The Redemptive Narrative
So much of what has been exposed to ET through Colossians Remixed has resonated with me. Not only the ideas that were raised, but the methodologies used - the emphasis on contextual readings, communal discussions, collective responses, etc. For the congregation to understand that Sunday mornings are but a small part of our communal/individual pursuit for His Kingdom.
Subversion at its roots is to undermine existing established powers and the idea was brought to frame the latter part of Colossians. When the audience is identified and the redemptive purpose recognized, we see Paul's writing more as a response to a situation rather than as a stand-alone creed (part of a greater story rather than a design handbook).
This idea has been on my mind for quite a while not just for reading scriptures, but for the contemporary Church. Subversion requires both knowledge of the biblical narrative and of the current cultural norm. Instead of painting an "us vs. them" mentality, subversion requires partnership without conformity.
About half the group through Anewen Park
This needs not to be dramatic or confrontational however. The ANC & ET partnership for the Victoria Village neighbourhood walk is the most recent example in my mind. It was an honour for us as a local church to join and serve with them - but we do it under another storyline which includes a loving creator seeking to reconcile all things. Most of us with careers outside of the Church is in that exact same position as well. We partner with other organizations, but our purpose is beyond the company's mission statement.
ANC Volunteers in ET's Upper Room (rest of the pictures on my Smug)
The question is if we recognize that responsibility?
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Just like that, the one week break is over - but my God, was it ever fulfilling. Not only was the neighbourhood walk huge, but all the other wonderful opportunities in between such as helping an ET couple move, biking, Mouton ReGroup, Railside photos, MG planning, and many good hours at teashops. =)
From the 35 to the 35.5 - I'll have pictures on Smug soon.
This place rocks. (thanks ML!) I love how "homie" downtown living is (that, and my window faces south!) and how it seems to prove that one does not need a "suburban mansion" to have healthy living conditions.
That, and yesterday was absolutely amazing.
Class, lunch, and the 8-hour adventure afterwards. =D
Confusion?
Subversion at its roots is to undermine existing established powers and the idea was brought to frame the latter part of Colossians. When the audience is identified and the redemptive purpose recognized, we see Paul's writing more as a response to a situation rather than as a stand-alone creed (part of a greater story rather than a design handbook).
This idea has been on my mind for quite a while not just for reading scriptures, but for the contemporary Church. Subversion requires both knowledge of the biblical narrative and of the current cultural norm. Instead of painting an "us vs. them" mentality, subversion requires partnership without conformity.
About half the group through Anewen Park
This needs not to be dramatic or confrontational however. The ANC & ET partnership for the Victoria Village neighbourhood walk is the most recent example in my mind. It was an honour for us as a local church to join and serve with them - but we do it under another storyline which includes a loving creator seeking to reconcile all things. Most of us with careers outside of the Church is in that exact same position as well. We partner with other organizations, but our purpose is beyond the company's mission statement.
ANC Volunteers in ET's Upper Room (rest of the pictures on my Smug)
The question is if we recognize that responsibility?
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Just like that, the one week break is over - but my God, was it ever fulfilling. Not only was the neighbourhood walk huge, but all the other wonderful opportunities in between such as helping an ET couple move, biking, Mouton ReGroup, Railside photos, MG planning, and many good hours at teashops. =)
From the 35 to the 35.5 - I'll have pictures on Smug soon.
This place rocks. (thanks ML!) I love how "homie" downtown living is (that, and my window faces south!) and how it seems to prove that one does not need a "suburban mansion" to have healthy living conditions.
That, and yesterday was absolutely amazing.
Class, lunch, and the 8-hour adventure afterwards. =D
Confusion?