Tonight's class

Just returned tonight from teaching the second of two classes. It was a lot of fun tonight as the last 45 minutes of class, we sat in a circle and brainstormed of ways to serve in an urban setting (and specifically this city - which is also a university town).

The students also shared about ways they are already serving the city. What was interesting was that the students began to see that, while some of the things that they mentioned were good, they were typical of the way church groups function, remaining comfortable doing their service, but not really becoming part of the community they serve.

For example, one girl shared about how she and a group from her church like theater and dance, and how they go to the city center on the weekend to do open-air dramas (evangelistic themes), and how it is something "different." I told her that it was wonderful and I know that people are touched by that, but that it really wasn't that different as it's been done for years. I challenged her to think about taking that same group from church who love theater and dance, and becoming a part of the city's theater club, or dance club, or theater/dance classes, becoming part of the community of artists in town, and loving and serving their fellow artists.

I saw the light go on in her eyes. She suddenly got very excited and said that she'd heard of a town nearby opening a drama school and how she'd be interested in that. I challenged her to think about sharing with the drama group from church in being a part of that, or something similar. Rather than remaining within the confines of the walls of the building where they meet, but rather, relating with and becoming a real part of the community in an integral way.

It sounds like such an obvious idea, but "church" has become traditionally within the walls of a building, and a place that has become comfortable. Difficult is being out there with people who are in need of a hand, in need of a friend, in need of someone who cares. That is what the church is called to be. This is what I was excited to share with this group of students --- and I think they got it!

Back to the packing... I am in such a huge dilemma about the cats coming with us. First of all, I found out that the house we'll be living in won't be open to us until after the first of the month, as the present tenants won't be out until then. We will have to put the cats in a kennel. I wasn't wanting to put them through that after getting off an international flight! Another thing, the vet wants them in one cage, but I'm afraid they'll fight. He didn't think so because they'll both be scared and try and seek comfort from one another. I wish we could just find a nice ranch or farm for them to live at here. I'm just overwhelmed with all the details of this move to think about bringing them.

We are so looking forward to the point when we are settled and already have lots of ideas for the work there that we are excited to implement. If you saw our house right now though, you wouldn't know that we have to be moved and on a plane in a few short days from now!