Around Our Network / September 3, 2014

What’s been happening among us? September 3, 2014

We started praying in relation to our conviction: “Generating justice and hope in our neighborhood must be at the heart of us.”cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com.

A talented group from Broad & Dauphin led us in a variety show at BW.

Our community had numerous opportunities for Labor Day fun including a BBQ at the Frankford Ave. garden, BW’s Family Potluck, and drumming while giving out schools supplies with The Simple Way.

We deepened connections with caregivers and little ones at our weekly Baby & Toddler Playgroups.

Lauren got FN cells to get school supplies together for a friend who teaches kindergarten at H.A. Brown Elementary in the neighborhood.

The pastors’ answered the question “What’s the point of prayer?” in our weekly videocast
Link here. Would you help share it?

Circle of Peacemakers kept us engaged and learning about the plight of the Palestinians at the screening and discussion of With God on Our Side.

Our blogs were great places for thinking and encouragement

Rod wrote about our desire for ecstasy and Jonny on Jesus staying in community and how He might respond to the trouble in Ferguson, too.

We worshiped God, told the truth and made new friends at our PMs

At the Broad & Washington meetings -- Kirby and his fifth Sunday crew were getting us to go “wild.” The AMA brought up all sorts of good things we are still talking about. There were a whole bunch of people we met for the first time on Sunday.

At the Frankford & Norris meetings -- Our regular teams had the week off on the “5th Sunday” of the month, so Tiffany and Mariko brought together a talented group of women to lead us to worship and get into Psalm 139. Jess Mints finished our dialogue-heavy series exploring the Convictions That Drive Us and Sarah Holt got us praying for women (mostly Yazidi) being abducted and abused/sold by ISIS.

At the Marlton & Crescent meeting -- We celebrated last night in style! Our little BBQ was a great way to end the summer and launch into the next season (even when we had to run inside before the torrential rain)!

At the Broad & Dauphin meetings -- We had a brand new team up! Jonny, Bradford, Jenny, and Jen brought us as we discerned, shared, and confronted where God needs to move in us. We had a rich discussion about reading the Bible too.

Around Our Network / August 20, 2014

What’s been happening among us? August 20, 2014

Our PMs were times of worship, inclusion, and love.

At Broad & Washington -- It was a wonderful new night beginning our new season focused on “togetherness.” Many people said that it seemed like the Holy Spirit was moving many of us -- maybe it reached a peak with the shouts of “the Lord is my light and my salvation!” There were puppies here and there too. After the 7pm, quite a few men joined together for their BW men’s PM.

At Frankford & Norris -- Vanessa & Greg’s team used Psalm 42 to set the tone for the evening - including a brand new song! We considered our thirst for renewal, righteousness, and justice - and turned to Jesus at communion stations in response. Considering one of our Convictions That Drive US, Joshua got a lively discussion through We are meant to go deep with God. We prayed with our hands up about Michael Brown and racialized violence against black men.

At Marlton & Crescent -- The PM was engaging and expansive. New friends connected and the folks who were there made the meeting meaningful. We journeyed together as we worshiped and pondered the plight of migrant children and people who are being trafficked (specifically in the sex trade). Kat Bursky drew on her wealth of education and experience to give us the facts about sex trafficking in NJ and we all talked together about how to get Jesus into the mix. Rob Lairmore was particularly brilliant as he helped us pray for wholeness as we sang “Make Us Whole.”

At Broad & Dauphin -- The Body of Christ: diverse across the world and across time. We concluded our season being with the transnational body. Sarah led us as we observed a variety of liquids mixed together to create a beautiful harmon. For the first time ever, we had an Ask Me Anything panel discussion! Jonny, Tricia, and Sara were up. We are gearing up for something new, and I think our new folks really felt loved and included. 

The pastors kept experimenting with the videocast, this time: “Does God have a perfect match for me?”

Episode 6 is out! We’re trying to answer the questions that are out there. How are we doing? Do you have a question that you’d like us to answer? This week’s question is: “Does God have a perfect match for me?” See what you think, add to the conversation. Find it on our YouTube channel, here.

We met to imagine peace-making.

The topic of the Imaginarium this week was the “Ironic ‘Coercion of Being a Peace Church.” Strong stances about peace can seem coercive. What do we do? We went on to hone our peacemaking skills on the sizzling topics of the day: Ferguson, Gaza, Shalom House’s closing, and Iraq. We came away with practical ideas of what to do in Iraq and new thoughts and relationships.  

