myopic pilgrim

When I started this I wanted it to be more than just me and interesting things I find on the web or happenings in my life. I wanted to talk theology and practice. And I surely wanted to talk about worship in all its forms. But I think I relegated that to the now-defunct Nexus blog. Nexus just never took off for leaders of young adult groups (I use that distinction loosely because I know some of these groups are exclusively for college students and other groups have folks that neither young nor an adult).

So more about worship practices and ideas and things I’m doing in my own congregation and things I’d like to do, but probably never will. It’s the beginning of a new age around here. A time where I’ll actually put something out there instead of just taking from Pat, Greg, and Jonny Baker and others.

There are still people we know who don’t know my wife had a miscarriage last September. I thought we covered everyone, but I found myself on the phone the other day starting to recount—well, everything from the painting the baby room to months that followed. We got cut off and so I didn’t really get that further than “we found out she was pregnant.” I emailed her, but instead of writing about it I directed her to this blog where I chronicled some of the events. And so I re-read many of those past entries.

It’s good to see I’ve made progress in the grieving process. Only occasionally am I aware of an ache because of something I see or hear. On the otherhand, I’ve already made plans to not be at church on Mother’s Day. I think Susan and I will just escape for that.

Is it a coincidence this conversation happens when the due date draws near?

Jesus of the flesh. Jesus of the eyes and tongue. Jesus of the hair and toenails. Do you sometimes weep for us? I know you do. I know you weep with us.

I woke yesterday morning and lay in bed thinking how our church could sponsor an art show that included people from other churches and the folks in the community that weren’t part of a chuch. How would we handle images that may not reflect the general evangelical opinion? Do we have the power to censor? Should we?

I really don’t want to invite folks from the Riverside Artist Loft to participate and then tell them what they can’t do. We’re glad to have you. But remember, Jesus private parts are in fact private, Paul’s holy kiss should not include tongue kissing other apostles, and Jesus should not be seen sitting triumphantly on a throne made of the corpses of abortion doctors. The show does need to be limited by a theme, I think—Resurrection, Christ vs. Christianity, Rebirth, etc. But can this be a dialogue between different sorts of people? Can it be a bridge between followers of Jesus and those who just vaguely respect him.
It was at this point I realized that a local church couldn’t sponsor it.

Has anyone else done something like this already? I’ve heard of these folks from Seattle, Benji and Abbi starting what they call a “community living room” called On The House. It’s just community space for concerts, CD releases, and yes, art shows. I’m excited about what they’re doing.

Any more stories out there?

I went to see Harry Connick, Jr. for the first time in my life last Friday night with my wife. Some of my friends didn’t know who Harry was, so I rattled off a few movies he’s been in. Which is just nuts because he’s a musician and composer.

I had the best time. Harry is one half of the reason I play the piano, so this for me was a like a homecoming or a pilgrimage to Mecca. I adore and respect this man to the point I was feeling a little gay about the giddy joy I felt because of him. And by that I mean, I felt a bit uncomfortable about the feelings I had. The feelings weren’t sexual, just an effusive admiration.

It got me thinking how lucky women were in that. They are able to express their feelings for another of their gender without fear that people will read into it more than what’s there. In Slovakia, I saw two high school girls walking with arms linked and I was jealous they were able to manifest their kinship so plainly.

…and it snuck up on me. I had grand plans for Lent this year, perhaps even involving my local church or a small subset thereof. But I have let myself get busy and distracted, by good things even. I’m preparing for our Easter extravaganza. I’m recording some new stuff with old friends. I’ve been to my very first church conference.

The fact I’ve let Ash Wednesday surprise me reminds me what Lent is for. I plan to spend the next 40 days (not including Sunday) preparing myself for Easter. For me this means, consecrating myself, carving out time for silence and meditation and prayer. And for me, it does mean fasting, though I have to decide how to fast. For now, I’m heading over to Lent Blog sponsored by Grace of Jonny Baker fame.