huntersfullerexperience

Thursday...

2010-06-24T18:53:00.000-07:00

Well today was bitter sweet - we are finished. three years of classes done. 7 of us began a journey together and have been walking side by side for three years - from this point we go it alone.

We had an incredible time of prayer together - my request? More love. Simple I know, but this is what we are commanded to do - love one another and that is my hope. More love for Grace and the kids, more love for Zion, and more love for Jesus. May that Christ will expand my heart and help me to stand in love with all I meet.

Good times - what will I do with the blog? that is a question for tomorrow. As for now - got to clean up my stuff and get ready for a day of travel and the joy of squeezing my kids and Grace.

Thanks for keeping up with my journey - you are a big part of it.

Tuesday...

2010-06-23T18:41:00.000-07:00

Had a wonderful two hour retreat time today. Spent a lot of time thinking and praying about Zion and my family. One aspect is my idea for my final project. That would be working at developing a greater sense of connection with God through service.

Lets face it we are mennonites and we are great at doing. But why do we do? Why does someone serve at the table of plenty? Do we think about our connection to God as we work at building the kingdom that Jesus himself laid the foundation for? Do we ever think about the deep connection that we create with our Jesus as we serve with him? There are some ideas brewing - one thought was to have the board paint my house:) But the paint still looks great - maybe we will have to spend some time at the MRC center or serving a meal at church.

We should never think of service as that thing that we "should" do because it is the "right thing." We serve because that is what Jesus is doing and we want to be a part of what he is doing. There was more, but I will have plenty of writing to do.

Hunter

Tuesday - Spirituality and health

2010-06-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Today we spent a great deal of time talking about our health.

The day began with some reflections on the Prodigal son - I sense a three part sermon series coming out of that.

As for health - well I am feeling convicted to take a week of vacation with the family this fall - believe it or not I have only taken one week of vacation in 5 years - I usually use my vacation days 1 or 2 at a time to go to lancaster - but the studies are amazing that people who take vacation are far more productive and healthier - but many today fear taking vacation because job situations are tedious and we fear losing jobs - TAKE VACATION! Darn it. It is good for you.

Basically our body and spirit can't be disconnected. Our relationship with God is affected by our overall health and well being. Over work, lack of sleep, poor dietary habits, and lack of exercise all have a bearing on our relationship with God. I personally have been exercising well, but my eating could be much better. The sleep will get better when the kids are older that is just part of life.

What about you? How is your health? When did you last have a physical? Take vacation?

Better internet!

2010-06-21T19:46:00.000-07:00

Well we have a great connection at least in my room.

The retreat center is truly one of the most amazing places I have ever been. Today a hummingbird landed on a bush 5 feet away from me - as if I were receiving a date with the Holy Spirit itself.

Today I ran up the quarter mile hill - crazy incline - that got my heart pounding. As I forced my way up the hill, I tried to remember Zion faithful who are struggling with their own mountains to climb - we are not alone.

Finally - our lessons for the day - Sabbath. What keeps you from Sabbath? Landis Supermarkets is now open on Sundays - does anyone really take Sabbath seriously? Maybe we don't understand the intention? Sabbath is about taking time to recharge and spend intentional time with God - this does not have to be some sort of fasting experience. Maybe your sabbath would include resting with family and friends? Maybe it is a walk in the woods? Maybe a round of golf or a nap. Sabbath should be an intentional effort to find joy, peace and Jesus. My sabbath for the last three months has been on my day off with the kids. I intentionally decided to give them the entire day - no Zion stuff, no seminary reading - unless they were napping - and I tried with all my might not to lose my patience with them. this time created a lot of joy and connecting with my kids and the Jesus found in them. Lets keep talking about sabbath - what do you do?

At the retreat center...

2010-06-21T10:14:00.000-07:00

Well we have arrived - it is a bit chilly and overcast, but the retreat center is looking like a wonderful respite from the city life of Pasadena. Hopefully changing pictures soon.

Saturday...

2010-06-19T11:46:00.001-07:00

Walked a little this morning, tried to skype the kids with a bad internet connection and am now in the library. The library out here is amazing - nice place to pray and get a little work done. This afternoon I will be headed to a local garden that is supposed to be very nice - with Lauren and Barret Seitz - you would know Lauren as a Kratz - of Rod and Pat Kratz. Then off to dinner with the newlyweds. When you have spent a week in a far off land on your own, even the third wheel begins to look very palatable.

May tomorrows church service be filled with the Spirit of our living God, fellowship, worship, hope and joy. May that we would all expect to meet the risen Lord and be changed forever.

Ok Staff and leaders...