We used our "rolling Council" to approve a building purchase to expand Circle Thrift

Circle Thrift had a surprising opportunity to purchase a small building right next to their building on Frankford Ave. The owners wanted quick work and there was competition for the parcel. Martha Grace rushed us through the process and succeeded in getting the deal. We are in the “due diligence” period now before the process is officially concluded. We are weighing loan possibilities between the Brethren in Christ Foundation and Everence. This decision lept through our process: idea--team--Core Team/pastors--Leadership Team/Council. But we’re all catching up and agreed that the building will bring in even more money and opportunity to our already successful enterprise.

A new compassion team formed, the Development Without Displacement team

On the heels of the success of Take Back Vacant Land is a new interfaith and inter-organizational coalition that is forming around the complicated question of gentrification. Can development happen without displacing people? Or are we doomed to develop our neighborhoods with appropriate amenities and force long-term residents out? The Development Without Displacement team plans to advocate for positive legislation that allows for honest development.

We continued to journey with Robert Mulholland

The newest "voice" at Circle of Hope Daily Prayer is working with Mulholland’s book Invitation to a Journey. You can join in at cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com. On our blog celebrating the transhistorical body, we celebrated Nicholas Black Elk.

Joe Hunter is a recent addition to the Church Planting Core Team

Jeremy Avellino’s Cell is multiplying

We will have the Jeremy/Lauren Snow Cell and the Kent Ellingson/Mike Master Cell!

Our blogs were great places of sharing and thinking...

Rod wrote about the power of peacemaking; favorite line: “I think we can risk walking in love with people whether we agree with them or even understand them.” Jonny followed up on the Theology of Influence, the U.S.’s bombing of Iraq, and how deeply he was affected by Robin Williams’ death.

Around Our Network / August 13, 2014

 

What’s been happening among us? August 13, 2014

WIND took over our Network as we asked “Why PMs?”

At Broad & Washington -- Candace led us through stories of hope! Quadruplets in war-torn Gaza was a highlight. Forrest and Kirby led us through a set that brought our Audio Art records to life! Jonny offered his take on the Wind Day topic: public meetings--their purpose is celebration, evangelism, exhortation, encouragement, and maybe most of all, transcendence.

At Frankford & Norris -- Julius & Dan got us to consider the dangerous journey many people-- especially minors--take across the US Southern border into el Norte in both a journey around the space during worship and a prayer for their safety, as well as sane & humane immigration reform. We had the treat of Nate Hulfish with us to inspire us around how the public meetings help us rely on prayer, engage us in God’s reconciliation project, and give Holy Spirit opportunity to grow us in fruitful ways. Listen to FN’s public meeting here.

At Marlton & Crescent -- Our team of art directors connected us to the Living Water as they helped us explore reconciliation with God (and the gifts we receive when our spiritual waters seem murky), reconciliation with each other (and Detroit’s public water shutoffs and its effect on the poor), and reconciliation with the environment (and Toledo’s toxic water problem, not to mention fracking in our own backyard). We were led in communion as we connected to the River of Life. Joshua got us to consider how Jesus touches us at the Public Meetings, making a well of living water that others are looking for.

At Broad & Dauphin -- Ubuntu was the spirit of the evening. We are still wearing our gifts. The discussion was lively, as “wind day” encouraged us to look at the basics of why we have PMs. Even though our format was a bit different, and Rod is not there too much, the newcomers who were with us fit in pretty well. Listen to BD’s public meeting here.

Want to get in on the metaphor and where it might take you? Check out “Wind” on The Way of Jesus website.

The pastors kept experimenting with the videocast, this time: Someone Asked: "Why are we so Jesus-y?”

Episode #5 is out! We’re trying to answer the questions that are out there. How are we doing? Do you have a question that you’d like us to answer? This week’s question is: “Why are we so Jesus-y?” See what you think, add to the conversation. Find it on our YouTube channel, here.

We considered the theology of influence: are you worthy of influence?

In a direct response to our map, we hosted the third Doing Theology time. This time BW was filled with people discussing New Thought and how we might influence someone antagonistic toward Christian mission. Key phrases people were pondering: "be all things to all people", "people are experiencing a lot of isolation", "we already have places (like the BGX, recovery groups and Game Night) where unconnected people gather" -- if you have a contact deficit, try Philly Jesus in the Metro.


