On The Table
The Weekly Announcement of Common Table ChurchWednesday, September 15, 2010
September 13th through 19th
Hi church,
Thank God for beautiful weather! :-)
And speaking of nature, there's a plan brewing for a whole bunch of us to go apple-picking at Mackintosh Fruit Farm in Berryville, VA this Saturday. The plan is to meet there at 3:30pm and it's a bit of a trip to get there, so if you want to join in, plan accordingly. Should be fun!
Next up...last Sunday morning's return of the 9:30am Club was a rousing success, with lovely music being made both before the service and during communion. So let's do it again! 9:30am at Jammin' Java; come on by if you like music: playing it, singing it, or listening to it.
And finally, our worship service for this week (10am at Java) will be entitled "I Got Nothin'" ...or... "Inspiration Stone Soup".
Here's the deal. (Warning: this "On the Table" is about to take an unusually confessional turn.) As many of you know, I've spent much of this year in varying degrees of depression. This has left me in a place where the things that previously inspired me, excited me, made me feel like my life had meaning and purpose, etc. now seem empty to me. This is true even when I'm not particularly depressed. The best I can get to lately is "comfortably numb" - actual passion, excitement, energy, creativity, etc. just aren't there for me these days. Maybe you've felt this way - maybe you feel this way right now - but I'm betting that for many of you, there are things that really get you fired up and passionate. I think it would help me a lot to hear about those things. And maybe I'm not the only one.
So: I'm asking everyone to bring one thing (it doesn't have to be a physical thing; you can just talk about it) that inspires your passion - if you've got one. And then, just tell me (and us) what's so awesome about it. It could be "spiritual" or "secular". Could be a child, or a song, or an activity, or a place, or a cause, or you can take us outside and show us your motorcycle, or whatever - I don't care. I got nothin'. What you got?
We'll finish with our communion liturgy - that'll be my contribution to the stone soup, because I've found (thank God) that it still has the power to move me, at least a little.
So that's the deal for this weekend: apples, music, and stone soup. Sounds kinda autumn-y to me.
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: music
Friday, September 10, 2010
September 7th through the 12th
Hi church!
There's actually a lot going on this lovely weekend. So let's get to it!
Tonight (Friday night)! The All New Amazing Great Book Club will gather at the home of Maggie, Schuyler, Levi, and Adah to discuss the book Blindness by Jose Saramago. Says Schuyler: "Come over after work to have some food, drinks and discussion about the book. There should be plenty of street parking, but if the street is full, there are four guest spots right in front of the main door to our building. Unfortunately, the call-up box doesn't work, so to get in you'll either have to wait for one of our nice neighbors to let you in when they get home or just call us at 202-330-2359 or 509-952-5106 and we will rush down and let you in." This book is generating strong reactions, so come on by even if you didn't read it - the rants should be entertaining.
Sunday morning! It's the return of the 9:30am Club! At 9:30am at Jammin' Java, come on by if you like music: playing it, singing it, or listening to it. We're getting the band back together again!
Then, immediately following that, at 10am SHARP (no, seriously - we mean it this time), we'll begin our congregational meeting (not a usual worship service) with prayer. Then we'll do our meeting, ending with communion. Please note: although everyone is welcome, the main part of the meeting will be pretty un-engaging for newcomers. So: you're welcome, but if you think all that bizness talk would make you feel less than welcome, please regard this weekend as another "off" weekend for CT, as far as a Sunday morning service is concerned.
And finally: Sunday afternoon! Says Moff: "There is a free interfaith walk to commemorate 9/11 on Sunday afternoon in DC. Here's the website: http://www.911unitywalk.org/. I think it's possible for several of us to make it if we chow down on the Chipotle kinda quick-like."
And that's the deal. Keep an eye on the Core List for a loose agenda for the congregational meeting. See you soon!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: books, congregational meeting, music
Sunday, August 8, 2010
August 9 through 15
Wow, what a great weekend just passed us by... the weather cooled off for the nuptials of Jen and Israel, and what a gorgeous ceremony it was as many Common Tablers collaborated to put it together. Well done, everyone! And all our best to Jen and Israel as they begin married life together.