2010-06-18T10:01:00.001-07:00

or any Zion member for that matter. WHAT IS OUR PHILOSOPHY OF MINISTRY?

This is a question that must be considered and addressed as we consider building. We certainly have one, but are we even aware of what it is. Do we need to reevaluate, and refine?

Lets pray on it - I will be - we can talk about it when I get back. If there is anyone reading this and you want to throw something out there - go for it.

A sweet quote...

2010-06-18T09:02:00.000-07:00

"I am here to reclaim the fact, that Christ did not die in a cathedral between two candles, but on a cross between two thieves. On the town garbage heap. At a crossroad so cosmopolitan, that they had to write His title in Hebrew and in Latin and in Greek. At a time and place where cynics talked smut, and thieves cursed, and soldiers gambled. For that is where He died. And that is what He died about. And that is where church people should be, and what churches should be about."

George McLeod

I digress...

2010-06-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

In one blink of an eye the group decided to forego my favorite eating establishment, one with an abundance of vegetables and light options - to my least favorite greasy spoon in all of Pasadena. I am at a cross roads! Do I choose to go it on my own or stand strong with my community. Well considering I often encourage Zion to consider the joy that others find in music that they themselves may not appreciate, I find myself sensing that I must take one for the team in the name of community. I will survive another night of hamburger and french fries - my stomach may groan with protest, my heart will be warmed by the opportunity to share a night with my brother's in Christ.

PostModernity????

2010-06-17T14:10:00.000-07:00

We study eras in history to see what we might learn about who we are and why we do what we do. Our current era is called postmodern. But it is easier to distinguish these eras many years later. In some ways I am feeling a bit muddled about postmodernity and I think that is a place that many others find themselves - trying to make hide nor hair out of the world we live in. I understand that we are a big old group of people with many thoughts and feelings - some good some bad. We all need Jesus and that may indeed be the one thing that ties us all together. One thing about postmodern thinking is that each one of us has different thoughts about seemingly everything and our church is no different - and all of our thoughts or opinions about anything from songs to sermons to prayers are important to the individual - but for us to be a community we need to rally around that one thing - Jesus that we all hold on to.

Many of us struggle with this - we are a group of individuals trying to make it work together - sounds a little like the churches that Paul talked to. Sometimes history simply tells us how little life really changes. And it all boils down to the simple fact that we all bleed red, we all have fears, anxieties, joys, and we all need Jesus!

If that did not make sense, then well that is a sign of my own little bit of confusion around this current era, and I invite you to be a little confused with me - that is ok. We don't need all the answers - we just need Jesus. Praise God he is right by our side!

No Fear in love...

2010-06-17T08:41:00.000-07:00

1John 4:18 But love does not fear, love drives out fear...

What does that mean to you?

Liberalism and Pentecostals

2010-06-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

Our day today has been studying liberal spirituality and pentecostalism. The history does not always grab me, but I have learned that liberal theology has not changed much over the years and one thing is for sure - one persons liberal is another person's conservative. Have terms like this become overused and far to relative? I would always hope to be found somewhere in the middle.

This is a scripture that we spent some time studying:

1John 4:7 ¶ Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.

1John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

1John 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

1John 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.

1John 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

Liberal conservative? Just love one another and live through Christ - it sounds so very easy. How have you expressed Christ's love today?

Pictures...

2010-06-16T08:25:00.000-07:00

Thankfully John - one of the students had a camera USB cord and now I can download a few pics. Thanks for the prayers and well wishes about the paper. I fully realize that I can't do it - but Christ will be with me and by his grace even a 125 page academic paper is possible. Praise be to God.

Please Pray for me...

2010-06-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

AHHHHHHHGGGGGGGG! We just began talking about our final paper - Lord Jesus son of the most high God have mercy on me a sinner!

I need all the help I can get - serenity now! 125-175 pages with an editor and many versions. If I did not think I would be letting people down, I might just curl into a ball and put the whole idea behind me. This aught to be good.

Monday Afternoon...

2010-06-14T16:18:00.001-07:00

We discussed the enlightenment as a time that had an important impact on the church. Basically the enlightenment was a time of philosophy that stated that all things could be improved or figured out through science and reason. There was really no place for a God that wanted to be a part of our lives - not just a part but the center.

We were invited to consider the ways that culture affects our ministry and we were asked to contemplate the question "Who are we being?" And Why? These are deep questions - who am I and what do I show that that by the way I live - or serve a church.

Is God the central figure that guides our lives or is God and Jesus nothing more than one of the important pieces to our life puzzle - our jobs, sports, hobbies, and relationships. Are they on equal level to our pursuit of Christ? Or does Christ organize those things?

