Does anyone have a list of movies or music they recommend for listening/viewing during Easter week?
Vivaldi? Handel? Veggie Tales?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Our START>
One of the ideas behind the InsideOut blog is to project stories of living a missional life to others in the community. With the beginning of our new Home Group study START> Becoming a Good Samaritan, we would like to hear more from people who are now challenged at the end of every chapter to come up with ways to be the hands and feet of Jesus.
Our home group decided to begin this Thursday, Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus sat down with his friends to share both a meal and a future for all mankind. We are beginning our study on a day marked by companionship and service and prayer.
It's a START> Hopefully, a good one.
Our home group decided to begin this Thursday, Maundy Thursday, the day when Jesus sat down with his friends to share both a meal and a future for all mankind. We are beginning our study on a day marked by companionship and service and prayer.
It's a START> Hopefully, a good one.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Buy Someone a Meal, Receive So Much More
The following blog post, provided to us by Sara Stoops, needs no introduction. Just read it...I've added clarifications in parenthesis.
One of the discussion questions in session one of our new study (Start Becoming a Good Samaritan) stuck in my head - #4 p. 16. Jim Wallis - "It's the places where you're not supposed to be that you'll learn the most, and the people you were never supposed to meet that you really encounter Jesus in a new way." I kept thinking - I go to work, church, stores friends houses, etc - but when am I ever where I'm not supposed to be.
Last Tuesday, I was shopping for rain boots at a place I never go. On my way out of the store I heard a voice call out "Buy me a bowl of soup in here". In the time it took me to walk to my car , the voice echoed once more to someone else and I was at an angle that I could see the scene better. In front of a little restaurant sat a homeless man asking for food. It was the Holy Spirit that moved my hand to shut the car door and move my body toward him to say - let's get you some food. Once inside I realized why would I buy him soup when he needed a meal. Standing in line he introduced himself and offered a handshake. I ordered the food at the counter, and then realized that I couldn't leave him in a restaurant by himself. So we found a table and started to chat over our Pepsi.
He was a lovely man, and in the hour we sat there we talked about things like rock 'n roll, football, Jesus, his family, my family, growing up in Nome, drinking, hopes for the future and how he'd take his leftovers to share with his homeless friends. I was very moved when he asked if his Pepsi was refillable because if it wasn't he'd drink water since he honored his mother and would not steal, even a drink. When he was finished we hugged and offered each other God's blessing. Back in my car I saw him cross the street with his to-go box in hand, and I could still smell the alcohol. It was such a small act, but perhaps a START >.
I hesitate to say that it was life-changing, but it was very eye-opening and special. I've thought about him many times since and prayed for him.
One of the discussion questions in session one of our new study (Start Becoming a Good Samaritan) stuck in my head - #4 p. 16. Jim Wallis - "It's the places where you're not supposed to be that you'll learn the most, and the people you were never supposed to meet that you really encounter Jesus in a new way." I kept thinking - I go to work, church, stores friends houses, etc - but when am I ever where I'm not supposed to be.
Last Tuesday, I was shopping for rain boots at a place I never go. On my way out of the store I heard a voice call out "Buy me a bowl of soup in here". In the time it took me to walk to my car , the voice echoed once more to someone else and I was at an angle that I could see the scene better. In front of a little restaurant sat a homeless man asking for food. It was the Holy Spirit that moved my hand to shut the car door and move my body toward him to say - let's get you some food. Once inside I realized why would I buy him soup when he needed a meal. Standing in line he introduced himself and offered a handshake. I ordered the food at the counter, and then realized that I couldn't leave him in a restaurant by himself. So we found a table and started to chat over our Pepsi.
He was a lovely man, and in the hour we sat there we talked about things like rock 'n roll, football, Jesus, his family, my family, growing up in Nome, drinking, hopes for the future and how he'd take his leftovers to share with his homeless friends. I was very moved when he asked if his Pepsi was refillable because if it wasn't he'd drink water since he honored his mother and would not steal, even a drink. When he was finished we hugged and offered each other God's blessing. Back in my car I saw him cross the street with his to-go box in hand, and I could still smell the alcohol. It was such a small act, but perhaps a START >.
