portico

Homophobic?

2008-08-09T00:37:00.007-04:00

It was good to gather and begin our discussion of a very challenging topic! The clips we watched and discussed this evening came from a documentary called "For the Bible Tells Me So", which won several awards at the Sundance festival and traces the stories of several Christian families that have had gay children. (A big thanks to Andrea for suggesting this film!)

Some of you indicated the interest in delving further into the topic. What does the Bible say about homosexuality? We'll have to devote an evening (or several!) to the topic in the future.

For now, you may be interested in the following clips on YouTube from Southern Adventist University (my alma mater).

This one is the first of a series of ten, from a student debate sponsored by the History and Social Work Departments. (You can click on the clip, go to YouTube and watch other clips.)

This one is the first of another set from the Religion Department entitled "Compassion and Clarity." It has several pastors, Bible scholars, and theologians that explain some of the texts in the Bible that deal with homosexuality. (Once again, click on the clip and go to YouTube if you want to watch the rest.)

What your friends really think of you

2008-07-11T23:25:00.010-04:00

According to a recent study of 16-29 year olds that are not Christian, Christians are "conservative, entrenched in their thinking, anti-gay, anti-choice, angry, violent, illogical, empire builders; they want to convert everyone, and they generally cannot live peacefully with anyone who doesn't believe what they believe."

That's right. If you're a Christian, and you're friends are not, somewhere in the back of their minds, they think you are:

Anti-homosexual - 91%
Judgmental - 87%
Hypocritical - 85%
Sheltered (old-fashioned, out of touch with reality) - 78%
Too political - 75%
Proselytizers (insensitive to others, not genuine) - 70%

Ouch.

Are they right? Where do these perceptions come from?

Join us this summer as we unpack the image problem Christianity faces.

first fridays

2008-04-26T18:45:00.006-04:00

Looking for a place to hang out with friends, meet new people, and welcome the Sabbath?

Join us for First Fridays.

Advent Hope will host the first of many First Fridays on May 2nd.

The fellowship hall will be transformed into a quaint cafe. Light snacks and beverages will be served.

cafe night

2008-04-10T20:05:00.003-04:00

Join us this week at our first cafe night and as we host the ACF Collegiate Summit and the 9th Spoken Logos.

Food, friends, music, and inspiration; you don't want to miss out!

Good Friday

2008-03-19T21:54:00.003-04:00

Join us this Friday evening for a time reflection, music, and prayer as we remember the final moments of Jesus' life.

Politics and Religion, Part 2

2008-03-06T23:13:00.003-05:00

Join us this Friday evening as Beth Scott leads us for the second part of an informative and lively discussion on faith and the political process.

Don't worry if you missed Part 1; we'll bring you up to speed.

7:30pm. See you there!

Blind, but wanting to see...

2008-02-29T23:06:00.006-05:00

Thanks to all who braved the cold and participated in the second part of an honest discussion about the needs that surround us, our blindness to it, and the possibilities of making a difference in our world.

I think we've been both challenged and inspired by what has been presented, shared, and discussed.

It's time to make it practical. What are some things we can do as a community to put the things we've been talking about the past couple weeks into practice?

Click here, to view the clip we watched on Friday.

Share your ideas right here. We'll flush them out some more in the upcoming week!

God's Concern for the Poor

2008-02-23T23:55:00.003-05:00

A big thanks to Micheal B. for leading us in a thought provoking and enlightening discussion on what the Bible teaches about poverty.

Here are the two clips of Bono we watched toward the end. Feel free to comment on them here.

See you this Friday for Part II of the discussion.

Politics and Religion, Part I

2008-02-14T11:20:00.005-05:00

Join us this week, as we kick off a series of discussions on faith and social justice. Over the next week's we'll be exploring some of the important issues that our society faces and the role that Christians should/can play in making a positive difference.

This week, Beth Scott, Advent Hope's Religious Liberty Liason and a lawyer in training, will leadsus in a thoughtful discussion of the issues that arise when thinking about faith and politics.

We're back!

2008-01-16T23:58:00.000-05:00

After a brief hiatus from gathering on Friday nights, we resume our meetings this week.

Join us as we kick off a new season of vespers. We'll be welcoming Todd and Sarah Stout to our group and also taking some time to dream and make some plans for the upcoming weeks.

