Grace, The Lost "Value" for "Value's" voters:

I want to first clear the air about my voting record-(for those who really care)- I have always been a registered Republican (even though that has shamed me often)-. I pulled for George senior over Clinton, but I voted for Rae Crum (My mother). She lives in the Political realm. Rush L. has been in her diet for years. She lives for this stuff- and oddly, when she talks about politics, it's rarely about "values" as much as it is the philosophical intricacies of the republicans verses the democrats. I have continued to vote for her in every presidential election since, and even a few other elections, even though we don't see eye to eye. She's my mom! However- this year (still plan on voting for her) I have been excited about one of the candidates for the upcoming presidential election. Just the appearance of support for this candidate has sent so many professing Christians into a frenzy. I am reminded of Jesus words in the sermon on the mount- "blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted" (Mt 5:4). By the traditional professing Christian behavior, one might come to believe Jesus said- "Blessed are the angry, for they shall be proved right" ('Right' being a double entendre). When did self-righteous anger become a mark of a Follower of Jesus? (this is about the time I am responded to with fiery nostrils) As I listen to the indignant 'right'- there is little, if any, grace. Is this not a value? What is so frustrating-is that people I love dearly, and am convinced that love the Lord with all their being, are on both sides of the political spectrum. And yet, it's the so-called conservative "values' voters who have spoken with little grace. I am not talking about the entirety of the republican and democratic parties, but rather just those who call themselves Christian. As I read passages like Romans 14- it appears that God would have his people be in harmony, even when clear philosophical differences of what is "righteous" and what is "unrighteous" is at stake. To those who refused to purchase and subsequently eat-meat that had been used in the unquestionable wicked practice of pagan worship-this was a biblical issue to them. There is little doubt that for these believers- it was wicked to eat such meat and/or drink such wine. For these believers they were convinced if they ate then they partook in the evil of the sacrifices of the wicked. They could not in pure conscience partake in this egregious wickedness. And lest anyone try to argue it wasn't that big a deal- we should be reminded of Peter's rebuke of God Himself in Acts 10 for suggesting he eat some unclean meat. On the other end, there were believers who simply had a "clean" conscience in partaking of the meat that was blatantly used in worship of false gods. (Which, by the way, the Greek Scriptures defend this position and not the first, but speaks to unity for between the two sides). The wisdom that Paul speaks to these believers is not "who is right" and "who is wrong", but rather that they should labor to "maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph 4:3). It's interesting that the Spirit possesses both the one who eats, and the one who does not (making both sides "right") and peace-the highest collective good- is always the goal. Now at this point usually comes-the all too familiar argument of "abortion" and "homosexual marriage" are not the same as eating meat...............I agree. BUT- there should be no doubt that to the first century Christ Follower eating meat and drinking wine that was contaminated by the egregious sin of pagan worship-would have been about has wicked an act one could commit. So the argument seems to be relevant. Now, I am not arguing for abortion (for I am profoundly PRO-LIFE). I am contending that there can be believers who believe philosophically that Christ can (and will under any circumstance) reign and do good under a Pro-Choice President, even lowering the number of abortions through movements to lower the number of unwanted teen pregnancies and doing social justice (which is not an argument that these Christ Followers want the govt to do the social justice, but rather a statement that Social Justice isn't being done by anyone, not least the "values" voters at large). And this is a legitimate Philosophy. You may not agree, but to call out a fellow believer and question their faith b/c of a vote-well that is not gracious. It may not even be true-but we can't say that another bro/sis in Christ doesn't honestly believe that more good can be done for the name of Christ under a Pro-Choice Candidate then under a "pro-life" candidate. It doesn't have to make sense, you don't even have to agree- but we should be gracious and accepting. The question I have - is it possible that one person can be pro-choice, and do more good in the name of pro-life people, than a Pro-life candidate? Is it possible that a person can have an evil heart (if that is in fact the case) and yet still be used by God for good? (Genesis 50:20). Is it possible, that for all the wrong reasons-someone(s) proclaim the gospel (not just in speeches and leaving gospel tracts, but in living) and that Christ would still have us rejoice (Phil 1:15-18)? You don't have to believe that is the case, but we do HAVE to maintain the unity in the Spirit in the bond of peace. Which should not be done in anger. Yesterday I sat with two guys I love tremendously. As we "debated" in a public restaurant about the election things got somewhat heated at times, I kept thinking- I hope they don't find out we are all pastors. What's at the heart of all this? Pride! When people believe there is no way they can be wrong, and live that out in a way claiming- it's Christian to do so-then maybe, just maybe we've missed the point of the humility and incarnation of Jesus! (Phil 2:1-6) Truth is, it probably doesn't matter which candidate wins. Not much will be done. the country will still be divided. (It would all be better if my mom won though:) ) What if, I mean-here's a crazy thought- what if Followers of Christ actually followed Jesus? Wouldn't that be hilarious????(Not really funny) Wouldn't that be awesome? What if instead of arguing over voting for pro-life candidates who did little (if anything) to lower the number of abortions , and voting for "anti-gay" candidates who hit on other men in bathrooms, what if instead of fighting over which "politician" would save/protect us- we went to work on the Kingdom Life? I doubt I've done much good here, but if this encourages someone who is being blasted by their "christian' family-Great! May the Lord be Magnified! Colossians 4:6 "let our speech always be gracious, season with salt, so that we may know how we ought to answer each person"

