Sunday, August 06, 2006

Vineyard of Knox County

I attended a celebration service at Mount Vernon High School (or Middle School) today. The service was held in the school cafeteria. It was very laid back with people of all ages but only one race (at least that I noticed). The musical reflection was a tremendous moment for me to connect more intimately with God and I was deeply encouraged to continue thinking differently (appropriately) about the church. The experience did not redeem in my mind the current practices of "churchdom" but the pastor spoke prophetically saying what seemed to be some of my thoughts about recovering who we are as followers of Christ. The term "prophetically" may have many interpretations oppossing that which is intended in the preceeding sentence. While the service was more "led by the Spirit" than what I am used to, it was by no means what some may describe as "charismatic" (a word which is overly and heavily misused). I applaud the efforts of those who call themselves the Vineyard of Knox County for engaging themselves within the community. If only they were not working on the construction/remodeling of a new place to gather...
http://www.knoxvineyard.org

3 comments:

Clark W. Griswald said...

so you werent at my vineyard because you were at another vineyard. fair enough i suppose.



www.savedarfur.org

Ryan Schmitz said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Ryan Schmitz said...

Travis,

I should probably be in bed right now after the last 24+ hours, but I'm still going. Hey we'll need to talk some time about the race division in the church. I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts. I think it is such a sad commentary, of course, that it is so divided, but what are your thoughts for this needed change?

Good night!

Matthew 5:38-48, NASB

"You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. If anyone want to sue you and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? If you greet only you brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."