Who are you? Who are you being? A follower of Christ? Or a follower of our current culture?

Morning one...

2010-06-14T13:26:00.000-07:00

We spent a great deal of time sharing our own stories. I am reminded that churches have histories just like people do. As we have valleys and mountain top experiences so do churches. Zion has had its share of valleys, but we are headed toward a mountain top - the congregational picnic sunday was definitely a highlight. Lets enjoy it!

We spent a bit of time with Psalm 82. There are verses crying out to God to come and save the lowly and down trodden. I had two thoughts - 1 that is precisely what God does in Jesus, and 2 Jesus is in us. Sometimes I wonder if we spend too much time wondering where God is at and why God is not doing anything about the struggles of the world - what are we doing with God?

I am back...

2010-06-13T15:22:00.001-07:00

Well I arrived with no problems. I am tired and thinking of supper and an early - or late bed time that depends on the side of the country I am on - it will be early here in Cali.

My hopes are to be fully present and enjoy the time that I am here - that means as little pinning over my kids as possible. I can miss them, but I want to live this experience while I am here. I hope to spend a bunch of time in silence as well. It is about hearing God and working at my listening skills.

Tomorrow classes begin - it should be a nice year - interesting stuff - I will clue you in after class.

Too feminine????

2010-06-04T05:33:00.001-07:00

Thought it might be time for a blog make over. One more week and I am headed to Pasadena one more time. Looking forward to it while at the same time regretting the lost time with my family.

Happy to be home!

2009-06-30T05:16:00.000-07:00

At the moment I am reading Anabaptist thinkers to get a grip on the spiritual discipline of Good works that in my opinion give us inside information regarding the most prevalent action of discipleship and spiritual practice of Mennonites.

We love to work for Jesus, but my hope is that we recognize that we are working with Jesus - side by side. As we work with Jesus we can't help but be transformed into his likeness.

Thursday...

2009-06-25T18:54:00.000-07:00

Today we discussed several topics, from final papers, spiritual guides, icons, and discernment. An orthodox priest came to talk about icons - a little strange to me as a mennonite. It would seem that Catholics and Orthodox Christians pray to the Saints like you and I would ask a friend to pray for us. Maybe the saint will have more pull with the big guy! It was interesting to learn, but at this point my Mennonite roots take over and I am left with many questions, not the least of which is - if I can go straight to the top why not?

The section on discernment was helpful - it was also nice to see that we are already practicing the discernment process at Zion. If you have any major decisions and want to call upon the community for help - let me know. Discernment is a community business.

Blessings heading home tomorrow so I won't be posting. Feel free to check in once a week - this year I will try to continue posting as I do my work on papers and such.

Hunter

Prayer

2009-06-24T20:43:00.000-07:00

Today we discussed prayer. There are many ways to pray. We often look at prayer as asking God for the things we need, but prayer can be much more than that. One of our assignments was to meditate on John 15:9 - as the father has loved me so I love you - abide in my love. At times I struggle believing that Jesus loves me, am I lovable? Am I worthy of Christ's sacrifice on the cross? Jesus died for me. He died for you. Jesus loves us. When we think about that do we see God in a different light? I do.

For my paper this year, I will be asking the board to humor me by spending time praying about the ways that they see God moving at Zion and in their lives. This should make for an important assignment. Every since the time that I entered seminary it has been my sense of call to make God more real for people. Maybe that begins with the hope of making God more real for me. It is my feeling that many of us come to church, profess Jesus, and even perform acts of service without having a sense that God is real, loves them and wants to be a bigger part of their life. Hint Hint - me again. If we hope to experience a real God, we simply begin by being more aware - Where have you sighted God today?

ONe and a half more days. I miss my family, and Zion a great deal.

See you soon.

hunter

Day two at the retreat center

2009-06-23T17:37:00.000-07:00

We covered a ton of ground today. Why spiritual disciplines, or practices? We looked at meditation and reflection - took the chance to reflect on the past week, paying attention to those places where God is working in me, those places where I may have missed God moving and we began to consider the plan to follow in the future. What is God working in Hunter you may be asking? Pretty personal - never has that been a problem for me has it.

1. Christ has been calling me to wrestle with what it means to serve others - the kids, Grace, Zion and even the people I meet out here.

2. Along with that I have been trying to be aware of my needs - actually more accurately my perception of needs. What do I REALLY NEED? Often I think that I need stuff that I don't really need at all - a second cookie:) My perceived needs often lead to my attempts to control situations and people to get what I want. What I really want and need is to glorify God - to serve in a healthy way - to be a blessing to others.

