Sivin Kit's Garden

Random Thoughts Lecture Room Three

The air-con is cooling ... it's REALLY hot outside.

The course is flowing smoothly much better than I expected. Maybe I was "pressurizing" myself too much :-P

Very good students ... open conversations ... probing deeper ... exploring new frontiers for some. Maybe a nudging question is whether all this "spiritual formation" stuff works in a youth ministry context or how can it work?

Looking forward to go home and see Gareth tonight .. ok see Elysia and May Chin too.

Had an interesting discussion on Icons this morning as well as Yoga :-) then again perhaps it's more of the need for us to work through how we engage our cultures and other religions and also the place of the "body" in our Christian formation.

I wonder whether my course is academic enough, it was funny to talk about this a little during lunch. I'm happy for us to be reflective and have a hunger to research more. interesting how theological education will "evolve" in the near future.

It's not easy to come out with possible topics to give as assignments. It's an interesting experience to "lecture" for the first time in seminary. Looks like a lot of facilitation so far :-) Probably it's less about loading the students with "content" (which is important and I point them to plenty) but more about introducing and guiding the "contours" of our reflection together. And hopefully some imagination is sparked.

Class starting in one minutes time.

1st Term Remarks

"Gareth is progressing well. He is very confident in class. He expresses himself well in English. Participates in all the class activities. Recognizes numbers 1 to 5, letters a to l. Enjoys matching, sorting and jig-saw puzzles. Likes to look at the books." ~ From Gareth's Nursery Teacher

Papa is proud of you .. :-)

10 Minutes of Silent Prayer

"Ten minutes of silent prayer each day will alter your life." ~ Henri Nouwen

After entering the three crazy week phase, slowly moving into week two next monday with the course I'm teaching in STM, the stuff here in The Youth Ministry & Spirituality Project has been most helpful (with loads of reminders). The more "crowded" my schedule is, the more I need to heed Father Nouwen's advice .. I'm off to some silence now!

Belated Post eMo 2006.5 Notes

*warning* - Long post ahead ..

I thought I better quickly put down my thoughts before it's too late:-) Alwyn has already captured his angle of the meeting in Four Portraits, One Lord, I think it's worth while to re-post in full (BTW, emo = emergent open meeting):

"Saturday's EMO meeting started with Kia Meng taking the platform to lead the worship. I haven't heard him sing and play the guitar since college days - I'm sure I'm not the only one who thinks that all of us haven't heard him lead worship enough. Period (smile).

Then came our four views of Jesus.

Collin presented his conviction (heavily resonant with Roman Catholic teaching) that an encounter with Jesus begins with the Eucharist / Holy Communion. In this sacrament of grace we partake of and be joined in remembrance with Jesus the bread of life, Jesus the bread for the poor, Jesus the bread for others, Jesus the wine of His saving blood. The Eucharist is a constant celebration and a proclamation of the gospel, a sending forth in service and love to the outcasts and marginalised.

It was quite extraordinary to witness the abundance and richness of practical other-centered theology flowing out from the meal our Lord gave us. How we need to listen more carefully to what Jesus' Roman Catholic disciples can teach us.

David's address was a welcomed reminder of the key tenets of evangelicalism and its portrait of Jesus, also my own tradition ever since I can remember. His ten minutes or so could've passed as a summary of just about every sermon I've heard (and/or paid attention to!) in the past 15 years. Jesus is worshipped as a grace-giving Lord and Saviour, He is either Lord of all or not at all, an understanding not only in continuity with history but also generative of deep intimacy with Christ. The Jesus of our faith encompasses both the sacred and secular and resists/transcends our attempts at compartmentalisation.

I laughed at David's take on the popular evangelically-inspired "hierarchy" of professions (from the most respectable to the least), beginning with Missionary, then Pastor, following by Full-Time Worker all the way down to Lawyer and Jazz Musician! We were also told that among evangelicalism's ugliest sides was the use of social action (and even personal friendships, I might add) as a means of evangelism, in addition to an over-emphasis on an overly private faith perhaps tempting the evangelical to leave one's convictions publicly irrelevant.

