins" and Francis Chan's response book, "Erasing Hell." I am blogging my thoughts and responses to both books <a href="http://jaschroeder.blogspot.com/2011/07/heaven-hell-chan-bell-part-one.html">on my personal blog, here</a>.<br /><br />Just thought I'd invite everyone over to read my thoughts and perhaps share some of your own.<br /><br />Has anyone else read either of these two books? Any thoughts about them?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6984993771083911634?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-53863674436201008212011-07-23T10:27:00.001-04:002011-07-23T10:27:36.157-04:00<div><p>Hi friends -</p><p>Most folks are out of town or have prior commitments tomorrow (Sun. July 24) so we will not be meeting.</p></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5386367443620100821?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-22598872028627916932011-07-15T10:21:00.003-04:002011-07-15T11:41:35.418-04:00This Sunday at <s>5:00</s> <span class="Apple-style-span"><b>1:00PM</b></span> we will be having community night at the Newbys. Community night is a special time to come together and share our lives, our struggles, our joys and pains.<br /><div>Anyone is welcome. </div><div>I will be cooking up a nice meal for all to enjoy, all you have to do is let us know you are coming and show up. Well, I guess you can come even if you don't let us know you are coming, but if at all possible, let us know if you are coming by commenting on the blog. It's just nice to know how much food to make. No need to bring anything, but if you would like you, let me know and I'll let you know what we might need. Looking forward to having some time to share together.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2259887202862791693?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-16070456743321463442011-07-08T11:56:00.002-04:002011-07-08T12:13:11.541-04:00Just a heads up about the gathering scheduled for the 24th. We got our wires crossed here at the Miller home and that date has been filled with a family event by the Queen. The Queen trumps all! Since the discussion of Mike's book was my suggestion I feel a sense of obligation to be a part of it:) So we need to <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">reschedule</span>, sorry:(<br />On a related point I need to get Mike's book into the hands of those who are interested. So since this summer is proving to be challenging as far as the cohort meeting consistently I'm open to suggestions about how to make that happen. I was thinking that if I got them to somebody who sees other cohort peeps outside of the cohort context and lives in a more central geographic location than I do they would have a better shot at distributing the books.<br /><br />love to all<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 0);">Scot</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1607045674332146344?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08016510304939198260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-32042403482933470982011-07-07T11:51:00.004-04:002011-07-09T21:54:01.533-04:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e5AFW6afu8Y/ThdHq4dZ3oI/AAAAAAAARIk/GO4lcIv2ejg/s1600/resizedimage215326-RARKJVDA391W5300w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e5AFW6afu8Y/ThdHq4dZ3oI/AAAAAAAARIk/GO4lcIv2ejg/s320/resizedimage215326-RARKJVDA391W5300w.jpg" width="211" /></a></div><b>ANOTHER UPDATE: Due to families in town, and some people traveling out of town, there was limited response. Therefore, we have moved this discussion to Sunday July 24th.&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>There will be no cohort gathering on Sunday July 10.&nbsp;</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>-----------</b><br /><b><br /></b><br /><b>UPDATE (from Jesse): </b><a href="http://library.osu.edu/projects-initiatives/exhibits/KingJamesExhibition/">Here is some more information</a> about the exhibit:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"T<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #222222; line-height: 18px;">his exhibition should feature something to suit everyone's tastes, including medieval manuscripts, original copies of the many different English Bible translations produced during the sixteenth century, literature and art inspired by the style, language and content of the Bible."</span>&nbsp;</i></span>It runs until August 28th, so we could plan to check it out another time.<br /><br /><a href="http://library.osu.edu/about/locations/thompson-library/">The Thompson Library</a> is open from 11am till midnight. Just outside of the library is the Oval, a great place to sit in the shade of a tree and chat for a bit. We could also find a spot to sit and talk in the library if the weather is too hot.<br /><br />For those who live further away, I would recommend parking on 15th and walking to the library. Other parking ideas?<br /><br />We have scheduled to meet from<b> 3-5pm</b>. This is the only time I can make it, because Kel and I have dinner plans with family.<br /><br /><b>So in summary:<strike> Sunday, July 10, 3-5pm, Thompson Library, King James Bible Exhibit and discussion</strike></b><br /><b><br /></b><br />However, if very few people are interested or will be able to make it, we should definitely reschedule. I know Nick wants to see the exhibit, and there may be a better time. <b>Therefore, PLEASE, comment here or respond via email to let everyone know your plans one way or another.</b> I'll check back Sunday morning and post a definite yes/no.<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">_____ (below is Nick's original post) ______</div><br />Hi everyone,<br /><br />This Sunday our plan was to look at the free King James Bible exhibit at OSU's main library. I had pushed for this one since I am a history and old book dork, but it turns out I will be out of town this weekend and unable to make it. There is information about the exhibit here: http://www.manifoldgreatness.org/, though I think we are a 'traveling exhibit' so I'm not entirely sure how much is here, though from what we read earlier I think a great deal. Does anyone have a link to that info?<br /><br />In any case, since I won't be here to head things up, perhaps this is not the best activity. Thoughts?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3204240348293347098?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-24577085402216183142011-06-29T19:25:00.003-04:002011-06-29T19:32:25.494-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8QHQhzwaNw/Tgu17D4hP5I/AAAAAAAAAS0/BY8ya-X1reo/s1600/doo%2Bdah.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f8QHQhzwaNw/Tgu17D4hP5I/AAAAAAAAAS0/BY8ya-X1reo/s320/doo%2Bdah.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623788585961471890" border="0" /></a><br />This Monday, to celebrate the 4th, we are going to go to the Doo Dah Parade and then to Nick's house for a BBQ. If you've never seen the Doo Dah Parade, you really should. The website is http://www.doodahparade.com/ We'll meet at Nick's house (1270 Courtland Ave.) at 12:30 and then walk to find a shady spot to sit and watch the parade go by. Afterwards we'll head back to Nick's for a cookout. Please post in the comments what you plan to bring for the cookout - meat, veggies, sides, drinks, etc.<br /><br />Happy Doo Dah!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2457708540221618314?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-6663341297314326812011-06-25T12:35:00.005-04:002011-06-26T13:28:10.292-04:00We have a money discussion scheduled for Sunday June 26 at 3:00PM. The place has not be determined yet. We will all discuss how we each budget and handle our finances.<br /><br />Update: We will meet at the Clintonville Panera on High St. Directions <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=panera&amp;hl=en&amp;cid=10742938394098300110">here</a>.<br /><br />New Update: The meeting today is cancelled. Sorry for the confusion. Because of some people traveling and other commitments it is being called off. Have a good day!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-666334129731432681?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Adam Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432913187923610014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-18897926353145552092011-06-17T20:23:00.000-04:002011-06-17T20:23:04.664-04:00As most of you know, I will be moving into my new home on Monday, June 20th.&nbsp; I am very excited about it, but I have run into a problem.&nbsp; I am going to need someone to help me with one thing.&nbsp; The moving company is going to pack and more me but I need someone to drive me to the new place along with my cat, rabbit, hamster and parakeet.&nbsp; What can I say, I love animals.&nbsp; My entire family is either in Spain (my niece), Myrtle Beach (brother and sister-in-law) or in the laboratory somewhere under OSU working on developing new materials in the field of nano technology(My nephew, Einstein, Jr.)&nbsp; <br /><br />Also, the book discussion came upon me much sooner than I thought it was going to be.&nbsp; I haven't ordered by books for the group.&nbsp; This was very stupid on my part.&nbsp; I should have ordered them immediately after we decided on the book.&nbsp; I'm sort of famous for forgetting or putting things off.&nbsp; I think I put this off and then forgot.&nbsp; (A double MY BAD!!)&nbsp; I have one copy.&nbsp; Do any of you have copies?&nbsp; I will put in the order on Saturday.&nbsp; <br /><br />I really sorry.&nbsp; There's no excuse.&nbsp; I messed up.<br /><br />Br. Curt.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1889792635314555209?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Brother Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14371901421411142662noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-9252803566649526712011-06-09T11:49:00.002-04:002011-06-09T12:12:55.768-04:00Please join us for a cohort "community night" Sunday, June 12, 4pm-7pm. Community night is a time to hang out and catch up with one another about the current challenges/blessings/hopes/disappointments/etc our respective lives are bringing to us. We grow our relationships w/one another through this process of interacting. Kinda simple huh?<br /><br />Mary plans to have the grill fired up and will no doubt be whipping up culinary magic as she is wont to do. So (this time) the host will provide the meats, drinks and salads. If you would like to bring some contribution to the meal we will share... "snack items" would be a good choice!<br /><br />Everyone is invited. Please don't stay away if you have never joined us before. This will a perfect opportunity to connect with us:) <br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 0); font-weight: bold;">!!! PLEASE RSVP VIA COMMENTS BY SATURDAY NIGHT !!!</span><br /><br />Our address:<br /><br />179 Bridgeport Way<br />Delaware, OH 43015<br /><br />love to all,<br />Scot<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-925280356664952671?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08016510304939198260noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-69065726375933481902011-05-31T07:28:00.002-04:002011-05-31T08:03:38.035-04:00This was printed in Sunday's bulletin from the church I grew up in and used to attend. My wife came home, much earlier than usual, (she has continued attending with the kids) noticeably irritated at her experience, in which she handed me her bulletin and said something along the lines of "Read this, you may understand why I'm home early."<br /><br />Memorial Day<br /><br />Do you remember---the REAL America?...<br />When riots were unthinkable....<br />When you left the front doors open...<br />When socialism was a dirty word...<br />When the flag was a sacred symbol...<br />When criminals actually went to jail...<br />When you weren't afraid to go out at night...<br />When taxes were only a necessary nuisance...<br />When a boy was a boy and dressed like one...<br />When the poor were too proud to take charity...<br />When the clergy actually talked about religion...<br />When clerks and repairmen tried to please you...<br />When songs had a tune and the words made sense...<br />When young fellows tried to join the Army or Navy...<br />When people knew what the 4th of July stood for...<br />When a Sunday drive was a pleasant trip, not an ordeal...<br />When you bragged about your hometown, and home state...<br />When everyone didn’t feel entitled to a college education...<br />When people expected less and valued what they had more....<br />When politicians proclaimed their patriotism, and meant it...<br />When everybody knew the difference between right and wrong...<br />When our government stood up for Americans, anywhere in the world...<br />When you knew the law would be enforced, and that your safety was protected...<br />When the law meant justice, and you felt a shiver of awe at the sight of a policeman...<br />When you weren’t embarrassed to say that this is the best country in the world...<br />When America was a land filled with brave, proud, confident, hard-working people....<br />When God was honored and revered as GOD!...<br />May God help us restore that STATE!<br />--Unknown<br /><br /><br />Is this what the rural "church" has come to?..... Why is it that young people are rejecting the church?..... And we act surprised?<br /><br />Just wondered what you guys think. I have deep feelings for the people of this church, I've grown up with them, I've been taught by them. We've sang, danced, communed, dined, loved, laughed, cried, partied together. Is this truly the mindset of our "leaders", is this what all those years have come to? "......a boy was a boy and dressed like one", what's that mean?----Do you remember the REAL America?---Seriously?<br /><br />Just questioning,<br /><br />Matt<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6906572637593348190?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Matt Hhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11090676502918926592noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-43520992727840138872011-05-30T11:40:00.003-04:002011-05-30T11:48:42.238-04:00<div style="text-align: center; font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;">IT'S SUMMER AND TIME FOR A FIRE NIGHT!