Dad could not get home early enough on Thanksgiving Eve. I waited in great anticipation for his car to drive up, for him to change clothes and for the family to climb into the station wagon heading for West Virginia. We were off to Maw Maw and Paw Paw's house for Thanksgiving.
When we got there Jane, Jerry, Chuck and Doug were usually already there. We unloaded the car settled in and it was almost heaven. Everyone had their room assignments and we sat in the living room catching up on life. We eventually retired to our quarters for a great nights sleep in the quietness of Wayside, West Virginia, Almost heaven.
We slept upstairs (Chuck, Doug and Me) which was great because Paw Paw kept the house so hot with the wood burning stove the temperature was closer to hell than heaven. At least upstairs was cooler during the night. If only we could experience the comfort of that heat again.
Chuck always got up before the sun and got ready by flashlight for a day of hunting. Doug and I, we slept in until we could smell sausage cooking. What an alarm to wake up to--sausage in the frying pan. We ate and then we headed for the woods for a couple hours of deer hunting. Adolescents with high powered rifles and shot guns, by themselves in the woods. Unbelievable, I know. It's West Virginia, guns are a part of life.
We never killed anything that I remember but it was fun being in the woods in hopes to get a shot off.
We would come in when they called for us. It was time for Thanksgiving Dinner. To this day I don't know how all of us sat around the same table in the kitchen. When I sit at that table today, I remember all of us gathering around that table eating: Canned green beans, canned pickled beets, Frozen sweet corn not from the store but from a summer of Oscar and Hazel spending time in the garden. And Maw Maw and Jane spending time canning and freezing.
One year Paw Paw had killed a turkey and we had that for Thanksgiving Dinner. Along with mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, gravy, homemade rolls and did I mention gravy. We laughed and had fellowship around a meal together. We never really talked about it but I believe we were all thankful that God had brought us together for another year, Almost Heaven.
After dinner there was the pie. Wow! I do not know where my grandmother found the time. Doug and I would cut a pumpkin pie in half and we shared a pie together. No whipped cream--it didn't need it--this was heaven.
I woke up this morning thinking about this day. Today I am thankful for the family I grew up with and I am thankful for the family I have to spend the day with now.
But if there was one experience I could relive it would be that day--in that house-- in that place--Wayside, West Virginia--with all those people--Almost Heaven!
I am Thankful to have had that expereince.
Thursday, November 24, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Where's Phil Today?
In a selfish world it is so nice to go and hang out at the Starbucks on Howe Rd. I had read about the community that is built in a Starbucks but this is amazing. The Baristas are getting to know what I order and are starting to call me by name. But it is deeper than just the workers, it is the people who come in on a regular basis. The regulars are starting to call each other by name and introducing each other to new friends they meet.
Every time Roland drives up people stop what they are doing to serve him. Someone always gets up and opens a door for him. He goes to the counter gets the same donut, same cup of coffee and sits down. The Baristas bring his donut and coffee out to him and sometimes the locals hand him the jumble to do from the newspaper. I don't know how old Roland is because I was always taught it is rude to ask someone there age.
When he leaves he leaves his dishes and someone cleans them up for him. He drives from the middle of Akron to be here about 20 minutes away. You know why? He says that he comes because of the people. He is just looking for community in the middle of a lonely day.
(side note) Hey Starbucks, I know you don't do commercials on T.V. and you don't have to, but this is a story that needs to be documented by your company.
Then there is the age old question I hear every time I am here and he isn't. Not Roland but Phil. Phil is in sales, he actually goes to Northwest and Starbucks is his office. When he is in town he is here working and making an impact on this small community. He knows everybody.
All the Barista's know him by name. He knows the local policemen who come in and they always stop to talk to him. He knows Roland of course and is the primary jumble provider. He holds the door open for people who have their hands full. He knows the retired couple that comes in regularly. He has introduced me to so many people I get confused with the names.
I have to say, this place is not the same without him. He is missed when he is not here.
Oh, I did not reveal the age old question yet did I?
"Where's Phil today?"
Just this morning I heard this question from a guy I have yet to meet, but Phil has and he has made an impact in this man's life.
The dynamic of Starbucks on Howe Rd. has a great atmosphere and one of the reasons is Phil. That is why I like Phil greeting people at Northwest when they come through the door.
A selfless servant who truly loves people and he makes a difference. To those who have a local hangout, you can make a difference if you walk in to serve rather than to be served.
Hey Church!!! This is what we need to be when ever we gather-- a community of people who have two things in common: 1) They love Jesus and want to be like Him 2) They love people and want to intorduce them to their friends, including Jesus.
May we all have a place where people miss us when we are not there!
Every time Roland drives up people stop what they are doing to serve him. Someone always gets up and opens a door for him. He goes to the counter gets the same donut, same cup of coffee and sits down. The Baristas bring his donut and coffee out to him and sometimes the locals hand him the jumble to do from the newspaper. I don't know how old Roland is because I was always taught it is rude to ask someone there age.
When he leaves he leaves his dishes and someone cleans them up for him. He drives from the middle of Akron to be here about 20 minutes away. You know why? He says that he comes because of the people. He is just looking for community in the middle of a lonely day.
(side note) Hey Starbucks, I know you don't do commercials on T.V. and you don't have to, but this is a story that needs to be documented by your company.
Then there is the age old question I hear every time I am here and he isn't. Not Roland but Phil. Phil is in sales, he actually goes to Northwest and Starbucks is his office. When he is in town he is here working and making an impact on this small community. He knows everybody.
All the Barista's know him by name. He knows the local policemen who come in and they always stop to talk to him. He knows Roland of course and is the primary jumble provider. He holds the door open for people who have their hands full. He knows the retired couple that comes in regularly. He has introduced me to so many people I get confused with the names.
I have to say, this place is not the same without him. He is missed when he is not here.
Oh, I did not reveal the age old question yet did I?
"Where's Phil today?"
Just this morning I heard this question from a guy I have yet to meet, but Phil has and he has made an impact in this man's life.
The dynamic of Starbucks on Howe Rd. has a great atmosphere and one of the reasons is Phil. That is why I like Phil greeting people at Northwest when they come through the door.