THE MISSION: Last night, our community went to eat with the men at the Rescue Mission. This is a highlight in every month. What strikes me most- is how much I am like these men, and they are like me. I love serving them, but not b/c it's some duty I feel compelled to complete- but rather it naturally flows out in life when I see that no matter what someone's circumstances are, no matter what color their skin is, not matter what their religious background is- I find myself MORE like these souls, then I find myself different. And that makes us a family, a community! What Joy fills my heart! I wish I could tell of intimate stories of great deep conversations between me and several men, but for the most part, my conversations are short with most of the guys. Every now and then I am privileged to hear a life story of one of these brothers of mine, and that is precious to me. But, for the most part-a "thanks for dinner" or "how's it going?" is what I get. I'll take it! Cuz what I take away from this night-well is Heaven! thanks Water Front Mission for allowing me to see my friends. sc

Enduring Hopes and Dreams! I love Sundays! There is something about The Gatherings with The River Communitas (Community/Church). Whatever it is (I have ideas :D )it often brings out the best in me: the best husband, the best dad, the best friend, -the best me. I treasure that time with The Riv. In addition, the time after our gatherings, the time when I get home- well, it's a powerful time in my week. It seems that Sunday night-my wife is at her most beautiful. ( I know that may sound odd, but please hear me out). She is an intelligent, amazing, beautiful lady. My life has been soooooo incredible b/c of her. But, I am wicked, broken, tainted by the fall (my own fall) of this upside down world. This makes for poor eyesight (or should I say heart/mind sight?). Sometimes I forgetful, become nearsighted (2 Pet 1:9) not only forgetting that I have been purged from my sins, but also that God has given me NEW eyes, and a fresh way of seeing. But- on Sunday nights, b/c in large of the Communitas I am privileged to partake in/of, I see things much more clearly. When we get home, send the kids off to bed-those next minutes, often hours are infinitely precious to me. Our conversations are so sweet, endearing. What makes the "NOW" so mysteriously majestic is that Hopes and Dreams we share. I think to what we have endured: financial despair (that most young couples go through), miscarriages, disappointments to/from friends, Samantha's cancer, losing loved ones, people betraying (including our betrayals of others), even through these things our Love endures. And it endures b/c of shared Dreams and Hopes. The Now is only as good as the Hopes and Dreams we have for the future. I really believe this is what it means to live the reality of The Kingdom of Heaven now! Yes, we live in the Now- but we endure now, we enjoy now- because we have a hope and dream of things being best, complete-fulfilled in the future. I kiss my little Nanners (Hosanna Christine Crum) off as she goes to pre-k this morning- I am delighted and saddened at the same time- but what makes the moment, the now, so memorable is the hope and dream of what she is becoming and will become. I hugged the Zach (Zachary Samuel Crum) b4 he headed off for his first day of JR High- it was upsetting (especially to my bride) and yet hopefully joyous b/c of the hope and dream that the Zach is going to one day bring so much joy into not just our life, but so many more! So, the magic of Sunday nights, the awesome conversations, the Shulamite Props (read Song of Solomon if you don't know), spooning together, walking hand and hand-what makes it so magical in the "NOW" is the hope and Dream of doing these things together when we are older and understanding each other on whole new levels. The Kissing our little