Class Pics

My Spirituality of Ministry Class is almost over. It has been a great experience in so many ways. I'll try to provide a reflective summary during the next week. Until then, here are a few favorite images from the class.

Class Picture



















A day in class

















The Mater Dolorosa Passionist Retreat Center



















This has been a great time for prayer, study and meditation



















Our class enjoyed some great times of story-sharing and laughter




















Our three teachers: Keith Matthews, Dallas Willard, and Jan Johnson

Michaela's Graduation

Today, I took a brief recess from my "Spirituality of Ministry" class to celebrate Michaela's graduation from Brookside Elementary School. We both had bittersweet feelings about the end of our family's time at this wonderful school. I am so thankful for the many wonderful teachers our girls have had and for the ways in which their lives have been blessed by them beyond the lessons learned in the classroom.

As Dad, I can hardly believe that all our girls are now "youth group age," which means we're saying farewell to children's ministry (sniffle). I feel the same sort of gratitude for Penny White's leadership of this ministry area and for so many who have generously and graciously loved on our girls, teaching and modeling the Christian faith for them.

We're proud of our graduate!

Spirituality Class Update

After six days of class, I am up to 29 pages (front and back) of class notes. This is in addition to some 170 pages of notes provided in our class binder. Suffice it to say, there's a lot I'm chewing on. Here is a grab-bag of some favorite quotes from class thus far; I've tried to sort them by topics.

On our human will
* Don't tell God "I can't" when what you really mean is "I won't."
* How can someone be responsible if they are not given space to do so? [a great insight into why God gives us free-will and how we can approach parenting]
* God will not, as a rule, compete for your attention. [which is why we typically have to get quiet in order to hear God]

On the Church
* Alchoholics Anonymous developed because churches weren't welcoming drunks.
* Does the gospel I preach produce disciples or religious consumers?
* The main problem with organized religion today is that it's distracted [focused on secondary things]
* There must be more to Christianity than "keep them coming" on Sundays.
* Legalism is a form of superstition. [Like, say, a lucky rabbit's foot that provides the illusion of control.]
* God gives us gifts in order to bless others, not in order to prove anything about us.

On the spiritual disciplines
* The spiritual disciplines are not righteousness but wisdom. [They don't make you right with God; they empower you to become the person God wants you to become.]
* Often we theologize ourselves out of prayer (perhaps in trying to protect God from "failure").
* Jesus took naps.
* In solitude, we learn that we are not alone.
* Listening is one of the greatest gifts we can give (and can often be the greatest witness to our faith).
* How easily do I buy into the assumption: "if you're not busy, you're not important."

One to grow on
* May you come to see that Jesus has faith in you.

Dallas and Jane Willard

A Great Weekend!

This past weekend (June 13-15) was wonderful in many respects. It began at noon on Friday with a 24-hour silent retreat for my "Spirituality of Ministry" class. I spent my time reading and memorizing scripture; watching a long, lingering sunset as the lights of LA "came on" in the valley below; taking a long, meditative walk in the gorgeous gardens on the grounds; worshipping God in silent praise and adoration; and praying/journaling my thoughts and prayers to the Lord. That time was a wonderful time to get centered and I am grateful for all who made it possible (thank you)!

Saturday afternoon, I went home and enjoyed time with my family, including being in the car for the first time while Jenna drove! (She did a good job, though Michaela donned a bike helmet to needle her sister.)

Sunday was about as perfect of a day as I can remember:
* Got up early and went for a run; soaked in the first sunlight I've seen since coming back from Israel.
* Attended the Simi Valley Church of Christ for early service, then went to Cornerstone Community church for late service.
* Met my family and some friends for lunch at Sharkeys.
* Worked with Carrie to plan our upcoming trip to the East Coast.
* Went to my friend's home in El Segundo to watch the Lakers win the NBA Championship!
How can you beat that?!

With my friend Daniel Joliff at the Simi Church




















Cornerstone Church in Simi Valley




















With Mark Manassee and Scott Lambert Following the Great Laker Victory!

Ministry Class Update

It has been an excellent week in the "Spirituality of Ministry" class that I'm taking through Fuller Seminary. There are about 25 students from four countries, 13 states and about 18 denominations present. Several of them are on sabbatical as I am. Our class sessions typically go from 8:30 to noon, 1 p.m. to 3:30, and 7 - 9 p.m. This evening, Christian author Jan Johnson came and talked about scripture meditation and led us through an exercise in Ignatian prayer -- very rich and meaningful!

Jan Johnson (center) and some fellow students



















We are sharing breakfast, lunch and dinner at the retreat center each day and are enjoying many conversations, not to mention some great meals! Our class camaraderie is growing each day; tonight (Thursday), several of us who went to catch the Laker game and some dinner.

Did I mention the Lakers won?



















I think I forgot to mention that the class is taking place at the Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre. The center is located at the very base of the San Gabriel Mountains and is literally the last property before the mountain wilderness area begins. The center has several beautiful gardens, a lovely chapel, and is adjacent to a variety of trail heads that lead into the mountains (yes, I have enjoyed running on them!)

The Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center (from the mountain trail)


















Self Portrait above the Retreat Center (It was quite a jog to get to this view)



















My Attempt at an Artsy Picture

Spirituality of Ministry Class

On Sunday night, I began my next big sabbatical adventure: a two week class at Fuller Seminary called the "Spirituality of Ministry." The class is taught by Dallas Willard and Keith Matthews; there are about 25 doctor of ministry students in the class. I'm enjoying taking the class as a auditor! I have met at least four others who are also taking this class during a sabbatical season in their ministries.

Dallas Willard is a philosophy professor at USC and a long-time author on Christian Spirituality themes. My favorite of his books is "The Divine Conspiracy," which is his study of the Sermon on the Mount. Some of our in-class assignments include:
* Getting 10 hours of sleep for the first 3 nights
* Read Matthew 5-7 & 2 Corinthians 2-6 daily
* Memorize Colossians 3:1-17

Some favorite quotes so far:
* "The saint burns more grace than the sinner." [We all live by God's grace and are utterly dependent upon it]
* "Thank God you don't have to be right about everything."
* "People will forget everything you say but they will remember who you are."
* "What passes for fellowship in many churches is actually carefully calibrated distance."
* "Grace receives people."
* "If you want to get to heaven, go now! Why wait?" [God's kingdom reign is presently available to all, though there are some rival kingdoms still about vying for power.]
* "The gospel is about life, not just sin."
* "The kingdom Jesus brought is one that does not rest on the ability to kill but the ability to give life."

With professor Dallas Willard

















With members of the class

The Weekend

I enjoyed being "home" this weekend. I got to take Jessica to a volleyball tournament.

Our volleyball player...






















... and her team!

















I also paid a visit on Sunday to the Hilltop Church of Christ in El Segundo where two life-long friends serve as ministers.

With Jon Reed and Scott Lambert