This coming Sunday, I'm excited to share something that I've been stewing on for a couple of years now. It's a highly acclaimed album by a relatively new artist, Son Lux. In 2008, he released At War With Walls and Mazes, and it blew minds all over the world. Not least because lyrically, it consists of meditative chants on many of the words of Jesus. So come on out for my exploration "Back to the Garden: The Theological Vision of Son Lux."
This coming Sunday, I'm excited to share something that I've been stewing on for a couple of years now. It's a highly acclaimed album by a relatively new artist, Son Lux. In 2008, he released At War With Walls and Mazes, and it blew minds all over the world. Not least because lyrically, it consists of meditative chants on many of the words of Jesus. So come on out for my exploration "Back to the Garden: The Theological Vision of Son Lux."
And, for extra credit, buy the album and immerse yourself in it (and come prepared to share your insights, too!). You can thank me later.
Hope to see you at Jammin' Java this Sunday at 10am.
Mike Stavlund
Labels: music
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 7th through 13th
Hey church!
This beautiful summer marches on, and we've got a couple of items on the table for this week.
First, on Friday evening, we'll gather at the home of Maggie, Schuyler, Levi, and Adah, who (freshly returned from exile near Detroit) have created the All New Amazing Great Book Club! (Call Maggie and Schuyler at 703-243-0406 if you need directions.) This month, we're discussing Kurt Vonnegut's novel Cat's Cradle, and you still have time to read it if you want - it's a quick read. (Or, you're welcome to show up for the conversation and form your opinions on the fly!)
Second, please join us on Sunday morning (10am at Jammin' Java) for a simple Drum Circle service. Here's the idea: Everyone in the circle will have an opportunity (not an obligation) to share a burden or a joy that's big in their lives right now. Building on last Sunday's "why I believe" service, it might be about their relationship with God, or maybe not. If you want to, you're encouraged to put some thought into it beforehand and bring something written (a poem, prayer, or just your story) or visual. After each sharing, the circle responds with rhythm and sound, conveying empathy and community through the nonverbal but expressive language of music: bearing one another's burden, and sharing one another's joy. (Galatians 6:2: Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.) So please join us, bring your burdens and joys, and also something percussive or sound-making. (We'll have extras of all of the above to share!)
And that's it for this week. Hope you're enjoying the green and beauty this season!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
April 12th through 18th
Hi church,
As we continue through spring and Easter season, we thought it would be a good time for some joyful noise. So join us Sunday at 10am at Jammin' Java, when the musicians of our 9:30am Club will lead us in a simple, contemplative time of prayer and worshipful music.
That's it for this week, but it's probably a good time to mention the awesomely cool conference that's happening at the end of the month in DC. A bunch of us will be participating in the TransFORM East Coast Gathering from April 30th-May 2nd at Wesley Seminary. It's about forming and nurturing missional communities, and it's free! So consider joining us for that, too.
May this season bring new life!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: conference, music
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
February 15th through 21st
Hi Church!
Hey, remember when we were going to have a party, and then there was a snowstorm, and later we had the party after all? Well, at the risk of deja vu, you are cordially invited to:
Jon White Inaugural Balderdash and Martini Contest
If you were part of the Jon White Pictionary Event last year, you will have some idea of what this year's event is going to be like. (And if you weren't there, click through to the slide show and you'll get a taste!) I'm not saying Michaele and Tareq Salahi will crash this party - just that they would like to.Where: Pete and Jackie's (12644 Stoa Ct, Herndon, VA 20170)
When: Saturday, February 20, 7:30PM
Bring: Ingredients you believe should be included in the Perfect Martini.
Dress:
Men - Black tie / International Man of Mystery
Women - Whatever goes with that
Balderdash and cards will be available.
(Yes, we know Lent just started. What's your point? Saturday is a feast day in the Common Table calendar of saints: the feast of St. Jon!)
