What I was reading in 2009

I am an avid reader, and I spend way too much money on books. I was also given some Amazon gift cards by some awesome people in my life, so this book addiction probably will not change in 2010. So that’s my confession (and shout out to the gift-givers!)

However, I do find that study is a vital part of my spiritual life, and I find that I feel close to God while engaging in the practice of study. Much of what I read revolves around the scriptures and theological works (not surprising, as I am a pastor and seminary student), and I am grateful for the ways that God sharpens us through our practice of study. Even more so when the books lead to conversations & discussions with others, as there is an important community aspect to “study” (if we choose to experience it).

Here is a list of what I have been reading in ‘09:

Artists, Citizens, Philosophers: Seeking the Peace of the City: An Anabaptist Theology of Culture, by Duane Friesen

Post-Christendom: Church and Mission in a Strange New World, by Stuart Murray. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Stuart Murray this past year, and was very excited to be able to welcome him to teach & preach at my church back in March. I am very thankful for his work and for the continuing insights that he and the folks from the Anabaptist Network UK share with us.

The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, the Gospel, and Church, by Shane Hipps

The Great Emergence: How Christianity is Changing and Why, by Phyllis Tickle

The Hip-Hop Church: Connecting with the Movement Shaping Our Culture, by Efrem Smith and Phil Jackson

The Suburban Christian: Finding Spiritual Vitality in the Land of Plenty, by Albert H. Hsu

The Future is Mestizo: Life Where Cultures Meet, by Virgilio Elizondo

Beliefs: Mennonite Faith and Practice, by John D. Roth

Embracing Grace: A Gospel for All of Us, by Scot McKnight

Justification: God’s Plan and Paul’s Vision, by N.T. Wright (I have not completed this book yet)

Communion Shapes Character, by Eleanor Kreider. I found this wonderful book on the “discount” shelf at my local Christian bookstore. I only wish more of the regular shelves held titles as good as this one.

The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate, by John Walton (I have not completed this book yet)

Mutual Treasure: Seeking Better Ways for Christians and Culture to Converse, Edited by Harold Heie and Michael A. King.

Love Is An Orientation: Elevating the Conversation with the Gay Community, by Andrew Marin (also have not completed this book yet; only a few chapters left)

All of the above are books that connected in some way with my life or the life of my church community (or both). I would wholeheartedly recommend any of them: they have challenged and shaped my thinking and living, pushing me out of my comfort zone at times (which I appreciate, even when I feel a little uncomfortable).

In addition to these works, I also read some “fun stuff” as well, like:

Moneyball:The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, by Michael Lewis. I am a fan of Lewis and have read this book 4-5 times since it came out. In addition to being a Phillies fan I also follow the Oakland A’s and admire the work of Oakland’s GM Billy Beane (one of the main subjects of the book). I find it funny that this book STILL gets ripped unmercifully by baseball “purists”, who to this day still don’t seem to grasp Lewis’ point (or “story” he’s telling).

The Harry Potter Series, by J. K. Rowling. This is becoming an annual thing, and one that I enjoy thoroughly.

The Cylon’s Secret, by Craig Shaw Gardner. It was not enough to only watch the best sci-fi/drama ever created; I had to read about it too.

That’s about it. Love to hear your thoughts on these books if you’ve read them as well. I’ve got a big pile of books already lined up for 2010 so far, and I look forward to digging in to those very soon. Here’s to a good year of reading, learning, and conversation!

God with us

God’s Story: God dwelling with creation…

• God with us (In the garden)
• God with us (Promising Abraham)
• God with us (Guiding Moses)
• God with us (Camping with the Israelites)
• God with us (In the temple)
• God with us (In the flesh)
• God with us (Displaying the Way, the Truth, and the Life)
• God with us (On a cross)
• God with us (Resurrected!)
• God with us (In Spirit-Among the Body-Sending)
• God with us (On a mission)
• God with us (As the Kingdom emerges)
• God with us (Beginning and End)

God has a mission, God is on the move. God is with us, and God is sending us. The bridge is out in our town. It will be harder for people to find our church building. Could this be a reminder that the Church is sent out? Where are we seeing God at work in the Perkiomen Valley (God with us), and how might we join in and find our place in this Story?

Originally published here

This Week in Irony…

Looking forward to this series at Jesus Creed. The ability to hold civil conversations seems to be what is missing, yet is so needed in the national healthcare discussion.