<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Come enjoy a time of relaxation and reflection at the Schroeders' house (2406 Altenburg Ct. Grove City, OH 43123) from 8-10pm around the fire pit on Sunday, June 5th. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">We will have s'mores to share, but feel free to bring anything else you want to roast for yourself or drink. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;">Looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday evening! Post if you plan to make it. </span><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-4352099272784013887?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kellyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826637031942797909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-35485128022568827172011-05-28T01:18:00.002-04:002011-05-28T01:21:09.508-04:00So,the vote is in and it looks like we will be watching Winter's Bone and discussing. <br /><br />Looking forward to seeing you all at Nick's house!<br /><br />Julia (937) 572-2751<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3548512802256882717?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039463103624802678noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-37208802765297142882011-05-26T10:59:00.001-04:002011-05-26T15:49:16.400-04:00This weekend we will be watching a film and having a discussion. We will meet at <b>7:15pm, Saturday</b> <b>night</b>, <strike>at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3516+mark+twain+dr.+hilliard&amp;um=1&amp;ie=UTF-8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=0x8838925099146403:0xc09c6bf7408ec306,3516+Mark+Twain+Dr,+Hilliard,+OH+43026&amp;gl=us&amp;ei=MmneTfHON8TUgQeSrtTjCg&amp;sa=X&amp;oi=geocode_result&amp;ct=title&amp;resnum=1&amp;ved=0CBkQ8gEwAA">Jon Eade's house in Hilliard</a>.</strike> We will have some drinks and snacks, but eat dinner before you come.<br /><br />Change in venue: We will be meeting at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1270+courtland+avenue+columbus+ohio&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=1270+Courtland+Ave,+Columbus,+Ohio+43201&amp;gl=us&amp;z=16">Nick's house</a>.<br /><br />We are still deciding what movie to watch, but the possibilities are:<br /><br /><ul><li>"<strike>Of God's and Men"</strike>&nbsp;(We'll watch this later, once it's out on DVD)</li><li>"The Mission"</li><li>"Heaven"</li><li>"Winter's Bone"</li><li>"127 Hours"</li><li>"The King's Speech"</li></ul><div>We are working on getting "Of God's and Men" in a format that will have subtitles. If that doesn't work, we may choose one of the other options. We will watch the film, and then have an open discussion about any issues that come out of the movie.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>Hope to see everyone there! If you have questions or need directions, email Jesse at schroeder.jesse@gmail.com or text/call 614-557-5768</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3720880276529714288?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-33624732822786866462011-05-24T08:04:00.000-04:002011-05-24T08:04:01.703-04:00I received the following invitation through an email and thought I would share it with the group:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Where/When: Beginning Tuesday, 5/24, 7 pm</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span><br /><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What: A 12-week summer reading group</span>&nbsp;discussing&nbsp;Marcus Borg's&nbsp;<span style="font-style: italic;">The Heart of Christianity: Rediscovering a Life of Faith.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><b>Who:&nbsp;</b>The group is open to all. In fact, the purpose of the group is better served the more diversity of opinion exists. We will be discussing "core" issues within Christianity. The book&nbsp;may be found on&nbsp;<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://amazon.com/" style="color: #0658b5;" target="_blank">Amazon.com</a></span>&nbsp;($9), bookstores, or at the Westerville Library.&nbsp;<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span>&nbsp;</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span>---</span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;">The meetings will happen in a home, and if you are interested in going, you can email me and I'll send you the address (didn't want to post it online w/out permission).&nbsp;</span></div><div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'times new roman', 'new york', times, serif;">Jesse (schroeder.jesse@gmail.com)&nbsp;</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3362473282278686646?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-8799066555269005862011-05-21T15:54:00.001-04:002011-05-21T15:58:44.559-04:00<meta equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=UTF-8"> <meta equiv="Content-Style-Type" content="text/css"> <title></title> <meta name="Generator" content="Cocoa HTML Writer"> <meta name="CocoaVersion" content="1038.35"> <style type="text/css"> p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica} p.p2 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 12.0px Helvetica; min-height: 14.0px} span.s1 {text-decoration: underline ; color: #1250ae} </style> <p class="p1">Tomorrow we will meet at 3:00PM at the <a href="http://ebranch-prod.columbuslibrary.org/ebranch/index.cfm?pageid=30&amp;bldgid=150">Whetstone Branch</a> Columbus Metro Library in Clintonville for a discussion about the U.S. killing Osama bin Laden. Please feel free to share your thoughts about this matter whether they be definitive or conflicted. We have the meeting room until the library closes at 5:00PM.</p> <p class="p2"> <br /></p> <p class="p1">Adam</p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-879906655526900586?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Adam Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432913187923610014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-71485595536400785972011-05-16T20:42:00.000-04:002011-05-16T20:42:00.341-04:00This came in "MINemergent" daily email today. Some others of you might get it, but if not, I thought it went along with our discussion from last night very well (which was wonderful Adam! Thank you again)<br /><br /><br /><blockquote style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Calibri, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Re-Creation</b></span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">God is never finished with creation, and God is never finished with us. We are constantly being re-created and we are invited to join God as co-re-creators of the world.&nbsp; This re-creation happens in our attitudes and spirits as much as in the physical world.&nbsp; We re-create when we replace hate with love, hurt with healing, despair for hope.&nbsp; Our prayers beckons re-creation. We join this re-creation as we ask God do anew in us what God has done throughout the centuries. We pray for sight returned, babies born, lives revived.&nbsp; We seek mercy unmasked, love unimpeded, and faith remade.&nbsp; We join with all creation in seeking re-creation. For we know that all creation has been groaning for remaking right up to the present time.&nbsp; And even we groan to be released from pain and suffering. We wait for God to give us our full life as children, including renewed bodies; we eagerly look forward to this freedom.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Doug Pagitt</span><span><em>Body Prayer</em></span></blockquote><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7148559553640078597?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-53965191349851368792011-05-13T14:18:00.003-04:002011-05-13T14:47:57.847-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22GtX590sf0/Tc11xFFrnOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/U6d2_B9wuTw/s1600/spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-22GtX590sf0/Tc11xFFrnOI/AAAAAAAAAGI/U6d2_B9wuTw/s200/spring.jpg" width="133" /></a>This Sunday, May 15, we will meet at Nick house (1270 Courtland Ave.) for a Celebration of the Faithful at 5:00PM. Since it is Spring, we will spend some time meditating and discussing Creation, specifically the wonders of Spring and emergence of life that comes with it. Until then, open your eyes to the emergence of nature happening all around you. How do you view the relationship between creation and God? Does nature even cause you to think about God? Do we take it for granted? How well do you understand or appreciate the basics of flowers, seeds, plant dormancy, and the plant and animal life all around us?<br /><br />We will have a meal, potluck style, either pre- or post- discussion. Please post if you are coming and<br /><br />what you are planning on bringing.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5396519134985136879?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-69456958036277274162011-05-07T10:12:00.002-04:002011-05-07T10:18:06.761-04:00<div style="text-align: center;">Let's clean up Mother Earth for Mother's Day!<br />We are breaking from our routine this Sunday and doing a little service project.<br /></div><br />We'll be <span style="font-weight: bold;">picking up trash in Weinland Park</span> where 3 of us currently live, and several others have lived over the past couple years. We'll meet at <span style="font-weight: bold;">Nick's house at 3pm</span>. We will have pickers and trash bags, but no gloves if you want those. Feel free to come when you can. We should be easy to spot.<br /><br />Why do we do this? There are few acts more loving towards our neighbors than cleaning the places where they and their children live. If a community is clean, people treat it with more respect and start to respect themselves more. Also, it can be rewarding and satisfying to pick up all that broken glass and litter. If you've never done it before, it is almost meditative.<br /><br />Post comments or questions- hope to see you all on Sunday!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6945695803627727416?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kellyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826637031942797909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-90473248055975320912011-04-24T20:12:00.001-04:002011-05-01T10:59:50.104-04:00<i>Nancy's computer is out of service right now, so she asked me to make this post.&nbsp;</i><br /><i><br /></i><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>Please Note: Nancy is feeling under the weather, and so asked that the location be changed today. Due to other circumstances, we have decided to move the meeting to an evening this week (Tues. or Thurs.) More info to come.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b><br /></b></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><b>If you have a preference of what night to meet, feel free to leave a note in the comment section.&nbsp;</b></span><br /><i><br /></i><br /><b><s>Sunday May 1st at 3:30pm</s></b><s> we will have an open planning meeting at</s><b><s> </s><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&amp;q=750+south+lazelle+street+columbus+ohio&amp;oe=UTF-8&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=750+S+Lazelle+St,+Columbus,+Ohio+43206&amp;gl=us&amp;z=16"><s>Nancy's House</s></a></b><s> in German Village.</s> We will try to to put together a general plan for gatherings for the next 3-4 months (always subject to change). We will also share communion.<br /><br />And if anyone would like to bring light snacks to share during the planning time, that would be appreciated too :)<br /><br /><b>Please think about some ideas to share with the group, such as:</b><br /><br /><ul><li>A book you are reading that you would like to discuss</li><li>A general topic you are interested in&nbsp;</li><li>Are you willing to host a Community Night or a Celebration of the Faithful?</li><li>Are there special events happening around Columbus that the Cohort could do together? (for example, we all know Nick will talk about the Jazz and Rib Fest!)</li><li>Is there a spiritual practice you would like to suggest to the cohort?</li></ul><i><b>In general, what could we do as a group of emergent Christians in Columbus to encourage one another in our faith journey?</b></i><br /><i><br /></i><br />As always, anyone is welcome to come and share their ideas and suggestions. Hope to see you there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-9047324805597532091?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-37997745573453127172011-04-18T09:54:00.000-04:002011-04-18T09:54:18.517-04:00<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://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufkJ4nMPOfQ/TaxCP91DreI/AAAAAAAAQBY/yoGNevJTzHQ/s1600/chancel-green-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ufkJ4nMPOfQ/TaxCP91DreI/AAAAAAAAQBY/yoGNevJTzHQ/s320/chancel-green-300.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sanctuary at Prince of Peace</td></tr></tbody></table>This is Passion Week, leading up to Easter weekend. This <b>Friday</b>, everyone is invited to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tenebrae">Tenebrae</a> Service, <b>7pm</b> at <a href="http://poplutheran.net/">Prince of Peace Lutheran Church</a> (my dad's church). We can carpool, and if anyone is interested, we could hang out a bit after the service at someone's house, maybe watch a movie or play some games?<br /><br />Kellye and I will also be going to the Easter service at Prince of Peace - the "sunrise service" is 8am, and then there is a 10:30am service. There is also a breakfast open to everyone at 9:15. Anyone from the cohort is welcome to join us, and you will get to meet my family and get a taste of what my childhood was like :)<br /><br />However, the cohort could also go to an Easter service somewhere else. <b>Any other suggestions of churches in the Columbus area that we would like to visit?&nbsp;</b><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3799774557345312717?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-20411224125929677112011-04-16T15:38:00.000-04:002011-04-16T15:38:24.644-04:00Hi everyone -<br /><br />This <b>Sunday, 4/17</b>, we will have an open discussion at the Co<a href="http://ebranch-prod.columbuslibrary.org/ebranch/index.cfm?pageid=30&amp;bldgid=730&amp;submit=GO">lumbus Public Library Main Branch</a>, in the <b>3rd floor board room</b>, starting at about <b>2:30pm</b>. (Note, the library closes at 5, so starting a bit earlier will be good. Please also note that there is parking in the garage below the library for a low cost, about $2, or you can park on the street nearby for free).