Emergent Brethren

In Brian McLaren’s book, Everything Must Change, he writes about “framing stories” and the effects they have on groups and societies (Chapter 9, pp. 65-73). A framing story is that which we tell ourselves and follow in life. He writes on page 67, “If our framing story is wise, strong, realistic, and constructive, it can send us on a hopeful trajectory. But if our framing story is dysfunctional, weak, false, unrealistic, or destructive, it can send us on a downward arc, a dangerous, high-speed joyride through un-peace, un-health, un-prosperity, and even un-life.“.

I think another way to think about the definition of a framing story is, what is the vision that created the group and guides it today.

The idea of a “framing story” is challenging to consider. Our founding fathers, who wrote the Declaration of Independence, certainly began framing our story as a nation. This framed story guides our justice system, I think, more than the other two branches of our government today.

As I read more about the concept of a “framing story”, it made me wonder about congregations, and their framing story. How does their story get started? How does the original framed story impact their lives today? How many are aware of their congregation’s framing story? How can understanding their story impact their future in positive ways? How do they work at re-framing their story, so that it remains relevant to their participants and inviting to new people?

I think so often we follow the script of our framing story almost unconsciously. Thus, it guides us without our consciously reflecting upon, “Is this where we want/need to go?”.

One of the things that excites me about the Emergent Church is their passion for following Christ pushes them to reframe their congregation’s story. Or, in the case of church planting, frame a new story for people to be guided by.

If you’re in an established church, do you know your congregation’s “framing story” is? What are some of the ways that you think your congregation’s “framing story” guides it today? Are you satisfied with it, or desire a new story to follow?

What story does your congregation live by?

Jeff

Hi everyone!

In November, I sent out a post asking if you would be interested in blogging on Brian McLaren’s new book, Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crisis, and a Revolution of Hope. Many of you have responded in a positive way. So, a new page is being added to this site just for blogging on this book. First, you’ll see the heading for this new page at the top menu bar. Secondly, I attempted to create a new page that the link above goes to. The new page doesn’t allow us to blog, like the home page does. It only allows us to “Reply” to the original post. So, I’ve contact my web designer to create a new page that will allow us to blog in a better fashion (with headlines, etc.) This will be up and running in about a week.

I’ve organized a system for reading to help keep us on the “same page” so-to-speak (or at least the same section of the book). I’m looking forward to being in Brian’s Deep Shift conference in San Diego (March). Reading this book with you will be a helpful way of preparing. It will also be a very helpful way of processing the information with each other.

Meanwhile, if you are reading the book and have some comments to make, please reply to this current page. The comments will be transferred over to the new page when its completed.

Also, if this reading schedule doesn’t match-up with your schedule, don’t worry about it! Please contribute to the conversation. The more who respond, the more challenging, inspirational and fun this venture will be!!!

If this book blogging goes well, we’ll have to try another one afterwards!

Blessings to you,
Jeff

Are there any videographers out there? The Congregational Life Team of the Church of the Brethren General Board is sponsoring a video contest for next year’s Annual Conference. The winning video on the 300th anniversary theme will be featured on the floor of Annual Conference either during business or worship.

Each video submitted must be no longer than 3 minutes. More information can be found on the attached entry forms or you may contact me. Submissions are due February 1, 2008 to me. Please send a dvd of your creation to:

Jeff Glass
5460 Gilbert Dr.
San Diego, CA 92115

So, I invite you to be thinking about next year’s theme: Surrendered to God – Transformed in Christ – Empowered by the Spirit; John 12:24-26a and be creative with your talent!

I’m excited about this project to celebrate our church’s anniversary! If you know of anyone who might submit a video, please download the forms and pass them on to your friend.

We are now less than 2 months away from the contest deadline for submitting videos. I trust there are people out there who are planning to enter one. If you are thinking about entering, please let me know.

Blessings to you,
Jeff Glass

Video Contest Information Form

Video Contest Entry Form

A few weeks ago, my wife and I were asked to create prayer experience stations for a worship service that focused on caring for God’s creation. Part of the experience was a good reminder of things I know, and part was a new learning experience of ecology facts I wasn’t aware of (like if everyone on the planet lived like we do in the U.S., it would take 4 Earths to supply all the resources).

As we draw closer to our Savior’s Birthday, this thought of recycling and caring for the earth, is feeding a growing unrest in my heart with Christmas. We are all aware of how our culture drives us to spend, spend, spend in buying presents for your loved-ones. Our extended families have fought this trend by drawing names and buying presents for just that person, instead of for everyone. To help facilitate this, everyone is supposed to make a list of what they want for Christmas. I’ve been non-cooperative. Making lists of what you want just doesn’t feel right. What ever happened to, “Because I love you, I want to know you. Because I know you, I will know how to bless you.”?

What is the best way to celebrate our Savior’s birth? Is it in buying lots of stuff? Recently I ran across the following . This comes from the website: www.buynothingChristmas.org.
There are several more posters like this available to download for free.

This poster has fueled my discontent for our current celebration for Christmas. Some emergent churches are also apparently discontent. One in San Diego has used this image to advertise their messages: Advent Conspiracy. Dan Kimball is preaching a similar sermon series this Advent at his church in Santa Cruz, CA.

So, how can we best celebrate our Savior’s birth? Is spending less and giving more the proper way? Is spending more time with friends and family and less time running around shopping a better way? (Shopping less doesn’t just save money, it can reduce the amount of resources used to make stuff in addition to saving all the carbon dioxide your car produces as your drive around.) What about shopping at your local thrift shop as one way to recycle when you purchase gifts? I’m sure the Salvation Army or Goodwill can use your money more than the big box stores that we shop at.

How do you celebrate Christmas? What’s most meaningful for you at this time?

Blessings to you as you prepare for Christmas!
Jeff

Brian McLaren is on a nation-wide tour this year and next promoting and talking about his new book, Everything Must Change: Jesus, Global Crisis, and a Revolution of Hope. Here in the Pacific Southwest District, we are organizing a group to hear him when he speaks in San Diego next March.

One thought has been on my mind the past few days. . . there are lots of people who drop-in on this site and some who write on the site. Would you be interested if I set-up one page on this site that would focus on blogging on a particular book?

Martin mentioned that he’s reading the above mentioned book. I need to read the book. Others in the PSWD will be reading the book for Brian’s appearance in San Diego. It might be interesting if we read the book together and posted comments on a new page for this site. If it would be helpful, I could set-up a reading schedule, so that we would be more likely to post comments on the same book section. Or, we could just post comments without any organization.

What do you think? If a few of you post comments to this post and like the idea, I’ll be happy to set it up!

Blessings,
Jeff Glass