Archives for June, 2003
Off to Ottawa
I am on route to Ottawa today. Light posting ahead. Have a great long weekend.
A Problem From Hell
I started reading, A Problem From Hell by Samantha Power this morning. A Problem from Hell is a Pullitzer prize winning book which Amazon.com describes as…
During the three years (1993-1996) Samantha Power spent covering the grisly events in Bosnia and Srebrenica, she became increasingly frustrated with how little the United States was willing to do to counteract the genocide occurring there. After much research, she discovered a pattern: “The United States had never in its history intervened to stop genocide and had in fact rarely even made a point of condemning it as it occurred,” she writes in this impressive book. Debunking the notion that U.S. leaders were unaware of the horrors as they were occurring against Armenians, Jews, Cambodians, Iraqi Kurds, Rwandan Tutsis, and Bosnians during the past century, Power discusses how much was known and when, and argues that much human suffering could have been alleviated through a greater effort by the U.S. She does not claim that the U.S. alone could have prevented such horrors, but does make a convincing case that even a modest effort would have had significant impact. Based on declassified information, private papers, and interviews with more than 300 American policymakers, Power makes it clear that a lack of political will was the most significant factor for this failure to intervene. Some courageous U.S. leaders did work to combat and call attention to ethnic cleansing as it occurred, but the vast majority of politicians and diplomats ignored the issue, as did the American public, leading Power to note that “no U.S. president has ever suffered politically for his indifference to its occurrence. It is thus no coincidence that genocide rages on.” This powerful book is a call to make such indifference a thing of the past.
It is that last quote, “no U.S. president has ever suffered politically for his indifference to its occurrence. It is thus no coincidence that genocide rages on.” that really bothers me. The book has been a challenge to the pacifist stand that has been talked about so long on the blogs during the Iraq War II. I really don’t believe that the Iraq war was just from a theological point of view and nothing have convinced me of anything any different but when we walk away from defending people who are going to be slaughtered (Srebrenica and Rwanda to name a few places), and then do nothing when thousands are slaughtered because of their race, something is horribly wrong. I remember preaching a sermon during the Rwanda genocide and pointed out that as a nation during that time we were much more concerned with who was going to cut our taxes most effectively then we ever were that a people group was being slaughtered at 8000 people a day.
Maybe she is right, people will continue to die because even in the day of the global village, we really don’t care that much. Just some thoughts that will be keeping me up tonight.
Cinncinnati Vineyard’s
I meant to post this yesterday about Cinncinnati Vineyard’s residential intership program (it seems funny to use the word program to describe it). I am glad I waited because the response that I heard from people about it taught me a lot. The church leaders I hears from mocked out the idea pretty harshly with jokes about communal living and all of that stuff. I think the rampant individuality of the boomers combined with the paradoxical isolation that comes from living with the masses in suburbia has created a generation that wants to explore spirituality in community, not just in the context of a “personal and isolated relationship with Jesus Christ”. Those who mocked Cinncinnati Vineyard’s residential internships live primarily in the previous paradigm where people are developed on mass as a group and in a way where we see that they weren’t really changed at all. I think what Kevin is doing is really cool. The only thing I didn’t see is the section on where the community blogs are going to be. I can’t wait to read them.
Bad Planning
Thomas Friedman in today’s New York Times
A successful U.S. rebuilding of Iraq is the key to America’s standing in the world right now. But Mssrs. Bush and Rumsfeld seem to be treating it like some lab test in which they can see how much nation-building they can buy with as little investment as possible.
As one Marine officer said to me: There is something to be said for doing war on the cheap, but if you want to do war on the cheap, “pick a country that doesn’t matter.”
My former co-worker Jackie Reimche (note that I didn’t use the word friend) now has her own domain name at www.jackiereimche.com. If I am Dave Winer, I had better start getting used to having the second most popular blog on the net. Jackie is gaining fast.
For those of you who don’t know Jackie, her Jeopardy categories would be;
- Roll Up the Rim to Win
- Healthy Eating Plans
- Nacho Hangovers
- Reading so my boss doesn’t have to
- Scowling 101
- A&W Blogger Templates
Spencer Burke’s Fotoblog
Spencer has joined the world of blogs with his brand new Fotoblog. Very cool. So cool I started one up myself.