The cell leaders and friends got trained on testing the age of their cells.

Is your cell too old? Jonny led us to answer this question, in what ended up being a fruitful and practical time for teaching. Joshua offered a book review of Confessions of a Beginning Theologian by Elaine Fraser.

We were invited into a journey with Robert Mulholland.

The newest "voice" at Circle of Hope Daily Prayer is working with Mulholland’s book Invitation to a Journey. You can join in at cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com. On our blog celebrating the Transhistorical body, we celebrated Clare of Assisi.

Our blogs were great places of sharing and thinking...

Rod elaborated on PDA as publish worship. Jonny wrote about being the church, how technology manages to connect without community, and isolate without solitude, and also how Wes Anderson has mastered the power of aesthetic. Ben offered his thoughts on his Facebookless summer.

Around Our Network / July 30, 2014

 

What’s been happening among us? July 30, 2014  

 

We worshiped God and made new friends at our PMs

At Broad & Washington -- We’re considering our Second Acts. How is the Spirit moving us into what’s next? What old ways of being and behaviors are we leaving behind? Dan McGowan and his team reminded us to hold on to each other as we hold on to our Heavenly Friend, using 90s hits, Puritan classics, and Circle of Hope originals. Rod encouraged us to stride right into our second act with Mary Magdalene whose story has been much maligned by history (particularly the patriarchy). She is the apostle to the apostles and to us. Listen to BW’s public meeting here.

At Frankford & Norris -- Stephen began the night getting us to sit with the section of Psalm 16 that Peter proclaimed to the crowds in Acts 2. We pondered the wildflowers, microbes, and weeds as we worshiped together. Jonny led a team that revamped an older tune, and got us praying with Christian Peacemaker Teams in Gaza. We talked through our conviction “We are called out to be a living organism, building community together through love." Listen to FN’s public meeting here.

At Marlton & Crescent -- Rob got us engaged with a full and creative team (Jamie Wasson joined for the first time and was awesome!). Jen helped us pray for suffering children in Gaza by reflecting on Handala and asking us to draw children as an act of prayer. CJ Reynolds spoke, the first time he’s done so in his 15 years as a part of Circle of Hope! On the 12th anniversary of his covenant with Circle of Hope, he spoke about Covenanting and Spiritual Growth. He told us how his commitment to covenant (and the covenant’s commitment to him) has carried him through some recent turmoil and he did a masterful job of storytelling (and healing).

At Broad & Dauphin -- We were wrestling with being grounded with God and being doubtful in the worship that Andrew Yang and his team led us in. We oscillated between songs of both “flavors,” and it was distinct and notable. Sarah Good helped us consider the saints from Down Under, in Australia and Oceania. Jonny answered, “What do I do when my faith doesn’t make sense?” Listen to BD’s public meeting here.

The pastors kept experimenting with the videocast, this time: “Someone Asked: Do I have to make peace to follow Jesus?”

It’s been three weeks now! What do you think of the videocast? Will you post your pastor with your thoughts? This week’s question is: "Do I have to make peace to follow Jesus?" Find it on our YouTube channel, here.

We shared in the struggle against evil when we gathered for baptisms and our Love Feast!

Our quarterly Love Feast is a great time for celebration, solidarity, and worship. Marlton and Crescent hosted us this past Saturday and we welcomed sixteen new covenant members and baptized six others! Awesome. 

We kept praying with Jesus in the Epistles

For the next few weeks the "voice" at Circle of Hope Daily Prayer will lead us to see Jesus in each of the New Testament letters, one a day. How about considering a summer season of study and prayer? cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com. On our blog Celebrating the Transhistorical Body, we didn't have a new post - but perhaps it's a good time to look back at the past few weeks. 

The Audio Art Team released Patiently Impatient in print!

Our second full-length album of original and transcultural worship music is finally in print! Get the CDs at the PM spaces. 

Rachel, Jen, and Jonathan’s Coordinating Groups met

Our monthly cell leaders gather in their Coordinating Groups (they are like cells for cell leaders) to pray, share, and strategize together. They are special times that add to the many disciplines of our leaders. Three groups met this week.

Broad & Dauphin hosted an About Circle of Hope dinner!

Lots of people gathered at Sarah Good’s house to learn about Circle of Hope. Our Network is fascinating and we have a great story to share. It was all accentuated by Sarah’s miso, carrot, and ginger soup. 

Our blogs were great places of sharing and thinking...