A selfless servant who truly loves people and he makes a difference. To those who have a local hangout, you can make a difference if you walk in to serve rather than to be served.
Hey Church!!! This is what we need to be when ever we gather-- a community of people who have two things in common: 1) They love Jesus and want to be like Him 2) They love people and want to intorduce them to their friends, including Jesus.
May we all have a place where people miss us when we are not there!
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Posting on My Wall
I have this big blank wall I sit in front of in my office. It is a sandy color and as I am looking around writing this I think it is time to give it a new look. Do you have any color suggestions?
Now that I decided that let me get back to what I was about to say. I have this blank wall in front of me I look at almost everyday. I just started to change the face of the wall a couple weeks ago. I decided that instead of putting up a picture or a work board I was going to write scripture on my wall. Not any scripture but scripture that means something to me at the moment.
I know, when we were kids we were told to never write on the wall. I have told my kids the same thing. My kids even aksed me when they first saw it, "Did you write on your wall? Are you suppose to do that?" I had to tell them I could always paint over it. They are old enough now to know how easy that really can be. And if they write on the wall now they are also old enough to paint.
I would like to share the first scripture (and only scripture at this point) I wrote on my wall. I pulled out a sharpie and I wrote:
Forget the former things;
do not dwell on the past.
See I am doing a new thing!
I am making a way in the desert
and streams in the waste land.
Isaiah 43:18-19
Then in pencil I wrote the date I posted it.
Sometimes life and ministry is hard. And the enemy has a way of making us look at the past and dwell on things we can never change or fix. Sometimes we feel like we are walking through a desert or a waste land.
God says stop dwelling on the past and look to the future. Look to Him. It does not matter what your past looks like, God is a forgiving God and does not dwell on our past. All he asks from us is to trust Him.
"See I am doing a new thing!" There is a freshness that comes in this promise from God. We need to focus on what God is doing--not dwell on the past.
Since this has been posted on my wall, and I don't mean facebook, I have often prayed asking God to show me the new thing he is doing and wants to do in my life and in the life of Northwest. The next step is to trust Him.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
God in the Marketplace
Can worship happen outside of a church building in unexpected places? Of course! When we read the Bible God shows up in some of the most unlikely places. On the side of a mountain, on the sea, in a jail, in a fiery furnace--you get the picture. Our problem is we limit God to a building on Sunday morning.
I don't know what you think about U2, but in 2009 when they did their 360 Tour I believe for a moment worship took place. In "Launching Missional Communities" Alex Absalom describes going to the concert like this, "The presence of God was so tangible. Even if people didn't yet know the name of the God who was there, they were being drawn into his presence and having their hearts softened by the Holy Spirit."
The recognition of the presence of God is worship. We need more of it in the marketplace. Honestly, we need more of it on Sunday mornings in the building we call church.
Pause for a moment. Look around you and recognize his presence. There you will find peace.
Sing along as you watch U2 lead people in the chorus of Amazing Grace recognizing the presence of God.
I don't know what you think about U2, but in 2009 when they did their 360 Tour I believe for a moment worship took place. In "Launching Missional Communities" Alex Absalom describes going to the concert like this, "The presence of God was so tangible. Even if people didn't yet know the name of the God who was there, they were being drawn into his presence and having their hearts softened by the Holy Spirit."
The recognition of the presence of God is worship. We need more of it in the marketplace. Honestly, we need more of it on Sunday mornings in the building we call church.
Pause for a moment. Look around you and recognize his presence. There you will find peace.
Sing along as you watch U2 lead people in the chorus of Amazing Grace recognizing the presence of God.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Us/Them
I have been doing a series called "US/THEM." It was developed out of seeing books being written about "Them." The church has a problem connecting with the world and part of the reason is the Us/Them mentality which exists both in the world and in the church.
Both Us and Them are looking for safety. For Us safety is found in the church. As long as we are hanging out with people who are like us and validate our opinions we feel safe. For Them, safety comes in wealth, addictions, jobs and etc. One thing I have noticed though is some of the same things They find safety in, We find safety in as well.
Both Us and Them are right. At least We think We are right and They are wrong or They think They are right and We are wrong. Our rightness comes from what the Bible teaches. Their rightness comes from experience or how they feel. As long as they are happy it must be right, right? I have also noticed that We live by the same rightness but ours comes in the name of God. There are so many times Our rightness has nothing to do with what the Bible teaches, but with our own personal preferences.
Both Us and Them are self-absorbed. Our being self-absorbed is justified--it is done in the name of religion. Their self-absorbed attitude has to do with Them. Ours has a greater purpose theirs is self-centered. Really? I have found in myself and other followers the tendency to be self-absorbed to the point that everything is about "Them." Not what Jesus wants, but what We want.
Truly there is no Us/Them. There is just Us. Mankind. People we pass by everyday whether on foot or in our car. Us. God's creation. While we separate ourselves between Us and Them God looks at just Us. On judgment day there will be a separation. That is for God to determine. For now we are just Us. And as we can see We are not very different.
The only difference is one knows God and His grace and the other lives without God and knowledge of His grace.
First question: Where do you fall? Are you trying to walk with God or walk apart from God?
Second question: If there is just Us how does that change the way you live?
Both Us and Them are looking for safety. For Us safety is found in the church. As long as we are hanging out with people who are like us and validate our opinions we feel safe. For Them, safety comes in wealth, addictions, jobs and etc. One thing I have noticed though is some of the same things They find safety in, We find safety in as well.
Both Us and Them are right. At least We think We are right and They are wrong or They think They are right and We are wrong. Our rightness comes from what the Bible teaches. Their rightness comes from experience or how they feel. As long as they are happy it must be right, right? I have also noticed that We live by the same rightness but ours comes in the name of God. There are so many times Our rightness has nothing to do with what the Bible teaches, but with our own personal preferences.
Both Us and Them are self-absorbed. Our being self-absorbed is justified--it is done in the name of religion. Their self-absorbed attitude has to do with Them. Ours has a greater purpose theirs is self-centered. Really? I have found in myself and other followers the tendency to be self-absorbed to the point that everything is about "Them." Not what Jesus wants, but what We want.
