immigration, meaning, perspective

I RECEIVED a reference from a friend a few weeks ago. When I got around to calling I explained who I was, who I was calling for, and what I was calling about. I was told that the person I was calling for was not available. And after a few minutes of conversation, the phone was handed to someone else. With the new person, I explained who I was, who I was calling for, and what I was calling about. And after a few minutes of conversation, a break in the voice on the other side of the call, I learned why the guy I was trying to reach was not available.

He had been detained. He was in an immigration holding facility. He was awaiting a decision, a direction.

Hearing the voices of the two women I talked to on the phone that day, puts the difficult situation our community/country is experiencing into perspective. As they tried to describe the situation without change to their voice, I could hear their eyes welling up. I could hear the rhythm of their heart quicken. I could hear all this.

When I dialed my phone that day (just about 2 weeks ago) I had no idea who I was calling, or what was going on in their lives.

This is often the case isn’t it?
Sometimes this is even the case with longtime friends. Sometimes even the case with family.
Sometimes we call and have no idea what’s going on. We don’t know the hurt, the sorrow, the situation.

Our lives are full of trials and adventures, some we want to experience, others we want to run from. Sometimes we believe it’s easier to live life in a perpetual state of ignorance – having accepted the “blue” pill (inter Matrix reference).

But ignorance is not bliss. No matter how simple or disconnected we may feel. The truth is – ignorance is not bliss. The Blue Pill would not have made life easier; rather it would have made it meaningless.

For it is within our daily interactions with one another that we find meaning. A listening ear, an embrace, a laugh; this is where we find meaning.

I’ve thought a lot about this immigration thing which daily flies under my radar. The confusion, hurt, and uncertainty was not lost on me that day – nor since. Hearing those voices crack and hearing their eyes fill with tears will stick with me. I don’t know them, but having spent time with them on the phone, living life together for those few minutes…

I pray.

I pray that I don’t live a life of ignorance; pretending lives around me are not experiencing great joys and often greater pains.
I pray for my friends. I pray for my neighbors.
I pray for hostility to be calmed.
I pray for peace in the midst of chaos. I pray.

Today, I choose the red pill and pray that my eyes may forever be opened to the reality in our midst.

Big BOX

Big Box

We hear this term a lot in our culture. Big Box. Big Box stores have popped up everywhere. At times we’re inclined to visit them simply because they hold so much of what we “need.”

Sometimes it’s kind of comical to read posts from friends after they visit Target or Costco. I’ve read facebook posts like: “wow, I got out of Target for under $100” or “why do I go into Target to get one thing, and come out 15?”

My wife and I shop at both of these Big Box stores. I actually enjoy Costco (even though they don’t play music while I shop). I enjoy wandering the aisles, checking out the ever changing samples, and the tasty treats. This summer I stopped in to grab some milk. (I have a 4yr & 1yr old, so we go through those 2 packs pretty quick!) On that particular trip, all I got was milk. As I checked out, the cashier looked at me kinda funny. She smiled and said: “Wow, this might be a first! Wish I could just come in and get only one thing.”

Novel feat, right!

What strikes me about these Big Box stores is our attraction to them. In my head, I associate Big Box with any nationwide chain. But Wikipedia told me this morning the term really is representative of these big stores that have a giant footprint and typically look like – well a big box.

Back in ’05 an Art Student, Julia Christensen, researched the growing trend of empty Big Box stores. You know the ones that sit vacant year after year. The Rensselaer Magazine article about Christensen’s research noted that: “Many of these superstores close because of lack of business or, more often, says Christensen, they move into a bigger and better space across town.”

Why is it if we are so attracted to them (as I believe we are – particularly after visiting Costco before and after the holidays) that they close? Why is it that these giant buildings are left abandoned? Why is it…?

Beyond these questions, I really wonder about these Big Box or nationwide chains and our inability to support the small, local, independent.

I lived in Seattle Washington for five years. While there I loved all the local restaurant choices. When we would have friends visit we’d take them to one of the fantastic local places – often just a short walk away. But this is not the case in most of the country. And unfortunately, having now returned to Southern California, this is not the case here.

