On The Table
The Weekly Announcement of Common Table ChurchWednesday, February 6, 2008
February 4 through 10
Dear Friends:
As Lent begins today and we remember afresh our frailty and sinfulness, we look forward to the Sundays to come and their new theme. For the next few weeks, we'll be engaging in repentance and reconsideration of ourselves and our lives by taking a fresh look at Jesus. But we won't do this by exploring some innovative idea, or revealing some new theological or historical insight. Instead, we'll do it by looking in plain sight; by exposing ourselves to the very familiar teachings of Jesus. Each week, we'll look at some of his words which for 2000 years have been venerated but often not deeply considered. By reminding ourselves of how much we don't understand about Jesus, and the many ways we neglect to follow his teachings, we hope to embody the penitential season ahead. And, at the same time, we want to gather together in mutual encouragement, to remind ourselves of Jesus' great patience, acceptance and love for everyone, even and especially those who don't 'get it'.
And the embodiment doesn't stop when our meeting is over, oh no! A couple of years ago, The Great Maggie (who is currently CEO of CT's satellite office in suburban Detroit) suggested an idea that stuck: to honor the traditional call of Lent by sacrificing our beloved post-church Chipotle. As in the last couple of years, we'll instead be gathering at the home of one of our members to share some very simple (which is to say, very, very cheap!) food each week. If you're visiting with us, we'd be happy to add you to the caravan, or to give you a ride!
Hope to see you this Sunday, starting at 10am at Jammin' Java.
Mike Stavlund
As Lent begins today and we remember afresh our frailty and sinfulness, we look forward to the Sundays to come and their new theme. For the next few weeks, we'll be engaging in repentance and reconsideration of ourselves and our lives by taking a fresh look at Jesus. But we won't do this by exploring some innovative idea, or revealing some new theological or historical insight. Instead, we'll do it by looking in plain sight; by exposing ourselves to the very familiar teachings of Jesus. Each week, we'll look at some of his words which for 2000 years have been venerated but often not deeply considered. By reminding ourselves of how much we don't understand about Jesus, and the many ways we neglect to follow his teachings, we hope to embody the penitential season ahead. And, at the same time, we want to gather together in mutual encouragement, to remind ourselves of Jesus' great patience, acceptance and love for everyone, even and especially those who don't 'get it'.
And the embodiment doesn't stop when our meeting is over, oh no! A couple of years ago, The Great Maggie (who is currently CEO of CT's satellite office in suburban Detroit) suggested an idea that stuck: to honor the traditional call of Lent by sacrificing our beloved post-church Chipotle. As in the last couple of years, we'll instead be gathering at the home of one of our members to share some very simple (which is to say, very, very cheap!) food each week. If you're visiting with us, we'd be happy to add you to the caravan, or to give you a ride!
Hope to see you this Sunday, starting at 10am at Jammin' Java.
Mike Stavlund
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
November 12 through 18
Dear Church--
Once again, in our semi-regular way, we're going off the grid over the next couple of weeks, to keep our life together non-routinized, and to focus on relationships within our body and service to our neighbor.
This weekend, November 16-18, we'll be away at our annual retreat, and so not meeting at Jammin' Java. But we won't be far, so if you're in the area, please stop by Algonkian Park in Sterling, VA to hang out in one of the cottages. We'll be there from Friday evening until 11am on Sunday, eating and walking and sleeping and staring at the Potomac and doing life together. It'd be great to have you join us.
Due to the upcoming holiday weekend, we've moved up our regular service-worship project to this Friday night, when we'll be assembling some yummy Thanksgiving food baskets (thoughtfully delivered in multi-functional laundry baskets!) for some local families. We may also make a couple of extra pies for our own consumption (call it quality control!).
Tonight (Wednesday the 14th), a bunch of us will be gathering at The Lamb Center, a daytime gathering point for the homeless and those in transition. Martha and Jay are rallying folks to bring a fun night of Karaoke for our friends there between 6:30 and 8pm, and your voice is needed! Plenty of parking is available at the Asian market a couple of doors down, or across the street at The Home Depot. It's the next best thing to American Idol, and you just might spot Jesus there.
Okay, I need to get back to serenading my daughter with my set list for tonight, and with excitedly plotting our menu for a couple of meals this weekend. Hope you're doing the same...
Mike Stavlund
Once again, in our semi-regular way, we're going off the grid over the next couple of weeks, to keep our life together non-routinized, and to focus on relationships within our body and service to our neighbor.
This weekend, November 16-18, we'll be away at our annual retreat, and so not meeting at Jammin' Java. But we won't be far, so if you're in the area, please stop by Algonkian Park in Sterling, VA to hang out in one of the cottages. We'll be there from Friday evening until 11am on Sunday, eating and walking and sleeping and staring at the Potomac and doing life together. It'd be great to have you join us.
Due to the upcoming holiday weekend, we've moved up our regular service-worship project to this Friday night, when we'll be assembling some yummy Thanksgiving food baskets (thoughtfully delivered in multi-functional laundry baskets!) for some local families. We may also make a couple of extra pies for our own consumption (call it quality control!).
Tonight (Wednesday the 14th), a bunch of us will be gathering at The Lamb Center, a daytime gathering point for the homeless and those in transition. Martha and Jay are rallying folks to bring a fun night of Karaoke for our friends there between 6:30 and 8pm, and your voice is needed! Plenty of parking is available at the Asian market a couple of doors down, or across the street at The Home Depot. It's the next best thing to American Idol, and you just might spot Jesus there.
Okay, I need to get back to serenading my daughter with my set list for tonight, and with excitedly plotting our menu for a couple of meals this weekend. Hope you're doing the same...
Mike Stavlund
Labels: Jesus, lamb center, retreat, service-worship
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