Truly there is no Us/Them. There is just Us. Mankind. People we pass by everyday whether on foot or in our car. Us. God's creation. While we separate ourselves between Us and Them God looks at just Us. On judgment day there will be a separation. That is for God to determine. For now we are just Us. And as we can see We are not very different.
The only difference is one knows God and His grace and the other lives without God and knowledge of His grace.
First question: Where do you fall? Are you trying to walk with God or walk apart from God?
Second question: If there is just Us how does that change the way you live?
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Blah Blah Blah
The political seasons is starting. As I watch all of these politicians all I hear is talk. The only thing we hear any more are speeches. As far as I am concerned it is all talk. It is to the point where I feel like I am watching a Charlie Brown episode listening to his teahcer speak: "Whah whah whah whah . . . whah whah."
I am more concerned with the church though. We continue to hear people talk about their faith. But the world does not need more talk about God, they need to see God. They need to see the people of God reflecting His character in their life. No more talk.
It boils down to authenticity. Ask yourself this question, "Do people see God's character in the way I live my life?" A honest look at this one question could change someone's perception about God.
I am more concerned with the church though. We continue to hear people talk about their faith. But the world does not need more talk about God, they need to see God. They need to see the people of God reflecting His character in their life. No more talk.
It boils down to authenticity. Ask yourself this question, "Do people see God's character in the way I live my life?" A honest look at this one question could change someone's perception about God.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Never Been to Church
There was a time in our culture when we could assume people had heard basic stories from the Bible. Stories like David and Goliath, Daniel in the Lions Den, Jonah and the Whale (even though it is called a big fish in the Bible). This is not true anymore. It is becoming more common to meet people who have never heard these stories.
It is common now to meet people who have never been to church in their life. They have no idea what to expect when they walk into a worship service for the first time. It has to be intimidating.
For those of you like me who grew up going to church walking into a worship service is somewhat natural. Yeah services may be different, but for the most part they all have something in common.
There are more people today who make assumptions about church based on the people they have met who go to church and what they have heard about church. The pop culture has influenced these assumptions as well. For a large portion of our culture walking into a worship service is like walking into a foreign country. They don't know the language or the customs. They don't want to do something or say something wrong so they look foolish or draw attention to themselves. It is a real fear people have when they go to church for the first time.
The great thing is they don't come with their own agendas. If they build up the courage to enter into this foreign land they are most likely there because they are searching to know more about God. It is quite refreshing to meet people who are searching to know more about God. There is an innocent excitement in the questions they ask and their attentive spirit.
If you are reading this and you grew up in the church my question to you is this: How do you relate to a person who has no church background? Do you try to teach them about God or do you make them think you are better than them? This is not the time to show off your Bible knowledge, that is what a Pharisee would do. And Pharisees are the ones they are a afraid of most.
This is no time for judgement--It is all about grace and mercy.
When a person is a guest in another country the people they are the guest of show a high level of hospitality. The goal is to make them feel comfortable in their country. They explain customs in detail. They interpret the language explain what a phrase or word may mean in their culture. They become the teacher and the guest becomes the student, but not in an authoritative way though. They try to protect you from doing something stupid and when you do they laugh with you not at you.
If you have not been brought up in the church and you want to know more about the stories that exist in the Bible that most church goers know let me give you this piece of advice, and I say this with all the respect in the world--Buy a children's Bible and read through it. Find the same story in a big persons Bible and read it there also. These are foundational, basic stories most people who grew up in the church know.
I had one lady I made an assistant children's Sunday School teacher. She loved it. She would constantly talk to me about some of the stories "the children" were learning. She eventually became a follower of Jesus and probably is teaching children to this day. Notice she was helping before she even became a Christian. She was actually being discipled by a mature believer for one hour a week.
As church leaders we have to address this issue. How are we going to relate to those who are coming to us that have no church background? It is a reality that is becoming more common in our culture today. For me, it is an exciting reality! It is refreshing to find people who are hungry to know more about God and how to live for Him.
It is common now to meet people who have never been to church in their life. They have no idea what to expect when they walk into a worship service for the first time. It has to be intimidating.
For those of you like me who grew up going to church walking into a worship service is somewhat natural. Yeah services may be different, but for the most part they all have something in common.
There are more people today who make assumptions about church based on the people they have met who go to church and what they have heard about church. The pop culture has influenced these assumptions as well. For a large portion of our culture walking into a worship service is like walking into a foreign country. They don't know the language or the customs. They don't want to do something or say something wrong so they look foolish or draw attention to themselves. It is a real fear people have when they go to church for the first time.
The great thing is they don't come with their own agendas. If they build up the courage to enter into this foreign land they are most likely there because they are searching to know more about God. It is quite refreshing to meet people who are searching to know more about God. There is an innocent excitement in the questions they ask and their attentive spirit.
If you are reading this and you grew up in the church my question to you is this: How do you relate to a person who has no church background? Do you try to teach them about God or do you make them think you are better than them? This is not the time to show off your Bible knowledge, that is what a Pharisee would do. And Pharisees are the ones they are a afraid of most.
This is no time for judgement--It is all about grace and mercy.
When a person is a guest in another country the people they are the guest of show a high level of hospitality. The goal is to make them feel comfortable in their country. They explain customs in detail. They interpret the language explain what a phrase or word may mean in their culture. They become the teacher and the guest becomes the student, but not in an authoritative way though. They try to protect you from doing something stupid and when you do they laugh with you not at you.
If you have not been brought up in the church and you want to know more about the stories that exist in the Bible that most church goers know let me give you this piece of advice, and I say this with all the respect in the world--Buy a children's Bible and read through it. Find the same story in a big persons Bible and read it there also. These are foundational, basic stories most people who grew up in the church know.
I had one lady I made an assistant children's Sunday School teacher. She loved it. She would constantly talk to me about some of the stories "the children" were learning. She eventually became a follower of Jesus and probably is teaching children to this day. Notice she was helping before she even became a Christian. She was actually being discipled by a mature believer for one hour a week.
As church leaders we have to address this issue. How are we going to relate to those who are coming to us that have no church background? It is a reality that is becoming more common in our culture today. For me, it is an exciting reality! It is refreshing to find people who are hungry to know more about God and how to live for Him.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Ready Or Not, Here I Come!