If you ask where to meet a friend for lunch– what’s suggested is all too often the “big box” chain. We like the familiar. We like having everything in one place. We like the simplicity of the common.

As I perceive it, we have this same tendency within our culture when looking at churches. We look past the small to see the big. Culturally we gravitate to the all-encompassing, one-stop options where we think all our “needs” will be met.

But what fascinates us about The Standing Room, Catalina Coffee Company, Ocean Diner, Two Guns Espresso, Triangle Hardware, and (the list could go on, but I’ll pause there)  – with their quirky atmosphere, great product, and unique experiences… These stores provide us with something a little more.

In the New Year, I want to challenge you, when we look for places to meet friends, take family, or to just go and be; consider the smaller independent spots before giving in to the gravitational pull of the Big Box.

In the New Year, I want to challenge you, if you’re considering a place to go and worship; consider the small local faith community in your neighborhood.

Sometimes these seemingly smaller places (restaurants, stores, faith communities) actually offer us more. Sometimes these seemingly smaller places actually provide what we really need – a place to be, a place to participate, a place of community.

5th Sundays : Worship through Action

5^th Sundays  :  Worship through Action

Yesterday was our second 5^th Sunday of 2012.
At Beach Cities Christian Fellowship where I pastor, yesterday we gathered for worship outside. More time and energy went into our Sunday gathering than normal. We certainly spent more money as we threw a Neighborhood Cook-Out which featured: free food, live music from local singer/songwriters, two jump houses and crafts for kids.

This 5^th Sunday was an amazing day filled with good times and great music. We spent hours sharing life with neighbors and friends, many of whom we hadn’t previously met. The giggles from children bouncing and running brought smiles to everyone’s face. We couldn’t have asked for a better day in the Beach Cities.

What does 5^th Sunday mean?
On the months with five Sundays rather than meet in the Church Sanctuary we meet outside to Worship through Action.

At Beach Cities Christian Fellowship when we look at the life Jesus lead and how he instructed his followers, we see a call to care for others and not be hung up on ourselves. When looking at our own lives, we understand that with Jesus we can find great joy in coming alongside others and serving together. That is why we make space in our lives to be involved in serving the needs around us. 

5th Sundays can consist of: picking up trash around the neighborhood, making sandwiches for a local homeless shelter or helping a neighbor with their yard, cleaning up around the pier, or helping out at a retirement community. With endless possibilities, 5th Sundays are a great way to connect with others and celebrate God, who cares about his people and his creation!

Worship through Action.
Often we worship the living God in the same way week after week, day after day. In our self-absorbed, self-seeking, self-gratifying culture it truly is counter cultural to intentionally set time out for others. Even within the Church, it can seem odd for us to not practice our “normal” worship for the purpose of loving others as God has loved us.

In Matthew ch 22 Christ is asked what the greatest commandment is. He responds by saying "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And the second is like it, love your neighbor as your self."

This is what it means for us at Beach Cities to Worship through Action on the 5^th Sundays. We are saying to one another, our guests, and our neighbors – that outward service and worship is vital to who we are.  We are saying to our culture – we worship a living God who is involved in our lives and theirs. We are the hands and feet of Christ in the Twenty-first Century.
How are we as the body of Christ reaching out and loving the poor, the broken, the homeless, and the disenfranchised?

At Beach Cities Christian Fellowship we are intentionally creating space where we Worship through Action – as we step outside the walls of the Sanctuary and bring Glory to God through our active faith.