(Speaking from within this tradition too, I'd like to add the little nuance that maybe it's an individualistic faith that we must guard against even as we seek to grow in [private] intimacy with our loving Father. Maybe evangelical Christians require a more community-oriented praxis and theology.)

This was the first time I've heard David speak and I must say I appreciated the short hour-plus of warm-hearted sharing, honest challenging and (of course!) hearty laughter (*big grin!*).

Pastor Raj (who replaced Pastor Luke, who couldn't make it) then gave us a snapshot of his experience pastoring a Pentecostal congregation. He noted how he would like to see more Charismatic leaders and churches talk about the humanity and suffering of Jesus, to complement their emphasis on His power, victory and gifts in/of the Spirit, especially speaking in tongues. He also alluded to an extreme form of AOG-ism in which the sick are told that their healing is guaranteed, failing which the fault must lie with them.

Nevertheless, the experiential, viscerally impacting and ultimately life-changing dunamis of the Holy Spirit is something our Pentecostal brothers and sisters are leading the way in. We would look to them for more learning of and partaking in this power.

I then took the soapbox in a rather rough tumble of a summary of N.T. Wright's historical/eschatological Jesus (I can barely imagine how Wright would feel if he could hear what I half-shouted in a mega-hurried manner). How do you condense an ocean into a pond? I'm making it worse by summarising my summary(!), but for what it's worth:

Wright portrays Jesus as a prophet who believed that he was embodying and bringing in the kingdom of God which connotes the victory of God over His (and by extension, Israel's) enemies, the return from exile of Israel and the forgiveness of her sins. He attacked Israel's cherished symbols (Temple, Sabbath, Land, Family, etc.) and sought to replace them with redefined ones. He wanted to reconstitute Israel, invite people to be part of the "new Israel" with new badges of God's people (cf. the Sermon on the Mount), a new praxis. Jesus went to the Cross, then, as the ultimate act of God's judgment on Israel's enemies, Israel herself and His triumph against suffering via suffering. The Resurrection was God's vindication of Jesus and the confirmation that God's new world has come, a new dawn was breaking through the darkness.

We, as God's true humanity, are then called to reflect the glory of Jesus by 1) telling the story of Jesus, 2) challenging the ways and symbols of false humanity and 3) subversively and lovingly issuing a counter-empire declaration to the world that "Jesus is Lord!". That is what the Gospel means.

Sivin then closed us with a worship celebration of the Lord's Supper, a fitting (and embodied!) ending to the meeting, a worship service with a difference.

And maybe that was the best point of all: That our theologies and our perspectives find harmony, meaning and validity in our worship and coming together as a people, as a family.

So when's the post-modern Jesus making His appearance?

We didn't have a big crowd (as usual *grin*) plus some regulars couln't make it. But we still had a good mix (and a number of first timers). There was a comment we are still very much male-dominant (which we need to work on for the next meeting!)

I think it was good to "jump start" our open meetings again. We've been laying low for a while partly because of the crazy schedules of the coordinating group. :-) I think it was one of our most focused meetings and most worshipful ones as well. When Yew Khuen and I were finalizing the contours for this partcular meeting with the title "The Jesus we never knew" both of us had a strong desire to see us move beyond just having some "conversations" (which I think we do well), we wanted to have a "worship" dimension to it (thus integrating spirituality intentionally in our meeting). Thus the opening with liturgical and praise elements and closing with Holy communion.

I was delighted by the fact that those who spoke on the respective Jesuses - Roman Catholic (Collin Nunis), Evangelical (David Chong) and Pentecostal/Charismatic (Raj - when are you going to start a blog?) were speaking from within these traditions.