Residential Training at Cinncinnati Vineyard Church
Here�s a (non-exhaustive) list of some of the ways an intern is encouraged to deepen your realtionship with God:
� Solitude: Ample time, encouragement, and help are provided for you to experience time alone with God.
� Spiritual Direction: With a mentor and a small group of �Soul Friends� (2-3, same sex) you�ll have opportunities to offer and receive prayer for specific needs.
� Prayer together: Daily praying the Psalms trains us for an authentic life of prayer.
� Reading: Selected readings from Scripture and key books nourish both mind and spirit
� Community Life: Through the daily rub of living together you�ll experience what the Proverb �iron sharpens iron� can mean for your spiritual journey.
� Hospitality: A steady stream of guests from near and far bring many surprising gifts.
� Ministry: Opportunities abound for service in our neighborhood to give a cup of cold water in Jesus� name.
� House Meetings: weekly the house gathers to share what we�re learning and encourage each other.
� Discussions: Over meals, or in a hallway, planned or spontaneous you�ll engage in lively discussions about applying your faith to your world.
� Pilgrimage: Every intern plans a trip to a place of their choosing where they can experience the ancient art and rewards of a spiritual pilgrimage.2. Community Living: Sharing a journey with others
Our rhythm for sharing life…
To share life, we must spend time together and find ways to be in sync. A common schedule makes this possible. The schedule determines what activities and jobs interns take on (not the other way around). Without a shared schedule we really can�t �do life� together. This is the essential framework for our community. Three of the main components are regular prayer together, and dinner meals, and adequate rest.� Prayer
Prayer is the most important part of our spiritual development and is fundamental to who we are. With the household interns we observe the ancient practice of fixed-hour prayer, keeping whenever possible four offices each day: morning prayers, midday prayers, vespers, and compline.Morning Prayers
We mark the beginning of our work day with fixed-hour prayer from 7:00-7:15 a.m. Community members rise early enough (no later than 6:30 a.m.) to be present a few minutes in advance and be in a state conducive to
prayer. Our goal is to present ourselves to God with joy and thanksgiving at the start of each day. Setting the alarm for 6:50 and shuffling in half-awake at the last minute doesn�t fit this goal.Midday Prayers
Those who remain on-site during the workday gather for midday prayers before eating lunch. We encourage those who work off-site to carve out time during midday to pray in their own context.Vespers
Before dinner we have a vespers service. Dinners are typically at 6:00 p.m. if possible, but we adjust the time when necessary to include those returning home from off-site work.Compline
We end our day as we begin it: in prayer and quiet thankfulness for what has transpired and for the night�s rest we�re about to receive. Compline is traditionally observed before going to bed. Since bedtimes will vary slightly, members may observe compline as they see fit, either together or individually. In any case, we strongly encourage married couples to observe this prayer office together, whether with a larger group or privately.Prayer at Other Times and in Other Ways
Spontaneous and planned prayer by both individuals and groups is both expected and recommended as an integral part of one�s spiritual formation. Our schedule allows ample time for prayer of all types to occur.� Centrality of Dinner meals
The Importance of the Common Meal
Meals together are crucial to the building of a close-knit and joyful community. Over the course of an internship, more time is spent sharing meals than is spent together in any other activity. Mealtime is, accordingly, the most powerful setting in communal life for a wide range of important activities, such as forming and maintaining friendships, learning how to listen and ask questions, being mentored, hearing Scripture, and learning to cooperate (e.g. preparing the meal, setting the table, cleaning up afterwards).The Reading
After a short vespers service, and after the food has been passed around, the spirutual director (or someone he/she chooses) reads from Scripture or some other appropriate writing for the first few minutes of the meal. We do this for three principal reasons: (1) to set a peaceful and thoughtful tone to our mealtime, (2) to practice the art of listening, and (3) to build our knowledge (even if passively) of Scripture. Children are quiet and listen during this time, as well.The Atmosphere