If you're looking for a more contemplative, transformative way to begin the Lenten season, though, please join us at 10am on Sunday at Jammin' Java for our regular worship service, which will be a simple, meditative time of silence and chanting in the tradition of the Taize community. It's our third of these in recent months, with the fullest collection of gifted musicians yet to accompany us.
And that's all for this week. May your Lenten journey be blessed, and may it form you.
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Monday, January 4, 2010
January 4th through 10th
Hi church!
Happy New Year! If you missed our rockin' Sesame Street Karaoke New Year's Eve Party, you can check out some mementos here. If you didn't miss it, thanks for making it rawk! :-)
For this week, several items:
The Mid-Week Gathering will be getting together to pray and to continue our apocalyptic discussions on Thursday evening at the House of Gamma. If you want to get in on the fun, feel free to join the mid-week group!
The Next Steps Team will meet on Saturday morning to try to harmonize the input from each and every person who cares about Common Table regarding the Next Big Thing we're going to do together as a community. Which means that if you care about CT, please contact Liz, Amy, Jackie, Erin, Mike or Mike this week to tell us your BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal) for the Table. (And chances are one of us will be contacting you very soon!)
Finally, join us at 10am at Jammin' Java for our regular worship service, which will be a simple, contemplative time of silence and chanting in the tradition of the Taize community - similar to our Taize gathering in November.
That's all I got. May 2010 be a year of blessings for all of us!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: midweek, music, Next Steps
Friday, November 6, 2009
November 2nd through 8th
Hi church,
Well, it's November. Not sure how that happened. Nothing much we can do about it, though. And it's feeling like a gorgeous autumn!
Three things on the Table this week:
1) Friday evening, we'll be gathering at The Lamb Center for our final karaoke night of the year. Come at 6:30 for prayer and pizza, and stay for song, joy, and chutzpah. At 8, it's all over - at least until the spring!
2) Saturday morning, at 10am, the "Next Steps Team" will meet to work on discerning a process for figuring out where we're going next as a community. Please say a prayer for Liz, Erin, Jackie, Amy, Mike, and Mike as we try to hear the Spirit's voice in our midst.
3) Sunday morning at 9:30am, please join us at Jammin' Java for the "9:30am Club" - a free and open time of worshipful music and anything else folks want to bring - prayer, poetry, etc. - it's all good! After that, at 10am, we'll gather for our regular worship service, which will also be musical - a simple, contemplative time of silence and chanting in the tradition of the Taize community.
That's it for now. Hope God is smiling on this season in all of our lives.
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Well, it's November. Not sure how that happened. Nothing much we can do about it, though. And it's feeling like a gorgeous autumn!
Three things on the Table this week:
1) Friday evening, we'll be gathering at The Lamb Center for our final karaoke night of the year. Come at 6:30 for prayer and pizza, and stay for song, joy, and chutzpah. At 8, it's all over - at least until the spring!
2) Saturday morning, at 10am, the "Next Steps Team" will meet to work on discerning a process for figuring out where we're going next as a community. Please say a prayer for Liz, Erin, Jackie, Amy, Mike, and Mike as we try to hear the Spirit's voice in our midst.
3) Sunday morning at 9:30am, please join us at Jammin' Java for the "9:30am Club" - a free and open time of worshipful music and anything else folks want to bring - prayer, poetry, etc. - it's all good! After that, at 10am, we'll gather for our regular worship service, which will also be musical - a simple, contemplative time of silence and chanting in the tradition of the Taize community.
That's it for now. Hope God is smiling on this season in all of our lives.
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: karaoke, lamb center, music
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
July 27 through August 2
This week, we'll be jumping head-first into CT's first official Lectiolabyrinphony. What is it, you ask? Well, we'd be honored to have you come and find out as we explore it together. In the meantime, let me break down the name for you in the hopes of piquing your interest:
Lectionary
Labyrinth
Symphony
Suffice to say, you'll get your full dose of Scripture this week, along with an earful of some stellar musicians, plus a chance to sing an original song, all in the hip environs of Jammin' Java. The band will be leading worship music at 9:30, and our regular service starts at 10am. Try it; you'll like it. Or your money back.