girl good-bye as she goes to school-is awesome b/c of the Hope and dream of one day holding her little girl (cue- Butterfly Kisses.........tear). I say all this to say I love my wife. Our Marriage is a treasure that I would surely pay any price to enjoy. The Journey is the Hopes and Dreams we share- the legacy we leave in this world. And in turn, the I have immense joy in The River, because we have figured out how to enjoy our marriage-. The Hope and Dreams will surely change and evolve-but the thought that the people, the amazing people (even with all our quirks and flaws)-will be together 10, 20- or 30 years from now-together, laboring, dreaming, hoping, communing together- to be "AN AFFLUX OF AUTHENTIC LIFE" -well that makes everything sweet! It's quite a sight for "sore" (broken, but getting better) eyes! OH WHAT THINGS THAT COULD BE! Loving this Community b/c of who Jesus Christ is in us-"living the dream"! sc

Communitas and Movies Pt 2- the other day I watched the movie "Almost Famous" with my 12 year old son. I know it's Rated R , but Life is Rated R. The movie was full of "cussing" and a few "boobies" were shown, but the movie has a very redemptive quality to it- that makes sifting through these things more than worth it. I grew up in a very legalistic environment where it was a sin to watch these types of movies. Everyone did- but they just "confessed" afterwards that they shouldn't have. That's always seemed funny to me that the "sin" is magically erased just b/c we say a few words. back to the story- Zach and I sat and watched this movie together. I'll save what we loved from the movie for another time. there is a great redemptive communal theme in this movie. The band is constantly fighting over who is the "best" or "most important" (I read once a story of a bunch of guys who constantly have that same argument- they were called the 12 disciples:O ). In their pride they had constant struggles, but they were struggles beyond just their own internal wrestlings. Even in the meta narratives of the story there were conflicts with a young boy and his mother, his sister and the mother, he and his dream girl and her lover. Everywhere: CONFLICT! What would life be without any conflict? I know Peace is often seen as the absence of conflict- but isn't the struggles of real life (even wicked life) part of what brings us together? Or at least what makes our togetherness real, authentic and durable? It seems that battling through the demons (loosely meant-not using this in the ghostly sense) in our lives together -that is what Creates not just community- but communitas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communitas). What brings about the type of community where people lay their lives down for each other- is not a gathering of people in a comfortable building in a nice neighborhood, but rather a group of people who have fought and endured a real struggle together. Moving beyond the barrage "f" bombs and boobies-the movie portrays the redemption of community- not perfect community-but redeemed community. And watching that movie with my son sparked an on going conversation of what it means to be family. This is REAL! Zach is going into JR and no doubt "boobies" will be something on his mind over the next several years (by several I mean......forever!)- but I hope that he and I can combat whatever darkness there is in those thoughts, and live in the marvelous light of Christ- IN COMMUNITAS- Real Authentic Community-where struggles are real, pain is assured, falling down is imminent- but togetherness is REDEMPTION! The night ended in a "cruise" in the car with the ipod jamming to some Supertramp (not your mom), beatles, and of course Zepplin! Something bout singing "tangerine" brings me and the Zach together. Great times Zach! Magical! Aspiring to be An Afflux of Authentic Life because I'll die otherwise!