I hesitate to say that it was life-changing, but it was very eye-opening and special. I've thought about him many times since and prayed for him.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Can you Let Go?
Palm Sunday is this week; the day when Jesus came riding into town on a donkey knowing full well what was ahead of him. The kids of Trinity are going to do some special songs and wave their palm fronds in the air in celebration of the event.
This means Lent is almost over and Easter Sunday is nearly here. I took a long look today at the Lenten promise I made some 30 days ago and what it means today. I promised to lay things down. Let them go. Die unto myself. But that's hard.
I'm a grudge-holder. It is sometimes a difficult and sad way to live, and I am sure I am not alone. When I look at events going on in the world and close to home, there seems to be an epidemic of grudge-holding.
Forgiveness without dwelling is one of the hardest Lenten promises I have ever made, even more difficult than giving up chocolate. I don't mean forgetting about something, I mean consciously, prayerfully letting go of my own selfish sense of holding on just for the sake of replaying a particular incident or word or action over and over and over again in my mind. Someone once asked me why I acted in this way. I replied "Because I can't let things go." She responded back with "You mean you won't." Ouch.
What things do you need to lay down before God this Palm Sunday? I look forward to being able to rejoice in the glory of Easter and truly be thankful for every thing Jesus did for me in a way that is more beautiful than ever before.
All because I let some things go.
This means Lent is almost over and Easter Sunday is nearly here. I took a long look today at the Lenten promise I made some 30 days ago and what it means today. I promised to lay things down. Let them go. Die unto myself. But that's hard.
I'm a grudge-holder. It is sometimes a difficult and sad way to live, and I am sure I am not alone. When I look at events going on in the world and close to home, there seems to be an epidemic of grudge-holding.
Forgiveness without dwelling is one of the hardest Lenten promises I have ever made, even more difficult than giving up chocolate. I don't mean forgetting about something, I mean consciously, prayerfully letting go of my own selfish sense of holding on just for the sake of replaying a particular incident or word or action over and over and over again in my mind. Someone once asked me why I acted in this way. I replied "Because I can't let things go." She responded back with "You mean you won't." Ouch.
What things do you need to lay down before God this Palm Sunday? I look forward to being able to rejoice in the glory of Easter and truly be thankful for every thing Jesus did for me in a way that is more beautiful than ever before.
All because I let some things go.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Pit Crew for Spring
Hey guys and gals who enjoy working on cars: Trinity is putting together a "pit crew" for the Spring tire change-over at ChangePoint church Saturday, April 24. The crews will show up at ChangePoint at 7 a.m. and work on cars until 3:30 p.m.
This is also a great opportunity for teenagers, so please, do bring them along. Call Steve Gordon for information at 333-9541.
This is also a great opportunity for teenagers, so please, do bring them along. Call Steve Gordon for information at 333-9541.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Why Follow?
Today was the first Sunday we asked for you to "follow" the goings-on of InsideOut. With a new home group study in full swing, the bloggers of InsideOut would like to create a more dynamic group of readers, and we need you to help.
We accumulated four new "followers" today, but still questions were flying from people who are not sure about this whole "follow-friend-fan" thing. So, here is some clarification for those who might be confused. Perhaps you could help bring some clarity through explaining the blog and its purpose to others.
To "follow" InsideOut blog merely means you will be notified whenever there is a new post made to the blog. Like now. By setting up an account through Google and entering your email address, you are allowing the blog to send you a message saying there is something new to read. That's it. Many readers of blogs find it easier to receive a notification like this rather than entering the web address each and every time they want to, or remember to, read the entries.
We hope this makes sense. You are always welcome to email Erin Kirkland, administrator of InsideOut, with any questions or comments. We want this blog to be interesting and compelling reading, not a chore.
We accumulated four new "followers" today, but still questions were flying from people who are not sure about this whole "follow-friend-fan" thing. So, here is some clarification for those who might be confused. Perhaps you could help bring some clarity through explaining the blog and its purpose to others.
To "follow" InsideOut blog merely means you will be notified whenever there is a new post made to the blog. Like now. By setting up an account through Google and entering your email address, you are allowing the blog to send you a message saying there is something new to read. That's it. Many readers of blogs find it easier to receive a notification like this rather than entering the web address each and every time they want to, or remember to, read the entries.