Next week, our monthly Karaoke night at The Lamb Center moves up and back at the same time. In an effort to allow greater participation, it'll now happen on the first Friday of each month. So, Karaoke is next Friday evening, August 7 from 6:30 - 8pm. Hope you can come out to catch up with friends, to have some fun, and to hear some spirited singing. Oh, and pizza, natch.
See you soon,
Mike Stavlund
Lectionary
Labyrinth
Symphony
Suffice to say, you'll get your full dose of Scripture this week, along with an earful of some stellar musicians, plus a chance to sing an original song, all in the hip environs of Jammin' Java. The band will be leading worship music at 9:30, and our regular service starts at 10am. Try it; you'll like it. Or your money back.
Next week, our monthly Karaoke night at The Lamb Center moves up and back at the same time. In an effort to allow greater participation, it'll now happen on the first Friday of each month. So, Karaoke is next Friday evening, August 7 from 6:30 - 8pm. Hope you can come out to catch up with friends, to have some fun, and to hear some spirited singing. Oh, and pizza, natch.
See you soon,
Mike Stavlund
Labels: karaoke, lamb center, music
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
June 15th through 21st
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
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
Friday, June 12, 2009
June 8 through 14
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
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
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February 16th through 22nd
Hi church!
This isn't a "regular" weekend - but there's a lot going on, just the same!
This is the last Sunday of the month, and therefore it's the weekend when we do our monthly service-worship project instead of gathering for a worship service at Jammin' Java. But this weekend, we'll do both, sort of. How can this be? I'll tell you! Our service project this month will be cleaning Jammin' Java (starting at 10am Sunday)! We'll get to give back a bit to our very gracious, long-term hosts - and also feel a little better about our kids crawling around on the floors there. :-) So join us!
And if you're hankering for a worship experience that doesn't involve sucking black stuff out of carpets - have we got a deal for you! Two of them, actually.
At 10:50am on Sunday (yes, same time as the service-worship project), our own Jen Way will be leading worship music with the folks at New Hope Fellowship. This is a wonderful congregation, half of whom are homeless, and we are hoping to find ways to partner with this community during Lent. So feel free to join Jen and our friends at New Hope, especially if you have musical gifts (though you'll be 100% welcomed in any case!).
And then, Sunday afternoon will be your second chance to experience the special journey through music called "Love's Divine".
Drawing from a number of compelling tunes (Sade, Alanis Morissette, Death Cab for Cutie, Seal, Mute Math) which authentically express our longings, satisfaction, comfort, healing, and disappointments with love, we'll interact with the live performance of these songs and try to listen to them through the lens of our individual relationship with God, and God's relationship with us (as best as we can imagine that).
Please join us at The Worship Lab at Convergence at 5pm, Sunday the 22nd.
And that's about it for this week. Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the start of the season of Lent. May we all begin that season open to God and ready to have our hearts turned radically around.
Peace,
Mike Croghan
P.S. I just noticed - this is our 100th "On The Table" since we've been doing it with this current technology. This has been your meaningless milestone advisory for the week. Carry on.
This isn't a "regular" weekend - but there's a lot going on, just the same!
This is the last Sunday of the month, and therefore it's the weekend when we do our monthly service-worship project instead of gathering for a worship service at Jammin' Java. But this weekend, we'll do both, sort of. How can this be? I'll tell you! Our service project this month will be cleaning Jammin' Java (starting at 10am Sunday)! We'll get to give back a bit to our very gracious, long-term hosts - and also feel a little better about our kids crawling around on the floors there. :-) So join us!
And if you're hankering for a worship experience that doesn't involve sucking black stuff out of carpets - have we got a deal for you! Two of them, actually.
At 10:50am on Sunday (yes, same time as the service-worship project), our own Jen Way will be leading worship music with the folks at New Hope Fellowship. This is a wonderful congregation, half of whom are homeless, and we are hoping to find ways to partner with this community during Lent. So feel free to join Jen and our friends at New Hope, especially if you have musical gifts (though you'll be 100% welcomed in any case!).