There is a billboard not far from my house on the interstate that is sharing to those who pass--"Judgement Day is May 21, 2011."
I have to say I am quite cynical of the whole predicting the second coming thing. I mean how many times has a date come and gone just like every other day when it was deemed the day of judgement. I am also not a fan of trying to predict how the second coming will go down, you know all the pre, post and amillennial stuff. I like what someone once told me, "I am a 'pan'millennialist. Everything is going to pan out in the end."
Seriously, trying to predict how and when the second coming of Jesus is going to happen is like trying to predict when and where lightning will strike next.
The disciples were standing looking up into the sky when Jesus ascended (Acts 1:9). He had just told them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive the Holy Spirit and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:7-8).
Yet they still stood there gazing into the sky waiting for Jesus to come back. "Waiting" is a word that defines most Christians. It is a sedentary word which shows no action. We "wait" for those who are far from God to show up at church on Sunday morning hoping the service will attract them to be a part of our club. We "wait" on God to provide the necessary resources before we step out on faith and trust Him where he may be leading us. Then when the resources do not appear we claim God shut the door.
There just is not a sense of urgency within the western Christian world. We stand and wait to much. We look for when Jesus is going to come back and this becomes our sense of urgency? Not the fact that there are people going to hell all around us?
Jesus never told us to figure out the day he was coming and warn people about that day. The message is not a message of judgement it is a message opposite of judgement, it is a message of grace.
Look, Jesus is coming someday that is truth. But even he said he would come as a thief in the night. Our sense of urgency as followers of Jesus should not be tied into the truth that he is coming to gather his followers someday. It should not create a complacent attitude. And it surely should not make us feel comfortable.
Our sense of urgency should be tied into the truth there are people who will miss out on grace if we do not take serious our mission and call to make disciples of all nations. We should be willing to give up our own wants, desires and comforts for so that people can know the grace Jesus wants to extend to all people.
Selfishly I want Jesus to come back on May 21, 2011 or even before. But if he does there are people I know that have yet to become followers of Jesus. My love for them compels me to hope Jesus does not come until they understand His grace and what He has done for them. The longer he waits the more people there will be in His presence forever. That describes the heart of God.
As the disciples stood there it says "they were looking 'intently' up into the sky" when two men dressed in white asked them what they are doing. The two men explained Jesus would return the same way they saw him go into heaven. It must have been said in a way that the disciples understood it was not going to be immediate. It must of reminded them of their calling.
They left. Not long after that the Spirit came on them as promised and they went into the world telling people about Jesus. Their urgency to be His witnesses launched the church. They told people of his grace, mercy and love. Did they mention the second coming? Of course. But they never said when it was going to happen, they only taught that it would happen someday.
The hope is that people will be ready for the day Jesus comes for those who call him Lord.
Below is a song written in the sixties by Larry Norman. It is redone in the 90's by DC Talk. Larry Norman's message is that he hopes everyone will be ready when that day comes.
I have to say I am quite cynical of the whole predicting the second coming thing. I mean how many times has a date come and gone just like every other day when it was deemed the day of judgement. I am also not a fan of trying to predict how the second coming will go down, you know all the pre, post and amillennial stuff. I like what someone once told me, "I am a 'pan'millennialist. Everything is going to pan out in the end."
Seriously, trying to predict how and when the second coming of Jesus is going to happen is like trying to predict when and where lightning will strike next.
The disciples were standing looking up into the sky when Jesus ascended (Acts 1:9). He had just told them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive the Holy Spirit and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth" (Acts 1:7-8).
Yet they still stood there gazing into the sky waiting for Jesus to come back. "Waiting" is a word that defines most Christians. It is a sedentary word which shows no action. We "wait" for those who are far from God to show up at church on Sunday morning hoping the service will attract them to be a part of our club. We "wait" on God to provide the necessary resources before we step out on faith and trust Him where he may be leading us. Then when the resources do not appear we claim God shut the door.
There just is not a sense of urgency within the western Christian world. We stand and wait to much. We look for when Jesus is going to come back and this becomes our sense of urgency? Not the fact that there are people going to hell all around us?
Jesus never told us to figure out the day he was coming and warn people about that day. The message is not a message of judgement it is a message opposite of judgement, it is a message of grace.
Look, Jesus is coming someday that is truth. But even he said he would come as a thief in the night. Our sense of urgency as followers of Jesus should not be tied into the truth that he is coming to gather his followers someday. It should not create a complacent attitude. And it surely should not make us feel comfortable.
Our sense of urgency should be tied into the truth there are people who will miss out on grace if we do not take serious our mission and call to make disciples of all nations. We should be willing to give up our own wants, desires and comforts for so that people can know the grace Jesus wants to extend to all people.
Selfishly I want Jesus to come back on May 21, 2011 or even before. But if he does there are people I know that have yet to become followers of Jesus. My love for them compels me to hope Jesus does not come until they understand His grace and what He has done for them. The longer he waits the more people there will be in His presence forever. That describes the heart of God.
As the disciples stood there it says "they were looking 'intently' up into the sky" when two men dressed in white asked them what they are doing. The two men explained Jesus would return the same way they saw him go into heaven. It must have been said in a way that the disciples understood it was not going to be immediate. It must of reminded them of their calling.
They left. Not long after that the Spirit came on them as promised and they went into the world telling people about Jesus. Their urgency to be His witnesses launched the church. They told people of his grace, mercy and love. Did they mention the second coming? Of course. But they never said when it was going to happen, they only taught that it would happen someday.
The hope is that people will be ready for the day Jesus comes for those who call him Lord.
Below is a song written in the sixties by Larry Norman. It is redone in the 90's by DC Talk. Larry Norman's message is that he hopes everyone will be ready when that day comes.
Friday, May 6, 2011
Kingdom Synergy Partnership (KSP)
Yesterday I was at a KSP meeting in Columbus. I love going to KSP meetings because they are so rewarding in so many ways.
KSP was a dream a friend had to "Make it Hard to Go to Hell in Ohio." When it started about 6 years ago there were four churches and two church planting organizations that began to meet regularly to dream about starting a church. It has grown from a meeting where five people came together to now over 100. There are 18 churches that have been planted or are in process. Many churches and networks are working together in Ohio watching God do some amazing things in the world of church planting. And now there are four churches being planted in Ecuador.