<br /><br />This is a very nice, quiet room, and very conducive to a group discussion. Also, I believe we could use a projector and speakers if we wanted to watch a video and discuss it. Some options:<br /><br />- Video from Rob Bell: <i>The God's Aren't Angry Anymore</i> -or- <i>Everything Is Spiritual</i><br />- Discuss any books or topics people are reading lately<br />- "Community Night" style open sharing and discussion<br />- Experiences of Lent 2011 - have you been fasting? what have you been thinking about? etc.<br />- Other topics that people are interested in?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2041122412592967711?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-16413521941587404602011-04-05T23:28:00.000-04:002011-04-05T23:28:59.546-04:00This weekend (4/9) we will participate in a <b>labyrinth experience</b> together at<a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_854477565"> </a><b><a href="http://www.shepherdscorner.org/index.html">Shepherd's Corner Farm</a></b>. We will actually be meeting on <b>Saturday</b> (different for us), at <b>3pm</b> at Shepherd's Corner, which is located east of Columbus at&nbsp;<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;">987 N Waggoner Rd&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Blacklick, OH 43004-9505.&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span><br />If anyone would like to carpool, please leave a message in the comments section.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLGJBpXG4L8/TZvd7-pPh4I/AAAAAAAAP_w/ErBSNh1Zftg/s1600/Picture+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WLGJBpXG4L8/TZvd7-pPh4I/AAAAAAAAP_w/ErBSNh1Zftg/s320/Picture+3.png" width="320" /></a></div>If you haven't done a labyrinth before, it is a wonderful, contemplative experience. I believe that Roger has arranged for us to meet with some of the Dominican Sisters to give us a tour and talk with us a bit as well.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1641352194158740460?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-6829397869571961892011-03-28T11:37:00.000-04:002011-03-28T11:37:30.026-04:00I had a great time with the Cohort Sunday night.&nbsp; We shared some very important personal situations and are praying for a good resolution to all of them.&nbsp; It is good to know what God is doing in our lives.&nbsp; <br /><br />We had some good eats, too.&nbsp; Good beer.&nbsp; Good wine.&nbsp; Good friends.&nbsp; What more could we want?&nbsp; <br /><br />We discussed having a book study.&nbsp; I believe we&nbsp; decided to make the book Brian McLaren's "Finding Our Way Again".&nbsp; I'd like to know how many want to participate in it and what kind of format we want.&nbsp; Shall we make it a blog conversation?&nbsp; Or, would it be better to pick a time every or every-other-week to have a group discussion?&nbsp; If we do this, what night shall&nbsp;it be and at what time?&nbsp; I'm the man with virtually no schedule so it's all good for me.&nbsp; The book will familliarize us with some of the practices throughout the various Christian traditions that can develop us in our spiritual walk and awareness.&nbsp; Probably a good thing to do, huh?&nbsp; <strong>:&gt;}&nbsp; One suggestion:&nbsp; This is something we could do at a coffee house.&nbsp; Hmmmmmm?</strong><br /><br />All of your concerens are in my thoughts and prayers.&nbsp; Love you all!<strong>&nbsp; </strong>Sure miss those we haven't seen for awhile.&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-682939786957196189?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Brother Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14371901421411142662noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-78098433201484963002011-03-24T09:38:00.000-04:002011-03-24T09:38:26.843-04:00This <b>Sunday, March 27th</b>, we will have a "Community Night," which means a time for each person to share whatever thoughts, feelings, events, or challenges they have experienced lately. We will meet at <b>Nick's house</b> at <b>5pm</b>.<br /><br />This will be a <b>potluck</b> - so <i>please put in the comment section what item you will be bring.</i><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7809843320148496300?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-84677977924538059862011-03-23T10:15:00.002-04:002011-03-23T10:18:13.288-04:00I googled "crazy little church columbus ohio" on a lark, and guess where it took me? Right, here.<br /><br />I miss you guys. :(<br /><br />Angela<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8467797792453805986?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Angela Harmshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03882886580345280846noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-38835658497038360782011-03-22T18:41:00.000-04:002011-03-22T18:41:25.634-04:00I hope I don't drive everybody crazy with posts.&nbsp; I've just experienced something that I have never experienced before:&nbsp; Brian MacLaren answered my inquiry about homosexuality on his blog page.&nbsp; This is really a big deal to me and I wanted to share it with you.<br /><br />I have grown too accustomed to either having to take a defensive position or an outight offensive position.&nbsp; Being offensive has never made me feel very good, but I have been by churchess and politics to many times in my life to count.&nbsp; Because of this, I have not been able to put my whole heart into any church or group that I have belonged to.&nbsp; I have been holding my heart back with the group because it is not easy to give it all.&nbsp; You all have been great and have made me feel that I am truly a part of the Cohort, not just a token Gay or something similar.&nbsp; You all are the real thing and I want to say "Thanks" and "God bless you all abundantly"!&nbsp;&nbsp; I feel like one of the most fortunate people alive, you mean that much to me.&nbsp; <br /><br />May we all have a blessed mission for our lives!<br /><br />Curt<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3883565849703836078?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Brother Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14371901421411142662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-38910169083248793612011-03-18T10:55:00.000-04:002011-03-18T10:55:11.526-04:00I have been reading Brian McLaren's books like a madman!&nbsp; For the most part I have truly enjoyed them and have been edified.&nbsp; I've noticed his books are setup for group discussions and was wondered if the Cohort has done something like this with any of his books.&nbsp; If not, would there&nbsp; be an interest in doing this?&nbsp; If we do chose a book to study, I would be more than happy to purchase copies for each household.<br /><br />This leads me to another idea.&nbsp; I am an avid <strong>"Purchaser of Books"</strong>.&nbsp; When I get moved into my mobile home in June, I would like to catalog the books I have and provide them to the Cohort for their edification.&nbsp; I have a sister-in-law who has a masters degree in Library Science, so I shouldn't have any trouble getting them organized.&nbsp; (HA HA!!)&nbsp; I used to have about 500 books but a fire burned almost all of them about 30 years ago.&nbsp; I've moved so many times that I have kept books to a minimum, but I plan to do much more once I am in my new home.&nbsp; As it grows, I would like these books to be available to all of you.&nbsp; <br /><br />I also would like to know what you all think about submitting some of your own books into this library.&nbsp; Everything will be carefully catelogged and lending records will be complete and accurate.&nbsp; Perhaps we can ad this to a group discussion.&nbsp; I will appreciate your feedback.<br /><br />Br. Curt<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3891016908324879361?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Brother Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14371901421411142662noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-143344390822697602011-03-16T10:22:00.001-04:002011-03-16T10:22:42.032-04:00If you haven't seen XtraNormal videos yet, this will seem very odd at first.....using computer voices and dry humor to make a point....but it does offer some interesting conversation starters -<br /><br /><object style="height: 390px; width: 640px;"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ztDgyOKej1k?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ztDgyOKej1k?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="390"></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-14334439082269760?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-61528235304052459352011-03-11T11:56:00.002-05:002011-03-11T11:58:51.923-05:00On Sunday, March 13, 2011, we will have a discussion on worship. Jesse will provide some questions to initiate the discussion, but come to share, discuss, and ask whatever you are thinking about.<br /><br />We will meet at<u> 2:30pm at the North Market</u> in the same area upstairs. If you cannot make it but have some ideas you would love to add to the discussion, please post them here. We enjoy hearing from others in any form of contribution.<br /><br />Looking forward to seeing each of you there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6152823530405245935?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kellyehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15826637031942797909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-29549490376861810882011-03-02T22:14:00.000-05:002011-03-02T22:14:32.948-05:00<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ODUvw2McL8g" title="YouTube video player" width="640">&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;br&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;This&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;</iframe><br /><br />This video promoting Rob Bell's new book has <a href="http://blog.christianitytoday.com/ctliveblog/archives/2011/02/rob_bells_book.html">caused quite a stir online</a>. (BTW, note the article linked is written by our old friend Sarah Pulliam).<br /><br />I know we've talked about the Heaven/Hell debate before, but I thought I'd just throw it out on here since we are supposed to be "emergent" - thoughts on this video?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2954949037686181088?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-24960019497062009302011-03-01T11:53:00.003-05:002011-03-01T11:59:52.509-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loZ0QpiOi_k/TW0lUM4_h2I/AAAAAAAAASY/sCOtGNPtwLY/s1600/band2fa.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-loZ0QpiOi_k/TW0lUM4_h2I/AAAAAAAAASY/sCOtGNPtwLY/s320/band2fa.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579156542369793890" border="0" /></a><br />As probably all of you already know, the new band I'm in is debuting this Friday at Espresso Yourself Music Cafe on 50 West Powell rd. in Powell (thanks Scot and Mary for the connection!).<br /><br />Here is a bit about the show:<br /><br />Houndstooth Bindles is a brand new group playing some of your old-timey favorites, some new-timey numbers, and a bindle full of originals.<br /><br />The band includes:<br /><br />Nick Johnson on mandolin and stuff<br />Virginia Pishioneri on banjo and things<br />Jarod Ogier on guitar and vocal stylings<br />Lois Kwa on fiddle and buisness<br />Bill Wolfe on bass and whatnot<br /><br />Come on out! We will be playing with Gary Demos at 7 pm, Bob Lyons Band at 8:30 pm, and then Houndstooth Bindles at 10.<br /><br />Anyone who can tell us at the show what a bindle is gets a high five.<br /><br />Cover is $4. Scot tells me they have great food. I'm going to try to be there by at least 7:30 to enjoy what look like very tasty paninis.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2496001949706200930?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-79116134838320059632011-02-22T19:18:00.001-05:002011-02-22T19:21:34.032-05:00Hi everyone -<br /><br />So, this Sunday we have an "open day" - previously we had planned to have a guest speaker, but that had to be rescheduled. Right now, we have the time of 2:30-5:00pm reserved at the main library downtown. This is a free reservation, but if we aren't going to use it, I would like to cancel in a timely manner. So, here are some options/suggestions:<br /><br /><ul><li>Discussion session about a book/topic (at the library) - could be about anything :)</li><li>Composting stories activity that we didn't do last week (Jesse or Nancy could lead this) - at the library, or another location</li><li>Plan to go to Nick's "show" Friday March, 4th, which would be two things for the following weekend, but nothing this weekend.</li><li>Something else, like just having dinner together, watching/discussing a movie, or other ideas?&nbsp;</li></ul>Sorry we don't have things planned a little better - but the flexibility can be nice too :)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7911613483832005963?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-62615392762648009492011-02-21T11:30:00.000-05:002011-02-21T11:30:13.991-05:00Yesterday was such a blessing!&nbsp; I thank God that we have a place that we&nbsp; can share our painful times and memories and, by doing so, we are able to heal all the more quickly.&nbsp; We are truly blessed to feel free to expose our skeletons and know that we won't be scorned and rejected.&nbsp; I pray for all Christian communities, that they may receive that love without conditions that we have here.&nbsp; It would be nice to be a part of that type of ministry to our brothers and sisters in Christ that are locked into that limited heart space.&nbsp; I am not sure how that happens, but I would like to have a discussion about it sometime and&nbsp;hear what everyone else thinks.<br /><br />I forgot to bring up the Wild Goose Festival in June.&nbsp; If you've checked it out, I'd like to know if you have considered going.&nbsp; It sounds like it will be an amazing event!&nbsp; If you haven't read about it, please do and maybe we can arrange going together.&nbsp; <br /><br />Blessings,<br />Bro. Curt<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6261539276264800949?