Half Marathon

A friend asked me today about my experience running in the half marathon. Here's my response... (Plus some)
My experience - well, it was good. It was not something I EVER anticipated doing. But am glad I did it. Let's see... my experience. 2 weeks ago training - my knee started hurting... eventually I quit running on it, and walked - and then it go to the point that walking was too much. I called others in our group run and they picked me up. As I described what i was feeling, they thought it was probably tendenitis. It hurt, but later that day - was FINE. I played and chased Phin on the beach that afternoon. So last week at our long run, I took it easy and walked the hills and what not. Seemed good. I made it the whole 10 miles.
So, I was a bit nervous how my knee would feel today. about 4 miles in I thought I could feel the same thing, so I walked much of the rest.
Since I hadn't trained to walk... I tried to keep a good pace - and now have a ton of blisters. I think I'm at 7. =/
So, another weird thing about the run... I got my usual early signs of getting a Migraine at mile 7. I got blindspots. So that bummed me out - but I pressed on. I prayed and I ate some almonds and just kept going. I think only to God's grace, by mile 9 most of my vision was fine and I didn't really get much of a headache till I got home. Not really a Migraine! As I was going - I remembered this video of this mother walking to get water - and they said she had to do it everyday. No matter what. Even the day she gave birth. So, if she could walk to get water on the day she gave birth and carry the 50+ lbs of water back to her village... I could walk with blury vision and a gnarly headache.

It was exciting with all the other people around. It was fun to see so many Team World Vision shirts and participants. In almost 3000 people - there were 600-700 orange world vision runners. And I was surprised by everyones encouragement - not just the TWV people.
It was a fun, weird experience, that I'm glad I participated in and was able to help raise funds and awareness through.

I am pretty proud of our church team and the money we raised... over $2,000. But beyond that - I am thrilled to have been able to participate in the combined figure of $357,000 to help provide clean water. World vision says $50 will give a child clean water for life. We participated in that provision today.

I thank God that he gave me and so many others the heart to strap shoes on our feet and give the gift of water.

My prayer is that those who drink for these new wells - come to know the one, true, living water.

5.22.11 Room-to do.

As we begin, let’s take a look at our Gospel text from John 14:1-14, and read the first four verses.

“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. My Father’s house has plenty of room; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”

As a teenager, while on family vacation, we visited and toured Hurst Castle. Have you ever been to Hurst Castle? I still have vivid memories of everything from the welcome center to the bowling alley.

When ever I think of places with lots of room I often think of two places – College dorms and Castles. But dorms and Castles are quite different. Castles are elaborate and spacious while dorms are practical and crowded.

That was certainly the case of my freshman dorm. We were over crowded. They let too many kids in that year and didn’t have enough rooms to accommodate all the students. Space was at a premium! However, as the administration looked around, they noticed they could retool some space and make room – so they put some of us lucky kids in the student lounges. One lounge had something like 20 guys all bunked up together. Needless to say the dorm was crowded! We were packed like sardines. Yet this was one of my favorite years of College life!

If you’ve ever been to Hearst Castle – you know it is nothing like a College dormitory. While Hearst castle has 165 rooms and 127 acres of gardens, terraces, pools and walkways, it is certainly not a college campus. I remember being in awe as I walked the grounds of the Castle. I remember walking into a living room with what seemed to be 100 ft ceilings. The walls were covered with ornate art work and details and the dining room table was large enough to seat a small army. As we journeyed downstairs we stepped into a home theater with classic theater seats and a two lane bowling alley next door. There were three pools; with one indoor and looked like it came straight out of Europe with the most amazing mosaic tile work I’d ever seen.  The grounds of the castle are amazing and I’ve talked about the place a handful of times with my wife and look forward to visiting it again.

As Jesus describes his father’s house – a place with plenty of room – my mind is often drawn to the beauty of the Castle. With all the imagery and word play of God’s Kingdom, it’s hard not to imagine such beauty and royalty.

I find the location of our text very interesting. We know Jesus is talking to his disciples, but where are they? Are they up on a hillside or down on a lake? Are they in the city or out in the country? If we look back to chapter 13, we will notice the dialogue of chapter 14 is found in the midst of the “Last Supper.”

Here we are, in the midst of Holy Week. Jesus has just stooped down and washed his disciple’s feet. He has just described to them the importance of being a servant, and that they too are to do as he does. He goes on to tell them in chapter 13 verse 35 (and I think this is key…) “Everyone will know you as My followers if you demonstrate your love to others.”