One of the coolest things about each of the church plants is the diversity. There are churches from the suburbs to the inner city. All the churches together are reaching such a diverse group of people and when they come together they cheer one another on--it truly is a modern day picture of the church as a movement. It is a picture of a church reaching "all nations."
The core values are simple, yet truly define the culture of KSP.
Authenticity- No image management is allowed. It does not matter who gets the credit everyone is working together for one cause.
Collaberation- KSP brings people and churches together to plant churches, share ideas, encourage and complete the mission.
Generosity- KSP churhes and leaders share anything with each other from resources to time.
Urgency- There are people going to hell all around us and there is an urgent call from God to reach these people.
KSP has truly become a movement that is impacting Ohio and the World. I am blessed to be able to participate in something God is doing which is bigger than anyone person or one church.
What a great ride!
KSP was a dream a friend had to "Make it Hard to Go to Hell in Ohio." When it started about 6 years ago there were four churches and two church planting organizations that began to meet regularly to dream about starting a church. It has grown from a meeting where five people came together to now over 100. There are 18 churches that have been planted or are in process. Many churches and networks are working together in Ohio watching God do some amazing things in the world of church planting. And now there are four churches being planted in Ecuador.
One of the coolest things about each of the church plants is the diversity. There are churches from the suburbs to the inner city. All the churches together are reaching such a diverse group of people and when they come together they cheer one another on--it truly is a modern day picture of the church as a movement. It is a picture of a church reaching "all nations."
The core values are simple, yet truly define the culture of KSP.
Authenticity- No image management is allowed. It does not matter who gets the credit everyone is working together for one cause.
Collaberation- KSP brings people and churches together to plant churches, share ideas, encourage and complete the mission.
Generosity- KSP churhes and leaders share anything with each other from resources to time.
Urgency- There are people going to hell all around us and there is an urgent call from God to reach these people.
KSP has truly become a movement that is impacting Ohio and the World. I am blessed to be able to participate in something God is doing which is bigger than anyone person or one church.
What a great ride!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Just a Thought
What would happen if we, the church, believers--those who call themselves followers of Jesus took seriously the command to make disciples? Churches would begin to look more like Jesus, communities would be transformed, lives would be changed and more people would go to heaven.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Is Easter Really that Important?
It is Thursday and I am sitting in Starbucks watching people. Some are working while others are doing life together. Some are just enjoying their favorite beverage. Music is playing in the background of pots being washed and coffee being ground. It is just another normal day at Starbucks.
As people walk in and out I wonder if they are thinking about what I am thinking about? Easter is three days away. The biggest day for a church, right? Less than two thousand years ago Jesus was spending his last day with his disciples today. He had spent the last couple years with these guys teaching them to make disciples. People who would live like him. Not just for their generation but for generation after generation which brings me back to Starbucks.
Were the people in Jerusalem just going through another day like the people I am watching? Were they facing another religious festival they had to endure again like they do every year whether it is Passover or Easter?
Which leads me to this question, Is Easter just another religious festival only this time Christians claim it as their most important religious holiday. Without sounding sacrilegious is Easter really that important? When I say that, I mean the day, the Sunday once a year where we buy a new outfit, go to a specially designed service and eat a big dinner with family or friends. A Sunday in the spring when there is no Nascar!
I have to believe that when Jesus sat down with his disciples for that last Passover meal there was something more significant to Him than just another religious holiday. It was reflective for him as a human, the day God redeemed a group of people who would one day be the nation that would produce Him--the Messiah. He sat there as the fulfillment of a plan God began when death passed over the Israelites.
It was significant because when he left that room with his disciples it would end with God's will being fulfilled so that we could be redeemed. The disciples just saw it as another Passover meal with Jesus. This was their third with him.
They walked with him in the garden a journey they had taken with Jesus many times. Their friend Judas rejoins them, but this time with a crowd of soldiers and he greeted Jesus with a kiss. The kiss of death which began Jesus' journey to the cross.
It got chaotic for the disciples they scattered not willing to stand with Jesus in this journey that led to the grave. Jesus did not try to stop them because he knew this was not their journey, this was not why he had spent the last couple years with them. They had a different purpose. He groomed them to make disciples and lead the church. He did not expect them to hang around, it was not their time.
Can you imagine seeing your best friend dying an agonizing death thinking maybe you should have done something about it? Have you ever lost a friend to death? A childhood friend of mine died last year. We were close but not best friends. I sat up one night thinking about all the things we had done together. He lived in my neighborhood and was my best friends brother. We had been camping together, gone to movies together, played ball together--I had not seen him in years but started to miss him.
The disciples probably sat in the upper room reflecting back on their friend remembering everything they had done together. They had fished together, eaten meals together, traveled together--can you imagine the stories they were telling as they remembered their friend.
As they were telling these stories Jesus showed up. Their first reaction had to be disbelief. Then as they grasped the reality of what happened joy would be an understatement. Maybe they begged for forgiveness since they did not stand up for Jesus. I am sure he was quick to tell them they couldn't because it was not yet their time.
If someone who was close to me showed up after I had seen them put in the grave I would be beside myself with joy. Even if we were not the best of friends I would be telling everyone with unbridled excitement.
Easter is three days away. What is our normal response? Is it to see this Sunday as just another Easter to get through with little or no thought about what really happened. Some will see it as something they have to endure, others will ignore it all together. What about you? How will you celebrate this Sunday? Will it be just another Easter or will it have significant meaning? Will you see it as the day Jesus slammed the door on death so we could experience His undeserved grace?
I guess Easter really is important if we allow ourselves to experience the importance of Jesus' resurrection. It all depends on how we look at.
Have a great Easter Everyone!
Bake
As people walk in and out I wonder if they are thinking about what I am thinking about? Easter is three days away. The biggest day for a church, right? Less than two thousand years ago Jesus was spending his last day with his disciples today. He had spent the last couple years with these guys teaching them to make disciples. People who would live like him. Not just for their generation but for generation after generation which brings me back to Starbucks.
