memories of Honduras

One of the readings John identified for us to read this week reminded me of Honduras.

We don't want anyone to find fault with our work, and so we try hard not to cause problems. But in everything and in every way we show that we truly are God's servants. We have always been patient, though we have had a lot of trouble, suffering, and hard times. We have been beaten, put in jail, and hurt in riots. We have worked hard and have gone without sleep or food. But we have kept ourselves pure and have been understanding, patient, and kind. The Holy Spirit has been with us, and our love has been real. We have spoken the truth, and God's power has worked in us. In all our struggles we have said and done only what is right.

Whether we were honored or dishonored or praised or cursed, we always told the truth about ourselves. But some people said we did not. We are unknown to others, but well known to you. We seem to be dying, and yet we are still alive. We have been punished, but never killed, and we are always happy, even in times of suffering. Although we are poor, we have made many people rich. And though we own nothing, everything is ours.

Friends in Corinth, we are telling the truth when we say that there is room in our hearts for you. We are not holding back on our love for you, but you are holding back on your love for us. I speak to you as I would speak to my own children. Please make room in your hearts for us. - 2 Corinthians 6:3-13 (CEV)

The question - By what standards do you gauge success?

According to these words, Gerizim in Honduras is the successful community. Daily they experience hardships and suffering with immense patience. The Holy Spirit is with them and their love is real. They tell the truth. They can be happy in times of suffering. They are poor and have made many rich because of it. They have room in their hearts for us.

I think we are Corinth. We, who are so easily distracted and put off track by hardships and suffering. We, who have the luxury of time and resources to heal our wounds. While we are tending to ourselves, do we still have room in our hearts for others, for Gerizim, for Togo, for those in need locally?

Solomon's Porch experience

I got to experience a worship service at Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis, MN this past Sunday night. This is one of the more well-known "emerging" churches. It's pastor, Doug Pagitt, is the author of Church Re-Imagined and is a leader in the emergent movement.

I wanted to tell you a little about my time there:

the setting
- they currently meet in an old church (I believe this is the 3rd location in 7 years) and already they are bursting at the seams
- there are sofas and comfy chairs spread out throughout the sanctuary, all oriented toward the middle of the space
- there is a lot of original artwork (by church members) everywhere
- there are small tables throughout with a loaf of bread & bottles with grape juice
- two projection screens are on opposite walls
- all the songs they sing are original compositions by the band (apparently they started with 2 songs that they sang a lot)
- there were lots of kids crawling over couches & zooming here & there (apparently the single folks like to grab seats in the balcony to have a more quiet time)


the experience (as I can recall)
- 5:00pm start was really something like 5:20pm
- no introduction, the band just starts playing and the lyrics appear and folks settle down
- corporate prayer
- passing of peace (encouraged to move around and meet others)
- commitment to faith journey (for any new members that join with kids, they have a sort of re-commitment to baptismal promise ceremony to reaffirm that this community will continue to nurture child in faith)
- kids dismissed to breakout sessions
- member sharing their faith story (this evening was a member and her Jewish friend, talking about their friendship and faith journeys)
- preaching (Doug just had a few words this time - he sits in the middle of the room on a stool and circles around as he talks, apparently there is discussion during this time, also anyone can participate in worship planning session during a Bible discussion group on Tuesday evening)
- small group breakout (this team we broke into small groups with other emergent leaders sitting near us)
- communion (is emphasized as more of a meal with community, it is self-administered and there is time to share with others)
- the songs were amazing, especially considering they are all original

I also attended the Summer Institute at Solomon's Porch last week. Read about my experience there @ my blog.