They are in the midst of Holy Week. Jesus had entered the city on Palm Sunday to excitement and celebration – and Good Friday is just a head of them.  They had just experienced Palm Sunday, where the crowds came singing Hosanna’s and waving palm branches. The people were expecting a triumphant king. And here they are, just a few days later, in chapter 14, where Jesus is describing his betrayal, his imminent departure, and his father’s house.

 I find the location of our text very interesting. Jesus shares with his friends that he’s going to be leaving them. So, obviously they’re a little discouraged. They don’t understand why they can’t go with him. They have followed him everywhere, for the past three years they’ve gone with him everywhere. So, they don’t get it. They are confused and they feel a little powerless and helpless. They ask him questions like: “Why can’t we go?”

What’s Jesus’ response to their confusion and feelings of helplessness? He says: “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.”

Jesus tells them that by his going to the Father, they will be able to do greater things than they’ve seen before. Because Jesus is going, the disciples (and us) will be able to do greater things than the miracles he did.

I think the location of our text this morning is very interesting. Particularly as we have our friends with us who just got back from a long term missions trip to Africa. Particularly on the heals of the proposed events of yesterday. Particularly as we look at who we are; here as a local church, here in LA, here in California and in the United States.

In our Gospel text, Jesus talks about where he's going and how there is room for all of us. He tells us we will be able to do the great things he has done - and more!

I believe the Father’s House is big enough to include all of us, our brothers and sisters here and abroad. I believe God's house is big enough to encompass us and those in Africa, Egypt and Europe.  I believe we have to think of God’s house as both figurative and literal.

As I read this passage, my mind can’t help but think about the Father’s house up in heaven. However, my practical mind always brings it back to the present. I’m always drawn to depiction found in the Gospel of Matthew which says it is here and now! God’s house is up in heaven, but it’s also here. Churches and Cathedrals and Synagogues are even commonly referred to as the House of God. There’s a practical, here and now, element to the Fathers house.

Jesus tells his disciples that by his going to the Father, they will be able to do greater things than they have ever seen before. Because Jesus is going, the disciples (and us) will be able to do greater things than the amazing miracles he did.

As I think about who we are, we are blessed, particularly here in North America. We are blessed with an abundance of resources.... what are we doing with them? How are we living and participating in greater things than the actions, activities and miracles of Christ?

We know God heals. We have seen his miraculous touch on the lives of so many. We know he feeds and nurtures. We have seen his provision in times of disaster. But we have to wonder – how do we do greater things than he did? How is it possible?

Perhaps it is not done individually. Jesus says in John 14 that we will not be greater than he, but we will do greater things than he. Notice it’s not an individual command. It is a corporate one. Together, we can do greater things.

This passage speaks to me about how we use our resources. We are to collectively utilize our gifts, relationships, money, and skills. We’re not to hoard them. As Matthew says, we’re not to store up for ourselves treasures on earth… We are to be actively involved in God’s Kingdom. We are to be actively using our resources, gifts and skills for His glory.

I can’t help but wonder: How are we living beyond? How are we participating in even greater things? How are we living out the Gospel? How are we living out the Good News? How are we continually living out God’s love as we daily interact with our local and global community?

The question really boils down to: “What are we able to do with the resources we have?” What are we individually able to contribute and what are we able to do together? As we look at our collective lives, what are we able to do specifically with this "house of God" which has many rooms? Our old building has lots of room, so how are we going to utilize this rich resource God has granted us? How are we going to be like the good steward and ensure it is maximized for God’s Glory?

Jesus tells his disciples that by his going to the Father, they will be able to do greater things than they have ever seen before. Because Jesus is going, we will be able to do greater things than the amazing miracles he did. How are we living beyond, and participating in even greater things? What might that look like for us?

What if had office space for nonprofits? What if space was given for developing and providing means to clean water? What would it be like to have a team of nonprofits working together, making this world a better, healthier place?

What if we hosted parent support groups? What would it be like to have parents, moms, dads, nannies and grannies meet-up in this building. Could there be a strengthening of relationships? Could our little faith community support and impact our community?

