Becky and I took some time to write a psalm last week in the middle of the city. The following is the one I wrote.
Oh God,
You are more beautiful than Preston Hall
a pillar taller than the old Sears Tower
more awesome than Pritzer Pavilion
and as fun and familiar as Crown Fountain
You can be witnessed in the streams of Humboldt Park
and in the streets of Austin
You are as colorful as the diverseness of Rogers Park
and as full of history as Bronzeville, Bridgeport, and Pullman
You are in the midst of this city, my city. I see you here.
In the people I see you - Michelle, Brenda, Mattie, Nadia, Annie
I see you in the work of many non-profits
I see you in the very being of this city -
you show up on the 82 bus,
where you stand up against injustice and sit with weary
You bring the city together with sports, music and the utter pride of being a part of this city.
You provide the big shoulders on which we can rest and be propelled to get back to work...against violence, racism, and misunderstanding
You sit and play in the neighborhoods and call us to attend to what is good and right.
You are in this city, my city, and more importantly your city.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Upcoming Open House
DOOR Chicago is having an open house on
June 19
4:00- 6:00 pm
First Church of the Brethren
Come and See what we are all about, hear the stories, meet the staff!
June 19
4:00- 6:00 pm
First Church of the Brethren
Come and See what we are all about, hear the stories, meet the staff!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Another Peace and Justice walk
Friday, Becky and I took another walk for justice. The assignment was "Take pictures that somehow represent the presence or the absence of peace and justice."
Here are some of my photos from that walk..
"Urban Web" - such a diverse concept, and yet we are gracefully stuck together.
This Canadian Goose struck me funny as a peaceful image. This goose decided to make her nest on the green roof at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, on a walking path on the green roof. Therefore, the Museum had posted a sign that people may not want to walk on the path when the goose was present due to territory issues around nesting. I found this funny and yet maybe one definition of peace. Geese tend to be mean, and yet, the nature museum didn't disturb the nest but rather decided that we needed to be present with this new life.
I have a special place in my heart for this church. This was one of the first service sites DOOR Chicago partnered with in 2001. They have a small bag lunch program for anyone who comes on Tuesdays. I believe that is a good example of a church doing what it can and to be a part of the solution...being called to do something and following through. However, this picture turned out to show a church that is working for peace and justice in the world with a tow zone sign in it. Injustice is right in front of us, and yes, we can ignore it by going around into our safe places - but it is important to look at it and confront it!
Here are some of my photos from that walk..
"Urban Web" - such a diverse concept, and yet we are gracefully stuck together.
This Canadian Goose struck me funny as a peaceful image. This goose decided to make her nest on the green roof at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, on a walking path on the green roof. Therefore, the Museum had posted a sign that people may not want to walk on the path when the goose was present due to territory issues around nesting. I found this funny and yet maybe one definition of peace. Geese tend to be mean, and yet, the nature museum didn't disturb the nest but rather decided that we needed to be present with this new life.
I have a special place in my heart for this church. This was one of the first service sites DOOR Chicago partnered with in 2001. They have a small bag lunch program for anyone who comes on Tuesdays. I believe that is a good example of a church doing what it can and to be a part of the solution...being called to do something and following through. However, this picture turned out to show a church that is working for peace and justice in the world with a tow zone sign in it. Injustice is right in front of us, and yes, we can ignore it by going around into our safe places - but it is important to look at it and confront it!
Monday, April 5, 2010
Linking new traditions
Stations of the Cross. Good Friday. What does it mean today?
I love a good tradition. I also love when a tradition causes me to learn about news ways to act on my faith. The 8th Day Center for Justice’s annual Good Friday Walk for Justice calls my attention each year to the suffering that folks are enduring in our world. Using the model of the stations of the cross, linking this walk to that Jesus took in Jerusalem and current injustice in the world helps me understand both better. Becky and I joined about 400 others in downtown Chicago for this walk.
May we all learn ways to celebrate and also fight injustice in this Eastertide.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Semester 2010
I learn so much when I teach.
Becky and I were finishing a week focusing on “Church in the City” when we worshipped in four different congregations over Palm Sunday weekend. I had planned these field trips, so I thought I wouldn’t be effected. I was wrong.
The four congregations allowed me to worship in new and different ways, and also allowed me to think through why I attend church where I do. Four questions came almost immediately after the weekend.
What is the line between worshipping the Holy God of the Universe and worshipping the God who walks along side us in the journey?
What is the line between being a church that hosts guests well and making sure those who are not guests have a vibrant life in Christ?
What is the line between community minded worship and community minded living?
What is the line between stereotypical behavior and being true to yourself as a congregation despite the stereotypes?
Not only does being a teacher allow me to reflect on experiences that I have with my class, it is also giving me the permission to go on these spiritual field trips. Thanks Becky for helping me learn.
Becky and I were finishing a week focusing on “Church in the City” when we worshipped in four different congregations over Palm Sunday weekend. I had planned these field trips, so I thought I wouldn’t be effected. I was wrong.
The four congregations allowed me to worship in new and different ways, and also allowed me to think through why I attend church where I do. Four questions came almost immediately after the weekend.
What is the line between worshipping the Holy God of the Universe and worshipping the God who walks along side us in the journey?
What is the line between being a church that hosts guests well and making sure those who are not guests have a vibrant life in Christ?
What is the line between community minded worship and community minded living?
What is the line between stereotypical behavior and being true to yourself as a congregation despite the stereotypes?
Not only does being a teacher allow me to reflect on experiences that I have with my class, it is also giving me the permission to go on these spiritual field trips. Thanks Becky for helping me learn.
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