Rod offered his thoughts on the lack of difference between private and public--one of the many gems to come out of his doctoral studies. Jonny protested essentializing the Brethren in Christ’s core values and shared why not all violence is equal, specifically in Palestine.

Around Our Network / July 23, 2014

 

 

What’s been happening in the Network? July 23, 2014

We worshiped God and made new friends at our Public Meetings

At Broad & Washington -- Moses Ashaba taught us a song in his Ugandan dialect that means "Jesus gives rest” and Jerome Stafford gave us inspiration from Paul’s missionary adventures. Katniss Everdeen reminded us that sharing your heart can be costly, and we prayed for brothers and sisters in Detroit who are without water. Listen to BW’s public meeting here.

At Frankford & Norris -- Greg & Vanessa got us into Psalm 19 in great ways - both a new song (totally excellent) and composing some of our own Psalms in the same form. We spent a lot of time in prayer - both personal and all together. Gerald got us to pray for literacy in Haiti (where he did a lot of work on this issue before fleeing to Phila) and Vanessa led us to pray for his political asylum next Wed - which could reunite him with his wife and sons. We also explored our conviction “We expect people to express their gifts, talents, art, and worship” - including stories and key insights. Listen to FN’s public meeting here.

At Marlton & Crescent -- The Design Team literally had us bringing grace and experience into an unknown situation in order to make goodness out of what we’ve been given. We worshiped through conversation and cake baking (without recipes)! Such an inspiring time (and some of the cakes were amazing)! The whole night was a risk and Nate led us to think about risk, spiritual growth, and the factors that make it possible: the use of memory, the experience of community, and the exercise of perseverance.

At Broad & Dauphin -- Nate Wissler brought Bruce Springsteen to our PMs as we worshiped with North American Christians. It was fun! We thought about Christians across the nation and region, and considered how to include the best parts of their worship into our public meeting. “Should I vote?” was the FAQ we were working with and what followed was a stimulating discussion. Listen to BD’s public meeting here.

The pastors tried made a fun second videocast, “Someone Asked: Is it OK to not like Paul?”

Everyone has a lot of good questions! The pastors are always in conversation about theology, sociology, politics, science, psychology, and a host of other things. So they want to engage others in some good thinking and teaching to help people grow and to stimulate our mission. Maybe you’ll find their responses to “Is it OK to not like Paul?” interesting. It is homemade, just like Circle of Hope. Find it on our YouTube channel, here.

Over 40 of us gathered as the Council at the Imaginarium

Broad & Dauphin hosted this month’s Leadership Team meeting and Imaginarium. The Imaginarium is our monthly gathering of the Council and this month we gathered to discuss our Map and Budget. We brainstormed new ideas and awarded some great people for their work in helping us along down our paths. Rachel Sensenig for her cell multiplication, Andrew Yang for his PM leadership, Kate Nicely for her work as the MC Children Team leader, Jess Mints for communicating about compassion, and Art Bucher for sharing his wisdom as we think about theology this year.

We started praying with Jesus in the Epistles

For the next few weeks the "voice" at Circle of Hope Daily Prayer will lead us to see Jesus in each of the New Testament letters, one a day. How about considering a summer season of study and prayer? cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com. On our blog celebrating the transhistorical body, we didn't have a new post - but perhaps it's a good time to look back at the past few weeks.

Broad & Dauphin hosted a Baby Goods Exchange

A remarkable display of our generosity is always the result of our BGX. Saturday’s at BD was no exception. Dozens of people shared together. A beautiful sight.

Rachel, Ben, Nate, and Jonny studied BIC History in Exton

As part of their credentialing and licensing, several of our pastors traveled to Exton this week to study about BIC History and Values. We engaged in stimulating discussions about the Love Feast, peacemaking, and our history of mission.

Our blogs were great places of sharing and thinking...

Rod wrote why we cannot care about Palestine. Jonny offered a review of Justin Lee’s Torn, and his thoughts on Louie C.K. and how he used reconciliation as entertainment.

The Audio Art Team has been preparing for this weekend

Our second full-length album of original and transcultural worship music is finally in print! We will have cds (with booklets) at all the sites this weekend, for a donation of your choosing.

Kate & Matt Abraham got dozens of people together to yard sale

The first annual Kensington Community Yard Sale (#kenzoyardsale) got people from Circle of Hope and tons of neighbors to collaborate on a summertime purge. It was a great way to connect, redistribute stuff, and share some money.