What if we went on mission trips? What if together we went to Haiti and helped dig a well? What if we went to Ukraine and cultivated a soccer field for an orphanage? What would it be like for those kids who were able to play on a grass field and drink the water of love?

What if we had showers for the homeless – Could our role in the Kingdom of God be to provide a place for people to wash, and find that simple dignity once again.

What if we gathered weekly for a meal together… where we collectively brought the ingredients and together prepared the meal. Would we make more food than we could eat? Would there be leftovers? Could those who have nothing – share at the table – and leave with something?

What if we forwent our Thanksgiving– and instead cooked up turkeys and mashed potatoes and homemade pies for the disenfranchised; for those who worry about being forgotten; for those who seek the familiar face of the traditions; for those who long to be part of the family!

What if…?

The options are endless, and the question is before us! What are we going to do with the resources we have? What are we individually going to contribute and what are we going to do together? As we look at our collective lives, what are we going to do specifically with this "house of God" which has many rooms?

Jesus Christ, the humble king, came – not promoting a conservative ethic of hoarding – but one of giving. He came and loved others in ways unfamiliar to the world. He came and gave in unique ways. He came in humility, and he came that we may have life and have it more abundantly.

 As Jesus describes his father’s house – a place with plenty of room – my mind is often drawn to the beauty of the Castle. With all the imagery and word play of God’s Kingdom, it’s hard not to imagine such beauty and royalty. But I’m not sure Jesus was speaking of elaborate and spacious Castles, relics of power and money. Rather, looking at his life and message, I think he was drawing us to the practical and crowded life of the dorm. He is calling us to a life of active, practical relational chaos. The college dorm is a crazy mix of hope for the future and brutal nights of hard active studying and living life together. It is a resource that is used and abused. It is overcrowded, yet it often stretches to gladly include one more. To me, that sounds a lot like the relational God we know!

The question is before us! What are we going to do with the resources we have? What are we individually going to contribute and what are we going to do together? As we look at our collective lives, what are we going to do in this "house of God" which has room to stretch and be used?

As Christ sits next to the father – those who believe in him, whatever we ask in his name, he will do. There’s room in his house and at his table, who are we going to invite? What miracles are we ready to be a part of? Hand in hand, together let’s embrace and share in his kingdom presence. Let’s step out in unique ways, and love!

As you go, participate in God’s active presence here and now. Go and Love!

a bit of time

It's been a bit of time since I last posted. This is partly due to the fact of not knowing how/what to write in times of transition and specifically in regards to private matters. Well, really, private - yet soon to be public.

What am I talking about?

Moving.

Back at the start of the New Year, we were discussing and looking at options for relocating. One ministry stood out to both of us and the conversation ensued.
Perhaps what's interesting, is that it's back in So Cal. Perhaps interesting still, it's a beach town. Well, this may not be interesting to you right off, so let me give some background. I told Bree several years ago that if we ever moved back to California it'd have to be to a beach town.

And here we are - living in Redondo Beach. We live about 2.5 miles from the beach. And our ministry is within the Beach Cities (Hermosa, Redondo & Manhattan - Beach). As random as it is, I didn't want to move back to California unless we were in a beach town - and that's where we are!

It is exciting to begin a new phase in ministry and life... It's exciting to see how God will (continue) to move within this church and in this community. I am excited to see how God uses me - and particularly in regards to creating space where his Kingdom is displayed.

Throughout this transition  and the months ahead, perhaps as I come to mind, pray that I might have wisdom, discernment, and strength.

the challenge: to keep meeting.

We have been blessed with the opportunity to go out without our son – each Thursday – for about two hours. This time together has been beautiful in remembering what life was like pre-Phin, while also allowing us the opportunity to share in the quiet. Since my wife's parents live & work nearby, we are gifted with the ability to spend one evening alone, together.