We hope this makes sense. You are always welcome to email Erin Kirkland, administrator of InsideOut, with any questions or comments. We want this blog to be interesting and compelling reading, not a chore.
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Where Will You Start?
I had the opportunity once to listen to someone speak about meeting Mother Theresa. She took this person immediately upon meeting him to an alley where a man was lying in a gutter, and told him to pick up the man and bring him back to the shelter. She then left him to spend the rest of the day washing the man and cleansing his many wounds.
I remember this story each time I hear the story of the Good Samaritan. It challenges me to continually look for those in need. I find myself feeling convicted by the number of sick or injured people I have carried away from roadsides or alleyways; precisely zero. Maybe I'm struggling because I see things as, as a high school coach once said "Go Big or Go Home!" sort of mentality. Sometimes it can be so easy to overlook the small things when the big things aren't staring us in the face every day.
Our home group recently started a new study on being a good Samaritan. We've challenged ourselves to be poured out each time we meet by finding something that connects to each lesson. This week we sent health kits to Haiti to meet basic hygiene needs for those displaced by the earthquake. It may seem small, but we'll keep looking for new ways to be involved in our world and community. Maybe it will even help us see something "big".
What ways, big or small, do you see for you to be a Samaritan? What will you do about it? Share your story; we want to hear it!
I remember this story each time I hear the story of the Good Samaritan. It challenges me to continually look for those in need. I find myself feeling convicted by the number of sick or injured people I have carried away from roadsides or alleyways; precisely zero. Maybe I'm struggling because I see things as, as a high school coach once said "Go Big or Go Home!" sort of mentality. Sometimes it can be so easy to overlook the small things when the big things aren't staring us in the face every day.
Our home group recently started a new study on being a good Samaritan. We've challenged ourselves to be poured out each time we meet by finding something that connects to each lesson. This week we sent health kits to Haiti to meet basic hygiene needs for those displaced by the earthquake. It may seem small, but we'll keep looking for new ways to be involved in our world and community. Maybe it will even help us see something "big".
What ways, big or small, do you see for you to be a Samaritan? What will you do about it? Share your story; we want to hear it!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
The Parable of the Sower and Trinity
What does this parable, found in the Gospel of Mark, have to do with the words "Self-Community-World"?
Listen for information about this summer's events to find out....
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
A Quote of Note
"If you think you are too small to make a difference, try sleeping in a closed room with a mosquito." -African Proverb
Makes sense, doesn't it?
This came from an email I received from Pedals for Africa, an incredible non-profit organization right here in Anchorage. Dedicated to providing bicycles for children in the poorest sections of the country, the group is working towards a team ride in the 2010 Firewood 400 bike race July 9-10.
No one is too small.
Makes sense, doesn't it?
This came from an email I received from Pedals for Africa, an incredible non-profit organization right here in Anchorage. Dedicated to providing bicycles for children in the poorest sections of the country, the group is working towards a team ride in the 2010 Firewood 400 bike race July 9-10.
No one is too small.
Friday, March 12, 2010
Need Something to do This Weekend?
Special Olympics Alaska is hosting the State Winter Games this weekend, starting with Opening Ceremonies at 6:30 p.m. tonight at East High School. Athletes from around the state will compete in ice skating, alpine and Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, and floor hockey at various locations throughout Anchorage.
There are a few families involved in "Special O" from Trinity through volunteer efforts, and it would be great if some folks were there to cheer on these incredible athletes.
Events begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Kincaid, Hilltop ski area, East High, and the Dimond Ice Chalet. Visit the Special Olympics web site for more info.
If you have a few hours tomorrow or Sunday, plan to spend it high-fivin' and cheering on some guys and gals who know that effort and enthusiasm means everything.
There are a few families involved in "Special O" from Trinity through volunteer efforts, and it would be great if some folks were there to cheer on these incredible athletes.
Events begin at 9 a.m. tomorrow at Kincaid, Hilltop ski area, East High, and the Dimond Ice Chalet. Visit the Special Olympics web site for more info.