Were the people in Jerusalem just going through another day like the people I am watching? Were they facing another religious festival they had to endure again like they do every year whether it is Passover or Easter?
Which leads me to this question, Is Easter just another religious festival only this time Christians claim it as their most important religious holiday. Without sounding sacrilegious is Easter really that important? When I say that, I mean the day, the Sunday once a year where we buy a new outfit, go to a specially designed service and eat a big dinner with family or friends. A Sunday in the spring when there is no Nascar!
I have to believe that when Jesus sat down with his disciples for that last Passover meal there was something more significant to Him than just another religious holiday. It was reflective for him as a human, the day God redeemed a group of people who would one day be the nation that would produce Him--the Messiah. He sat there as the fulfillment of a plan God began when death passed over the Israelites.
It was significant because when he left that room with his disciples it would end with God's will being fulfilled so that we could be redeemed. The disciples just saw it as another Passover meal with Jesus. This was their third with him.
They walked with him in the garden a journey they had taken with Jesus many times. Their friend Judas rejoins them, but this time with a crowd of soldiers and he greeted Jesus with a kiss. The kiss of death which began Jesus' journey to the cross.
It got chaotic for the disciples they scattered not willing to stand with Jesus in this journey that led to the grave. Jesus did not try to stop them because he knew this was not their journey, this was not why he had spent the last couple years with them. They had a different purpose. He groomed them to make disciples and lead the church. He did not expect them to hang around, it was not their time.
Can you imagine seeing your best friend dying an agonizing death thinking maybe you should have done something about it? Have you ever lost a friend to death? A childhood friend of mine died last year. We were close but not best friends. I sat up one night thinking about all the things we had done together. He lived in my neighborhood and was my best friends brother. We had been camping together, gone to movies together, played ball together--I had not seen him in years but started to miss him.
The disciples probably sat in the upper room reflecting back on their friend remembering everything they had done together. They had fished together, eaten meals together, traveled together--can you imagine the stories they were telling as they remembered their friend.
As they were telling these stories Jesus showed up. Their first reaction had to be disbelief. Then as they grasped the reality of what happened joy would be an understatement. Maybe they begged for forgiveness since they did not stand up for Jesus. I am sure he was quick to tell them they couldn't because it was not yet their time.
If someone who was close to me showed up after I had seen them put in the grave I would be beside myself with joy. Even if we were not the best of friends I would be telling everyone with unbridled excitement.
Easter is three days away. What is our normal response? Is it to see this Sunday as just another Easter to get through with little or no thought about what really happened. Some will see it as something they have to endure, others will ignore it all together. What about you? How will you celebrate this Sunday? Will it be just another Easter or will it have significant meaning? Will you see it as the day Jesus slammed the door on death so we could experience His undeserved grace?
I guess Easter really is important if we allow ourselves to experience the importance of Jesus' resurrection. It all depends on how we look at.
Have a great Easter Everyone!
Bake
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
7 Mile Memory
Growing up in Salem, Va. was special. Not only is it a great place to call home it is close to one of the most scenic places on the Appalachian Trail. Macafee Knob is one of those places that I have had the privilege of seeing several times in my life. Each time it was unforgettable. Not because it is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but each time it was special because of the people I got to experience it with.
I believe it was a Sunday afternoon in the late seventies or early eighty's when I first looked over the Blue Ridge Mountains. My father asked me to going hiking with him. I had no idea where we were going, I just new I was going to be on the Appalachian trail for the first time.
Dad and I drove to the top of Catawba Mountain, parked the car, crossed route 311 and began our journey to Macafee Knob. It is about 3.5 mile walk each way on the trail. I was reminded by my dad recently that I complained a lot of the way to the top and back down. But, it was a place I always remembered. I have often looked up pictures on the Internet and even written about standing on the knob looking out across the Blue Ridge Mountains.
As much as I did not like the hike I never forgot it. I never forgot it for two reasons. First it was a journey my dad and I did together. It was a memory we shared together and as I look back it is something I have never forgotten. Second, it was one of those moments where I got to see what my Heavenly Father created for His Creation to experience. A place that a Psalm could easily be written about explaining the splendor of God.
Two weeks ago I was standing on that same rock protruding out in what seems like midair. I never thought I would be there again.
This time I was not there with my dad but I got to go as a dad. Eli, Cole and Seth all were with me at Macafee Knob. It was special because it reminded me of being there with dad and now I was there with my sons.
I have to say, God is great for many reasons and I have been blessed in so many ways. That day I got to remember spending time with dad knowing that I was raised in a great family. I got to spend that day with my kids duplicating what my dad taught me about being a father. I realized how much my kids are like me--Eli complained all the way up and all the way down.
But most of all I got to see the splendor of God in what he created--my dad, my kids and the rock called Macafee Knob.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Sin, Religion and Grace (part 2)
Here are some more thoughts from Timothy Keller's book, "The Reason for God":
"Religion operates on this principle 'I obey--therefore I am accepted by God.' But the operating principle of the gospel is 'I am accepted by God through what Christ has done--therefore I obey.' Two people living their lives on the basis of these two different principles may sit next to each other in the church pew." - Timothy Keller
"The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me." - Timothy Keller
There is a distinct difference between someone who goes to church because it is their religion and someone who is a part of the church because of grace. The former goes to church because they feel like they have to in order to please God and show everyone they are a Christian. The later participates as a part of the church because they get to as a child of God.
The difference is how we view our relationship with God. Once we get grasp the reality that we are his children and we are accepted by Him despite our flaws we live our lives differently in relation to Him. We obey not out of obligation but because we serve a God who loves and values us because we are His.
Religion crushes the spirit, grace brings life.
"Religion operates on this principle 'I obey--therefore I am accepted by God.' But the operating principle of the gospel is 'I am accepted by God through what Christ has done--therefore I obey.' Two people living their lives on the basis of these two different principles may sit next to each other in the church pew." - Timothy Keller
"The Christian gospel is that I am so flawed that Jesus had to die for me, yet I am so loved and valued that Jesus was glad to die for me." - Timothy Keller
There is a distinct difference between someone who goes to church because it is their religion and someone who is a part of the church because of grace. The former goes to church because they feel like they have to in order to please God and show everyone they are a Christian. The later participates as a part of the church because they get to as a child of God.
