One88er’s Share Thoughts on Church

[this is part 3. You can find Part 1 here and Part 2 here] Part 3: PRACTISES OF PRESENCE (A) The nature of our community is that life/death cycles look different than a more traditional church setting. We have friends that die violently and tragically after years of addiction, abuse, and harmful social settings. We…

I was struck by these words from Henry Nouwen. On one level, it is easy for us to say ‘yes’ to them. Yet, they are challenging when we think about the larger church and how it has operated for many years. Or when church leadership drafts up a statement that says what is “first &…

This week’s video looks a little different. A few of you gave reflections on something that struck you this Easter. There is an update from our board chair and a peek into a conversation at the drop-in. I continue to invite your thoughts & reflections as we seek ways to connect with each other in…

This is the final part of a series. You can read Part 1 here; Part 2 here; Part 3 here. As the church is present-with marginalized people, it patiently joins together in wrestling with the tension of moving out of an old life into a new one. Practising presence requires patience.  We have a God who…

PREAMBLE Near the end of John’s gospel, Jesus prays that his followers would be unified – would be one, as Jesus and God the Father are one. It’s a beautiful hope for not only the church but all of humanity. Yet, with the passing of time, our divisions only seem to be more and more…