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Brother Curthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14371901421411142662noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-7502959695612853372011-02-17T17:34:00.002-05:002011-02-17T17:44:16.930-05:00In a recent post Jesse thought an idea for discussion might be to hear from our new comers and allow them to share about what ideas/topics/authors have brought them to the emergent conversation. What are the themes of emergent Christianity that are attractive to them? What parts of "traditional Christendom" are they struggling with? etc.<br /><br />I thought that was a great idea and I asked Curt, Roger and Tracy if they would be willing to participate in that kind of discussion. They agreed!<br /><br />Nick reminded me that Julia suggested awhile ago that we could meet at the North market. They have seating upstairs where we can get a table. Added bonus--there are all sort of tasty, local treats at the North Market, without the pressure to buy anything. <br /><br />So this Sunday let's meet from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at the North Market in the upstairs area. <br /><br />Hope to see you on Sunday!<br /><br />Nancy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-750295969561285337?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-79231404646151955082011-02-15T03:06:00.005-05:002011-02-15T04:02:28.389-05:00My name is Zack for those of you that don't know me. I'm Jesse's brother, and I love the COEC, but I live in Cambodia now so haven't been able to attend any of the meetings lately. 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Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:18.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:DaunPenh; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">You know those pictures of the universe, the sun, and other astrological bodies. When I see those pictures I “believe” that’s what it’s like, but I also know that’s not exactly what it looks like. I know the picture is just a representation of the real thing. Maybe the image was taken using radio waves or ultraviolet light to form the picture, and that if I really looked at the sun with my naked eyes I wouldn’t see solar flares popping out. I know if I was really a zillion miles away the universe or Milky Way wouldn’t look like that picture because it’s just a mathematical model made in lab. My belief in the accuracy of that picture is also tied with unbelief, and uncertainty. If someone tried to tell me that Saturn actually has gold bands around it, and showed me a picture to prove it, I would say “No I don’t believe those are actual bands they are just clumps of rocks that <i>look like</i> bands in this picture.” I have some ambiguity about it of how many rocks or how close etc. but I also have a certain amount of firm belief that the picture is wrong at the same time as belief that it is right.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">My belief in hell is similar in some ways. I believe Jesus, and the apostles were talking about a spiritual reality, but hell is a spiritual reality that we can’t easily see or understand. So Jesus talked about it in metaphors – a fiery furnace, a lake of fire, the trash dump, the underworld, destruction, death etc. These are all pictures of a spiritual reality that I believe exists, but at the same time I have uncertainty about the pictures, and some belief that they are incorrect. I don’t think there will be an actual furnace or a literal lake that is on fire. I’m uncertain about the specifics of who goes there, and for how long, and the technicalities of how justification works. I believe Jesus when He speaks about hell in the Bible, I also don't believe it. I believe more strongly that God is love, that love wins, and that I am to embody that love and share that love with others.<br /></p> </blockquote>I think one of the major things I think I've learned from Emergent is more <span style="font-style: italic;">how</span> to believe then specifically <span style="font-style: italic;">what</span> to believe. I know Rob Bell uses the analogy of springs vs bricks in <span style="font-style: italic;">Velvet Elvis</span> (although I haven't read the book). This also reminds me of a <a href="http://emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com/2010/06/where-do-i-even-begin.html">past post</a> by Nancy about where to even begin.<br /><br />What do you guys think? Is there a line of becoming so relativistic that you can't even speak truth? How do you hold your beliefs and convictions with humility, and passion without them becoming bricks? I've been criticized for letting my feelings get in the way of my interpretation of the Bible, but I don't see that as a problem. How do YOU believe? Where do you start? What does an <a href="http://emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com/2010/08/emergent-faith.html">Emergent FAITH</a> look like?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7923140464615195508?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Zack Schroederhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03683922561050379794noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-83550286059879413652011-02-14T12:56:00.003-05:002011-02-14T13:01:29.294-05:00Many of us have probably heard of the term 'white privilege' which usually connotates that there are privileges in society- some blatant and others sometimes not as clear to those who get the privileges- that are inherent to only whites. <br /><br />A recent blogger, who I assume is from Columbus because of what she says, <a href="http://www.thiswomanswork.com/2011/02/13/not-my-entry-to-write/">wrote about the need for someone to write about the idea of Christian privilege.</a> She also points to the hipster Christian movement in Columbus, which I had never really thought about until she pointed it out. Anyway, I wanted to see what you all thought about her post and if you think there is a need to write about Christian privilege, what might you say about it? Just as interesting as the post itself are the comments, though I have not read all of them. Thoughts?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8355028605987941365?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-25685037156015002922011-02-14T09:46:00.000-05:002011-02-14T09:46:08.958-05:00Hi everyone -<br /><br />I really enjoyed our gathering yesterday, and it has been such a pleasure to get to know new folks in the cohort. I was looking ahead at the next two weeks, and have a few thoughts.<br /><br />1) This coming Sunday we have scheduled to do "Composting Stories." You all know that I love this activity, but I also feel like I have "led" several of the last meetings (food discussion, yesterday's worship gathering) so I wanted to open it up and see if anyone had anything else they would like to do or talk about. We do not have a location set for next week either. Thoughts?<br /><br />2) The following week (February 27) we have a room in the main library reserved from 2:30-5:00. This was originally for a guest speaker (friend of Nancy's) but they had to reschedule for a later date. Ideas or thoughts for what to discuss on Feb. 27th?<br /><br />One other idea I had was to open the table up to some of the new cohort friends and allow them to share about what ideas/topics/authors have brought them to the emergent conversation. What are the themes of emergent Christianity that are attractive to them? What parts of "traditional Christendom" are they struggling with? etc.<br /><br />OK - those are just some of my thoughts - feel free to share in the comments section any ideas or suggestions.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2568503715601500292?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-81779671219993144282011-02-10T22:32:00.001-05:002011-02-10T23:02:09.481-05:00This Sunday we will be having a gathering that will be different from any we have done before. It will be a "worship gathering," featuring mostly music, but also some other activities such as communion. One of the main goals will be to give everyone space to reflect, listen to God, and follow the direction of the Holy Spirit, whatever that might mean. I invite everyone to come with an open heart and open mind, and a willingness to take some risks.<br /><br /><b>We will meet at 3pm, Sunday Feb. 12th, at </b><b><a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&amp;q=1270+courtland+ave&amp;oe=UTF-8&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=1270+Courtland+Ave,+Columbus,+Franklin,+Ohio+43201&amp;gl=us&amp;z=16">Nick's House</a></b><b>.&nbsp;</b><b>Email schroeder.jesse@gmail.com if you have questions.&nbsp;</b><br /><br />I also wanted to share this song with everyone. Musically, it's pretty different (emo rock, or something). But I really like the lyrics and it makes me think about what we have going on in the cohort.<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/7LFI0dGe1tc" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br /><br />Lyrics:<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Why burn poor and lonely under a bowl,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Under a lampshade or on the shelf</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Beside the bed where at night</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">You lay turning like a door on it's hinges?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">(First on your left side, then on your right side, then your left side again)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Why burn poor and lonely?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Tell all the stones, we're gonna make a building.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">We'll be cut into shape &amp; set into place or if you'd rather be a window,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">I'll gladly be the frame, reflecting any kind of words.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">We'll let in all the blame</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">(And ruin our reputation all the same)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Never mind our plan making,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">We'll start living......anyway,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Aren't you unbearably sad?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Then why burn so poor and lonely?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">We'll be torches together! torches together</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">With whatever respect, our tattered Dignity demands</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Torches together, hand in hand</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Why pluck one string - What good is just one note?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Oh, one string sounds fine I guess....We were once 'One Note',</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">We were lonely wheat quietly ground into grain</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">(What light and momentary pain!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">So why this safe distance, this curious look?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Why tear out single pages when you can throw away the book?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Why pluck one string when you can strum the guitar?</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Strum the guitar!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">With no beginning, with no end</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">Take down a guitar and strum the guitar</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">strum the the guitar if you're afraid,</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">And I'm afraid and everyone's afraid</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">And everyone knows it but we don't have to be afraid anymore</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">You played the flute but no one was dancing</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">You sang a sad song and none of us cried</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;">you played such a sad song....such a sad song</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, Arial; font-size: 11px;"><br /></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8177967121999314428?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-78782156714023574232011-02-08T10:20:00.000-05:002011-02-08T10:20:25.902-05:00We discussed taking communion ("The Lord's Supper") in our discussion of food and the soul. I think this is a very interesting conversation, and so Tony Jones' post about taking communion made me think of our cohort and how we do things.<br /><br /><a href="http://blog.tonyj.net/2011/02/how-to-take-communion/">Read his post here if you'd like.&nbsp;</a><br /><br />He highlights six things from Moltmann that should characterize the communion experience. I thought it was interesting that we basically do all six of these things already.<br /><br /><br /><ol style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 1.571em; margin-left: 1.571em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Communion must be central to the Christian community, must be integrated into the heart of the worship service (not tacked on at the end), and must be celebrated with bread and wine.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">The table must be open to those of varying theological views.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Baptism and confirmation must not be prerequisites for the fellowship of the table.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Everyone who follows Christ is qualified to administer the sacrament</strong>, and everyone is called upon to offer and distribute the elements.</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Not only should the person performing the liturgy face the congregation, but the entire worship space should, if possible, be redesigned to a “‘common room’ in which the participants can see and talk to one another.’”</li><li style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Communion should always be followed by “a common meal, and the proclamation of the gospel by a common discussion of people’s real needs and the specific tasks of Christian mission.</li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7878215671402357423?