MOVIES: Last month in our gatherings in The RIv- we examined the gospel in movies. This isn't new for me and the family. There have been many great nights where we talk about redemption, love, grace, mercy and life after a good movie. During that particular series we looked at the Movies: Juno, Lars and the Real Girl, Finding Nemo, and Stranger than fiction. I don't watch a lot of movies these past few years (Not nearly as many as i used to). But I find myself digging much more deeper into moves in my thoughts. Even movies like "Knocked up". As funny as that movie is, there are still relatable thems in it. The pain of so many who find themselves wasting through life, and those who find themselves living the lyrics of the Talking Heads song Once in a life time (http://artists.letssingit.com/talking-heads-lyrics-once-in-a-lifetime-ndsmhbh). It's simply beautiful how movies capture real life dialogue in humoruous anecdotes. There's more to life than waking up, going to work, watching tv, sex- there's more to life. Watching movies, sometimes, helps reminds us of this. It's shows us that sometimes the story we find ourselves in is more beautiful than we realize. So, as I watch movies these days, I find myself lost in the story-only to find myself there. And so- I laugh better, cry harder, and love more tenderly, because even movies expose the 'word of life' (1 John 1:1-3). Here's my encouragement to you (and me)- grab some loved ones, a good movie (I'd suggest of the above, or Reign on Me.........great movie), some popcorn and snickerdoodle cookies- turn the lights out, watch a great movie. Laugh, cry, ponder-then talk about how GOd God is, and often in and through HIs people- then hug your friends. And for my married friends, well =get some good Moscato (preferbly Bartenura) and continue the magic:). What's your latest great movie? Some of my favorite scenes: Stranger than Fiction: The Cookie scene- such a great conversation. And also the scene where Karen (the writer/narrator) tells the lit proff (Dustin Hoffman) she can't kill Harold. Juno- when Juno asks her dad if people stay in love. I may or may not have cried. (Saw it w/ my teen daughter in theatre the first time) Lars and The Real Girl- so many to choose from, but when Lars revives the teddy bear, it was such an awakening! Reign on Me- apparently turning 37 has opened the flood gates of tears, but when Charlie (Adam Sandler) tells Alan (Don Cheedle) about his wife and children, what they were like, before they were killed in 9/11- man the tears were flowing. Great movie, just saw it last night. What are some of your favorite scenes?

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'm Back:

It's been 18 months since I have blogged here. Life has been an incredible journey. In the past year The River Church (where I am the Lead Pastor of Vision and Teaching)- our young group has gone through a lot. But during our time we have grown from a community of 20 to 15, from 15-25, from 25-18, and then some time in January we started to slowly, organically grow to over 40. I don't really mean to indicate that the growth is about attendance,-cause it's not. these numbers don't really reflect attendance. But I have been priveleged to see God bringing a group of people together through good times and bad, through great times of communion, to fights about little things. But, what we have at The River is a Genuine Community working together to be An Afflux of Authentic Life.

During these past months, our discussion time during the Sunday Night Gathering Talks has been incredibly fruitful. More and more people have contributed to the conversation. I've never been a fan of SS christians opening the bible, and then saying- 'whadda ya think?' while everyone takes their turn saying what the verse means and calling that "bible study". But when I say conversation- i mean people connecting to Jesus, to the story of those in the texts we examine, to each other, and to a world that we are strangers in. It's beautiful! Whatever the dangers are- the beauty outways them. So we connect, grow, live, stretch, challenge, exhort, encourage, help, heal, listen- and all the while we are slowly becoming a people of one heart and mind- with one language and worldview. It's early, but like watching my little Belles learn to talk- it's exciting.

So-the resurfacing of this blog is about That Conversation continuing. We have created a place for The River community to carry on this conversation, but hope that all/m ost of us will begin our own blogs, and interact through these as well as the Communal blog.

Peace,

sam