Tonight we chose to spend the evening with some friends we met at Mosaic. We have actually known them for a few years and have talked many times about gathering together outside the coffee house. Tonight we finally put our words into action. Knowing our friends are Vegetarian and knowing of a fantastic restaurant with amazing Veggie burgers – we all joined up for a meal together at the Counter.

Once home, tonight's outing caused me to think about life and two challenges we (and I suppose many others) find ourselves facing:

1. Children: We love to spend time together. However, now for 17+ months having a child has drastically challenged us in coordinating nap times, bed times and finding time to spend with friends. As social people, children cause us to slow down and re-evaluate. We re-evaluate our furniture placement, our audio and visual entertainment, and our time away from the home. Having a child (or multiple) causes us to put our child's needs before our own. Not a bad thing – but it happens. It is harder to go out when your kid needs to go to bed.
   
2. Finances: As we strive to live simplistically, fiscally responsibly, and kingdomly (that's not really a word is it?) it is quite difficult. Our culture is not designed to encourage us. Our society thrives on our over indulgence. The very act of gathering together with friends necessitates the spending of resources.
   

Tonight's date-night or night-out, or whatever we want to call it, serves as an excellent reminder that in light of the challenges facing us – we must continue to meet together. We must not allow the temptation of location to lull us to sleep. We must not permit the excuse of children, work, pets, family, and dare I say finances (?) to distract us from perhaps one of our most basic needs – gathering together, telling stories, laughing together - and sharing life.

I hope in the coming days, weeks and months that we continue longing for the interactions of the familiar face, loving embrace, and grace filled walk of friendship.

A Good Reminder...

Here's a letter I received a few weeks ago. It serves, for me, as a good reminder of why the hard times of blending life and ministry within the church and a community coffee house is worth the effort.

Dear Tim & Bree,

Rarely do I find myself at a loss for words, but after a recent visit to your Coffee House I was totally dumbstruck.

As a father it is difficult at best to "give wings" to a daughter (even a capable, fiercely independent & overachieving one). Balancing that with a protective instinct from 3,000 miles away has proven to be difficult for me.

Weekly conversations with my daughter contained countless references to time she was spending at a coffee house studying and interacting with the couple who ran it. I assumed it to be a commercial establishment and was always curious about how they would allow someone to spend hours at a time taking up space reading or studying. It did not compute with me but I was happy that she had found an oasis so far from home. My wife and I would like to thank you for the kindness and consideration you have extended to our daughter.

Suffice it to say, the Mosaic Community Coffee House bears little similarity to coffee houses I experienced during my college years.

I will never be mistaken for a religious person but I am thankful to the "Power" that directed my daughter to your community center. Your ministry has reinforced my faith in the goodness of people.

Respectfully

This letter truly takes the form of a letter of encouragement. Through the hardships that come with a business model ministry, the stories of surprise and thanksgiving continue to bring life to the daily functions.

It is from letters like this – right or not – that remind me the hard work is worth it.

One Year.

It has been one year to the day - yesterday - that Mark and I were accosted by our drunken neighbor. Thinking back to a year ago, resting wasn't really an option. Bree and I grabbed some belongings, I remember specifically getting our wedding album, and got in the car and drove up to my in-laws house to sleep that first night. Mark and Christa left and went to a hotel with their kids. We did not feel safe in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our church building.

A year later, the uncertainty has left, the feeling of safety has returned.

Although our neighbor was arrested on Thursday night, and rearrested the following Sunday no charges were followed through with from the physical altercation. Although, he does still know where we live, he could possibly still be dealing with multiple personalities, we no longer walk up and down 1st Ave with a fear David-Michael-Scott might turn up and cause further pain.

Living in the city is an interesting thing. Through our coffee house, we try and build community. We try and wrap our neighbors with the ability to know one another, look out for one another, and love one another. Living in the city, in the neighborhood, provides the opportunity for greatness to be achieved in the relationships of those you come in contact with. But with this greatness does come great responsibility. Our actions one year ago, speak to the kind of people we want to be - people of Christ, people of love, people of peace.

It has been one year since I was for the first time faced with the need to protect - my family, my friends, my home, my church, and even my neighborhood.