We would love your input and ideas!

See you at 7:30pm! Same place...spread the word.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-04T10:13:00.001-05:00

It's 2008!

Just a reminder that we're still on our "Christmas" break this week, waiting for everyone to get back into town from the holidays.

Keep posted on when our gatherings will resume. (Hopefully this will be in the next week or two!)

In the meanwhile, share some of your ideas for vespers this spring and New Year. What would you like to see, hear, or discuss?

Christmas Caroling

2007-12-19T18:37:00.000-05:00

Have you gotten in the Christmas mood yet?

Come help spread some of the holiday cheer!

We're going caroling this Friday night at the DeWitt nursing home.

We'll meet at the church at 6:30pm and walk over to the nursing home together.

If you're in town, come on out...We'll see you Friday!

Worship Night

2007-12-12T18:02:00.001-05:00

After a week off, we're back on this week and next, before we go on our "Christmas break."

We'll continue right were we left off with a more explorations into the world of music. This time, we'll be making it!

Plan to join us for an special worship and music night. You can submit praise songs/hymns/Christmas carols you'd like to sing/share/teach in advance so we have it ready for everyone (just post it here).

Also feel free to bring additional instruments (guitars, bongos, violins, trombones, tubas, etc.) and friends!

See you soon!

*We'll be going to the DeWitt Nursing Home on the 21st for some Christmas caroling. More information to come...

Reminder

2007-12-07T15:12:00.000-05:00

Remember, there's no vespers meeting this week.

Our gatherings will resume next week...See you then!

The Sound of La Musica

2007-11-28T09:54:00.000-05:00

Attention all music aficionados,

This week, we make our transition to the topic of music and spirituality.

In preparation for our discussion, you are invited to submit a few of your favorite songs to share at our next gathering. (Make a comment to this post.) We'll play your song, and you can share why/how it speaks to you. (Others will get a chance to share if it does the same for them.)

Here are some guidelines:

1. If you wish share a song, please submit the titles/authors of 2-3 songs that spiritually move you/speak to you--genre is flexible.*
2. We'll attempt to track down the lyrics/videos to these songs.
3. If you have a digital copy of the song, please e-mail it to either Michael B. or Zane Y.
4. If you are unable to do this, please bring a copy of the song to vespers early (at 7pm.)
5. If you want to share a song that is really long (let's say a classical sonata), we may have to play an excerpt.
6. The deadline is this Thursday evening. (11.29.07; 11:59pm)

*Depending on the number of you who are interested, we may only be able to accommodate one song per person. If everyone wants to share, we'll have to select the first 6-8 submissions--that's right, first come, first serve!

See you on Friday...

Rob Bell in New York

2007-11-25T23:08:00.000-05:00

Well, what did you think?

Feel free to share some of your thoughts, questions, and disagreements from Bell's presentation here.

Also, here are some pictures from our outing.

A big thanks to Mariela for organizing the dinner to Carmine's and for purchasing tickets for us!

This is us (still smiling) after an hour and forty minutes of Rob Bell waxing eloquently on near eastern deities, castration, human sacrifice, and "the reconciliation of all creation at the culmination of history."

Is someone a bit excited about the tiramisu (or is it the just the prospects of finally seeing her hero in just a few moments)?

Jonathan and Andrea about to do some major damage to "the mini-Titanic."

James, what does your shirt say?

As you can tell, Lisa really enjoyed her dairy free meal! =)

Thanksgiving Vespers

2007-11-23T16:08:00.000-05:00

Many of us are out of town, but as announced last week, we'll still be gathering this week to make cards for recovering war veterans or to write letters to soldiers stationed in the Middle East.

For more information about letter-writing, check out:

http://anysoldier.com/

See you this evening, for some fun and hanging out!

A very special person...

2007-11-16T23:35:00.000-05:00

In lieu of this evening's conversation...

Evidently, before becoming an international movie star, the young Russell Crowe considered the equally glamorous career of an Adventist pastor.

Check it out!

Directors and actors

2007-11-16T12:12:00.000-05:00

Last week, we spent some time sharing our favorite films and engaging in a discussion of about spirituality and film. How do we reconcile the humor, the truth, the beauty, and, dare I say, goodness, we find in many of our favorite movies with the rhetoric we've heard of movies being "evil" and "worldly"? It was good to hear your thoughts.