And then, Sunday afternoon will be your second chance to experience the special journey through music called "Love's Divine".
Drawing from a number of compelling tunes (Sade, Alanis Morissette, Death Cab for Cutie, Seal, Mute Math) which authentically express our longings, satisfaction, comfort, healing, and disappointments with love, we'll interact with the live performance of these songs and try to listen to them through the lens of our individual relationship with God, and God's relationship with us (as best as we can imagine that).
Please join us at The Worship Lab at Convergence at 5pm, Sunday the 22nd.
And that's about it for this week. Next Wednesday is Ash Wednesday and the start of the season of Lent. May we all begin that season open to God and ready to have our hearts turned radically around.
Peace,
Mike Croghan
P.S. I just noticed - this is our 100th "On The Table" since we've been doing it with this current technology. This has been your meaningless milestone advisory for the week. Carry on.
Labels: music, New Hope, service-worship
Thursday, February 5, 2009
February 2nd through 8th
Hey, church!
Wow...I'm speechless with a big Cheshire grin on my face. It is my distinct honor and pleasure to announce the birth of Common Table's newest member. Stacy and Mike and Ella Stavlund welcomed Ella's little sister (no word yet on her name) into their family and our community late Thursday, February 5th, 2009. She is 7 lbs., 3 oz., and has dark hair. Everyone is healthy. Please join us in joy and thanksgiving as we celebrate the amazing gift of the littlest Stav! Yaaaahooooo! :-D (Check out a picture and share your congrats right here!)
And, appropriately enough, we have a HUGE community celebration planned for this coming Sunday morning. Common Table invites you to be part of a special journey through music as we continue in our 2009 series exploring God's love with a worship service called "Love's Divine".
In this service we will draw from a number of compelling tunes (Sade, Alanis Morissette, Death Cab for Cutie, Seal, Mute Math) which authentically express our longings, satisfaction, comfort, healing, as well as disappointments with love.
Our twist, as we interact with the live performance of these songs, will be to listen to them through the lens of our individual relationship with God, and God's relationship with us (as best as we can imagine that).
First showing will be with Common Table @ Jammin' Java at 10am Sunday the 8th of February.
Second showing will be at Convergence' Artist Lab at 5pm Sunday the 22nd of February.
Please join us for one or both of these services. They will be (and I truly feel this bears repeating) epic.
And congratulations, you Stavs!!!!!
Peace, joy,
Mike Croghan
Wow...I'm speechless with a big Cheshire grin on my face. It is my distinct honor and pleasure to announce the birth of Common Table's newest member. Stacy and Mike and Ella Stavlund welcomed Ella's little sister (no word yet on her name) into their family and our community late Thursday, February 5th, 2009. She is 7 lbs., 3 oz., and has dark hair. Everyone is healthy. Please join us in joy and thanksgiving as we celebrate the amazing gift of the littlest Stav! Yaaaahooooo! :-D (Check out a picture and share your congrats right here!)
And, appropriately enough, we have a HUGE community celebration planned for this coming Sunday morning. Common Table invites you to be part of a special journey through music as we continue in our 2009 series exploring God's love with a worship service called "Love's Divine".
In this service we will draw from a number of compelling tunes (Sade, Alanis Morissette, Death Cab for Cutie, Seal, Mute Math) which authentically express our longings, satisfaction, comfort, healing, as well as disappointments with love.
Our twist, as we interact with the live performance of these songs, will be to listen to them through the lens of our individual relationship with God, and God's relationship with us (as best as we can imagine that).
First showing will be with Common Table @ Jammin' Java at 10am Sunday the 8th of February.
Second showing will be at Convergence' Artist Lab at 5pm Sunday the 22nd of February.
Please join us for one or both of these services. They will be (and I truly feel this bears repeating) epic.
And congratulations, you Stavs!!!!!
Peace, joy,
Mike Croghan
Labels: God loves us, music, Stavlunds
Thursday, January 29, 2009
January 26th through February 1st
Hey church,
Are you ready to party? Because, well, you better be. 'Cause that's what we're doing this weekend. OK? OK!
