myopic pilgrim

Go to any city of significant size and you can easily find the shops and restaurants you already know and love. I know and love them too. I’m wearing an Old Navy sweatshirt right now and typing at a desk I bought at Target. If I’m away from home and in the mood for Italian food, you can bet I’m asking if there’s an Olive Garden or Macaroni Grill nearby. And chances are there will be one nearby. It may not be authentic, but it’s delicious and it’s right next to Gap.

And let me just say this: Starbucks.

We All Sing the Same Songs

Our cities are becoming more and more the similar across. The homogenization of America isn’t a bad thing except for shaving off the personality of your city. Regional flavor is getting diluted. Do you ever feel like that in church? I’m a worship leader, so I’m thinking of that in particular.

I can go to a church in another state and be pretty confident I’ll know most of the songs. Which is great because it means I can join in on my first day without being distracted by my lack of familiarity. The downside is the same as thinking of Red Robin instead of that little hole-in-the-wall when I want a hamburger. I’ll get a perfectly fine burger, but I won’t get that vibe and flavor that I can’t get anywhere else. Read the rest of this entry »

I know, I know. I don’t blog much about my church. Do I even have a link to my church on my blog? Have I ever even dared write the name: Coram Deo? I don’t know why I don’t write about it. I’m proud to be a part of the church. I’m pleased we set out to do a few things and after a year (the length of my involvement) we’re still doing them.

Dave has been keeping up a wonderful map of different places Coram Deo has a served. There are photos and some descriptions. You should go check it out.

But here’s what I wanted to write about. I met with a couple of young gals who have a desire to serve the homeless population in our city. We didn’t know how exactly. But we agreed it should be done in the context of long-term relationships. After talking with them and hearing their heart and seeing that they were willing to do more than just dream, my place in this church is confirmed again.

I want to be with the elect who know they were saved, not just for privilege, but for works He has prepared beforehand for us to do. I want to be with the ones who are worried about more than just managing their sin, but are zealous for good works.

I’m at Coram Deo because of the people like the ones I talked with today. I’m more than just a song leader. I’m a part of congregation that spurs one another on to good deeds.

This has to be right up Dave’s alley.

It’s a post that shows the Botafumeiro, a large thurible (very large), being swung. It’s so large people in the front row duck. It’s so large eight men have the job of swinging it. It’s so large it affects the tides.

What would happen if it hit someone? Chris works it out with some pen and paper.

Dave has been tracking where our church has served in Reno on a Google map. He’s recently added some extra features like photos and what not. It’s encouraging to see evidence that we as followers of Jesus are serving our city.
Here’s the map of where Coram Deo has served in Reno.