The difference is how we view our relationship with God. Once we get grasp the reality that we are his children and we are accepted by Him despite our flaws we live our lives differently in relation to Him. We obey not out of obligation but because we serve a God who loves and values us because we are His.
Religion crushes the spirit, grace brings life.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sin, Religion and Grace
Just finished Timothy Keller's book, "The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism." I have to say he does a great job of explaining why God makes sense and why we need him.
Toward the end he gets into some basic theological issues including Sin, Religion and Grace. Here are some quotes and thoughts on sin, religion and grace:
Sin: "Lewis (referring to C.S. Lewis) works from Kierkegaard's definition of sin. Sin is not simply doing bad things, it is putting good things in the place of God. So the only solution is not simply to change our behaviour, but to reorient and center the entire heart and life on God."
"Remember this--if you don't live for Jesus you will live for something else."
"Everybody has to live for something. Whatever that something is becomes the 'Lord of your life,' whether you think of it that way or not."
What Keller is saying is that sin is not just doing bad things. The root of our sin is putting something else before God. If money is your lord it can drive you to do things that are sinful. Someone with the drive to have money may be a workaholic and neglect not just God, but their family. Maybe they will cheat on their taxes or deal unethical with others. Maybe it will cause someone to steal from someone else. All of these actions are just a result of money being in the place of God.
Maybe it is alcohol, drugs or sex that has become your lord and as a result, your actions show what "the" sin is you struggle with most. Jesus taught about the root of our actions in the Sermon on the Mount on several occasions. One place he said, "You have heard that it was said . . . do not murder . . . but I tell you anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement" (Matthew 5:21-22). What Jesus is saying is that murder is the result of a deeper issue--anger. It is at anger you have crossed the line of sin.
When I used to travel for Kentucky Christian University to various camps sometimes I would have to teach on sex to students. The question that was always asked was "How far can you go before it is to far?"
I had always been taught that you can go as far as you can without it leading to the deed (if you know what I mean). But that is not what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. He said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).
So "lust" is the problem. Adultery is just the result of lust. So, what is this person's lord?
Sin is as simple as putting something else before God. In the example of the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve put their independence before God. They wanted to be like God. So they ate from the wrong tree.
Really all sin boils down to Adam and Eves sin--independence from our Lord. Everything other sin is just the result of our desire to be independent from God.
(Religion and Grace continued tomorrow)
Toward the end he gets into some basic theological issues including Sin, Religion and Grace. Here are some quotes and thoughts on sin, religion and grace:
Sin: "Lewis (referring to C.S. Lewis) works from Kierkegaard's definition of sin. Sin is not simply doing bad things, it is putting good things in the place of God. So the only solution is not simply to change our behaviour, but to reorient and center the entire heart and life on God."
"Remember this--if you don't live for Jesus you will live for something else."
"Everybody has to live for something. Whatever that something is becomes the 'Lord of your life,' whether you think of it that way or not."
What Keller is saying is that sin is not just doing bad things. The root of our sin is putting something else before God. If money is your lord it can drive you to do things that are sinful. Someone with the drive to have money may be a workaholic and neglect not just God, but their family. Maybe they will cheat on their taxes or deal unethical with others. Maybe it will cause someone to steal from someone else. All of these actions are just a result of money being in the place of God.
Maybe it is alcohol, drugs or sex that has become your lord and as a result, your actions show what "the" sin is you struggle with most. Jesus taught about the root of our actions in the Sermon on the Mount on several occasions. One place he said, "You have heard that it was said . . . do not murder . . . but I tell you anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgement" (Matthew 5:21-22). What Jesus is saying is that murder is the result of a deeper issue--anger. It is at anger you have crossed the line of sin.
When I used to travel for Kentucky Christian University to various camps sometimes I would have to teach on sex to students. The question that was always asked was "How far can you go before it is to far?"
I had always been taught that you can go as far as you can without it leading to the deed (if you know what I mean). But that is not what Jesus said in the Sermon on the Mount. He said, "You have heard that it was said, 'Do not commit adultery.' But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart" (Matthew 5:27-28).
So "lust" is the problem. Adultery is just the result of lust. So, what is this person's lord?
Sin is as simple as putting something else before God. In the example of the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve put their independence before God. They wanted to be like God. So they ate from the wrong tree.
Really all sin boils down to Adam and Eves sin--independence from our Lord. Everything other sin is just the result of our desire to be independent from God.
(Religion and Grace continued tomorrow)
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Check Engine
We bought a car for Eli in August and the check engine light is on. Just recently Rhonda came in and said a strange warning light is on in the van. Yep, the check engine light. Rhonda came in another day after driving my car, you guessed it--check engine.
I was not feeling well yesterday. My heart was racing so I went to the Doctor. As I was laying there getting an EKG I thought to myself, "My check engine light is on." I'm fine, just have what they are calling "lone atrial fibrillation." It stopped on it's own. I did not have to get shocked to put my heart back into rhythm which was a possibility. I actually thought about doing it myself with a fork and an electrical socket. When I joked with the doctor about it he said it may have worked, but was not in favor of it.
Anyway, with all the check engine lights on in my life it got me thinking. When a check engine light comes on you have to do a diagnostic test to find out what is wrong. What about our spiritual life? Is your walk with God somewhat stalled? Would you say that your check engine light is on? What does a diagnostic test look like for your spiritual walk with God?
Maybe you need to spend some quiet time reflecting on your relationship with God. Maybe you need to sit down with a friend you trust and can share anything with to coach you through your evaluation. Maybe your doing well with your faith.
Here is what Paul tells followers in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test."
I was not feeling well yesterday. My heart was racing so I went to the Doctor. As I was laying there getting an EKG I thought to myself, "My check engine light is on." I'm fine, just have what they are calling "lone atrial fibrillation." It stopped on it's own. I did not have to get shocked to put my heart back into rhythm which was a possibility. I actually thought about doing it myself with a fork and an electrical socket. When I joked with the doctor about it he said it may have worked, but was not in favor of it.