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-83324122496651558382011-02-05T15:22:00.000-05:002011-02-05T15:24:12.861-05:00Community Night is at our house, the Newbys'. We know it's the Super Bowl, so the plan is to start at 5 (we would like to actually start at 5 if possible), and then eat about 6:30ish- and we can keep an eye on the game if you want. You are welcome to stay as long as you'd like. We are having mexican fare, but don't have any beer- so if you want to bring some, you are welcome to bring it. We will provide everything else, though. We will be talking about the different names of God and sharing. We are looking forward to having everyone over. Please contact us if you need directions. If you haven't been here before, please contact us because GPS/mapquest/google maps are not 100% accurate. Please let us know if you are coming so we can have a headcount.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8332412249665155838?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-76021545049618298252011-01-27T14:55:00.003-05:002011-01-27T15:07:03.142-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WUcrO8MJb6o/TUHP_sKLGBI/AAAAAAAAASE/Iawl3P6BrW8/s1600/art%2521.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_WUcrO8MJb6o/TUHP_sKLGBI/AAAAAAAAASE/Iawl3P6BrW8/s320/art%2521.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566959307499182098" border="0" /></a><br />Let's do it! Let's look at some art! And then discuss it! What fun!<br /><br />That's about it. We did a discussion at the art museum a couple years ago and I quite enjoyed it. We will be discussing the role of art, so crucial to the history of faith and a primary way we understand how our brethren of the past saw God, in our spiritual lives. We'll meet at 3:00 in the lobby, then disperse to take in the newly renovated museum, and then we'll meet at 4:00...somewhere to discuss (cafe seems to now close at 3:00, but its too late to change plans...we'll figure something out). Should be fun. Plus, the museum is free on Sunday :)<br /><br /><br />This amazing image, by the way, is from Flikr's Creative Commons site. It is in Travis Hornung's album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/awfulshot/<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7602154504961829825?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-75439686202348827492011-01-17T13:13:00.001-05:002011-01-17T13:18:02.339-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/n/no/nosheep/1105307_mixed_cooked_greens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.sxc.hu/pic/m/n/no/nosheep/1105307_mixed_cooked_greens.jpg" /></a></div><i>This Sunday, January 23rd, we will gather for a discussion about how eating together can be seen as spiritual formation. And, appropriately, we will eat together!&nbsp;</i><br /><br /><b>Location</b>: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&amp;q=2406+altenburg+ct+grove+city+ohio+43123&amp;oe=UTF-8&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=2406+Altenburg+Ct,+Grove+City,+Franklin,+Ohio+43123&amp;gl=us&amp;z=16">Jesse &amp; Kellye's House</a><br /><b>Time</b>: 5:30-8:00pm<br /><b>Details</b>: I want to discuss an article entitle "Food for the Soul" by Lisa McMinn. It raises some questions and challenges about understanding eating and the food we eat as spiritual formation and a just action. While we talk about the article, we will eat! Kellye will prepare most of the food, but it would be great if a few people could volunteer to bring either a bottle of wine or a dessert.<br /><br /><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Please leave a comment to say if you are coming so we can be sure to have enough food.&nbsp;</span></i><br /><br />Also, I have uploaded the article as a .pdf if you are interested in reading it before the gathering. <a href="http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12342752/FoodfortheSoul.pdf">You can access it here.&nbsp;</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7543968620234882749?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-34097957760418883732011-01-17T11:52:00.001-05:002011-01-17T12:09:11.304-05:00Yesterday Nancy hosted the planning meeting. She facilitated a great introduction where we reflected personally and asked "In the context of the cohort, what do we need?" Several answers that were shared were: Community; Friends; Freedom; to be Challenged; Consistency; Authenticity; and more. It was meaningful to hear from people about what they were needing from the group.<br /><br />Then we talked about specifics about ideas, gatherings, and planning times and locations for the next few months. I have updated the <a href="http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=kkbs9bvti5qit0pop9jhshdu3s%40group.calendar.google.com&amp;ctz=America/New_York">Google calendar</a> (see the right of this page). I tried to include as much information about time, location, and a brief description of the event, so if you click on the event, some more information should come up. I also wrote out all of the planned gatherings in a google document so you could read through what we are planning for the next few months. You can see that <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1PjbmK77Boi3EzA0dh-pK4m79nS9Ruu616msj6XSeiXs">here.</a>&nbsp;If you have ideas or questions about specific gatherings, please let us know!<br /><br />A few small details:<br /><br /><ul><li>We found out that the Global Gallery in Clintonville has a standing 3pm knitting group on Sundays. So, we are trying new locations for discussions, such as the Main Library, the Cup O Joe on North High Street (where we had the Hell discussion) and any other place you can recommend!</li><li>We may try to check out the "<a href="http://www.espressoyourselfmusiccafe.com/home08.asp">Expresso Yourself Music Cafe</a>" sometime soon. Scot knows the owner and it looks like a cool place.</li><li>Guys will be doing poker night on a Friday night sometime soon.&nbsp;</li></ul><br /><br />I'm very excited for the next few months of cohort gatherings. I think we have some great things planned! Hope to see everyone soon.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3409795776041888373?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-81226442370306211562011-01-08T17:12:00.002-05:002011-01-08T17:27:48.614-05:00I found out that there are a few who cannot attend the 3:00 planning meeting tomorrow (Sunday January 9) and the purpose of this post is to set a new date for the planning meeting for January 16 instead.<br /><br />I hope that is not too disappointing. I would love to have coffee tomorrow at 3:00 with anyone who is interested! <br /><br />Adam, Kara, Henry and I had the opportunity Friday night to meet with a couple who had found our blog and wanted to find out a little more information.<br /><br />In that conversation, a wonderful question came up...how has being a part of the Cohort helped you connect with God? <br /><br />As you go about this week, and in anticipation of our planning meeting, please reflect on that question. We can begin the meeting by taking a bit of time to share our answers with each other as well as our hopes and needs.<br /><br />See you on the 16th at 3:00! <br /><br />Nancy<br /><br />(Please comment if 3:00 is not a good time for you and another time is better.)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8122644237030621156?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-10701394640058388462011-01-04T07:37:00.002-05:002011-01-04T07:43:55.308-05:00This Sunday, January 9, I invite you to my home in German Village for communion, prayer, a lesson from Advent and a look at our future. I love the turning of a new year because it offers new beginnings and fresh hope. <br /><br />We will begin at 3:00 p.m. at 750 South Lazelle Street. I know that you are all very busy, but I humbly ask that you come. You are loved and you are needed.<br /><br />Thank you in advance,<br /><br />Nancy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1070139464005838846?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-36052791935875545392010-12-30T22:54:00.000-05:002010-12-30T22:54:27.626-05:00<i>"</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #080000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;"><i>The emerging church isn’t dead. It’s just finally wrestled with the angel and won. It’s shedding it old image, the one that got people so riled up in the first place. The conversations won’t ever go away because in the end, we’re looking for what it means to be human. We’re looking to discover the reality that Jesus was trying to present, one of infinite grace and beauty, stark reality of the kingdom of God in our midst, and a renewed sense of possibility for the restoration of the world.</i>"&nbsp;</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #080000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #080000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', Times, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: 25px;">This is from the recent "<a href="http://www.emergentvillage.com/weblog/brink-state-of-emergence-2010">State of Emergence</a>" posted by Emergent Village, written by Jonathan Brink.&nbsp;</span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-3605279193587554539?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-6791190767383865582010-12-30T20:00:00.000-05:002010-12-30T20:00:07.145-05:00A friend from my "old days" in Grove City Vineyard is blogging about why the missional church plant he has been working on in California has not gone the way he envisioned. There are several really interesting things he says. In my opinion, he is cutting through to the root of what following Jesus' teachings in a committed community really looks like. Check out some of the "<a href="http://pastoralia.org/">Pastoralia</a>" posts <a href="http://pastoralia.org/church/missional-postmortem-intentionally-unorthodox-decisions-that-may-have-contributed-to-morbidity">here</a> and <a href="http://pastoralia.org/church/missional-postmortem-complicating-factors-and-personal-reflections?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pastoralia+%28Jason+Coker+-+Pastoralia%29">here</a><br /><br />One quick quote:<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>"It's easier to build coalitions for restoring former glory than it is to lead people into the uncertain possibilities of what could be. I'd rather fail at the latter than succeed at the former."&nbsp;</i></span><br /><br />Also, at <a href="http://pastoralia.org/church/missional-postmortem-complicating-factors-and-personal-reflections?utm_source=feedburner&amp;utm_medium=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Pastoralia+%28Jason+Coker+-+Pastoralia%29">the end of this post</a> he talks about the challenge of leadership plurality.<br /><br />One reason I think this is relevant to the cohort is that, while we don't spend a lot of time talking about being "missional" or being some sort of "church" - <i><b>I truly believe that we are doing a new kind of Christian thing in Columbus</b></i>. We have chosen to live out our faith in a different way for different reasons. We are experiencing the pros and cons of our decision every week. Kel and I talk about it all the time. You probably do too. We may not always realize it, or talk about it, but we are pushing into the future of Christian faith in bold new ways.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-679119076738386558?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-7261167154982148772010-12-13T11:29:00.003-05:002010-12-13T11:52:30.473-05:00<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Sat. Dec. 18<br />7:00pm<br />179 Bridgeport Way<br />Delaware, OH 43015<br /><br />Meats, drinks and table service provided<br /><br />PLEASE BRING: side dishes, desserts, appetizers and any "special" drinks you may want to share.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PLEASE RSVP: # attending and dish(s) bringing.<br /><br /></span></span><br />GIFT EXCHANGE: $10.00 (OR LESS!) limit. Gender neutral. Per Mary "something nice not junk" (<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);font-size:85%;" >please direct inquiries about definition of "nice" to Mary</span>) Home made or hand crafted welcome.<br /></span></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-726116715498214877?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Scothttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08016510304939198260noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-19650422173600649642010-12-11T19:05:00.003-05:002010-12-11T19:07:57.919-05:00Sunday, December 12 Mike and I are planning to attend the 9:00 a.m. St. Mary's Catholic Church Mass at 684 South 3rd Street in German Village. <br /><br />We would be very happy to have you join us.<br /><br />Nancy<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1965042217360064964?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>NancyJhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15464008323275837936noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-92185567017913736142010-12-08T22:42:00.003-05:002010-12-12T11:02:41.394-05:00I think <a href="http://www.nakedpastor.com/2010/12/08/church-as-pointless/">this is an incredibly insightful and thought-provoking post</a> from <s>Dan</s>&nbsp;David Hayward, aka <a href="http://www.nakedpastor.com/">naked pastor</a>. He describes the church as being "pointless." A selection from the post (with emphasis added):<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>If a church has vision and is goal-oriented, then it has deviated from its healthiest self and will impose burdens on its members. It will have become something else… like a lobbying group, an activist group, a missional group, or something other than just a church. It can still call itself a church. But it should admit it has opted for a utilitarian identity rather than just accepting its identity. A church will have to choose to be utilitarian or just be. It can’t be both.</blockquote><blockquote>In other words, churches should be pointless. Pointless like my family is pointless. My family is not without its problems and issues, but it is a vibrant, rich, joyful and dynamic community. But it is completely pointless. It doesn’t mean things don’t happen or that we haven’t had an affect on others or the world. But we are pointless. We’re not even intentionally pointless. We are just pointless. And I love it for that. That’s why I love to go home every day and just be, just relax, just love and be loved.