This week, we continue our exploration into drama, film, and faith. It's one thing to watch movies...quite another to make them, to act in them, and to write them.

We'll be viewing a short clip of a play/skit directed by Nelson, who visited us in NY this summer before returning to Australia, and also spending some time talking with Bashir Solebo, an actor (who happens to be a committed Christian) here in the city. He'll be sharing some of his experiences as an actor, working to make it in the world of acting and theater.

See you tonight!

Spirituality at the Movies?

2007-11-09T18:07:00.000-05:00

Tonight we'll explore the relationship between the dramatic arts and spirituality. Specifically, we'll take a look at movies.

What's your favorite movie?
What makes a movie "good"?
Are movies getting better or worse?
Is there a standard Christians should have in their viewing of movies? What is it?
Can God speak through movies that are purely secular?

All this and more...tonight!

Spoken Logos 8

2007-10-30T15:56:00.000-04:00

FRIDAY, November 2nd @ 7:30 PM

CHURCH OF THE ADVENT HOPE

111 E.87th St b/t Lex & Park Aves

1 block from the (4)(5) train at 86th St.

WWW.ADVENTHOPE.ORG

If you have a TALENT for singing, songwriting , poetry or spoken word (and even if you don't), come on down and be a part of the experience. Enjoy the fellowship, hear the unique forms of expression, and support one another as we share our thoughts about God. All are welcome.

Torrents of words

2007-10-25T11:01:00.000-04:00

Our gathering this will will focus on "word art", i.e. verbal expression, and spirituality.
Michael and Mairim will be leading a discussion poetry and spirituality.

We'll also have a panel of "experts" on hand (Tony Sebro, Beth Scott, and Elroy Pierre), who will give us an insider's perspective into the creative process and some the practical tips on getting the thoughts/words flowing.

We'll then spend some time unleashing our inner poets! =)

(Remember, Spoken Logos is just around the corner.)

For Your Viewing Pleasure

2007-10-22T17:27:00.001-04:00

Now that's what I call art! (Click on the picture, to see a larger image.)

"Christ, the Basis for Salvation" by Peter Sanchez

(This is a flipbook.)

Express Yourself

2007-10-19T10:39:00.000-04:00

“The soul never thinks without a picture." —Aristotle

To recover from our heady discussion last week, we'll spend time doing some art instead of talking about it.

This evening, we'll be exploring/expressing/sharing our spiritual journeys through the mediums of marker, pencil, and Crayola.

Where have you been? Where you now? Where are you going?

We'll "see"! =)

More "Art"

2007-10-19T10:23:00.000-04:00

I'm posting this a bit late, but last week Christian had prepared some pictures for discussion that we never got around to viewing.

What to you think? Good art? Bad art? Religious? Irreligious? What do you think the artist is trying to communicate?

"Mickey's Last Supper" - Ron English

"Brownhead" - Ron English

"Christ of St. John of the Cross" - Salvador Dali

Got an image you want to share? Let me know. We'll post it and discuss it here.

the gods aren't angry (rob bell in manhattan)

2007-10-15T08:35:00.000-04:00

[from Mariela]

As it was mentioned before, Rob Bell will be on tour at the NOKIA THEATRE, Sunday November 25 @ 8:00 pm. TKTs are $16 regardless of the seating. This means that the sooner we buy TKTs, the better seating we can get. So, I'm planning to go buy TKTS this coming Tuesday during lunch time (yes, this is the deadline).

Please let me know if you are interested in going so I can count you in.

If for some reason you decide to go later on, that's great-- you just won't get to sit with the cool peeps!!!! Hahahahhahahahaaha-- just kidding!

Good Art vs. Bad Art

2007-10-12T13:11:00.000-04:00

Tonight, we continue our exploration into the intersecting worlds of art, creativity, and spirituality.

Join us for an evening of lively conversation. We'll by viewing and discussing an interview clip about the controversy caused by "The Chocolate Jesus" a few months ago here in New York.

Is it good art? Bad art? How do you tell the difference?

Christian (one of our resident artists) will be sharing his perspectives, insights, experiences with/about the creative process.

