October 11th Update

I can't believe tomorrow is already October 1st! Okay, so I found the Village Coffee House in Tijeras Village. Very cute, very artsy-fartsy, and could easily have room for us IF it's not crowded. They have a "few" tables. The down-side: They don't serve food other than danishes and muffins. The other option, thanks to a wonderful suggestion by our brother Chris, is for us to meet up at Sandia Crest. Yes, the top of the mountain. Can you say "Maria Von Trapp?" There is a little eatery connected to the gift shop up there, but I don't really remember exactly what they have or if they have any decent breakfast food. Phone calls are in order. Would the group we willing to drive up to the Crest? Meanwhile, I'll look at restaurant alternatives in Cedar Crest. Thanks, Troy

An Inquiring Mind is Inquiring

Especially to all those who were able
to make last Tuesday's gathering,

As I was not able to be with you on this last Tuesday I was wondering about some of the subject matter you discussed. Perhaps you might care to elaborate a little, particularly if there was something of real interest to you.

Thanks,

Chris.

Worship Space - Church Buliding

To fellow group members:

My church, Trinity, has a beautiful worship space from the 1950s. So many people come in and say, "This is how a church should look," and it's an instant sell for anyone who wants to get married here.

Yet we're also finding the size and scope of the building difficult and expensive to maintain, heat, and care for. So I'm starting to dream about different spaces for and ways of doing worship.

I invite you to dream with me and reply what your ideal worship space would be. In a formal sanctuary? A storefront on Central? Someone's home? A theater? A restaurant? A gym/multipurpose room? Wherever Christians gather? Let me know!

September Emergent ABQ Gathering

I was trying to hook up something special this month, but it is taking a bit too long to get it together. Instead of continuing to put it off, let's just get together next Tuesday September 23rd at Kelly's on Central starting at around 5 on the patio. We will just get together and visit, so be thinking about topics you want to discuss and maybe we can do something more active next month. Bring those ideas as well. I'm looking forward to seeing you and meeting some new people. If you know anyone that might be interested, invite them! Have a great week! Oh, and by the way, my band Next 2 the Tracks is playing at Rally's on Central and 4th st. this Saturday night. It will probably be pretty late like 10:30 or 11 pm so I understand if you can't come, but I thought I'd put it out there, just in case.

The United Methodist Portal

My first Emergent Cohort blog. Yeah!

I haven't met any of you yet, but looking forward to meeting everyone at the next Cohort gathering.

I wanted to add some food for thought to the blog, so here goes. I was reading The Reporter yesterday and this article caught my attention right away. Especially interesting was the section under the question, Why does emergent theology make some Christians nervous?

The United Methodist Portal

Blessed day to you all,

Kyle Nix

Brand new

Hello all!
It was great to meet all of you. I am brand new at this blog business but I feel really excited by all the brand new things God is bringing into my life. What was "out of the box" before Tuesday is definitely not out there now. I look forward to getting to know all of you better. It's risky to bring new ideas into the world. I always think that what I think is profound won't be new to anyone else. Can't believe that at 45, I'm still looking at the world with wide-eyed wonder but wouldn't have it any other way. Thanks for having me in the group, Alli.

A Rendition of God's Story for Humanity

I wanted to share with all of you a rendering of what God may be up to in terms of what His Good News is. In sharing this, I don't intend for this to supplant anyone's personal understanding of the Gospel, but to give cause to reflect upon and, perhaps, supplement that present understanding. I am anxious to gain access to your thoughts on the subject

Quoted from Richard Vincent's book Hide and Seek:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth in order to provide an environment where we might dwell in His divine Presence. Tragically, humankind has turned from God's will through sin and hides in the shadows. Instead of abandoning humanity to their sin, God's Presence has uniquely entered into the world in the Person of Jesus Christ. Unlike Adam, Jesus fully lived in the Presence of God. He did more than lift His finger (symbolizing humanity's initial lack of desire to respond to God properly), He gave His life! By doing so Jesus has borne the curse of sin and reversed its brutal and dehumanizing consequences. He has pulled humankind from its vain attempts to hide from God in the shadow of sin and shame. Jesus has made it possible for God's story to end with the complete renewal of all things, a renewal that culminates with all people living together in love before Him.