On The Table

Hi church,

Free weekend!!!!!!!!!

We were going to have a congregational meeting this Sunday, but it turns out that we're not, because hardly anyone can make it, what with school right around the corner, etc. And since it's the fourth Sunday of the month, we're not gathering for a worship service at Jammin' Java. So, it is indeed a free weekend around the Table, though I do have a couple of suggestions:

Friday evening is Movie Night at the Lamb Center, brought to you by Pastor Pat and our friends with New Hope Fellowship. Setup starts at 6, pizza at 6:30, movie at 7. It should be fun, and a good time to hang out with the good folks (many of whom are homeless; all of whom are rewarding to get to know) of the Lamb Center and New Hope.

Then on Sunday, since we're not officially doing anything, it might be worthwhile to attend another church service, either at New Hope, or with another community that's dear (or just interesting) to you. When we do come together for our next congregational meeting (stay tuned for rescheduled time and place) we'll be discussing what we're going to do now, together, as a church community - so if you do visit another community, you might think (and talk to the folks there) about what they do together. Food for thought. Just a suggestion.

And next weekend: Common Table Camping Trip!! We don't yet know where we're going. Story of our life. :-D

Peace,
Mike Croghan

Labels: camping, congregational meeting, lamb center, New Hope

What is your life like? How do you manage all of the pushes and pulls on your schedule? How do you (presumably) stay sane? And how in the world do you honor God in all of it? This Sunday, our own Matt Maisel takes us on a journey through The Sounds of Life, featuring actual sound bites from the lives of our own Common Tablers. Come to Jammin' Java at 10am this Sunday to share the joys and pains of our everyday lives, and the ongoing struggle to live after God in the midst of them.

And if you're up for a brief time of relaxed worship music, plan to come at 9:30am. Bring an instrument, or a song, or your voice, or a listening ear. Or just bring yourself and fill a chair as we make space in our busy lives for some refreshment.

Next week we'll be taking our regular break from meeting at Jammin' Java. In its place, we'll be having one of our quarterly Congregational Meetings (time and location to be announced). Plan to come to talk and listen as we journey together as a church community, and continue the blessed and neverending work of discerning where that adventure might take us next.

And the weekend after that, we'll be going on the first of two Common Table camping trips. In true CT and camping fashion, we have not yet settled on exactly where we will go camping, but we'll get around to deciding that sometime before the first wave of campers depart Northern Virginia. Well, probably. One thing is for sure: it'll be within a couple hours' drive, and it'll be very relaxing and a ton of fun. Oh, wait, that was two things. Or maybe three. But who's counting? It's camping! And you are most certainly invited.

Mike Stavlund

Labels: camping, congregational meeting

Hi church,

This week, we'll gather for two events which will challenge us even as they allow us to sort of kick back and enjoy each other's company, and God's grace. It's summertime, after all - and also, we dig paradox. So here we go!

First, our monthly Karaoke Nights with our friends at the Lamb Center are moving to first Fridays as of this month, so please join us this Friday, from 6:30 to 8pm, as we sing some pop tunes (badly), nom some pizza (hungrily), and share fellowship and mutual encouragement (joyfully!) These gatherings are a fun time, and you can't miss the face and voice of Jesus as this eclectic crew harmonize (?) together.

Then, on Sunday, we'll gather at Jammin' Java at 9:30 for our new(ish) tradition of open-source worship music before the service. (Bring your instrument of choice, your voice, or just your ears to hear the joyful noise). Then for our Simple Worship service, beginning at 10, Brother Vinnie will be leading us as we watch and discuss the movie Frisbee, The Life and Death of a Hippie Preacher. Here are Vince's words on it:

In a nutshell: Lonnie Frisbee was a hippy, an artist, and born gay. Lonnie Frisbee was used by God. When Lonnie ministered, people were saved, filled with the Holy Spirit, and healed of infirmities. New Testament stuff. Lonnie Frisbee basically started two denominations: Calvary Chapel and the Vineyard. Yet, he was basically disowned by both denominations. He died of AIDS, alone, discarded, and unacknowledged.

So please bring an open mind and heart and add your voice as we share our thoughts on this remarkable life.

And that's all I know, I think. Stay cool, cats and kittens.

Peace,
Mike Croghan

Labels: karaoke, lamb center, simple