3. God has been helping reflect on my relationship with Grace. In what ways do I take her for granted, in what ways could I be more helpful, in what ways do I help her and cherish her. Being apart is helpful in that it often reminds us of what we miss. I can honestly say that I love her more today than when we were married and I expect that love to continue to grow as we journey towards Christ together.

4. I have been realizing how important it is to find time to be alone with Jesus, to experience Christ - in car rides, beautiful places, in friendships, in the sound of my beating heart and the rush of blood after running up a really steep hill, and within me as I work at all of these things.

it has been a great experience so far. I miss Zion, but know that you are in very good hands. The staff is able and Zion is full of competent leaders to deal with sound systems, building dreams, houses, and loving God's children. It will be good to be together again soon.

Hunter

Monday...

2009-06-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

We began the morning wrestling with our image of God. Who is God for us? Two questions for reflection. Do you love the God you believe in? Does the God you believe in actually exist? Think about the question - I am not at a place inviting me to wonder if God exists. We assume that God exists, but does the God that we perceive really exist - is that backed by scripture? Often we create ideas of God that may not be true. "God is angry and mean" could be one way of seeing God that is not very Biblical. Sure God gets angry, but it is an anger of love. The same kind of anger that we have when we watch ones that we love hurt themselves over and over. What are your perceptions - are they true?

This afternoon we discussed Spiritual Disciplines. What are they? Whatever helps you to become aware of / more attentive to God and allow God to work in you. That could include doing laundry. My professor used to do laundry while praying for each person that the clothes belonged to as he folded theirs. Fasting, prayer, study, going to church, singing - spiritual disciplines or practices. We are on this journey - By God's grace we are saved, by Jesus' grace we are able to be in relationship with God, the relationship still demands our full attentiveness and effort.

Take note of some of the pictures of our retreat center - AMAZING!!!

Sunday with Lauren and Barret

2009-06-21T20:10:00.000-07:00

Several months ago Lauren Kratz - the daughter of Rod and Pat, asked me to officiate her wedding to Barret Sites(sp?) They both live in LA, CA. How would we ever do Pre-marital counseling? Then it hit me - Pasadena is close to LA. So today we met, checked out Hollywood, and got to know one another. They are a wonderful young couple - too bad they don't live in Souderton.

It has been a full week - but a very good one.

Hope yours is just as good.

Hunter

Different ways to experiencing God's Joy

2009-06-20T14:53:00.001-07:00

Saturday - I rented a car and headed out to santa monica. Driving up the cost was absolutely gorgeous. God is in the beauty of the earth. Meeting a good friend having lunch together and discussing life was great - God is in and within us!

And Driving your friend's electric sports car - hitting the go peddle and being pulled back in your seat in complete silence. Well I can't really explain that feeling - for me it erupted in child like giggles. Cool. Did God create the car? Not directly, but God did create adrenaline rushes and giggles - God was in the drive. I posted a picture of the car.

thanks again Alex

What we pursue and blindness.

2009-06-18T17:29:00.000-07:00

We had the chance to spend some time meditating on scripture - I chose Matt 20 because Greg is preaching on this sunday. I related deeply to the two blind men in verse 29. To what am I blind?

A quote for the day. We are all seeking after God and trying to avoid pain in our lives. Are we blind to the ways that we pursue both things? Do we pursue what only God can give through wealth, perfection, drugs, and what do we do to avoid pain? Deny, lie, avoid, hurt others? My hope and prayer for me and for you is that we would Cry out to Jesus to lift our blindness and open our hearts to Christ's will for us.

Lord Jesus - we are blinded by our own attempts to provide salvation and to avoid that which may be painful. Open our eyes that we might see you, follow you, find you, and love you. Jesus by your grace empower us to see.

amen

The final project musings...

2009-06-18T06:01:00.000-07:00

As I think of what my final paper/project may involve - my thoughts keep coming back to the same thought. I have always been interested in empowering people to see the reality of God. Is God real for people? It is my calling to help others and myself become more aware of God in their lives. Awareness is the key to that sense of real, at least that is what I am thinking. The project may very well focus on awareness and developing God awareness in our lives. Guess there will be more on that later. time to go for a walk and see if I can allow myself to see God to experience Christ in Pasadena. One place this happens is in the prayer room - picture on the right.

John Calvin

2009-06-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

Communion does not lead to faith, but in faith it can deeply empower our faith and give us strength.

The Lord’s Supper is to “nourish, refresh, strengthen, gladden”

What is communion to you? Is it the recognition that we need Jesus, and the receiving of Jesus by the power of the Holy Spirit as we partake together? Boy I hope so. I need all the Jesus I can get.