(Specifically, we will not be gathering at Jammin' Java this Sunday - it's Super Bowl Sunday, and the JJ folks have plans to use their facility all day for related events. But that doesn't mean we can't hang out around the Table!)
Firstly, the well-known social club and gaming establishment, House of Bulanow, will indeed play host to the Mr. Jon White Pictionary Gala and Tournament of Champions this Friday, the 30th of January, in the year of our Lord, these two thousand and nine years at 7:30 in the evening. The dress code: tuxedo for gentlemen, formal prom or bridesmaid dress for ladies. (Or, lacking that, Serious Effort put into one's costume will, of course, be honored.) The Tournament itself is full, but all are welcome as spectators. The food / beverage theme of the evening is "sophisticated espionage". Any contributions fitting that theme will be accepted gratefully.
Then, on Sunday, are you read for some football?!? Then let's head down to the Maisel Sports Pub (Kate and Matt's house) for a Super Bowl party! Show up at 5pm on Sunday or anytime after - kickoff's at 6-something. Wear whatever you want! Bring some beer or finger food, or better yet, your tasty entry for the Chicken Wing Cookoff competition! Football! Steelers! Cards! Terrible Towels! Fried food! Brewskis! You gotta be there! 'Nuff said!
Next Sunday, we'll get back to worship services. We promise. It'll be a little something called "Love's Divine". Epic musical worship. It'll blow you away. Srsly. Be there.
That's it for now. See you at the parties. Peace!
Mike Croghan
Are you ready to party? Because, well, you better be. 'Cause that's what we're doing this weekend. OK? OK!
(Specifically, we will not be gathering at Jammin' Java this Sunday - it's Super Bowl Sunday, and the JJ folks have plans to use their facility all day for related events. But that doesn't mean we can't hang out around the Table!)
Firstly, the well-known social club and gaming establishment, House of Bulanow, will indeed play host to the Mr. Jon White Pictionary Gala and Tournament of Champions this Friday, the 30th of January, in the year of our Lord, these two thousand and nine years at 7:30 in the evening. The dress code: tuxedo for gentlemen, formal prom or bridesmaid dress for ladies. (Or, lacking that, Serious Effort put into one's costume will, of course, be honored.) The Tournament itself is full, but all are welcome as spectators. The food / beverage theme of the evening is "sophisticated espionage". Any contributions fitting that theme will be accepted gratefully.
Then, on Sunday, are you read for some football?!? Then let's head down to the Maisel Sports Pub (Kate and Matt's house) for a Super Bowl party! Show up at 5pm on Sunday or anytime after - kickoff's at 6-something. Wear whatever you want! Bring some beer or finger food, or better yet, your tasty entry for the Chicken Wing Cookoff competition! Football! Steelers! Cards! Terrible Towels! Fried food! Brewskis! You gotta be there! 'Nuff said!
Next Sunday, we'll get back to worship services. We promise. It'll be a little something called "Love's Divine". Epic musical worship. It'll blow you away. Srsly. Be there.
That's it for now. See you at the parties. Peace!
Mike Croghan
Friday, January 23, 2009
January 19th through 25th
Hi church,
Well, it's a free weekend. It's the last weekend of the month, so we're NOT gathering at Jammin' Java this Sunday. We had a service-worship project we were talking about, but it didn't materialize. (Maybe next week.) So - nothing to report!
If you have any bright ideas for cool things to do this weekend - from attending some other community's worship service to having some kind of party (we're always up for a party!), please let us know.
Next weekend is Super Bowl weekend, and Jammin' Java has plans to use their facility all day for related events, so we won't be there next Sunday either. That said, several things are brewing for that weekend - from service-worship (maybe) to a football-related party of our own, so watch this space for details.
In two weeks (Feb. 8th), we'll return to JJ, and it will be epic. Our Musical Worship Design Team is putting together an amazing time of tuneful worship - just in time for Valentine's Day. It will be called, "Love is Divine". Mark your calendar.