Jerry and the Circle of Peacemakers have been in action

As the world watches the conflict escalating in Gaza, our [peace] listserv has been active and our team prepares for the next installment of our film series about Palestine coming up next Tues, 7pm at FN when we’ll watch Waltz with Bashir. Our call to make peace gets louder.

Check it out and all their other social media connections:
Blog: http://www.circleofpeacemakers.com/.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/circlepeaceteam.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circleofpeacemakers

Around Our Network / July 16, 2014

What’s been happening in the Network? July 16, 2014

 

We worshiped God and made new friends at our PMs

At Broad & Washington -- Matthew’s misfitting and scandalous party (see the gospel of Matthew, chapter 9), a full and rockin' team, strife in the Liberian enclave, and a surprising number of people, were all part of the evening. The AM PM rocked the morning at Chew Playground. Listen to BW’s public meeting here.

At Frankford & Norris -- We had some spirited dialogue, aided by real time remote-controlled polling, around our conviction “Fomenting diversity & reconciliation is at the prophetic heart of our gospel.” Dan & Julius taught us a beautiful song in Mandarin that got us considering Jesus’ love permeating the universe, a new song based on Psalm 36 and a chance to pray with Flatiron Wildcats (not a sports team!) We are enjoying meeting an influx of people looking for a connection, which makes the whole meeting full of inspiring hope. Listen to FN’s public meeting here.

At Marlton & Crescent -- Lots of good things abounded at MC. We took Paul’s prayer from Romans 15 and put it into practice. Nate led us to worship with songs about overflowing hope and the filling of the Spirit, and Scott Sorrentino helped us creatively take our tears and turn them into overflowing hope as we created something with God (and made a mess of water and watercolor on the floor). Kim Hewlett shared the story of Sojourner Truth as she talked about new rhythms and spiritual growth.

At Broad & Dauphin -- God is moving at Broad & Dauphin. We were encouraged as we worshiped with Southeast and East Asia this week. Luke taught us about the Japanese concept of space known as “ma.” Justin and his team led us to worship--traversing all sorts of emotions as we related to God in a variety of ways. Jonny answered the question, What if I'm too depressed or anxious to be in a cell? The talkback was particularly rich, as people shared very personal things. Listen to BD’s public meeting here.

The pastors made a fun first videocast, Someone Asked: “Why is the church so stupid?"

Everyone has a lot of good questions! The pastors are always in conversation about theology, sociology, politics, science, psychology, and host of other things. So they want to engage others in some good thinking and teaching to help people grow and to stimulate our mission. Maybe you’ll find their response to “why is the church so stupid?” interesting. It is home-made, just like Circle of Hope. Find it on our youtube channel, here.

Marlton & Crescent hosted cell leaders and Ben White trained them

On Saturday, Ben White led the cell leaders to ponder how we lead people to Christ. Stories abounded and Ben taught us to be bold. Newest cell leader Ra Mendoza won the book The Critical Journey: Stages in the Life of Faith by Janet O. Hagberg and Robert Guelich.

Vanessa Caruso led a crew of people in the “Get a renter into MC” charge

Marlton & Crescent needs to get some of their space rented. Amongst other things, they have a great plan to turn their garage spaces into artist studio space. After the monthly cell leader training, Vanessa (who leads the Church Planting Core) gathered a group of people to pass out fliers at a local art festival. They met a lot of people and got the word out. What a great team!

We sent a delegation to the Brethren in Christ General Conference in Lancaster

Every two years, our extended church family gathers to dialogue, worship, and pray together. Over the weekend, BIC churches from all over the country (and others parts of the world) descended on Lancaster, PA where we engaged in four days of discussion, discernment, and decision-making. We were well-represented and our reputation for honesty, dialogue, compassion, and for making a safe space, went ahead of us!

Jerome Stafford inaugurated a new blog for the Circle of Peacemakers

Check it out and all their other social media connections:

Blog: http://www.circleofpeacemakers.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/circlepeaceteam

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circleofpeacemakers

A new Audio Art choir started practicing

Cameron DeWhitt and Joseph Mahoney are spearheading our ever-refining efforts to develop our artistry and offer worship resources. It is a talented (and loud, when they need to be) group.

We started praying with voices from Australia and Oceania @ Circle of Hope Daily Prayer

In honor of Pentecost and the movement started in that one room in Jerusalem, we are remembering all of the places that the Spirit has moved across the world. Look forward to hearing from voices both past and present on our blog: cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com. And on our blog celebrating the transhistorical body, July 11 was Benedict of Nursia day.