Meals are for pleasure, not for business. Unless it�s unavoidable, we steer away from the discussion of burdensome and difficult subjects during this important time. Business can usually be cared for at another time. We look forward to the shared meal, knowing that here we can relax, enjoy catching up on the events of the day and one another�s lives, and have a good home-cooked meal. The table setting is important as well. Disposable plates, utensils, and cups are avoided whenever possible. Aside from their contribution to a growing waste problem in America, they reflect the illness of an overly-busy, convenience-driven, and lazy society that has little regard for the consequences of its actions. We want to communicate in multiple ways (e.g., fresh flowers and candles) via the common meal that we care, are grateful, and have time. For us it�s a mini-Sabbath.The Food
It�s difficult in a communal household to satisfy everyone�s individual tastes and preferences without making life exceptionally difficult for the cook(s). Our general goal is to offer a meal that�s both nutritious and good-tasting, with options for omnivores and vegetarians. We try simply to use good sense: avoiding meals high in fat, cholesterol, and simple sugars. We shoot for whole grains, legumes, vegetables and fruits, option for fresh food when available rather than canned or frozen food.� Rest
Most Americans function with too little sleep. We�re in the middle of a sleep-deficit epidemic and get about 90 minutes less sleep than our Americans just 50 years ago. It�s estimated that the total economic loss resulting from this sleep-deficit reaches into the billions of dollars. Studies show that creativity and problem solving skills both dive dramatically as we�re deprived of sleep, and that errors in judgment go up. Sleepiness and fatigue are a greater factor in auto accidents and fatalities than is drunk driving. With too little sleep our immune systems are compromised and we become sick more often. A rat can go 17 days without food before dying. Without sleep it lives only 16 days, which suggests that sleep is as important as food. The body also craves routine and functions best when we retire and rise at approximately the same time every day.
It�s in our best interests as a community to wind down and retire at about the same time through the week. Sharing the same rhythms and being alert (and in a good mood!) during the day are important to a household�s overall health. Furthermore, it encourages a respectfulness toward our bodies, temples of the Holy Spirit. We encourage a bedtime of no later than 11 pm., with a winding down period starting around 9 p.m. Winding down includes shutting off the internet, TV, movies, etc. and preparing for a night�s rest by reading and prayer.3. Urban Ministry: Incarnating the gospel for a neighborhood in need
Our mission is to settle in challenging urban areas and identify with the have-nots of this world. Whatever we experience as a community is to be experiencd in the setting of urban life. Our understanding is that we�re here more for our neighbors than for ourselves. Jesus came �not to be served bu to serve and give his life as a ransom for many.� John�s account of the life of Jesus says that �he pitched his tent among us, that is, that he became on e of us. This is a reference to the incarnation, or as the word iteself means, �the enfleshment�. The incarnation refers specifically to the event of God becoming humanb, taking the initiative to approach us in the way we would best understand: as one of us, expeiencing the full range of humanity so that he could speak to the full range of humanity. This mystery of the incarnation involves drawing near, reducing the distance.We live in the urban neighborhood of West Norwood, Ohio. We befriend our neighbors by listening to them, taking initiative to serve them, and throwing paries for them. We actively seek ways to advance God�s kingdom in our neighborhood by being a serving presence and praying with our eyes open to needs and opportunities.
They don’t mention what happens if you break the rules but the rumor is that you have to actually attend a Cinncinnati Bengals game. No, that can’t be true, it would be cruel and unusual.
Comical Ali Captured
Mohammed Saeed al-Sahaf, the Iraqi “disinformation minister” who became world renowned for his ridiculously inaccurate news briefings in Iraq soon before coalition troops reached Baghdad, was captured at a Baghdad roadblock, London’s Daily Mirror reported Wednesday.
The Washington Times also reported that the Iraqi official, also known as “Comical Ali,” was detained early Monday evening near the home of a relative.
But U.S. Central Command has not yet confirmed that Al-Sahaf is — or is not — in custody. A public affairs officer noted that Al-Sahaf is not on the U.S. military’s most-wanted list and was “never being pursued.”
Fox News on Wednesday asked Lt. Gen. John Abizaid about this report and he said he had not heard about it. Abizaid has been picked to replace Gen. Tommy Franks as Central Command chief.
Al-Sahaf, an official obviously fiercely loyal to Saddam Hussein, once claimed “there is no presence of the American columns in the city of Baghdad” as U.S. forces were moving in.
There were Iranian news reports soon after the war began that Al-Sahaf was dead, but other media said he was alive and holed up in his house, using his sons as bodyguards.
The Times reported that a coalition force who confirmed the arrest said Al-Sahaf “has some serious talking to do this time.”