So that's it! Give us a shout if you'd like us all to crash your party this weekend. :-)
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Well, it's a free weekend. It's the last weekend of the month, so we're NOT gathering at Jammin' Java this Sunday. We had a service-worship project we were talking about, but it didn't materialize. (Maybe next week.) So - nothing to report!
If you have any bright ideas for cool things to do this weekend - from attending some other community's worship service to having some kind of party (we're always up for a party!), please let us know.
Next weekend is Super Bowl weekend, and Jammin' Java has plans to use their facility all day for related events, so we won't be there next Sunday either. That said, several things are brewing for that weekend - from service-worship (maybe) to a football-related party of our own, so watch this space for details.
In two weeks (Feb. 8th), we'll return to JJ, and it will be epic. Our Musical Worship Design Team is putting together an amazing time of tuneful worship - just in time for Valentine's Day. It will be called, "Love is Divine". Mark your calendar.
So that's it! Give us a shout if you'd like us all to crash your party this weekend. :-)
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
December 15th through 21st
Hi church!
We're in full-swing anticipation mode - Advent is over half done, and we just can't resist a little premature celebration! So we have two opportunities for that this week:
On Saturday the 21st, we'll gather at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (5 - 8pm) for our annual Common Table Christmas Party! Chili cookoff, gingerbread house construction contest, fun, fellowship, and celebration! This is traditionally a time when some of CT's "extended family" join us for some Christmas cheer, so if you're reading this, you're most definitely invited! Please join us as we celebrate hope, love, and community together!
Then, Sunday morning, 10am at Jammin' Java, we'll come together for our final Advent service for this year, brought to us by our unbelievably gifted Musical Worship design team. I had the incredible blessing to sit in on their rehearsal session last night and...dudes. Dudettes. It's gonna be one gorgeous time of worship. If you'll be in town, don't miss it.
And that's it, until our Saviour gets born! Merry Christmas, everybody!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
We're in full-swing anticipation mode - Advent is over half done, and we just can't resist a little premature celebration! So we have two opportunities for that this week:
On Saturday the 21st, we'll gather at the Fairfax Station Railroad Museum, 11200 Fairfax Station Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039 (5 - 8pm) for our annual Common Table Christmas Party! Chili cookoff, gingerbread house construction contest, fun, fellowship, and celebration! This is traditionally a time when some of CT's "extended family" join us for some Christmas cheer, so if you're reading this, you're most definitely invited! Please join us as we celebrate hope, love, and community together!
Then, Sunday morning, 10am at Jammin' Java, we'll come together for our final Advent service for this year, brought to us by our unbelievably gifted Musical Worship design team. I had the incredible blessing to sit in on their rehearsal session last night and...dudes. Dudettes. It's gonna be one gorgeous time of worship. If you'll be in town, don't miss it.
And that's it, until our Saviour gets born! Merry Christmas, everybody!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: Advent, Christmas, music
Sunday, December 7, 2008
December 8th through 13th
Hi church,
I'm getting this out to you as I'm still coming down from the high of the Great Emergence conference in Memphis last week. It was all kinds of awesome. Please grab Amy, Mojo, Mike, or me and we'll be glad to regale you with our tales of superlative people, ideas, and dry-rub ribs.
This week, we've got a couple things going on. First, we don't often mention them here, but some of us have been regular or occasional participants in our local Emergent Village cohorts. (These are just a place for local church practitioners to get together and chat over coffee or beer.) Both of them are meeting this week: Northern Virginia Cohort on Monday evening, and DC Cohort on Tuesday evening. Click through to their blogs for deets - if it works for you, it'd be cool to have more Commoners join the conversation.
Next, the musical service team will be meeting on Friday at 7pm at Pete and Jackie's place (12644 Stoa Court, Herndon, VA) for a jam session intended to produce music for our next Musical Worship Service on 12/21. If you have musical gifts, please join the jam! And if you have other gifts (poetry, dance, etc.) or if you just want to hang out and soak up the vibes, you're welcome too! Just be aware (as Pete said) that anything inspired you come up with might become a part of the service.