Calvin says that we receive Christ in communion and we are enabled to participate with what he is doing and has done. Powerful!

The Anabaptists

2009-06-17T14:45:00.000-07:00

As we wrestle with the Anabaptists, I realize quickly that our Spirituality is most evident in our doing of good works. Feeding the hungry, going to church, praying, building, and giving. That is a legitimate way to pursue Christ and Christ's presence, but have we become so good at doing, that we don't even think about Christ as we do what we do?

When we feed, do we seek Christ in those with whom we feed? While building houses with MDS do we see ourselves working alongside Christ building the kingdom?

Spiritual disciplines are designed to meet Christ, to grow in our faith in Him and in discipleship. Our doing is a spiritual discipline when we look at it as a way to grow in Christ by participating in his work. Next time you are "doing" for God, I invite you to think about why you are doing it, who you are touching, and how you are growing with Jesus!

More Luther...

2009-06-17T08:09:00.000-07:00

Surprisingly it has been nice learning a bit more about Martin Luther. Despite the fact that he was deeply in favor of killing those radical anabaptists, the did have some good thoughts.

He did care about doing good, "works" but his thinking was that good works were not even possible without the grace of God. We often criticize Luther for relying so much on grace that his followers did not have to pursue discipleship. Not true. We should never pass judgment without really getting to know people.

Tuesday morning

2009-06-16T13:43:00.000-07:00

Discussing Luther and Jan Hus - two of the Reformers. They were deeply concerned with the direction of the Catholic church. One issue being the amount of influence and power being given to the pope - only Jesus is the head of the church. Those words got Hus a date with the burning fire pit.

Indulgences were a problem as well. What is an indulgence you ask? Basically for the right amount of donation to the church you could buy a few get out of sin free cards to free one of purgatory obligations for their sins. Luther could not find the pursuit of indulgences in the Bible. It seems that the right donation could buy one just about any kind of forgiveness, or ceremony that you might want. A child born out of wedlock could have that overlooked for the right price. Do we ever think about our tithe as buying our way to heaven or certain entitlements? Just a question that came to my mind. Luther was sure to remind that only Christ and faith in him could make that payment. Thank the Lord for that, especially in this economy:)

On to the afternoon.

The first days lectures.

2009-06-16T07:51:00.000-07:00

Well today’s lecture had a few interesting ideas as we looked into the developments that lead to the reformation. One that struck me was the way that the printing press changed the world in much the same way that the Internet has for our world. For the first time the scripture was made available to everyone. Imagine how we take the Bible for granted – I have at least four different versions myself. And suddenly anyone with their own thoughts or theology could begin to spread it without any controls. Amazing.

Another interesting factoid if you will – people like Martin Luther valued all things ancient over anything new. If the printing press reminds us of our own world, this old is greater than new idea is completely different. If Luther could find ancient writings, they were valued over new thinking, as they were closer to Christ in time frame. In our society – everything is branded as new and improved. What does this say about us older people – I just turned 36 and my daughter would say I am very old. In this computer high tech age, have we valued the new to the our detriment? Have we completely devalued our senior demographic without ever intending too? So much wisdom and untapped potential. But how do we tap into this wealth of knowledge and experience? That might give you something to think about.

Have a great day. Hopefully my pictures will change soon.

Hunter

Working on the internet!

2009-06-15T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well I don't have internet in my room. But I will try to post from the classroom. Not during class of course.

This morning we are looking into the history that encouraged the Reformation.

More later.

Getting Ready

2009-06-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Well I leave again for Pasadena on Sunday and I have a wedding, rehearsal, and a ten page paper to write. Winding down and ready to go.

Wrestling with God

2008-06-26T07:31:00.000-07:00

In our discussions yesterday we spent a great deal of time looking at the early Monastic movement. Have we ever heard of St. Antony? Antony spent twenty years stored up in the wreckage of an old castle - wrestling with all of his demons. He only at bread and water - it is rumored that people heading out to see him often heard strange noises as he battled the demons in his life. Want to see some interesting art - google St. Antony and pictures - the people living in the time of Antony - 300AD and later had serious imaginations.

What does the life of Antony have to say to inform us today? Please don't fear that I will be heading to Potter County for the next 3 years just to work out my demons - though it may be a good idea I think we all could be helped by spending a weekend or a half an hour a day considering our "demons" - our sins, struggles - lust, anxiousness, people pleasing, impatience, materialism, and so on. It seems to me that we work awfully hard to never have to face those nasty little guys - most walkers wear headphones with back ground noise or watch the TV at the gym. If we can fill our lives to the brim every moment - then we never have to look at our faults. Sorry to say if we never explore them, repent from them, and hand them to God we certainly will never chip away at them.