As Al-Sahaf drove his Toyota Land Cruiser toward his favorite aunt’s house Monday, American Humvees blocked his path and said, “the coalition wants you,” the Times reported. Witnesses said he was accompanied into the house, where he collected a book, toothbrush and razor before being taken away in a white Land Cruiser.
The jokes will fly but Comical Ali was a high ranking official… I wonder how much of this is a growing worry and desparation over not finding any Weapons of Mass Destruction.
Job opening at Warehouse 242
The fine folks over at Warehouse 242 are still looking for a lead pastor. Here is some more information about them via an e-mail they sent me. (warning: a little cliche heavy)
Warehouse 242 is rock concert (i.e. Zwan, Coldplay, U2) meets a hole in
the wall coffee house. We are an Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC), which means we are rooted in the Orthodox essentials, but it does not mean that we cling to ineffective church traditions. We are proactively reaching out to people who do not and would not otherwise go to church; meaning we are targeting the 25-35 year-old who this Sunday morning was probably hung-over or still stoned, and woke up in a stranger’s bed. Their most basic need this Sunday was an answer to the question, “What in the heck did I do last night? And was it worth what I’m feeling right now?”We are not a “seeker church.” We are not a “purpose-driven church.” We are not an East-coast version of Axis, although we love our friends at Willow Creek dearly. We are less like pastors and more like missionaries�missionaries to a skeptical, postmodern crowd.
We are looking for a lead pastor with relational chops, spiritual integrity, and boatloads to offer on the role of the church in the Emerging Culture. Quite frankly, applicants who cannot speak fluently on Postmodernism will not be considered.
If you have proven pastoral leadership experience in ministry to the Emerging Culture, if the EPC’s theology rings true with yours, and if you have completed a seminary degree with Biblical languages (e.g. MDiv), then we would absolutely love to learn more about you. Please send tapes of your most recent work along with the Personal Information
Form (found at warehouse242.org) to pastorsearch@warehouse242.org.
Apply away!
Worship Freehouse :: This Sunday Night
As you hopefully already know, the next Worship Freehouse is this Sunday night at 8:00 p.m. at the Jazz Bassment.
This Sunday will be an open stage. If you want to sing, play, read, or talk, the stage is yours. If you are interested in getting behind the microphone, let Todd Peters know at toddpeters@canoemail.com and Todd will do everything in his (super) powers to help you. Just make sure you include your phone number when letting him know. The Freehouse band is gearing up as well and we are looking forward to a great night of community, worship, and creativity.
Just a heads up for the summer schedule. We are doing some cool things in July and August. In July we will be getting together for some food and frisbee in one of Saskatoon’s downtown parks (probably Kinsmen) for some an all-ages picnic and barbecue. We are going to toss some baseballs and frisbees around, probably let the kids run wild and have a good time on July 27th
On August 31st, we going to be showing a series of spiritual independent films from previous Damah film festivals. These shorts are world renowned and we will showing them to whoever is interested outside. The time will dependent on how dark it is and our location will hopefully be a downtown park (depending on our permit). More details will be on the website and coming via e-mail.
If you want to be added to the Worship Freehouse mailing list, send an e-mail to ontap@worshipfreehouse.com and you can be kept up-to-date about what’s happening.
Buddy Pope, Buddy Jesus and Ozzie
W’s Re-Election Website
Someone left a live prototype of the Bush Website online for a couple of hours. Slate grabbed a screenshot of it.
Indie Allies Meetup
find out more at indieallies.meetup.com
The minister’s method
The Guardian looks at John Wesley’s legacy.
Our Cabin Weblog- Recently listened to music
- David Gray – Be Mine October 19, 2008
- David Gray – December October 19, 2008
- David Gray – Knowhere October 19, 2008
- David Gray – Real Love October 19, 2008
- David Gray – Last Boat To America October 19, 2008
- Recently additions to my library
- Messy Faith: Daring to Live by Grace by A. J. Gregory October 28, 2008
- Rediscovering Church: The Story and Vision of Willow Creek Community Church by Lynne Hybels October 26, 2008
- The Teeth of the Tiger, A Novel by Tom Clancy October 26, 2008
- The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You by John C. Maxwell October 26, 2008
- The Sum of All Fears by Tom Clancy October 26, 2008
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