In hindsight it's humorous too as Collin read from his script (quoting S.J behind the names of some authors he highlighted, while mentioning Ireneaus, Cyprian, Tertullian here and there with ease), David used powerpoint (with Bible references under the relevant propositions) and Raj (who was a replacement last minute) happily took the microphone and speak spontanously (admitting his lack of preparation due to a crazy schedule) :-)

There was plenty of giggles and laughter (which I later felt I needed to clarify especially for the newcomers less they think we REALLY are a bunch of crazies!). Now, none of the above claim to be experts and none are scholars. They are regular guys whom responded to our "call"/invitations to share - of course, Collin is really close with a number of Jesuit Fathers, David is a key initiator in the Agora Ministry, and Raj the pastor of Christian Life Gospel center. So, they are people deeply engaged in ministry as well.

What I liked about the whole exercise was not only were we give a glimpse as much as possible the more obvious distinctive views of how their respective traditions viewed Jesus (and thus the Christian life etc). There was a humility to acknowledge the "at our worst" moments (weaknesses?) as well. E.g. it was interesting to hear of Collin talk about Vatican I and Vatican II and how different catholics would respond to the initiatives arising from the second council, David mentioned the danger of Evangelicals when emphasizing the personal relationship with Jesus easily falling into the temptation of privatising him as well, Raj candidly shared about the lack of emphasis on suffering and the amnesia in terms of church history and continuity of the Spirit's work.

After some Q & A for the 3 guys above Alwyn stepped in and attempted to give a "condensed" version of his more than 1000pages of N.T Wright reading moving us from the more confessional stance above to a more historical/biblical appreciation. I could sense many in the crowd wanted more. I thought placing his presentation at the end this way was a good move ... because indirectly, we were challenged once again to look at the Biblical material and appreciate the 1st century historical context. For me, it helps to not only have the Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Pentecostal/Charismatic Jesus in mind (which often is the first impression maybe to some), we now have moved to first widen our perspectives and then move back to the "roots" (thus a little Historical Jesus exercise).

Time wasn't on our side, and I think that's why for our upcoming open meeting there are voices calling us to continue on where we left (partly because we couldn't work on the discussion questions given - and that would have been even better).

Ending with Holy communion was a wonderful climax, and in many ways a wonderful picture of what the Eucharist does for us ... bringing us together as a family and as a body of Christ. It became a time of prayer, thanksgiving, and sharing which is not bound by our opinions and theological articulation or spiritual expressions. We were united in our worship of the Triune God - Father, Son, Spirit. We stood in a circle receiving bread and wine. The presence of God was at the center. We were bound together with a common mission of being sent back into our worlds to share the love of God and be a blessing to those around us. And with hands joined together, we were blessed and sent once again.

The conversations would continue (I heard there were some eureka moments for some), others would be serving in their churches, many went home with new questions and fresh answers, I was encouraged that we had a good "jump start" again. There's a long way to go ...

The Mission of the Church

"The mission of the church is to love Jesus. Everything else is just strategy." ~ Mark Allan Powell (via Willzhead)

I think my mind is still occupied with the first play for the Runaway Bride last sunday by the Footstool Players. The scene of the groom asking the bride the question "do you love me?" is still ringing in my ears and alive in my imagination.

Random Thoughts before Craziness begins

Since "Da Vinci code" is cracking the box-office and I have three weeks of "craziness" ahead of me ... I can wait for the DVD. :-P

It's so good to start the day with Sacred Space something just "happens" when I'm unhurried. It's like a heart environment of "openness" is cultivated. Last week, I felt the same while using the lectionary readings to guide me. So far, these two practices have been a life-saver as far as my quest for "holistic spirituality" is concerned.