See you soon!

Fall Vespers Kickoff!

2007-10-05T10:21:00.000-04:00

Join us this evening as we transition into a new season of Friday nights at Advent Hope. We'll revisit an favorite DVD clip ("Rhythm") from the summer and use it to launch our discussion about the intersection of art, creativity, and spirituality--our theme for the fall.

More specifically we'll ask questions like:

What makes Bell's series of DVD's so effective? (or not?)
How does the medium/presentation effect the message? Can the two be separated?
What are the different kinds of creative gifts goes into making something like this?
Why is "Christian" art/music/film, often, so poorly done?
Do you consider yourself to be a creative person? Why or why not?

Afterwards, we'll get to hang out and enjoy some refreshments ("culinary arts") provided by a member of our community.

See you tonight!

the gods aren't angry (2007 Rob Bell tour)

2007-10-02T16:02:00.000-04:00

[from Mariela]

Yo, Rob Bell is gonna be in NYC at the NOKIA THEATRE (44th street and Broadway). I think we should get a group to go.

Here's more info...

Date: Sunday, November 25

Time: 8:00pm

Here's the website for the Rob Bell Tour...

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/NewsRoom/Rob+Bell+Tour.htm?QueryStringSite=Zondervan

I just realized that this is the Thanksgiving weekend and many ppl might be outta town. I'll be around, so I'll try to get a group going :) :) :) :) :)

(Tickets are $16 each.)

Many hands make light work

2007-10-02T09:45:00.000-04:00

A big thanks to those that signed up to help organize/execute things this fall. Here's the list from Friday. For those of you who missed our meeting, please feel free to add your name to any one of these teams by posting a comment.

Food/Hospitality
Sandy
Christian
Belinda
Michael
Lisa

Programs (& Outreach)
Julie
Belinda
Mariela

Discussions
Michael
Zane

Music
Julie (cafe night)
Mariela (cafe night)
Lisa

Set-up/Take down
Christian
Lisa

Other
Christian (Sound/AV)
Gillian (program ideas)
Julie

Rain

2007-09-28T13:18:00.000-04:00

"Where is God when it hurts?"

"Why do bad things happen to good people?"

"Why do bad things happen at all?"

Ponder these things and more...tonight.

We'll also be discussing what each of us can do to make the plans we've made for the fall the past few weeks a reality. Got a talent...maybe more than one? We'd love for you to share it with us.

Fall Calendar (1.0)

2007-09-24T20:41:00.001-04:00

Thanks to all who stayed by last Friday night to share your ideas and enthusiasm.

Here is a list of tentative dates we decided for the fall:

October
5 - Kickoff of Fall Vespers Series on Christian Spirituality and the Arts
12 - Discussion
19 Outreach night - Cards/Care Packages for Troops
26 - Discussion

November
2 - Spoken Logos
9 - Discussion
16 - Outreach night - Soup/Sandwich night
23 - Discussion
30 - Discussion

December
7 - Cafe/Music night (?)
14 - Discussion
21 - Christmas Caroling/Nursing Home
28 - Discussion (vacation?)

The calendar is not set in stone, so please continue to give your feedback. This Friday, we'll discuss the roles we might be willing to play to make some of this stuff happen!

Store

2007-09-21T13:14:00.000-04:00

Tonight's discussion video is entitled "Store" and deals with the topic of anger. Have you gotten angry this week? I sure have!

Here's a short blurb about the video:

"We all get angry about things from time to time--some of us more often than others. For some of us, it feels like we're constantly on the brink of losing it, where it doesn't take much to get angry about anything. And this kind of anger can be seen everywhere we go--at work, in traffic, at the store, at home. But what is really at its root? Anger is often looked at as a bad thing, but are there things actually worth getting angry about?"

Should be interesting! See you tonight for this and more discussion about our plans for the fall. (October is coming up quickly!)

Flame

2007-09-13T16:23:00.000-04:00

At our next gathering:

"I love these shoes. Really? The same way I love my wife? What's up with the word love?"

Love. Lust. Fire...What's the difference?

Come find out.

Fall planning update

2007-09-13T15:59:00.001-04:00

As you know, we've been taking a bit of time after vespers to dream about the future possibilities for our community on Friday nights. A bit thanks to those of you who've shared your thoughts/ideas/enthusiasm about the upcoming months.