Our blogs were great places of sharing and thinking...

Rod wrote about the movement of the Spirit in the Kingdom of God as he reflected on the BIC general conference and “the state." Jonny offered a review of Frank Viola’s Pagan Christianity (the author actually commented on it!), and his thoughts on the BIC General Conference. Rachel wrote about four Brethren in Christ distinctives that she doesn’t want to lose.

Around Our Network / July 10th, 2014

This note is about how God has been moving in our Network. It doesn’t include all of the things that are happening, but hopefully it is a good compilation.

What’s been happening in the Network? July 10, 2014

We worshiped God and made new friends at our PMs

At Broad & Washington -- The whole evening was centred around questions -- the ones God asks of us and the ones we ask of God, or just ask. We had an interesting time for an AMA. Rod opened the floor to “ask me anything.” Listen to BW’s public meeting here.

At Frankford & Norris -- Cameron & Tiffany got us to exercise our honesty, in the spirit of Psalm 112., including a new jam. We spent time with our conviction “Sharing our resources brings freedom and unleashes power” and prayed with our Debt Annihilation Team. Diana & Jess told stories about a forming group of people who meet with full financial transparency to help one another’s financial actions match their values. Listen to FN’s public meeting here.

At Marlton & Crescent -- The entire evening came together beautifully as we were led by several people to ponder the barriers that prevent us from staying close with Jesus. Rob Lairmore and Jen Hulfish helped get us into a good space for reception and change. Part of Nate’s speech centered on a small idea from the book Renovation of the Heart by Dallas Willard. People have been talking about it all week!

At Broad & Dauphin -- Andrew Yang, one of our Design Team leaders, led us masterfully. Sarah Good drew us closer to the Christians on the Indian Subcontinent as we tried a short time of guided meditation. For the first time, we had an time for open prayer. It was amazing to hear an entire room utter “Lord, hear our prayer.” Finally, after Jonny gave a speech about village parenting, a rich and diverse discussion followed during talkback. Listen to BD’s public meeting here.

Marlton & Crescent was bustling with prospective covenant makers

On Monday, Marlton & Crescent hosted the quarterly About Making A Covenant meeting. We had time for dialogue in large and small groups as we considered what it means to make a public commitment with Circle of Hope.

Ben brought the Summer Tour to the Parkway

While many in Philadelphia were at the Parkway on July 4 to see Nicki Minaj and the Roots, BW’s Development Pastor Ben was representing us there. He passed out hundreds of flyers, which isn’t so easy to do, to folks hoping to help someone connect with our expression of the Body of Christ.

Luke put all of talks from the PMs into one consolidated podcast

After being charged by the Church Planting Core Team to figure out a way to put the talks given on Sundays online, Luke has created a podcast consolidating all of them. You can subscribe via iTunes or the regular stream.

The Broad & Dauphin Coordinators met, prayed and thought together

The Coordinators of each congregation meet monthly. This past week Jen Danforth and Jonathan Ziegler met and prayed for Broad & Dauphin, the Network, and our cells. Jonny joins them.

The Frankford & Norris PM Design Team leaders met

Each month, the leaders of our four Design Teams (musical leaders & art directions) meet up for encouragement, development, and planning.

We started praying with voices from Subsarahan Africa @ Circle of Hope Daily Prayer

In honor of Pentecost and the movement started in that one room in Jerusalem, we are remembering all of the places that the Spirit has moved across the world. Look forward to hearing from voices both past and present on our blog: cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com. On our blog celebrating the transhistorical body, July 6 was Jan Hus day.

Our blogs were great places of sharing and thinking...

Rod wrote about the importance of finding our spiritual resources, in a world that overemphasizes individuality and a reaction toward community, instead of reliance on God. Jonny wrote, albiet tentatively, about what he loves about the U.S.; he also protested the redemptive violence that Orange Is The New Black teaches. Rachel declared how and why she is grateful for Anabaptists.

Around Our Network / June 25, 2014

This note is about how God has been moving in our Network. It doesn’t include all of the things that are happening, but hopefully it is a good compilation. Read it like a newspaper.