It is best actually to work on that stuff within the community of saints - with a counselor, in a small group, with a pastor, or friend. We are all broken. Christ is calling us to a life of wrestling and healing - trust in Christ and the community to walk with us. WE ARE IN THIS TOGETHER. As a wise man once said - We are all a bunch of bozos on the bus - and we need Jesus to drive us home.

Blessings

Hunter

Wednesday

2008-06-25T07:41:00.000-07:00

Yesterday,

We looked at the lives of early monks and desert fathers/mothers - Why did people in the early days of the church leave society and head to the desert to wrestle with God and their own lives?

Partially the move was facilitated by a culture that was becoming completely Christian yet many felt that the direction of the church was following culture to closely and they yearned for a deeper relationship with God - they also realized that many biblical leaders Jesus and Paul included, went to the desert to prepare for their own ministries. By heading out to the desert lay people were afforded the opportunity to engage God in ways that they could not in the public setting.

Today we will be thinking more deeply about what we can learn from these groups of recluses.

Beyond that things are quiet here - no Tv, no radio - just me, my classmates, God, and nature.

Blessings

I have access

2008-06-24T07:38:00.000-07:00

Access to the internet is available in one room of the retreat center. Therefore I will be blogging still - aren't you lucky.

Two things going through my head - my distinguished and BELOVED professors are now aware of this blog - so I should not tell any of you how hard it was to stay awake yesterday. OOPs. Well I have been relatively honest with my faltering interest in history, yet I am beginning to see the way that is shapes our now.

So yesterday we talked about Gnosticism, Mysticism, and some of the other cultural philosophical stuff that was going on at the time of the early church beginnings.

today we begin looking at the actual practices of those early church leaders - with gnosticism behind us and a good nights sleep today should be a better day. Well, maybe gnosticism is never behind us, but it will not be the focus of the discussions.

Peace to you - look for some pictures of the retreat center - NICE PLACE!!!!!

Packing up my computer

2008-06-22T19:31:00.001-07:00

tomorrow we head to a retreat center. Will I have internet access?

If not see you in a week - if so I will continue to update.

hunter

Sunday Morning Worship

2008-06-22T14:02:00.000-07:00

Well we went to the African American Pasadena Church which is a church of God church. This was certainly a new experience. Again I had some criticisms, but I will say this - many people were moved the music was done well, and the pastors were real - in other words they did not try to be anything that they were not.

There was something very powerful about singing the song "Trading my sorrows" with a group of African American people. What are the sorrows that I have to offer to God compared to their experiences? It was an interesting experience. I am continually reminded that we do not have to worship in the ways that suit me to meet God. Jesus comes in many shapes and forms, songs and people.

Pizza for lunch yum.

Sunday morning reflection and reading

2008-06-22T08:06:00.001-07:00

Here is the thing about reading scripture. As anything if we glance over it without much thought or absorption we are certain to miss the power.

This morning I set out with my Bible and my music toward my "new" special outdoors place - City Hall. (I will post a picture) City hall has the most wonderful courtyard with indigenous trees, roses, a water fountain, and benches. Wow!

I sat and opened my Bible to the Psalms not knowing quite where else to go. Psalm 116 to be exact. I read the text from verse 1 to verse 7 twice. then i considered the words that were jumping out at me. REST, BOUNTIFULLY, AND MERCIFUL.

I read the passage again. Then I began to prayerfully reflect on what those words were saying or meaning to me. When we allow the words to touch our heart we are opening ourselves for change. i can be as our society develops one who is rarely pleased with my position in life. There always seems to be something else out there that I need. A car that gets better gas mileage, Zion with loads of kids, seniors and everything in between all appreciating everyone else' worship preference, the perfect house in the right neighborhood, perfect family without any issues - there is always something to strive toward. In many respects to rest is to fall behind in my book.

SO WHAT ARE THOSE WORDS SAYING TO ME AS I LET THEM TOUCH MY HEART?