Here are some things we've already decided:

We will continue to meet weekly this fall.
We will continue to keep our focus on building community and conversation.
Occasionally, once a month or so, we will organize a special program.
We'll continue to use Rob Bell's videos in September as we discuss/plan for the future. We'll start doing something new in October.

Here are some ideas for discussion themes/topics on the table:

Christian spirituality and the arts

Here are some ideas for some "programs" (once a month or so)

Cafe night
Agape feast
Music/praise/singing night
Share a meal together
Community outreach/service
Invite a guest speaker

Here are some of things some of you have volunteered to do:

teach/lead a discussion
organize/prepare food

What do you think? Got any other ideas? What can you do? The planning continues this Friday evening after our discussion of the NOOMA video (or, of course, right here!).

God and evil

2007-09-04T21:59:00.000-04:00

I don't remember how we got on the topic, but Josh brought up the question of God and evil, citing a text in Isaiah where God claims to "create" evil. Isaiah 45:7 reads, "I form the light, and create darkness: I make peace, and create evil: I the LORD do all these things."

God the author of evil? Turns out the explanation for this perplexing text is a lot simpler than my citation of Augustine and the privation of evil argument--just find another translation! What the KJV translates as "evil" is translated as "calamity" or "disaster" in other translations.

For a helpful explanation, see here.

What do you think of it?

Also, we had a fruitful discussion about the future of vespers, deciding to continue meeting weekly this fall (pending scheduling with the choir) and to maintain the community/conversation focus (although we will try to occasionally have some special programs as well).

Please continue to think about/pray about Friday nights at Advent Hope this week. We will continue our short visioning/planning session after the discussion this Friday focusing on what each of us can can contribute individually to our gatherings.

Of course, we don't have to wait until then to start the conversation; feel free comment here.

Breathe

2007-08-31T15:20:00.001-04:00

Well, there were no strong advocates for either topic or video this evening. A couple of you have hinted in the past, though, that you would prefer "Breathe" over "Luggage"...so "Breathe" it is.

Tonight, Bell cruises around on the subway while he talks about things spiritual.

For a preview, click here. To view and discuss the rest...see you tonight!

Oh, and remember, we will also spend some time discussing our plans for the fall this evening.

Fall Planning

2007-08-27T14:32:00.000-04:00

It was good to see so many of you out this week and to meet/see new faces (Yomarie, Michael, Pie, Mariela, Sandy, etc.) and also to say farewell to friends we've made over the summer (Nelson and friends from down under).

A special thanks to Mary, who contributed a box delicious sticky buns (or in other parts of the world "cinnamon buns") and Audrey, who provided some Jamaican bread, for us to enjoy after our discussion.

To be honest, I had no idea where things would go when we started...Bell talked about some pretty heady stuff! Hopefully, you enjoyed the conversation that ensued, regardless; I know I did.

This brings us to the last week of August, and the official end of the summer for many of us as we start classes, new jobs, and adjust to modified schedules.

For this Friday night, we have two options. We can view/discuss "Luggage" or "Breathe"; got a preference?

Looking ahead, we also need to spend some time this week discussing our plans for the fall.

Please think/pray about the following questions this week:

What are your thoughts on how we've done things this summer?
Do you like the current format of our meetings?
What are some things you'd like to see happen at vespers?
Do you want to continue viewing/discussing the NOOMA videos?
Should we go back to the traditional bi-monthly schedule?
What time should we start/end?
How can you help?

I'm excited at what God is doing with our community and I think Friday nights at Advent Hope can continue to be a venue for spiritual conversation, community, and renewal for many people.

Feel free to post your thoughts here or to share them at our next meeting.

You

2007-08-24T10:56:00.000-04:00

Michael has spoken. =) (He's the only one that "voted" this week...)

We'll be viewing "You" tonight to launch our conversation. It's packed with interesting information about the cultural context of the early church.

We'll see what we can learn about being a Christian community today by taking a look at our roots.

All you history buffs will want to be on time for this one! There's a lot of information conveyed in just a short time. For a preview of the clip, click here.

See you tonight.