On to the irony: This comment from Barb (from above link) is one that should make those of us who identify as Christians think…

Why are we as Christians so afraid that someone may get something given to them that they don’t deserve?

Michael Vick and Grace

Today the Philadelphia Eagles introduced Michael Vick as the newest member of their roster. Normally, players signed this late in training camp do not make for a very big deal. But this is a very different situation, and the signing has been the focus of local TV, sports talk radio, Facebook comments, and conversation around town. This was completely unexpected when the news came out yesterday. And the Eagles were probably the last team that most people thought would pursue a player with the troubled past of Vick, especially since they have no openings at the QB position. But there it was, and what a controversy it ignited!

My Third Place

“Third place” was a term coined by sociologist Ray Oldenburg to describe a socially important location separate from the two usual places we spend much of our time, home (first place) and the workplace (second place). Common “third places” are pubs, parks, and cafes/coffeehouse. The coffeehouse is my preferred “third place”, and I thought I would share a little bit about the one I frequent. And it just so happens that recently they received some much deserved publicity from an article in the Times Herald.

I discovered Java’s Brewin’ in Limerick just before they opened a couple years back. Ever since moving to the Perkiomen Valley I longed for a cafe that served great coffee and offered space for conversation; essentially a fun place where people could gather and meet. I got spoiled during my college years on the Main Line, where there were many such places. This was also where I developed a bit of “coffee snobbery”-a love of good coffees and espresso – that you simply can’t find at 4 letter convenience stores OK, my friend Wezlo is partially responsible for this too…

While visiting Waltz’s golf center on the other side of Ridge Pike, I noticed that a sign had gone up on one of the new buildings across the street. After seeing the sign, I told my in-laws that night, “We finally got a coffee shop!” And we got a good one! Java’s is a great place to gather and to experience some fantastic food and coffee (I recommend the Organic Mexican Dark Roast, and the muffins are the best I ever had-it’s really not even close!). But the best part about the place is the staff. The cafe is owned and operated by the Barretta family and you simply won’t find a more friendly bunch. They really make this a fun place to be. That’s a major reason why so many of us keep going back (numerous times per week!).

Check it out when you’re in town. And I’ll probably see you there!

Turning to Cyborg News…

According to this article, cyborg insects are in development. To see how this will end up, watch this…

“All this has happened before. It will happen again.”

Coffee is good for you :)

Found an article today about the health benefits of coffee. I’ll admit there’s a bit of my own rationalization going on here, as I’m always looking for ways to defend the amount of coffee I consume each week. But it is interesting to discover that from a number of recent studies, coffee may…

• help avoid Alzheimer’s Disease
• help avoid certain cancers
• lower the risk of type 2 diabetes
• help prevent pain while working out
• guard against gout
• lessen the chance of dying from heart disease
• sharpen your memory
• lower risk for Parkinson’s Disease
• reduce risk for gallstones/kidney stones
• lower risk for stroke

Rationalization completed, so I think I’ll go fix a cup! Right now I’m brewing “Cafe Blend”, from One Village Coffee-check it out.

More problems for baseball

Sammy Sosa’s name gets added to the list of those who used PED’s. Here’s two writers who get it, Rick Telander and Buster Olney, and I particularly love Olney’s suggestion for clean players. But Paul Konerko…you need to get a clue.

Good post on Pastoral Education

My friend Wezlo wrote a great piece on the current problems with much seminary/pastoral education in this country. Check it out. He raises good questions here, and I hope some seminaries are listening. But our churches need to be on board too for any kind of beneficial change to take place. I can say all I want about seminary having to change, but as a pastor, if the church isn’t buying a new model of leadership (and leadership development), it just ain’t happening. I’ve been pleased with how my denominations’ seminaries have had some conversation with pastors and congregations about tailoring their education model to better fit the context we find ourselves in today, and I hope we continue to find our way together.

Beginning the adventure of Parenting

Our baby was born on May 21! It truly was the best day of our lives, and just an absolutely amazing miracle. We praise God for this little blessing! There were some complications shortly after his birth (breathing issues), so our son had to be kept in the hospitals’ special care unit for 5 days. But the staff was wonderful and really helped my wife and I to remain calm and collected as they were running tests to make sure our little guy was ok. I am so thankful for the care they provided for my wife and son-they are the best. At this point my wife and I are getting used to a new schedule, adjusting our sleep patterns (or lack thereof) and schedules around activities like feeding, changing, and napping. And we’re loving every minute of it!