Ah, the best laid plans...
This was to be the weekend for part two of our metaphorical barn-raising for the Andruses, as we help them prepare for the arrival of their twins. But it seems that the kids were so happy with our efforts
last weekend that they decided to mess with our schedule and come on the scene early! Willow and Wilder were born yesterday, and early indications suggest that they are healthy, happy, and exceedingly cute. Indeed, paparazzi photos obtained by Common Table very clearly show full heads of curly black hair, ala their glamorous father. We join the family in celebration, and in offering our prayers for Kendra's recovery from pregnancy and surgery.
Our other plans, however, will proceed as normal (though with a bit more joy, and some scheming for opportunities to see these kids in person):
-- This Sunday, we'll be honoring the monthly space we provide for connecting with others by joining our friends at
New Hope Fellowship (the service starts at 10:50, so don't be early!). Our own Jen Way will be leading worship (with some rumored Special Guests), so come and lend your voice, and plan to pull up a chair and make a friend or two at the (free) lunch afterward.
-- The following Sunday, July 5, we'll be back at Jammin' Java for a Simple Service.
-- And finally, Karaoke at
The Lamb Center continues in July, but on the irregular date of Thursday, July 16 (we'll be switching to first Fridays beginning in August).
Hope to see you soon-- here, there, or somewhere else. And here's hoping that the interruptions to your plans are all joy and light.
Mike Stavlund
Hey church,
Thus week, we have several happenings that combine joy, fellowship, and praise in new(ish) ways. So here they are:
First, this Friday is the third Friday of the month, which means we can join Pastor Pat and our friends from
New Hope Fellowship for Movie Night at the
Lamb Center. This is the cinematic counterpart to our Karaoke Nights, which means fun, fellowship, and the presence of the Spirit right smack in the middle of a diverse crew of God's people. You can arrive at 6 to help set up, at 6:30 to join in singing, or at 7 to watch the movie and share pizza. Don't miss it!
Second, this is week two of our open experiment with worship music before our regular Sunday morning service, from 9:30 to 10am at
Jammin' Java. Whether you're interested in leading, playing/singing, or just enjoying some praise-filled music, this time is open, and yours to enjoy. Bring an instrument (unplugged or BYOA[mp]), bring your voice (spoken word is great too), or bring a friend!
And finally, at 10am at JJ, please stay for our Music Team's latest genius idea. This will be another worship service honor of this extended Season of Pentecost that we sort of made up. (But gosh, there's plenty of Ordinary Time between Pentecost and Advent - why not spend a little of it in an ongoing, wild celebration of the gifts of the Spirit??)
Please join us for the No English Service. That's right: after the explanatory introduction (which is NOT TO BE MISSED and will happen very shortly after 10am - you've been warned!), none of us will be allowed to communicate with each other using our native language. But fear not! We will be communicating our little hearts out - with each other, and with God. But we'll use drums, and rhythm. Strums of guitar, or tinkling keys. Dance, or sign language, or Italian-style wild hand motions. Spanish, or Swahili. Hugs, or tears. It's up to us, and really it's about openness, and listening. Let's see how the Spirit moves us.
(Also, we'll be using the floor for this service, All-Ages-Service-style, so please bring a blanket and/or cushion to sit on, or to share. Sitting on chairs or standing/walking/dancing will be fine too!)
And that's it! May the Holy Spirit fill us all with wonder, joy, passion, and a restless call to action this Pentecost Season (which we kinda made up).
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: music, Pentecost
Good things are bubbling up all over Common Table, and it's really nice to see.
We're pleased to announce that this week begins an open experiment with worship music that will take place before our regular meeting-- from 9:30 to 10am. It's a chance for anyone who wants to join in to lead some music, or anyone who wants to enjoy some music to gather and spend some time focused on God. Bring an instrument, or some words, or your voice, or a harried soul that's looking for some refuge. Many thanks to the folks who have taken the initiative to make this happen!
Once we're warmed up, our Creative Team will be leading us in a consideration of-- and hopefully an experience of!-- 'the presence of the Lord'. Through a variety of practices, we'll be trying to tune our various ears in to God's Holy Spirit during this season of Pentecost. So bring the eyes and ears of your heart to
Jammin' Java at 10am this Sunday morning. Can't wait to see you!
Mike Stavlund
Labels: music, Pentecost
Hey church,
So did anybody else have one of those "rushing-wind-and-tongues-of-fire and speaking-in-tongues-till-people-think-you're-drunk" days on Sunday? No? Just me?
(Well, it was kind of like that. People seem to think that just because I'm an Irish Anglican, it's perfectly plausible that I'd be drunk at 9am. Apparently Galileans have to deal with the same sort of prejudice. 'Srude, if you ask me.)
But seriously, it seems like I have been blessed with some extra opportunities to see the Spirit at work since this season of Pentecost began. And I can let you in on a couple more!
This Thursday, from 6:30 - 8pm, we'll be at the
Lamb Center again, among friends and neighbors in a wide range of economic circumstance. We'll be singing Karaoke, cheering each other on, and generally sharing God's love. And pizza. It'll be awesome!
Then, on Sunday (10am at
Jammin' Java), we'll gather for our first official worship service of Pentecost. It'll be a Simple service in which we'll invite the inspiration of the Spirit and claim our creative identity as children of the Creator God. So please bring whatever might help you respond to inspiration: eg., if you're a musician, bring your guitar or doumbek. If you're a poet, writer, visual artist, or sculptor, we'll probably have you covered. If you don't think you're creative at all, then remember that you're made in the image of the Creator, and come see what happens!
And that's all I got for you. Remember that the Holy Spirit blows where she will. Stay alert.
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: karaoke, lamb center, Pentecost, simple