The Sound of Silence

2007-08-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

A special thanks this week to:

-Andrea, who provided our refreshments last week
-Nelson, who found and read (in a nice, Australian accent, I might add) a beautiful closing
passage
-Michelle, who recommended a practical book on finding silence in the city
-Michael, who posted a full description of the book in the post below
-Sylvia, who loaned us an actual copy of the book (if you want to peruse it, let me know)
-everyone, for your presence, comments, and support!

Would any of you be interested in visiting one of the sites listed in this book before the summer draws to a close? Perhaps we could organize a silent retreat.

Another great book on the issue of silence, solitude, and spirituality is called "The Way of the Heart" by Henri Nouwen. If you're interested, you can borrow my copy.

Feel free to post your selection for this week's gathering below. We have two weeks left in August and three options remaining: "You", "Breathe", and "Luggage." (See www.nooma.com for full descriptions.)

In the meanwhile, hope you find moments of intermittent moments of silence and stillness this week, where you can collect your thoughts, and hear God speaking.

Noise

2007-08-17T10:55:00.000-04:00

It's unanimous--the Aussies (and Jen) have spoken. Tonight our conversation will be on "Noise."

A couple weeks ago, we talked about God being like the music and harmony that pervades the universe.

If that's the case, why is the music so hard to hear?

Join us this evening for an examination of the "noise" that fills and clutters our lives. For a preview and description of the clip that we will view this evening, click here.

(And remember, there'll be refreshments afterwards provided by Andrea!)

The Kingdom of Heaven

2007-08-13T06:35:00.001-04:00

At our past gathering, we discussed the nature of religion/Christianity. Is its primary purpose to prepare us for the next life or to help us live in this one?

Here's a thoughtful take on the issue by Brian McLaren.

What do you think?

Where has the summer gone?

2007-08-13T06:20:00.000-04:00

With only three weeks left in the August, we have some decisions to make! There are four topics left from the selections we made at the beginning of the summer. What would you like to discuss this upcoming Friday night?

Here are your choices:

"Noise"
"You"
"Luggage"
"Breathe"

You can preview clips and read short descriptions of the topics here.

Feel free to share your choice/opinion by posting a comment.

Trees

2007-08-09T17:19:00.000-04:00

"This world is not my home, I'm just a passin' through," an old gospel song goes.

Really?

If we are destined for the new world/next life, does it matter at all what we do today with our lives? Should people of faith care about things like the environment, our careers, and have long term goals?

Does religion even matter when it comes to real problems that real people face in the real world?

Does God care about "trees"?

Why? Why not?

Check out the clip we'll use to launch our discussion this week here.

See you soon!

Like Jazz?

2007-08-06T09:58:00.000-04:00

According to Bell, people have interesting ideas about God--the finder of parking spaces, the granter of sales, the old man in the sky, etc.

God, however, is not an idea or concept to be analyzed, argued about, or deconstructed; God is beyond our thoughts.

Bell argues that a more fitting analogy for God is music; God is more like a song that pervades the universe. This means that having a relationship with God means being tune with the harmonies of love, justice, generosity, compassion, etc. that Jesus talked about and exemplified.

We had a good time expounding on this idea this past Friday evening. Any new thoughts over the weekend? Add them below.

Also, be sure to indicate your our preference of topic for this Friday night. Anyone interested in leading out our discussion?

Rhythm

2007-08-02T11:31:00.001-04:00

This Friday evening, we'll be conversing about what it means to have a relationship with God. What does this mean anyway? What does it look like? For a lot of us it’s a hard thing to fully understand. If God is an infinite spirit with no shape or form, how can we possibly relate to that?

The title of the clip that will watch to get our discussion started is entitled "Rhythm."

For a preview, click here.

See you soon!

Blindness

2007-07-29T19:53:00.000-04:00

A big thanks to Steven Manoukian, who lead us in a very thought provoking study of the story of blind Bartimeus found in Mark. I had never studied this story before in comparison to the request of the disciples.

As we discussed, Jesus asked both his disciples and Bartimeus the question, "What do you want me to do for you." The disciple asked for power and glory; Bartimeus asked for his sight. He asked for healing--"Have mercy on me."