Anyway, with all the check engine lights on in my life it got me thinking. When a check engine light comes on you have to do a diagnostic test to find out what is wrong. What about our spiritual life? Is your walk with God somewhat stalled? Would you say that your check engine light is on? What does a diagnostic test look like for your spiritual walk with God?
Maybe you need to spend some quiet time reflecting on your relationship with God. Maybe you need to sit down with a friend you trust and can share anything with to coach you through your evaluation. Maybe your doing well with your faith.
Here is what Paul tells followers in 2 Corinthians 13:5, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realize Christ Jesus is in you--unless, of course, you fail the test."
Friday, January 28, 2011
Life Change
I was reading an article in Christian Standard a friend of mine wrote about Small Groups. Read it here.
In it Brian Jones talks about the effectiveness of small groups. I agree with the point he was making because small groups for the sake of church growth is a bunch of hoo-hoo. The tension we have at Northwest is trying to create Life Groups where life change happens and having a home Bible Study.
I am all for studying the Bible but if it is not making a difference in your life then all you have obtained is Bible knowledge. I heard Mike Breaux say one time, "There are a lot of people who have marked up their Bibles but have never let their Bibles mark up them." What he is saying is that there are many people who can tell you what the Bible says but do not live what the Bible says.
There were a lot of responses to Brian's article (you can read those at the link above also) because he challenged people to rethink the value of small groups. He wrote a response himself and this quote from his response nailed it:
"Small groups began (and I’m dating myself here) as a church growth tool. They are awesome at making people feel connected. But feeling connected isn’t the point. I’m sick of people who are super-connected in the church having affairs, watching porn, stealing money from work, and treating their kids like they are orphans. No doubt small groups help people feel connected. But do people emerged changed after spending a year or two spending 1.5 hours a week, every other week (excluding holidays and summertime) with other people in these groups?"
Life Change should be the end result of Worship, Sunday School, small groups and any other program in the church designed to get people connected. Being connected does not mean you have a bunch of friends you hang out with occasionally. We can do that at any of the many local clubs in town.
Jesus called it making disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20 we are always quick to say this means we are to evangelize the world. But that is not the whole truth. Jesus said to go make disciples who observe what he taught.
The word "observe" (tereo) in the Greek means, "to attend to carefully." We are to make disciples who carefully follow the ways of Jesus.
A changed life that resembles the life of Jesus is what the church was created to accomplish. It is not a place to gather people, whether in large groups or small groups, who call themselves Christians. It was created to make authentic followers of Jesus.
In it Brian Jones talks about the effectiveness of small groups. I agree with the point he was making because small groups for the sake of church growth is a bunch of hoo-hoo. The tension we have at Northwest is trying to create Life Groups where life change happens and having a home Bible Study.
I am all for studying the Bible but if it is not making a difference in your life then all you have obtained is Bible knowledge. I heard Mike Breaux say one time, "There are a lot of people who have marked up their Bibles but have never let their Bibles mark up them." What he is saying is that there are many people who can tell you what the Bible says but do not live what the Bible says.
There were a lot of responses to Brian's article (you can read those at the link above also) because he challenged people to rethink the value of small groups. He wrote a response himself and this quote from his response nailed it:
"Small groups began (and I’m dating myself here) as a church growth tool. They are awesome at making people feel connected. But feeling connected isn’t the point. I’m sick of people who are super-connected in the church having affairs, watching porn, stealing money from work, and treating their kids like they are orphans. No doubt small groups help people feel connected. But do people emerged changed after spending a year or two spending 1.5 hours a week, every other week (excluding holidays and summertime) with other people in these groups?"
Life Change should be the end result of Worship, Sunday School, small groups and any other program in the church designed to get people connected. Being connected does not mean you have a bunch of friends you hang out with occasionally. We can do that at any of the many local clubs in town.
Jesus called it making disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20 we are always quick to say this means we are to evangelize the world. But that is not the whole truth. Jesus said to go make disciples who observe what he taught.
The word "observe" (tereo) in the Greek means, "to attend to carefully." We are to make disciples who carefully follow the ways of Jesus.
A changed life that resembles the life of Jesus is what the church was created to accomplish. It is not a place to gather people, whether in large groups or small groups, who call themselves Christians. It was created to make authentic followers of Jesus.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Gathering
Sunday Morning "church," what is the purpose for it? Why do we gather on a Sunday morning? Teaching is obviously a reason we come together. Worship is also a reason to gather. But what is the deeper reason for gathering on a Sunday morning.
Some people say you can follow Jesus without going to the gathering. While there is truth in that statement neglecting the gathering is not encouraged in scripture.
Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing . . ." So why is it important to gather?
This passage in Hebrews says so we can "encourage" one another, so we can "spur" one another on in love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24-25). The word "spur" in the Greek means, "a sudden violent emotion or action." I instantly think of the word "inspire." The gathering should inspire people to be more like Jesus.
We can go to a church any Sunday morning and see singing, teaching, praying, the Lord's supper. Some seem to have a different spirit and feel to them. They do the same things, but they don't have the same impact. The difference is do they inspire people to live more like Jesus.
Those who inspire people to love and good deeds--to be more like Jesus may not even be the larger churches. But they can make a larger impact in the kingdom.
Here is a question for you: why do you go to the gathering? Or maybe you don't so the question for you is: why don't you go to the gathering?
Some people say you can follow Jesus without going to the gathering. While there is truth in that statement neglecting the gathering is not encouraged in scripture.
Hebrews 10:25 says, "Let us not us not give up meeting together as some are in the habit of doing . . ." So why is it important to gather?
This passage in Hebrews says so we can "encourage" one another, so we can "spur" one another on in love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24-25). The word "spur" in the Greek means, "a sudden violent emotion or action." I instantly think of the word "inspire." The gathering should inspire people to be more like Jesus.
We can go to a church any Sunday morning and see singing, teaching, praying, the Lord's supper. Some seem to have a different spirit and feel to them. They do the same things, but they don't have the same impact. The difference is do they inspire people to live more like Jesus.
Those who inspire people to love and good deeds--to be more like Jesus may not even be the larger churches. But they can make a larger impact in the kingdom.
Here is a question for you: why do you go to the gathering? Or maybe you don't so the question for you is: why don't you go to the gathering?
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