</blockquote><div style="color: #5c5c5c; font-family: helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 22px;"><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">What do you think? Should church be "pointless" as <s>Dan</s>&nbsp;David suggests? This is very contrary to the contemporary idea that each church should find its identity, its mission and its purpose. But part of me really resonates with what <s>Dan</s>&nbsp;David is saying and I think he is on to something. I think he is describing that indescribable aspect of the cohort that makes it so valuable - we don't have to work at it. We don't have to force it or make it "something." It just is.</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;">Are we pointless? Is that a good thing?</span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-9218556701791373614?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-60320085446912146182010-12-05T11:23:00.002-05:002010-12-05T11:34:51.130-05:00Hi everyone -<br /><br />Tonight (12/5), Kristen is hosting the Celebration of the Faithful at 5:30pm. We will be looking the Advent Conspiracy - a movement that began about four years ago by a few pastors who felt that the true meaning of Christmas (love, worship, excitement) was being hijacked by consumerism, business, and stress. <br /><br />We will be celebrating with food and fellowship, and will be discussing the four principles of Advent Conspiracy.<br /><br />If you want to come and have questions or need directions, feel free to email Kristen at kmkuzmick@gmail.com.<br /><br />Hope to see everyone there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6032008544691214618?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kristen Kuzmickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01577369773024078915noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-53250202116782232752010-11-18T20:11:00.001-05:002010-11-19T13:23:57.280-05:00Although the title of this post is a poor attempt at a joke, this Sunday we will be having a serious discussion about the theology of the afterlife, specifically the reality of hell and the implications of the traditional doctrine of hell as taught by the evangelical church.<br /><br />Kyle Porter, who has done some great blogging at "<a href="https://www.google.com/reader/view/feed/http%3A%2F%2Fthoughtsinpencil.wordpress.com%2Ffeed%2F">Thoughts in Pencil</a>," will be leading the discussion and sharing with us some of the information he's gained by examining the issue on his own.<br /><br />This will be an open discussion and a chance to share questions, doubts and uncertainties about this difficult issue. Perhaps no other issue has the potential to be as divisive, challenging, and involve such serious ramifications. So while we will be respectful as always, we also want to present the opportunity to be real with ourselves and each other about what questions we may have.<br /><br />We will meet at <b>3pm</b> at the <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?client=safari&amp;q=global+gallery+clintonville&amp;oe=UTF-8&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hl=en&amp;ll=40.035928,-83.013425&amp;spn=0.017053,0.026093&amp;z=15&amp;iwloc=A"><s>Global Gallery in Clintonville</s></a><u><s>. (3535 N. High St.)</s></u><br /><u><s><br /></s></u><br />LOCATION CHANGE: Because the community room was not available at the Global Gallery, we have changed the location to <b>Cup o' Joe in the Short North, 600 N. High St</b>. (right on "the cap"). I think there is a parking lot just a little bit north, and meters are free on Sundays. Time is the same.<br /><br />If you have questions or need more info, feel free to contact Jesse (schroeder.jesse@gmail.com, 557-5768)<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5325020211678223275?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-64000922136947784762010-11-14T19:31:00.000-05:002010-11-14T19:31:17.234-05:00Here are the some of the quotes I shared tonight from the book, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Advent-Christmas-Bridges-Contemplative-Living/dp/159471195X">Bridges to Contemplative Living: Advent and Christmas</a>"<br /><br />"We cannot serve two masters. We cannot listen equally well to the Good News of the Incarnation and to the clatter of a secular season of pious sentiments and credit cards. We cannot equate a financial quarter of accelerated commercial activity with the Church's Advent call for repentance. Advent disposes us to conversion and single-mindedness. We are called to attend to our deepest needs and hopes: to realize the mitigation of human suffering through daily deeds of compassion for and service to our neighbors." - Jonathan Montaldo <br /><br />"If Christ is the revelation of the whole meaning of humanity, if the meaning of human life is solely and entirely to be found in the fact that I am a child of God, then everything in my life becomes relevant or irrelevant in proportion as it tends to my growth as a member of Christ, as a child of God, and to the extension of Christ in the world of humankind through his Church." - Thomas Merton<br /><br />"I am at that time of day when I am free, free to find and love myself...and God. All the things that have been pulling at me for years, demanding my full attention, such as the endless responsibility of trying to right the injustice of chronic poverty, have suddenly vanished like a poorly constructed building in Haiti toppled by an earthquake. I am at a <i>kairos</i>&nbsp;time of day, a time when I can give myself a chance to let go of everything I know in order to be carried along by the flow of all I do not know, the very flow of the mystery and true reality of life....Oddly enough, say all the saints and mystics, God is already there. It is I who am missing, hidden in the rubble of my own life, buried under the weight of my countless faults, failures, mistakes and illusions. Now is the time to cast off the burden of the past with all its missteps, concern for the future with all its sudden uncertainty and seek to see the face of God in this present moment, in this <i>kairos</i>&nbsp;time of day." - Gerard Thomas Straub<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6400092213694778476?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-8822390141633005142010-11-13T12:05:00.000-05:002010-11-13T12:05:07.936-05:00Hey everyone -<br /><br />For this week's gathering we will be doing the Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes again (we did this last year and had a great time.)<br /><br />If you aren't familiar with the program, check out the <a href="http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/">website here</a>. Basically, we will purchase small items to pack into a shoebox that will be sent to a child in an impoverished country that otherwise would not receive any Christmas presents.<br /><br />It's simple. It's fun. It's a small way to make a big difference around the world (8 million shoeboxes were delivered last year alone)<br /><br />We will meet at Kara and Adam's house at 3:00pm. We'll travel to Target (or similar store) together, purchase items to put in the shoeboxes, and then come back to the house. We'll pack the boxes together, maybe have a short reflection about Advent, and just hang out and have a good time.<br /><br />There is a $7 shipping fee required for each box. Also, it can cost up to $40 for the items in each box. If you are unable to cover the full cost, please still come and hang out. We can combine items and "share" a box. It's still a fun, simple thing to do together. This is also a great activity to do with children. <br /><br />Hope to see everyone on Sunday!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-882239014163300514?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-18619892442780957412010-11-05T08:03:00.000-04:002010-11-05T08:03:10.131-04:00This Sunday, November 7th, we will meet at 5pm at Scot and Mary's house for a "Celebration of the Faithful." This will be a time for us to gather around Scripture, worship, prayer and communion, and then to share some awesome food together!<br /><br />More details about food and directions will be posted soon. If you want to come and have questions, feel free to email Jesse at schroeder.jesse@gmail.com - (we may also arrange some carpools)<br /><br />Hope to see everyone there!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-1861989244278095741?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-2344163972269561202010-10-31T17:34:00.000-04:002010-10-31T17:34:24.653-04:00Sometimes I want to sing with the cohort. I love singing. I love music. I love to be able to put feelings and longings into words and melody.<br /><br />But most of the typical Christian worship songs don't really fit with the longings and feelings of our group. So I often hesitate to sing together.<br /><br />I found a couple of new good songs today that I think connect a little bit more with our group. I played the first one on the stereo, and I tried to sing the second one with the group today, but forgot how the chorus went (oops :) Anyway - here are links to the songs. You can listen to the full tracks on the website.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.aaronniequist.com/music/withbrokenfists/lovecanchangetheworld.html">Love can change the world</a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.aaronniequist.com/music/withbrokenfists/herearemyhands.html">Here are my hands</a><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-234416397226956120?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-44791931410185006052010-10-26T18:14:00.000-04:002010-10-26T18:14:11.111-04:00Lots going on this weekend! Here are some of the events we are going to check out:<br /><br />Scary movie<a href="http://www.capa.com/presentations/current-season-presentations/capa-ghost-light-movie-night" target="_blank"> at the Ohio Theater</a>.&nbsp; ("House on Haunted Hill") Starts at 8pm. $5. Jesse &amp; Kellye are going to this, and anyone is welcome to meet up with us (call/text 557-5768)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.highballhalloween.com/" target="_blank">Highball Halloween</a>" party in the Short North. Also $5, starts at 3pm but goes for most of the night. Lots of fun events and costume contests. Nick and a few others will probably drop by this event, and anyone could meet up with them.<br /><br />Finally, we will be having a low-key time of <b>prayer, communion and worship </b>at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2406+altenburg+ct+grove+city+ohio&amp;oe=utf-8&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=2406+Altenburg+Ct,+Grove+City,+Franklin,+Ohio+43123&amp;gl=us&amp;ei=llLHTPvIGMemnAf1k5ifAQ&amp;ved=0CBMQ8gEwAA&amp;z=16">Jesse &amp; Kellye's hous</a>e in Grove City at <b>3pm on Sunday Oct. 31st</b>. Everyone is welcome. It will probably go about an hour. No food before or after.&nbsp;<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-4479193141018500605?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-20338425559111541292010-10-20T23:34:00.002-04:002010-10-20T23:40:05.100-04:00This Sunday we are doing some volunteer clean-up work in an area where a few of us live, Weinland Park. We'll be picking up trash on a few very dirty streets and alleys. Please come join us and help make our community and beautiful and safe place to live.<br /><br />1 pm at 1270 Courtland Ave. I'm trying to get a few trash pickers for us to use. You might want to bring gloves, but I don't always use them.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-2033842555911154129?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Nick Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08449944645890980378noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-55749553903526167662010-10-15T08:39:00.000-04:002010-10-15T08:39:56.085-04:00The podcast from Krista Tippet this week has many connections to our conversations over the past few weeks, and the things Samir discussed. I'm just listening to it today, and will try to expand on this post later this weekend but just wanted to recommend it to everyone.<br /><br />Here is the link:<br /><br />http://www.elabs7.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=fj6,ngg1,dv,b8u3,5oep,ctfo,11is<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5574955390352616766?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-88184043288214119612010-10-14T14:35:00.000-04:002010-10-14T14:36:24.473-04:00<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">Adam and I would like to invite everyone over this Sunday for a community lunch-time. We will have soup, and all the fixin's. Please plan on coming at 1pm. If anyone is interested in going to see Obama- we are planning on going (riding the bus) about 4 or 4:30 (it's at the oval and "doors" open at 5) and you can leave your car here and go with us if you are interested. </span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; "><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; ">Remember that community time is about coming and sharing in life together- hearing about the goings on, and affirming our love and care for each other. Everyone is welcome!<div><br /></div><span style="color:#888888;"></span></span><span style="color:#888888;"></span><span style="color:#888888;"></span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8818404328821411961?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Kara Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04852175959930969418noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-69587283684612194742010-10-04T21:30:00.004-04:002010-10-09T17:08:45.827-04:00<b>Date: Sunday October 10th</b><br /><b>Time: 3:00pm</b><br /><b>Location: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;q=schiller+park+columbus+ohio&amp;fb=1&amp;gl=us&amp;hq=schiller+park+columbus+ohio&amp;hnear=schiller+park+columbus+ohio&amp;cid=0,0,18368954226611345498&amp;ei=19iwTLZpyaieB5qysfYF&amp;sqi=2&amp;ved=0CBMQnwIwAA&amp;z=16">Schiller Park</a> (see below for more info) </b><br /><b>More Info: 557-5768 (Jesse)</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.sxc.hu/pic/l/m/me/melodi2/436214_79037420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.sxc.hu/pic/l/m/me/melodi2/436214_79037420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>This Sunday we'll be doing another "composting stories" gathering. We did this for the first time in June (<a href="http://emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com/2010/06/this-sunday-stories-that-compost.html">read a description here</a>), and you can <a href="http://emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com/2010/06/re-tellings-of-feeding-of-5000.html">read the stories that came out of our gathering here</a>. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>This week I thought we would focus on the story in Genesis where Abraham is asked to sacrifice his son. We'll read the story together, talk about aspects of the story we like, aspects we don't like, questions we have about the story, and then we will each retell the story and share our "retellings" with one another.<br /><br />This is a low-key, easy-engagement gathering. In the past, I've found that this practice really brings the stories to life.<br /><br />We'll meet at <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;q=schiller+park+columbus+ohio&amp;fb=1&amp;gl=us&amp;hq=schiller+park+columbus+ohio&amp;hnear=schiller+park+columbus+ohio&amp;cid=0,0,18368954226611345498&amp;ei=19iwTLZpyaieB5qysfYF&amp;sqi=2&amp;ved=0CBMQnwIwAA&amp;z=16">Schiller Park in German Village</a>. Lets meet around the north section of the park, near Reinhard Ave. Bring blankets and/or lawn chairs to plan to sit outside during the discussion. Feel free to bring any snacks to share, or games (frisbee?). The weather is supposed to be great.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6958728368461219474?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-57015798418368223862010-10-03T21:57:00.002-04:002010-10-03T21:57:35.385-04:00I really enjoyed the time with Samir today. Thanks to everyone (Nancy and Bo especially) who contributed and made the event happen. Here are a few quotes that stood out to me. I thought we could kind of "open up" discussion here on the blog for any reflections or thoughts about what Samir shared.<br /><br /><ul><li>We live in an ecosystem in which we need each other; we need diversity. The worst thing that could happen would be if everyone in the world became a Christian. Your identity as an individual depends on mirroring. You are a flower because you are not a weed or a vegetable.&nbsp;</li><li>For a Muslim the Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence is the best example of Shariah law that has ever existed.&nbsp;</li><li>We refuse to distinguish between good and bad (when thinking about Muslims). We just want everyone to be bad. <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u1nhUblZkmk/TKkwmgVkJdI/AAAAAAAAOis/oxCI-PhNDqc/s1600/FxCam_1286133762430.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u1nhUblZkmk/TKkwmgVkJdI/AAAAAAAAOis/oxCI-PhNDqc/s320/FxCam_1286133762430.jpg" width="213" /></a></li><li>We need the Other, because if there is no other, there is no us.&nbsp;</li><li>As Christians we want Samaritans, tax collectors and lepers, but we are stuck with Muslims, immigrants and gays.&nbsp;</li><li>We need more extremists because the ones we have are shallow. We don't need extremists who resolve the tension of their beliefs with one violent act, but rather will live an entire life of tension. That is extreme. Mother Teresa is an extremist, not a suicide bomber.&nbsp;</li><li>The Other may critique us, and they might be right. There is something in the non-Western world that the West needs very much, but we are afraid that we actually need it.&nbsp;</li><li>The Other is there precisely so we can tell them who you are. If you do not share your treasure with the other, you do not respect them, as if they cannot say "no."&nbsp;</li><li>God is a stranger - If we don't welcome the human other, how do we welcome the divine other?<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_u1nhUblZkmk/TKkwmgVkJdI/AAAAAAAAOis/oxCI-PhNDqc/s1600/FxCam_1286133762430.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></li><li>We cannot fulfill the practices of our faith without other religions.&nbsp;</li><li>The good news must be <i>news</i> and it must be <i>good</i>. Sometimes, the good news could be better. The Presence of God in the Other is good news.&nbsp;</li><li>How can I have a religion that explains the existence of most of the world and life as a mystery or unknown? </li><li>Jesus doesn't scare people. Our ambition to manage and control Jesus scares people. </li></ul><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5701579841836822386?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-3321571506360721842010-09-30T07:21:00.000-04:002010-09-30T07:21:23.840-04:00This Sunday is a very exciting event, and we would love to see as many people as possible.<br /><br /><b>Samir Selmanovic </b>- author of the book "It's Really All About God," and leader of inter-faith dialog and community at Faith House Manhattan - will be visiting the Central Ohio Emergent Cohort.<br /><br />The event is from <b>2-4:30pm</b> at <b><a href="http://ohiounion.osu.edu/visit_the_union">the Ohio Union</a>,</b> in the <b>MultiCultural Meeting Center Room.</b> As you enter the first floor the Union from High St., the Information desk is on your left. The MultiCultural Meeting Center room is nearby the information desk, on the first floor. There are several parking garages nearby. <br /><br />We have worked really hard to make this a <b>free event</b> so anyone can drop by and hear from this inspiring author. However, we will be taking a collection to help offset the speaking fee and travel costs for Samir.<br /><br />If you want to learn more about Samir's work, <a href="http://www.samirselmanovic.com/">visit his website</a>, or read some of our <a href="http://emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com/2010/09/its-really-all-about-god-intro.html">older blog posts here.</a><br /><br />Again, this is going to be a very exciting event, a chance to hear from a fantastic speaker in a small environment, to ask questions and join in conversation, and to hear about the exciting things happening in InterFaith conversation and action around the world.<br /><br />Hope to see you there!!<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-332157150636072184?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-51709085681339199942010-09-27T06:32:00.000-04:002010-09-27T06:32:16.005-04:00Hey fellas - <br /><br />This Tuesday night (Sept. 28th), 7:00pm we'll be hanging out at Nick's house. We'll order pizza, maybe smoke some cigars, play some Xbox, drink a few beers, and try to play a good game of poker. <br /><br />All guys are welcome to join - even if you aren't a good poker player (none of us are!!) Also, we haven't determined the "buy in" or anything, so don't worry if you are low on cash. We'll pay for the pizza, and spot you in the poker game. The main point is just to hang out. <br /><br />If you need directions, or more info, you can text/call Jesse at 614-557-5768<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5170908568133919994?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-78183535679208702072010-09-25T12:20:00.000-04:002010-09-25T12:20:19.512-04:00Hi everyone -<br /><br />This Sunday, September 26th, we will have an open discussion at the Global Gallery cafe in Clintonville (our usual public meeting spot). We will meet from 3-5pm, and discuss some more aspects of Samir Selmanovic's book "It's Really All About God," as well as some details about the event coming up Oct. 3rd.<br /><br />Everyone is welcome to join in on the discussion, even if it is your first time attending the group. We'd love to see you there!<br /><br />Feel free to post questions in the "comments" section of this post, or email schroeder.jesse@gmail.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7818353567920870207?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-58023589900856688402010-09-19T14:04:00.000-04:002010-09-19T12:42:07.184-04:00<b>Community Night / Fire Night</b><br /><br />Sunday night, September 19th, from 6:30-8:30pm, <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?q=2406+altenburg+ct+grove+city+ohio&amp;oe=utf-8&amp;client=firefox-a&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;hq=&amp;hnear=2406+Altenburg+Ct,+Grove+City,+Franklin,+Ohio+43123&amp;gl=us&amp;ei=UCiQTO6SHceVnAeF2r20DA&amp;ved=0CBMQ8gEwAA&amp;z=16">Jesse &amp; Kellye's house</a> in Grove City. <br /><br />Community night is when we give everyone a chance to share and give an update about life. In response, the group offers affirmation, encouragement and love. This week, we'll have an outdoor fire, roast hot dogs, have side dishes, and do marshmallows and s'mores. <br /><br />Everyone is welcome. This is a great night to hang out and get to know everyone, even if it's your first time visiting. If you have any questions, call Jesse at 614-557-5768, or email schroeder.jesse@gmail.com<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5802358990085668840?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-9784848743450228922010-09-19T12:41:00.000-04:002010-09-19T12:41:24.888-04:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u1nhUblZkmk/TJY8_L2iVAI/AAAAAAAAOhs/2pHKg6aJnv4/s1600/58960_496674689151_568489151_7269148_2037906_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_u1nhUblZkmk/TJY8_L2iVAI/AAAAAAAAOhs/2pHKg6aJnv4/s320/58960_496674689151_568489151_7269148_2037906_n.jpg" /></a>I love that our cohort is a family and has family in it. I took this picture yesterday at a family birthday gathering (Jon Eades' 30th).<br /><br />Adam and Henry just look like such natural father and son. Had to share it.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-978484874345022892?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-61120003664255644442010-09-15T13:08:00.003-04:002010-09-15T13:27:36.374-04:00 <p class="p1">In light of our awesome discussion on Sunday, I want to pass along this newsletter from DF in B'ham. Greg Newton comments on how the journey that the community has travelled allows them to share goodness with others. I like this paragraph:</p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1">"</span>God has taught us to not judge one another, but to respect others who follow their own conscience. We do not impose our convictions to achieve unity, nor do we lack convictions. We’ve learned that the Spirit’s work of unity allows us to be together despite what is humanly irreconcilable."</p><p class="p3">The rest of the letter can be found at the bottom of this post.</p> <p class="p4">For me, a good question remains: How does this attitude stretch beyond others who follow Jesus? Sure, there will be differences between those who claim Jesus. And it is foreseeable that these differences can be overcome and that the Spirit can work toward unity. But what does unity look like with those who have a completely different paradigm that does not involve Jesus?</p> <p class="p3">love to all,</p> <p class="p3">Adam</p><p class="p3"> <br /></p><p class="p3">The entire newsletter from Greg Newton at Disciples Fellowship in Birmingham, AL:</p><p class="p3"></p><blockquote></blockquote><meta charset="utf-8"><p class="p1"></p><blockquote><p class="p1">Being in a “good place” as a community gives us something valuable to share. Before the Gospel can be shared, it must be lived and experienced. If Jesus was right (and he was) about being known for a God-emulating love for one another, then that love has to be lived and practiced before there is the possibility of sharing any good news.</p><p class="p1">As I’ve bee saying recently, I believe we been brought by God to a good place from which we can authentically speak about the love of God, not only his for us, but as the love which we strive to have for one another . . . and the whole world. Our acceptance of one another is a result of God’s love. Our desire to be transformed from who any of us are so we may become more like Christ, is also a result of God’s love.</p><p class="p1">On our long journey to this place we have left faith in our own obedience to God’s commands, for faith in the obedience of Jesus. Faith is no longer possessing all the correct doctrinal positions on a set of questions, but is trusting in God to do what we cannot do for ourselves. Worship is no longer a time set apart to correctly carry out a set of instructions so God will be pleased, but a time to engage in a transforming focus on God, which then sets the context for how that worship is continued through all the activities of our week.</p><p class="p1">God has taught us to not judge one another, but to respect others who follow their own conscience. We do not impose our convictions to achieve unity, nor do we lack convictions. We’ve learned that the Spirit’s work of unity allows us to be together despite what is humanly irreconcilable.</p><p class="p1">Through God’s work we’ve been able to lay down the doctrinal and spiritual baggage that we had acquired and may now help others to do the same. We’ve lived enough of the Gospel to know what it means to speak about God’s goodness, and to invite others to taste and see that God is good. We confess that we are only beginning to live out God’s love. Even so, the potential of this gift of love is tremendous . . . goodness to be shared.</p></blockquote><p class="p1"></p><p></p><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-6112000366425564444?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Adam Newbyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16432913187923610014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-80917136356662140232010-09-13T03:16:00.004-04:002010-09-13T03:51:45.506-04:00Hi all. We've made arrangements to have a monastic retreat for the guys in December at St. Gregory Palamas eastern orthorodox monastery. The monastery is located near Wooster, Ohio and some of us (me, Nick and Jesse) went and visited there about two weeks ago to check it out and meet with the Abbot. He was very welcoming to us and we had a great time talking with him while we were there. Although I don't know much about it, Eastern Orthodox theology seems to be a really refreshing perspective on faith and the Abbot had a great way of explaining it to us.