What’s been happening in the Network? June 25, 2014

We worshiped God and made new friends at our PMs

At Broad & Washington -- Raleigh and Kathryn led an inventive time for meditation and worship, including a lament based on trying to make an appointment while someone is walking around distracted on their phone. A memorable moment was being a “poor wayfaring stranger” in relation to David’s and Absalom’s tragic relationship. Listen to BW’s public meeting here.

At Frankford & Norris -- We had some loving and talented friends (Martha as Art Director, Julius & Snook joined the team) augment our design team, as the regular leaders were preparing to lead worship or the Carnival de Resistance at the Wild Goose Festival. Alexia Salvatierra was in town from LA and challenged us to help with encouraging our reps for sane and humane immigration reform in the next 42 days. She also gave us some good heartwork considering Christ’s call to the twelve apostles to be as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves; it’s too easy to “other” someone with whom you have antagonism. Acknowledge the worst parts of them and the system (serpents) as well as the best in them (doves), and that they could even be your sibling in Christ! We also gave a prayerful sendoff to the Sowell family who are moving to Minnesota in the next few weeks. We prayed for Heeding God’s Call, and for less hand gun violence in our city. Listen to FN’s public meeting here.

At Marlton & Crescent -- Some new musicians joined the Design Team for the first time and they helped to make our time full and deep. Nate spoke about career advancement and spiritual growth and helped us get into the economic realities of South Jersey. Did you know that the median yearly household income in Camden County is $48,097, while the average yearly projected cost of living for the Camden County towns that Marlton & Crescent represents is $50,150? Most people statistically are falling behind and making career decisions that they think will help them catch up…that’s fertile ground for discipleship.

At Broad & Dauphin -- Justin led us adeptly. He is our PM Coordinator and also leads a team. Justin and Jonny helped teach the congregation a new song in Arabic too, as Luke helped us pray with and for Middle Eastern Christians. Speaking about race is never easy, but we were able to create a safe place to answer the question, “Am I racist if I don’t like living in my neighborhood?” Listen to BD’s public meeting here.

We refreshed our PM Plan together

Responding directly to our Map for this year, we gathered on Tuesday and spent all day refreshing the PM Plan. It was fun and stimulating! Pray for it to impact our PMs in positive ways and give us new energy for what God has for us.

Our record, Resist and Restore, got a glowing review

The Brethren in Christ History and Life's review of our record was highly favorable. We really couldn’t have asked for a better one! Here's a copy you can access. Have you donated for a copy?

The Broad and Washington block party welcomed neighbors and friends

Ben White, BW’s development pastor, organized a block party and it came to fruition this last Sunday. Rod wrote to some leaders this week: “We had a loving time of connection with about 150 people!” Awesome.

We gave away free baby (and children’s) goods at the BGX at FN

One of the most radical things we do is give away stuff to parents and families with children that are in need. The monthly Baby Goods Exchanges are great opportunities for meeting neighbors and sharing the love of Jesus. They are also great opportunities for people to give away the stuff that they no longer need. A win-win.

Marlton & Crescent’s Rental Team kept up its good work

The team at MC is working hard to get our building rented. We need rental income to make our Common Fund budget agreement. There’s a lot of space to rent and a lot of people beginning to check the space out. They’ve got two offices available for full time renters, ten good-sized artist studio spaces for artist looking for a place with 24-hour accessibility and great natural lighting, and their main “hall” (PM space) is available for all kinds of events.

Broad & Dauphin’s next site team prayed and pondered new locations for the congregation

On Monday, a handful of BDers gathered in Brewerytown to think and pray together about what God has in store for us regarding a new space. It was a fun time, to be sure.

Jerome Stafford began service as a summer service worker

He will be working with the Circle of Peacemakers, primarily, helping them transition after Shalom House.

We started praying with voices from Central and South America @ Circle of Hope Daily Prayer

In honor of Pentecost and the movement started in that one room in Jerusalem, we are remembering all of the places that the Spirit has moved across the world. Look forward to hearing from voices both past and present on our blog: cohdailyprayer2014.wordpress.com.

Our blogs were great places of sharing and thinking...

Rod continued our study of marriage and offered some of our recent theology on it. Jonny thought about our culture’s obsession with antiheroes and how it can infantilize us.

A Benefit for Mission Year

Last Thursday, Ra Mendoza led a benefit for Mission Year at Broad & Washington with a big turn-out. Circle of Hope, The Simple Way, and Eastern University came together to celebrate what God is doing in Philly and raise money for Mission Year—a Jesus-centered program that encourages young people to come to the city for at least a year to live communally, work for justice, and love their neighbors.

