Strange Encounters- the afterthought

Speaking about encountering, and expecting to encounter strangers is like.....EASY for some.....and incredibly difficult for others. So much so that we would be tempted to think that because we are introverts, we somehow should not expect that this type of message is for us. I think the thing that challenges me is that this is a Kingdom Story. God is about it. The faith part I think for all of us, whether talking to strangers is easy or hard is that God can make it happen.








I can't wait for our deep coffee encounters to come in.....exciting stuff.
If you want, tell your strange encounter in a comment below...

Here is a strange encounter by tom vogel.....check it out.

http://www.cambridgevineyard.on.ca/index.cfm?i=2581&mid=18&st=13782

Belonging

...I am doing a book study on the book "Living from the Heart Jesus Gave You" and our last meeting was on the chapter called Belonging. The issue of belonging is a much discussed one in our church. Like a 15 year old discussion. Over the years the accusation, explanation, comment, or observation that it is very hard to belong in our church, to get 'in', to be noticed, recognized and welcomed, has been made over and over again. I don't disagree with that assessment, as I have been on the receiving or more accurately the the 'not-receiving' end of that feeling in our church myself. So I don't think people are wrong when they make comments about this and bring this concern to leadership.

....read more...http://shelleymaw.blogspot.com/2009/04/belonging-ball.html

A New Support Group

I have been on this learning curve for awhile now - can I learn to love without fixing? It is a huge challenge, driven by my desire to see the gospel bring life to everyone, no matter how big the brokenness...and to learn how to be consistent and authentic, not always jumping in and out to help and to recover, not giving out of religious duty but out of love and humanness.

I am starting a support group for anyone interested in this, to get together once a month in order to re-focus, to affirm each other, ask questions and maybe learn a thing or two as well - a bit like a water stop in the middle of a marathon. If you are accompanying someone (see quote below), or want to do this, you are invited to this support group. We will be meeting once a month, first Meeting Wed. April 29th, 7:00-9:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room at the Cambridge Vineyard...(The next meeting date will be decided based on everyone's availability.)

"When we honestly ask which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness...makes it clear that whatever happens in the external world, being present to each other is what really matters." -Henri J.M.Nouwen

"Accompaniment is necessary at every stage of our lives, but particularly in moments of crisis when we feel lost, engulfed in grief or in feelings of inadequacy. The accompanier is there to give support, to reassure, to confirm, and to open new doors. The accompanier is not there to judge us or to tell us what to do, but to reveal what is most beautiful and valuable in us, as well as to point towards the meaning of our inner pain. In this way, an accompanier helps us advance to greater freedom by helping us to be reconciled to our past and to accept ourselves as we are, with our gifts and our limits. (p. 129 Becoming Human by Jean Vanier)

Talk to Shelley Maw for more info.

Easter- Resurrection

Every once in a while I feel like.....A complete amateur. Easter Sunday was one of those times. We had a great ministry time (thanks Jim for leading) and who knows what all happened. But as we were praying I approached a young person I didn't know and asked if I could pray. Having not seen them before, I thought....maybe she needs healing?

As it turns out she was at church to give her heart to Jesus. And as it turns out....I forget any scriptures, any great and wise words, even how to pray.....everything. I was dumbfounded that here is someone on Easter Sunday, being resurrected from a life without God. I don't know why I didn't expect that.

Thank you Jesus. Keep up the good work! It clearly isn't up to us.

National Youth Development Group??

So, the reason I went to Kelowna was to talk..... But it was also to.....

Throw rocks...... and

I Forget what that was about!!!

But in the end I met with a bunch of really passionate people, to spread the idea of starting a national youth development group for the vineyard in Canada. This has been a dream of mine for years, and as it turns out a dream of theirs as well. The synergy was amazing and it was as if years of dreams became reality. Although we are in the initial stages the group is well off and running.

The huge benefit for this group is going to be felt nationally, by every congregation. The group plans to do 2 things, resource leaders of churches to create relevant, youth programs and to be a creative group who will nationally offer events that will creatively engage youth culture in a kingdom dialogue, that the vineyard in Canada is uniquely positioned to do.

WOW!

Mission Hill Winery- Kelowna

I was in Kelowna for a pastors gathering...talking pastor things. Part of the time was spent going to the Mission Hill Winery tour (pictured above).

AWESOME. WHAT A PLACE!!!

The owner sank 50 million into developing a world class winery. Did I say, AWESOME?

What a picture to us pastors, who sometimes wonder, 'are we winning or losing?' Imagine the investment of your life in the things you labour to see actually happening. Imagine that when you look back your investment will be worth something. Something as valuable, and beautiful as this.

It makes me think of the things we are embarked upon here in Cambridge. We own a beautiful property that we inherited by a small group of monks who had the vision to get it this far----and look how awesome the results are. Think of what will happen over the next 50 years when we 300+ get at it.

We are stewarding great things, when we work in seeing 'God's Kingdom come,' so be blessed and encouraged.

House Guests.....

Well.....
Chester is going to be holding down the fort while I am gone....so any questions....just knock on the ceiling outside my office and he will immediately pretend to be asleep.....kind of like me on a Monday....

I'll be sure to have a daiquiri, or blue lagoon, or pina colada or long island ice tea.....for each and everyone one of you while I'm gone....

Property Planning Meeting

On April 18th we are holding a Property Planning Meeting, in order to develop an eventual "master plan." The end result will be a number of viable options that we can go to the city with, and receive feedback and direction on what they will support. This will help us to determine in a more definitive way what the future hold for the property at the Cambridge Vineyard.

One of the first questions that we need to answer is what does Cambridge Vineyard need? So, in thinking about this, we need to have a vision for the ministry activities in the future! Once we can clearly answer that question ... we can then look at what else we are able to do.

In looking at the needs question, we also have to understand our present financial position. How can the plans for the property support, and move us forward financially. We need to reduce and remove our mortgage!

Another question we must consider is how would we finance any new development, including a building? Our plans for the property must be able to support that in a very clear and tangible way!

If you want to attend that meeting ... let me know! April 18th, 9-3 pm, in the Children's Centre.

Just a few thoughts ... lots more coming!!

Chastity- afterthoughts

Thanks everyone for all your comments about Sunday's sermon. Man it felt like a long time since I last preached. A couple of thoughts in reflection:

1. Chastity really hits home when we realize that it isn't about practicing a discipline, but 'When we find ourselves in that position'. It really does seem trite to think of practicing something when for many people they have no choice. Single people deal with this everyday.

2. The bible is quite clear about sexuality, even if our culture isn't. We often I think make excuses for the 'idols' in our life. In our sexuality what are those 'idols'? Mostly it comes back to- are we willing to die to our needs and desires?

If you want to find some great sermons on this topic look at http://www.marshillchurch.org/ (mark driscol speaks quite frankly about sex and marriage issues")

Actually I just noticed that mars hill has an applicable sermon series coming up called
'how to be sure you don't marry a coward'.
check out the promo videos....

Resources
Katheleen Norris- Cloister Walk
Dallas Willard- The Spirit of the Disciplines