The lord Jesus has been incredibly bountiful to me and merciful. I truly have a wonderful and supportive wife who is willing to be a single parent for two weeks so that I can draw nearer to God - she also understands that my growth will be her growth we are a team. the Lord Jesus has blessed me in calling me to an amazing spirit filled congregation. One that reaches out to others, one that enjoys being together, a congregation that is quietly drawing nearer to the heart of Jesus and encourages me to lead in that - WoW! The Lord has bountifully blessed me with Co-pastors in Christ that in a whole weeks time have not called me once - they are confident and capable. THANK YOU SCOTT, BETH, GLENN, JENN, AND INTERN NATE. And they love Jesus and want nothing more than to see the Kingdom of God being built at Zion. I could go on from recognizing a board that cares for me and the congregation, friends that love me for who I am to the fact that I own a car that gets 34 miles per gallon of gas and a very nice house in a sweet neighborhood. The Lord is bountiful and merciful to me.

that is where the rest comes in. In the midst of the bounty - the mercy lies in rest - it is ok to enjoy the bounty we have and be happy. Certainly we want desperately to draw nearer to God, but sometimes that demands nothing more than resting in the bounty that we have.

Life is good and it is a spiritual discipline to realize that.

Hunter

Saturday down

2008-06-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

Well it is hot. I did some reading took a Californian Siesta - went on a long walk in the 105 degree heat - read some more and then ate supper. It has been a day of solitude - not a bad thing thou I wish it had been more intentional - less Phillies.

tomorrow I have two choices for church. An african american church - unfamiliar or Pasadena Mennonite - more familiar. They are across the street from one another and I may be tempted to try both. I could use a little familiar right about now.

I am not sure if I will be able to post messages after tomorrow - monday we move to the Retreat center and they may not have wireless access - though I will try to fill you all in when I get back.

Thanks for your prayers and cares.

Hunter

First Class is in the books

2008-06-20T12:15:00.000-07:00

To finish off the week we spent the morning continuing to consider scripture and teaching methods.

Try this - Find a set of verses - no more than 10, no less than 4. Don't get caught up on number of verses We read John 10:1-10.

Pray for God's illumination.

Read the scripture.

Ask yourself these questions or should I say ask the text:

What does this text say about God?

What does this text say about Humanity?

What is God calling me to be or do in this scripture?

Have fun with that!

Hunter

Not a bad thing to say about those Catholics...

2008-06-20T07:30:00.000-07:00

Well we went to PF Changs for dinner together as a group - well there were 4 of us. We sat down next to grandparents working on culturizing two grandsons. As i sat down Grandma was overheard saying to a grandson - "Look at those men they were little like you once, and I bet they sat like gentlemen when they went to a restaurant." Well i could not help myself but to correct her - I was terrible at restaurants - something about my patience. Well we continued talking - they shared some shrimp with us and in the end picked up the tab for supper. What a nice thing to do. They were catholic, but embraced our journey with joy. It is nice to remember that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ and we all have a great deal to learn from one another.

2008-06-19T17:30:00.001-07:00

Thursday is in the books.

Today we focused on scripture and reading scripture all day. It was a wonderful day. We reflected through a sort of prayer/reading method called Lectio Divina - Divine Reading. The text was from Psalm 27. Christ is indeed our stronghold and our safe place.

Our basic point of education is that the Scriptures - the revelation of God to us is transformational to our lives. By reading scripture in an intentional prayerful manner we allow the scriptures to sink into our minds, our hearts, our souls. That revealing word will change us and transform us toward the example that is Christ.

Tomorrow i have class until 12 - then I am off till monday morning. Lots of time get done more reading and think more deeply about my writing assignment.

Off to dinner - for those that have commented - thank you. it is wonderful to know that you are thinking of and praying with me. I have not had the time to reply and need to figure out how. this weekend may afford a little more time.

blessing in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ

Hunter

2008-06-18T17:19:00.001-07:00

Day three Down.

Heard last night was a bit hard on the kids and Brianna O. who was watching them. Supposedly Aiden continues to ask "Is Daddy at church?"

Today we spent the majority of the day discussing cultural analysis and it does not look pretty. One assignment was to go downtown and observe. Once observations were made we were invited to consider the ways that our culture adjusts or affects our faith. Starbucks the coffee shop showed us a society that loves lots of choices, and wants the perfect cup of coffee. How does our desire for choices and high quality goods influence our hopes for a service on sunday morning.

People came in one by one and bought coffee - all a part of something that is drinking coffee, but they did not talk to one another, brush shoulders, or even say hello. Do we want to come to church for our dose of Jesus with the hopes of not having to be bothered by relationships? These are some of the questions we asked.

Another interesting question was this - "How much should our culture inform or form the way that we share the message of Christ?"

As is the norm - there is not time or space to consider all of the questions we wrestled with, but those are a few.

Our day ended as we began to consider our research paper - Due in November. We are encouraged to begin thinking about the FINAL paper as we write the smaller ones so that we may be able to use research from the smaller ones to help write the big one - 100-200 pages i think. Well right now I am leaning toward writing a paper on the ways that Christian Spiritual practice can be used to develop leadership skills and attributes. So paper - small paper number one is going to focus on using scripture to develop leadership reflection for our church board. They don't even know of the plan yet. I will write more about this later.