While we were discussing the text, the thought struck me that Bartimeus' request was ultimately a spiritual one. In the Hebrew mind, physical infirmities were closely related to spiritual ones. (This is why in another story, Jesus tells a person that is healed that his sins are forgiven.) By asking Jesus to restore his physical vision, Bartimeus was asking for spiritual healing has well.

So we have a stark contrast...The disciples think they deserve power and prestige; they are blinded by their own ambition and pride. Bartimeus pleads for mercy and healing; he sees his true spiritual state.

Take home message for me: My greatest need is spiritual; I need God to heal me. If I do not realize this, I am blind!

What about you? What did you think/learn? Any new thoughts come to mind as you reflect on this story?

To See or Be Seen

2007-07-26T10:47:00.000-04:00

This Friday evening, we will be taking a break from our discussions of the NOOMA videos; we welcome Steven Manoukian to Portico. Steven has served as a pastor in the Middle East, his most recent ministry being based in Beirut, Lebanon.

Steven will lead us in a Bible study/discussion of blind Bartimeus found in Mark 10:32-52. Come see what the blind man saw...and others missed.

See you at 7:30pm!

Rich?

2007-07-22T12:41:00.000-04:00

This past Friday, we watched and discussed Bell's video "Rich", in which he claims:

1. We, just by the fact that we live in the US and compared to the rest of the world, are rich.
2. Followers of Christ are commanded to be generous, as God has been generous with us.
3. We should be generous people--time, money, love, etc.

What did you think? Do you consider yourself rich? Are you a generous person?

How can individual, "rich" Christians get involved in making a difference in our world?

Below is the news clip I was telling you about. It is a brief interview of an Adventist pastor in Los Angeles who is active in advocating for tenant rights in his community. Would love to hear what you think!

Hike @ Rockefeller State Park Preserve

2007-07-22T11:41:00.001-04:00

Five of us cruised away from the concrete jungle of New York this past Saturday for an afternoon of hiking and hanging out--the wild raspberries, the deer, the ducks, and the perfect weather were all pleasant surprise bonuses!

A big thanks to Peter for providing the idea, organization, and the transportation to a wonderful Sabbath afternoon getaway.

Here are a few shots from the park.

For more pictures, or higher resolution files of these pictures, click here.

Another take on "Bullhorn"

2007-07-17T09:25:00.001-04:00

For an interesting take/"spoof" on Bell's "Bullhorn", take a look at the following clips:

I found them and an interesting commentary/discussion at the following blog:

http://reinventingsdawheel.blogspot.com/

Who's right? Bell or Friel (guy in this video)? Can't wait to hear what you think!

The results are in!

2007-07-16T10:34:00.000-04:00

The people have spoken. =) Here are the results (in order of popularity):

1. "Noise" (8)
2. "Luggage" (7)
3. "Breathe" (7)
4. "Rhythm" (6)
5. "Trees" (6)
6. "You" (6)
7. ??? (There was a five way tie here between "Rain", "Flame", "Store", "Rich", and "Lump" with 4 votes each. We will have to make a decision about this next week. Feel free to make a case for your favorite below. Cast your vote here using the feature on the right hand column.)

To see what we've gotten ourselves into, visit http://www.nooma.com/ to preview clips and topics.

See you Friday. Any preference on which topic to discuss?

Bullhorn

2007-07-15T12:41:00.001-04:00

This past Friday evening we considered two main questions about sharing our faith. Two crucial questions were raised:

1. What precisely is the message we are supposed to share? (Is it positive or negative?)
2. What is the most effective way of sharing it?

As you know, vigorous discussion ensued and I won't attempt repeat them here. Any new thoughts on the matter?

The conversations continue...

2007-07-15T12:29:00.000-04:00

Hello friends! It was good to gather once again with you last Friday evening. The conversation was wonderful and I hope the things we've talked about the past couple weeks are only the beginning of the many more good things that will follow this summer.

We will continue to gather at 7:30pm every Friday evening this summer at Advent Hope. But our interaction doesn't have to be limited to just then. Here is an attempt to keep the dialog going.

What do you think of blogging together? Each week, one of us can post on the topic from the previous gathering, and we can comment on it.

This will also be a great way to keep each other informed about what is happening each week at vespers.

Sound interesting to you? Let me know by commenting below. =)

~Zane

Oh, and I'll try to have the results of our "poll" on topics for our gatherings posted tomorrow.