Local artists B-Wise and Atiba Halisi shared their musical gifts and Malia Walden shared poetry. Rachel Sensenig, Nes Espinoza, and Shane Claiborne gave messages about the state of Philly right now, the invitation to die and rise with Jesus, the joy of bearing one another’s burdens and the call to demonstrate justice. Pastor Leonard Dow prayed that whether we are prophets, priests, poets, or practitioners—or all of the above—we’d reflect the great love of God who fills us.

MLK Day of Service at Circle Thrift

On Monday, more than 30 people came out to Circle Thrift Broad to do some serious cleaning, organizing, and repairing. It was an ant farm of activity. There were children, teenagers, and adults of all ages and from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, some of who grew up in Philadelphia and others who were transplants. There were volunteers who had connected to the thrift store through our various Circle of Hope congregations, as well as many new faces who had discovered the event on the MLK365 website.

This holiday, we were making one small attempt, around our city, to channel MLK as he once channeled the work of Jesus. It was a busy group that hopefully looked a lot like the beloved community that Dr. King described in his speeches and writings. It was a beautiful expression of how it is when brothers and sisters, following in the way of Jesus, live together in unity and work for the better good (Psalm 133). Not to mention all the fun that was had. Pizza Brain, a local business owned and operated by Circle of Hope partners, even donated pizza for the lunch pizza party (pictured above).

To shop, donate, or volunteer at Circle Thrift Broad, visit circlethrift.com or stop by the store. We also have a store located in the Fishtown/East Kensington area. More information can be found at the website.

Let's Talk About Growing

Is Your Cell Too Small?

We are a cell church. Our hope is that circles of 10 (we say 7-12) spread out all over the region to extend the Kingdom of God in relational ways. In Matthew 13, Jesus says: “The kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds come and perch in its branches.” Our cells are like mustard seeds… pervasively (even invasively) spreading. On Saturday, at our monthly cell leader training we asked the question, “Is Your Cell Too Small?” The only concrete answer we came up with was, “If your cell has less than 3 people in it, then yes.” Beyond that, there are a lot of factors that have to be discerned in order to answer the question.

At their hearts, cells are about connection and connecting. They are about connection to each other and about connection to Jesus. And…they are about connecting other people to Circle of Hope and connecting other people to Jesus. Each cell has connection going on (for example there are 45 relationships simultaneously occurring in a cell of 10!). Each cell also has the potential for connecting the next person. Every person in a cell can prospectively connect someone else (most of us know more than one other person!). When we ask, “Is your cell too small?” the real question might be, “How seriously does a cell take Jesus’ Kingdom expansion call?” A cell of 8 might be too small if they’re not interested in expanding the Kingdom, while a cell of 3 might be just fine (for a time being) if they have the passion and perspective of Kingdom expansion.

We’re always working it out, of course. One thing we want to do in 2014 is grow. We’re honestly evaluating our cells to see how to do that well. Pray for us and with us! -Nate Hulfish

Find a recording of the talk here.

Free Baby & Kids Goods Exchange

This past Saturday was the Free Baby & Kids Goods Exchange at our Broad & Dauphin congregation. Moms, dads, grandparents, and caregivers all came out and swapped clothing, toys, and other necessities for their smaller loved ones. The previous night was a smooth set-up thanks to the help of several Circle of Hope volunteers. Some of the clothing also came from Circle Thrift which provided an extra boost in the number of items people could choose from.

Interested in the Free Baby & Kids Goods Exchange? Go here!

Fun with Redistribution

One of our Compassion Teams, the Free Baby (and kids) Goods eXchange or "BGX" Team held another profound time for redistribution last Saturday at Frankford & Norris.  Each month at one of our sites we begin with a base of Circle Thrift-donated items for youngsters.  Team members set the space with snacks and organize according to age and size.  Well over 100 people came through this time to bring stuff, take stuff, and make some friends.

Different kinds of people come together on these occasions and this time we had regular Circle Thrift customers, recent political refugees, people getting out of homelessness, Spanish-only speakers, people who showed up just to drive people home, expecting moms in crisis, neighbors, people looking for cute things for their infants, moms, dads, caregivers, and dozens of folks referred by our allied agencies.  To witness or be part of these events is joyful and rewarding.  We are grateful for all the donations - if you want to keep making these possible, you can make a donation to either Circle Thrift location.