For now - Know that Zion and my family are in my thoughts.

Blessings

2008-06-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

Day two in the books. It seems that some of you have tried to comment and are struggling with that - my apologies, but I have no idea how this thing works. It is good to know that many of you are checking in and care deeply about me and the journey that we are on.

What did we do today - We began by looking at Acts 8 the story of Philip and the ethiopian eunuch. Philip guided by the spirit of Jesus Christ helped the eunuch make sense of the Bible. We discussed the difference between being a guide and an explainer. The guide invites involvement from the learner where as the explainer opens the can and fills it with info. I want to be a guide. We looked at our understanding of the Holy Spirit and scripture. the holy Spirit inspired scripture as it was written and illuminates our reading.

When you open the Bible don't be afraid to say a prayer inviting the Spirit to illuminate the word of God for you.

In the afternoon we talked a bit about our culture as it is presented in sitcoms, grocery store magazines, and children's cartoons. This was a little scary. Certainly you will hear more about this in time.

Tomorrow we have a special assignment - it is a secret - look forward to hearing more.

missing all of you

blessings

Hunter

2008-06-16T17:47:00.000-07:00

Ok Day one is down. Our focus for the first day was on opening stuff. To get the juices flowing we discussed the difference between monastic learning and scholastic - one distinction being that scholastic learners believe that we can learn about something without being changed by it. As Christian learners we believe that when we study God and or the scriptures - God's revelation of self we can not avoid being changed. I pray that we are changing - growing as we meet on sundays and meditate on scriptures together.

Our professor then relayed his 12 assumptions that began with the belief that God is always with us. Always and everywhere, that we are created in God's image and that God wants to be in relationship with us - that in fact we yearn for that relationship. I was encouraged to believe that we have heard sermons pertaining to all of those assumptions at some time in the last year or so. Can you hear me patting my back.

In the afternoon we wrestled with sensing God's presence - what helps us and what gets in the way. We will continue to wrestle with this presence as we continue to grow in awareness. God is with us on Sunday mornings, as we fellowship and as we serve together - can we see God?

There was lots more, but this blog won't contain it all. It is time to start thinking about my project - I will give you some hints when I start to find some direction.

OHHH about last nights service - It was OK - I found myself behaving in a critical manner. And then I reminded myself that though not all of the service was what I appreciate, that many around me were worshipping in a wonderful way. Jesus was there despite my negativity. Thanks be to God.

Blessings

In my room!

2008-06-15T16:01:00.000-07:00

The flights were long, but uneventful. I am in Pasadena - took a walk and found a car show. Norm Keller, Speedy, Wayne, Harold, and others would have been proud I checked out each car. Tonight I head out to a Post-Modern worship service called THE WAREHOUSE. Should be interesting. Classes begin tomorrow - I miss the kids already and Grace too. I will try to keep my whining too myself.

2008-06-14T10:52:00.001-07:00

Saturday, the kids are sleeping and I am working on last minute duck alignment. I am seemingly a bit more anxious than I thought - going to miss the family a lot. Wondering how the church will ever survive without me - thankful for an excellent staff who can handle just about anything. And I have no idea what I am in for. Got to go. The next post should be in California.

First Post

2008-06-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

This is my first post. I hope that this blog will enable friends, immediate family, and Zion family to keep on top of my experiences as I plow into DMin studies.

So here is some stuff to get us on the same page. Why Fuller? Fuller is a seminary that offers a high quality well respected program in the course that I sensed God calling me too - Spirituality.

Why Spirituality? - Can we do anything more important in this Christian faith journey than be in touch with our creator? We were built for relationship with God and Jesus - by pursuing spirituality we enter directly into that relationship development. Listening, reflecting, and looking for God in our lives. A secondary thought is that the current generation of young people are deeply concerned with spiritual things and we want to be on the cutting edge, not behind it.

What is the DMin? It is a program designed to run along with full-time ministry. We read a lot. Go to class two weeks a year. Engage the congregation with what we are learning. Then write about it. Sounds like a growth opportunity for both Hunter and Zion. A win win.

Russ Mast picks me up on Sunday the 15th - Father's day - at 4:15am. The flight leaves at 7. Arrive in Burbank at 11 or so and check into the guest house of Fuller. Then what? Well I have a 6 oclock service to check out at a local church - then to bed.

Please pray that I won't get too homesick - will miss the family - and that Christ transforms me in this journey.

Blessings

Hunter