Survey and other stuff

Some of you know that my fiancee, Jessica, works at UMPH. Right now they're doing a survey of young adults to determine what kind of products young mainline Christians are interested in so that they can better serve them/us. It only takes a few minutes, so click here if you don't mind.

Taylor, I'm going to respond to your query about Easter celebrations. I just have to wait until next week because we're in the middle of finals at VDiv.

One last thing: for those that are in the Nashville area, you should check out "The Open Door", a new monthly service at West End UMC. I attended recently and was very impressed.

WORSHIP RESOURCE #1

Here's a new song that I worked up for the upcoming worship dvd- WORSHIP FEAST: PRAYER STATIONS. Feel free to use it as a worship resource.

He is risen!!

jonathon

He Is Risen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is finished!

checking in for 1st time

Hi all. Just checking in, like many of you I have more questions than answers but I think that's one way God draws us in (good thing postmodern thought embraces mystery!). Don't have specific questions yet but thought I'd fill you in about what we are up to. Someone asked if anyone has grown an emerging church from within an existing church. I'm sure it's happening but we are trying a different approach. I've been appointed as an associate in charge of planting a second-site congregation. Now most second sites are located in a new geographic area, we are planting in the same neighborhood but intent on reaching a whole new people group: multicultural postmoderns. It's a God sized task but one supported by the conference, district and local church. The new thing is called TheBridge a new faith community of Monumental UMC. Monumental is a 230+ year old congregation with an average age of 60. They've tried hard to get younger people to come in, and now we are going out to where they are. We are just getting started and I welcome your prayers, comments, and support.

Shameless Plug

We've just added a new facet to the ministry of The Gathering: podcasts. Originally we wanted to post the audio for the full services online, but copyright issues prevented us from doing so. We have been able to put up the messages, however. You can check out our podcasts at The Gathering's website .

While I've got your attention, I must say I'm of mixed feelings on doing this. One part of me does not like what putting only sermons on the web communicates theologically about the nature of worship. Is the sermon the most important thing? This is certainly a hallmark of the whole "contemporary worship" thing, but The Gathering is emergent, and we are trying to get away from that.

On the other hand, The Gathering is designed to be a communal experience that engages the senses and provides a group encounter with God. One can not get the full experience without being present, and the message is the most portable aspect of the service and the only part that really translates in the podcasting format.

What do you all think? Is there something I haven't thought of here? I'd also love any feedback about the site, the podcasts, or whatever. Have a blessed Holy Week.

Matt...

Me Church

Here is a link a friend forwarded to me. I found it funny but at the same time it hit a little too close to home. I can name specific folks in my congregation who fit these stereotypes, and I bet you can, too.

http://sermonspice.com/catalog/product_info.php?format_selected=qt&length_selected=long&play=1&products_id=413

As discussion fodder, I'm curious what you do/want to see done/think we can do to combat the rampant individualism and consumer driven culture we find in our churches. I'm firmly convinced that these attitudes are poisionus. So what's the antidote?

Discuss...