Finally, next Sunday, we'll gather at Jammin' Java at 10am for our Simple Advent service. It will be a variation on a traditional service of Advent Lessons and Carols - we'll use the traditional nine Scriptural lessons, but follow each one with a musical track chosen by one of us, and then a meditation, poem, piece of art, or other gift from that same Commoner. It should be a great time of sharing our Advent dreams with one another - hope you can join us!
And that, as far as I know, is it. May you be blessed in this season of Advent - Come, Lord Jesus!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
I'm getting this out to you as I'm still coming down from the high of the Great Emergence conference in Memphis last week. It was all kinds of awesome. Please grab Amy, Mojo, Mike, or me and we'll be glad to regale you with our tales of superlative people, ideas, and dry-rub ribs.
This week, we've got a couple things going on. First, we don't often mention them here, but some of us have been regular or occasional participants in our local Emergent Village cohorts. (These are just a place for local church practitioners to get together and chat over coffee or beer.) Both of them are meeting this week: Northern Virginia Cohort on Monday evening, and DC Cohort on Tuesday evening. Click through to their blogs for deets - if it works for you, it'd be cool to have more Commoners join the conversation.
Next, the musical service team will be meeting on Friday at 7pm at Pete and Jackie's place (12644 Stoa Court, Herndon, VA) for a jam session intended to produce music for our next Musical Worship Service on 12/21. If you have musical gifts, please join the jam! And if you have other gifts (poetry, dance, etc.) or if you just want to hang out and soak up the vibes, you're welcome too! Just be aware (as Pete said) that anything inspired you come up with might become a part of the service.
Finally, next Sunday, we'll gather at Jammin' Java at 10am for our Simple Advent service. It will be a variation on a traditional service of Advent Lessons and Carols - we'll use the traditional nine Scriptural lessons, but follow each one with a musical track chosen by one of us, and then a meditation, poem, piece of art, or other gift from that same Commoner. It should be a great time of sharing our Advent dreams with one another - hope you can join us!
And that, as far as I know, is it. May you be blessed in this season of Advent - Come, Lord Jesus!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: Advent, cohort, music, simple
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
October 13th through 19th
Hi church,
Here's what's goin' on:
Firstly: Thursday the 16th, from 6:30 -8pm, we'll gather at The Lamb Center for another blessed evening of pizza and karaoke. It's always Spirit- and fun-fulled as we let loose our inner ham and see the face of Christ in friends of every age and circumstance.
And then, on Sunday morning (10am at Jammin' Java), we'll have the first service from our newly formed musical worship team: a sort of right-brain sequel to last week's "What is Real?" What should you expect? Here are P3T3's words about these services:
If that doesn't get you pumped, then I don't know what to tell you. Except perhaps: Dude, maybe you need to getcher self an infusion of joy, praise, song, and worship. What's that you say...a recommendation? Why yes, since you ask, I do have a recommendation! ;-)
See you soon, in a place of song!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Here's what's goin' on:
Firstly: Thursday the 16th, from 6:30 -8pm, we'll gather at The Lamb Center for another blessed evening of pizza and karaoke. It's always Spirit- and fun-fulled as we let loose our inner ham and see the face of Christ in friends of every age and circumstance.
And then, on Sunday morning (10am at Jammin' Java), we'll have the first service from our newly formed musical worship team: a sort of right-brain sequel to last week's "What is Real?" What should you expect? Here are P3T3's words about these services:
an aural experience like no other. witness an artistic tour de force... a mind-blowing, reality-altering walk through the minds of some exceptional artists. Be prepared to engage your other brain - the other half of what it is that makes us human. Together we hope to more fully experience and love God with our heart, soul, strength and mind.
If that doesn't get you pumped, then I don't know what to tell you. Except perhaps: Dude, maybe you need to getcher self an infusion of joy, praise, song, and worship. What's that you say...a recommendation? Why yes, since you ask, I do have a recommendation! ;-)
See you soon, in a place of song!
Peace,
Mike Croghan
Labels: karaoke, lamb center, music
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