If you have a few hours tomorrow or Sunday, plan to spend it high-fivin' and cheering on some guys and gals who know that effort and enthusiasm means everything.
Monday, March 8, 2010
You Never Know
Even at a sled dog race one can live "inside out".
While helping out at Campbell Creek Science Center during the Iditarod Ceremonial Start this weekend, I met a young family who was interested in activities to do outdoors with small children. As a member of CCSC's board, I mentioned the programs and activities, then asked where they lived.
"On Huffman, near the school and that worn-out trail/exercise area. Near the church." I told them I attended "the church" and asked if they knew about some of our fun family activities, like Date Night, Kids Fun Week, and such. They had seen our signs, but like a lot of people, were hesitant to participate, fearing that it was a "members only" sort of thing.
Nope. Not us. I also mentioned some of Trinity's goals for the year and really caught their attention with the idea of cleaning up the trail. As a family who enjoys the outdoors, I captured the essence of who they were as individuals. It wasn't about my beliefs or goals, but theirs.
Pretty cool.
While helping out at Campbell Creek Science Center during the Iditarod Ceremonial Start this weekend, I met a young family who was interested in activities to do outdoors with small children. As a member of CCSC's board, I mentioned the programs and activities, then asked where they lived.
"On Huffman, near the school and that worn-out trail/exercise area. Near the church." I told them I attended "the church" and asked if they knew about some of our fun family activities, like Date Night, Kids Fun Week, and such. They had seen our signs, but like a lot of people, were hesitant to participate, fearing that it was a "members only" sort of thing.
Nope. Not us. I also mentioned some of Trinity's goals for the year and really caught their attention with the idea of cleaning up the trail. As a family who enjoys the outdoors, I captured the essence of who they were as individuals. It wasn't about my beliefs or goals, but theirs.
Pretty cool.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Inside Out in the Next Generation
A post from Megan Holliday, Director of Children's Ministry:
We keep talking about what it means to be filled up and poured out. We keep talking about what it looks like to live inside out. I keep thinking about what this means for kids.
Kids will learn by example. We MUST practice what we preach. If we say, "Go serve others," but we sit on our sofas and watch TV or just look out for ourselves they will never learn to serve.
One way we can see how we're doing as adults in living for others is to look at the kids. What are they doing and thinking about? How are they showing their friends and family that they care?
Two weeks ago in Kids Church, our morning worship activity for 1st-5th graders, they had the opportunity to think of a way to serve kids and/or families in Anchorage by collecting materials to donate to an organization. After some time to think and brainstorm, one kid said something like, "What if we bring in all our old toys and books that we don't use anymore and give them to kids who don't have any?" The rest loved it!
At Trinity you'll find several brightly covered boxes to put used, but not used up, toys and books to give to kids at Safe Harbor Inn. Kids Church is so excited to do something for others and I hope you are too!
Your involvement in this project and others soon to come will inspire kids to continue to serve and will show them that yes, they can make a difference in their community!
If you know of any other organization that may benefit from this collection drive, please post a suggestion!
We keep talking about what it means to be filled up and poured out. We keep talking about what it looks like to live inside out. I keep thinking about what this means for kids.
Kids will learn by example. We MUST practice what we preach. If we say, "Go serve others," but we sit on our sofas and watch TV or just look out for ourselves they will never learn to serve.
One way we can see how we're doing as adults in living for others is to look at the kids. What are they doing and thinking about? How are they showing their friends and family that they care?
Two weeks ago in Kids Church, our morning worship activity for 1st-5th graders, they had the opportunity to think of a way to serve kids and/or families in Anchorage by collecting materials to donate to an organization. After some time to think and brainstorm, one kid said something like, "What if we bring in all our old toys and books that we don't use anymore and give them to kids who don't have any?" The rest loved it!
At Trinity you'll find several brightly covered boxes to put used, but not used up, toys and books to give to kids at Safe Harbor Inn. Kids Church is so excited to do something for others and I hope you are too!
Your involvement in this project and others soon to come will inspire kids to continue to serve and will show them that yes, they can make a difference in their community!
If you know of any other organization that may benefit from this collection drive, please post a suggestion!
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