<br /><br />Besides the abbot there are six or seven other monks that stay there and work and observe the different prayers throughout the day. We've arranged to stay with them from monday December 13th through wednesday December 15th, dates which are designed to be after the OSU quarter but still well before Christmas (apologies if these dates aren't so good for you!). <br /><br />Although the Abbot may give a talk once or twice, the retreat won't be officially led by the monastery, i.e., we'll have the freedom to set our own agenda for free time and discussion so long as we pause to attend the prayers. If you're interested to come and you haven't already told me, please send me an e-mail at chrisorban@yahoo.com. There's no set cost -- just a donation of whatever you can or feel led to pay.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-8091713635666214023?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Juliahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05039463103624802678noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-55380671832362507072010-09-11T14:52:00.002-04:002010-09-11T14:56:14.438-04:00Sunday, September 12, 3:00pm Global Gallery 3535 N. High St.<br /><br />Discussion about Samir Selmanovic's book, "It's Really All About God" (see previous posts for some introductory ideas).<br /><br />If you haven't read the book (or even heard of it!) that's OK. We will most likely read a chapter, or short sections, together. It's easy to read and understand, and brings up some great questions for us to consider together.<br /><br />As always, everyone is welcome. First time visitors or long time friends. Hope to see you there.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5538067183236250707?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-59787627664253041672010-09-06T22:23:00.004-04:002010-09-06T22:28:47.859-04:00<a href="http://www.samirselmanovic.com/wp-content/themes/thesis_16/custom/images/IRAAG-intro.pdf">Here is a link to a .pdf of the Introduction of the book: </a><br /><br />Here are some videos to introduce you to Samir's book:<br /><br /><br /><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_lKbwxn30Xs&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_lKbwxn30Xs&amp;rel=0&amp;color1=0xb1b1b1&amp;color2=0xcfcfcf&amp;hl=en_US&amp;feature=player_embedded&amp;fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" height="385" width="640"></embed></object><br /><br /><object id="ep_player" name="ep_player" data="http://cdn.episodic.com/player/EpisodicPlayer.swf?config=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.episodic.com%2Fshows%2Fo3txcr4qd3b6%2Fqgy17zmjssxx%2Fconfig.xml" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="360" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://cdn.episodic.com/player/EpisodicPlayer.swf?config=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.episodic.com%2Fshows%2Fo3txcr4qd3b6%2Fqgy17zmjssxx%2Fconfig.xml"><param name="AllowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><embed src="http://cdn.episodic.com/player/EpisodicPlayer.swf?config=http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.episodic.com%2Fshows%2Fo3txcr4qd3b6%2Fqgy17zmjssxx%2Fconfig.xml" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" id="ep_player" name="ep_player" height="360" width="640"></embed></object><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-5978762766425304167?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-42022386762937519022010-09-06T22:18:00.002-04:002010-09-06T22:20:03.074-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:7DvLW04GTvMmlM:http://samir.podbean.com/wp-content/blogs8/148658/uploads/AAG-Cover200k.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 110px; height: 166px;" src="http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:7DvLW04GTvMmlM:http://samir.podbean.com/wp-content/blogs8/148658/uploads/AAG-Cover200k.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><span class="”fullpost”"><span style="font-style: italic;">This Sunday, Sept. 12th we will discuss the book "It's Really All About God" by Samir Selmanovic, in preparation for his visit on Oct. 3rd. This is a book review I wrote a few months back. You can read it for an introduction. I'll try to post more resources soon. - jesse</span><br /> -------<br />By far, the most compelling chapters of "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Its-Really-All-About-God/dp/0470433264">It's Really All about God: Reflections of a Muslim Atheist Jewish Christian</a>" are the Prologue and the Epilogue. In the intro, Selmanovic grabbed my attention and piqued my interest with the story of a Wiccan woman praying for evangelical pastors, a selection from the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rumi">Sufi poet Rumi</a>, and challenging questions like, "<span style="font-weight: bold;">Is a God who favors anyone over anyone else worth worshiping?</span>"<br /><br />At first, it seems that Selmanovic is preparing to deliver a comprehensive<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theology_of_religions"> theology of religious pluralism.</a> He states that, <blockquote style="font-style: italic;">"the presence of the other in all its beauty, fragility, dignity, and need is demanding our answers. If God created all humanity but gave life-giving knowledge - usually referred to as 'revelation' - to only some of humanity, could God in any meaningful sense be though of as the One God and not only as a god?...To say that God has decided to visit all humanity through only one particular religion is a deeply unsatisfying assertion about God." (pg. 9) </blockquote>But even in the prologue, the author quickly moves away from an academic approach and instead invites the reader to ponder his "reflections" (as the subtitle of the book says). He offers many questions, ideas and snippets to challenge the reader to seriously consider his premise: <span style="font-weight: bold;">"For religion to recapture human imagination, the theology and practice of </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">finding God in the other</span><span style="font-weight: bold;"> will have to move from the outskirts of our religious experience to its center. The heart of a religion that will bless the world is going to beat at its edges."</span> (pg 13)<br /><br />It is literary images like this last one - <span style="font-style: italic;">"the heart of a religion beating at the edges"</span> - that are, at first easy to read, but jar the reader enough to go back and read them again, wondering about the significance of such an idea. Throughout the book, Selmanovic has the gift of putting into words the back-of-the-mind and deep-in-the-heart intuitions that many believers share, but have a hard time expressing (for one reason or another).<br /><br />As previously stated, this is not an academic book. The typeface is large and generously spaced, and most pages have text boxes with short selections from the chapter. Most chapters begin with a personal story from the author's childhood or background in Yugoslavia. Initially, I was surprised and bit frustrated to have to read through these anecdotal accounts. I wanted more content and less fluff. But eventually I realized that the writing approach was intended to demonstrate several key points of the book.<br /><br />First, the author successfully shows that he came as an outsider to Christianity and even religion at all. The stories of his family disowning him because of his faith and literally kicking him out of their home successfully provide a sort of "street credibility" to his later pronouncements about religious life. He can talk about "the other" because he has been "an other" in more ways than one. In a world often filled more with speculation than actual life experiences, I began to appreciate these stories because they made me realize that the author is not only offering a way to live that <span style="font-style: italic;">could be</span> better, but he has <span style="font-style: italic;">actually lived this way</span> for most of his life and now is sharing his experiences.<br /><br />Second, by including personal stories in each chapter, another key point is subtly underlined again and again: This theology of "finding God in the other" can only be a reality in as much as it comes to life every day in each of us. It cannot be <span style="font-weight: bold;">theoretical</span>, it must be <span style="font-weight: bold;">experiential</span>. The personal stories of the author are a continual invitation to the reader to realize that my everyday life is also an experience of "finding God in the other," if I choose to live it that way.<br /><br />Finally, while this book is not a self-proclaimed "<a href="http://www.emergentvillage.com/">emergent</a>" book (published by Jossey-Bass, and not in one of the <a href="http://www.emersionbooks.com/">EV book series</a>; it also sports no endorsements from any of the typical EV leaders), I think it goes as far as any emergent book written thus far in helping to explain what an emerging Christianity must (and does) look like. It is not a book solely considered with a theology of religious pluralism. Instead, the chapters address such topics as "The Secret of the Ordinary" (chp. 2; akin to "Transforming Secular Space" in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Emerging-Churches-Christian-Community-Postmodern/dp/0801027152/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1266343176&amp;sr=8-1">Gibbs/Bolger</a>), "The Blessing of Atheism" (chp 7; reminiscent of "a/theism" in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/How-Not-Speak-God-Emerging/dp/1557255059/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1266343247&amp;sr=8-1">Rollins</a>), and "God Management Systems" (chp. 3; similar to the "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/New-Kind-Christian-Friends-Spiritual/dp/078795599X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1266343343&amp;sr=8-1">New Kind of Christian</a>" series by Brian McLaren). In short, the book aims to be as comprehensive as its title, attempting to offer a new way to understand <span style="font-style: italic;">how</span> we understand and live <span style="font-style: italic;">with</span> God, engage other people <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> their religion, and experience spirituality in a postmodern world.<br /><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-4202238676293751902?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-4687360009050930222010-09-06T22:05:00.002-04:002010-09-06T22:07:37.922-04:00Hi everyone -<br /><br />We had our "scheduling meeting" tonight and put some activities and gatherings on the calendar for the next few months. There's a lot of good stuff to look forward to, so please look at the <a href="http://www.google.com/calendar/embed?src=kkbs9bvti5qit0pop9jhshdu3s%40group.calendar.google.com&amp;ctz=America/New_York">cohort google calendar here</a> or at the side of the page. Here are some highlights to let you know about:<br /><ul><li>We are still planning to have <b>Samir Selmanovic</b> come on <b>Sunday October 3rd</b>. More info on that soon.<br /> </li><li>We are <b>looking for different meeting spots</b>, either homes or public (such as libraries, parks, etc.). We have open dates on <b>Oct. 10th, 30th, Nov. 7th, 21st, and Dec. 19th</b>. <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/edit?id=1rGBbGF43nq9RV7ngSbIpamdL0fvk1qbSMrXMV7Bb1_M&amp;hl=en&amp;authkey=CNWD4PME">Here is a link to a Google Document</a> that describes what we plan to do on those dates, and what type of gathering location we need. Please "sign up" by responding to this email to let us know what date and location you will take. </li><li>Three new activities. Each of these obviously isn't for everyone, so just plug in where you are interested:<br /> </li><ul><li><b>Beth Moore Bible Study</b> - Any women interested should email Kellye (schroeder.kellye@gmail.com) Let her know what Beth Moore studies you have done in the past (if any), what you might be interested in, and what day of the week you might be available. </li><li>Some of the guys are planning to go on a three day retreat to the Orthodox Monastery in December. In preparation for that, we will try to read the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Father-Arseny-1893-1973-Narratives-Concerning/dp/0881411809/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1283824500&amp;sr=8-1">"Father Arseny: Prisoner, Priest and Spiritual Father."</a> This was recommended by Father Joseph from the monastery. We will probably try to have a low-key hang out / discussion about this book before the retreat. </li><li><b>Guys Pizza &amp; Poker Night</b> - Weekday evenings, BYOB, no previous poker skills necessary. Just a chance to hang out and get to know each other a little better. </li></ul><li>Finally, there is some interest in doing a "cohort cabin" excursion again (more info coming soon)</li></ul>In general, this is an exciting time for the cohort. We love having everyone involved with planning discussions and gatherings, so feel free to jump in with ideas. You can comment on this post if you have a topic in mind, or send an email to any of the addresses listed on this page.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-468736000905093022?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17607953.post-74476663157284066902010-08-30T23:15:00.002-04:002010-08-30T23:19:00.569-04:00This is just a general question/thought/pondering I've had the last few days.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">"What does an <span style="font-weight: bold;">emergent faith </span>look like?" </span></span><br /><br />What <span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> it look like? What is <span style="font-weight: bold;">my</span> emergent faith? What is <span style="font-weight: bold;">our</span> emergent faith?<br /><br />We have spent several years talking together about our hurts, our doubts, our uncertainties, our questions. We also share our hopes and dreams. We share a lot of love together. I wonder what it would look like for us to share more of our <span style="font-weight: bold;">faith</span> together.<br /><br />So, just an open-ended question: What is your emergent faith? What are the different aspects of it? What do you <span style="font-style: italic;">do</span>? What do you have faith in?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/17607953-7447666315728406690?l=emergentcentralohio.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Jessehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15222273525666828338noreply@blogger.com0