Much to complete this week ...
- preparations and sermon for the wedding on Saturday.
- finalizing as much as I can for "Asian Notes" - 21 meditatations and reflections on Psalms
- Getting the outline and reader ready for a course on "spiritual formation" I'm co-teaching with Sherman in the seminary next week ... my maiden course!
- Facilitate the denomination education committee meeting on Thursday
- attend a bookstore board meeting on Friday.
- there's more ... less obvious stuff.

I hope to catch with with some needed blogging especially on the recent eMo meeting, Alwyn has started the ball rolling with Four Portraits and one Lord. And there's also the Sunday performance by Footstool PlayersM which had evoked a number of "stirrings" within me.

I wonder how Gareth is doing spending time at a different school today.

Had better sleep last night (in fact the afternoon nap was extremely needed) ... feel fresher today. Need to be careful not to fall sick... the schedule starting today is "crazy" that's the best I can describe it.

Funny how people converge around music.

Feeling a little sad partly because the recent saying "goodbyes" have been rather close. And this reminds me of the reality of change again and again. While we have new "hellos", there are also many "goodbyes". The Chinese phrase for it is more of "We will meet again or see each other again". That's a little better.

Many changes coming ....

Random Links 96

N.T. Wright and Anne Rice: Writing Our Way to God
What if I'm not a "Left Behind" or "Da Vinci Code" Kind of Christian (and also not a "Jesus Dynasty" fan?) :-)

Pursuing Wholeness in Community
This is such a long "struggle" / "journey"

The DaVinci Code . . . picking up where Luther left off?
I'm looking forward to take Dwight for tea when he comes to Malaysia.

faithmaps.org
Nice makeover and fresh organization ... The picture of "faithmaps" is helpful: "A faithmap highlights known reference points on the terrain, but it does not detail every particular. And - most importantly - a faithmap is designed to be used while going somewhere."

The Da Vinci Code and a Hunger for Something More
For those who still can stomach more DVC servings :-)

New-time religion
so "open source" is not just for technology, some are trying to ee how this works in theology.

parker j. palmer: community, knowing and spirituality in education
This name has been popping up in conversations and blog reading lately.

That Old Pair of Jeans

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

this morning's music video time has been therapeutic and restful. I liked the idea how the young sounding music mixed with the able older looking juggler. The audience support/participation was good too.

Evolution of Dance

Gareth and I had a great time watching this while enjoying his meatfloss bread and my coffee.

Random Thoughts after Wedding Rehearsal

I've always treasured every time I hear those vows spoken (in this case practised) by the couple. During a conversation today, I mentioned that often it's what we have said in these vows that carry us through rough patches.

Saying them slower helps to allow the words and phrases to settle in the heart. Anyway this will be my first wedding for this year. The big day is next saturday... I shall be in my white jedi robes!

wow ... when there's no air-conditioning it's really warm. We are so pampered then again why can't we have air-conditioning during the rehearsal. People do pay a substantial amount for the rental of the church hall on that day. Hmmm ... I'm trying to understand.

Managed to do more reading the last two days and it has been good stuff. It's been some time since I've put up what I've been reading :-0

There's a party downstairs at the pool .. they seem to be having a great time.

I get tired easily ... better get back to swimming ASAP.

taking the Komuter train has been nice these days. I can read. It's dangerous to read when I'm driving!

The next three weeks is going to be CRAZY. Help Lord, I need extra grace and strength.

I don't even have much energy to blog ...

Random Links 95

The Art of Gift Giving: A 10 Step Program
I like receiving gifts ... but who can receive if no one gives? "No gift is complete without a handwritten note attached." Looking back on the gifts I have received .. the handwritten stuff are indeed special.

Why e-mails are so easily misunderstood (via church relevance)
Great diagram. The three main reasons make a lot of sense (I think technology can never replace flesh and blood face to face contact):

"1. Email lacks cues like facial expression and tone of voice.
2. Instantaneous communication creates an urgency that pressures emailers to think and write quickly, which can lead to carelessness.
3. The inability to develop personal rapport over e-mail makes relationships fragile in the face of conflict."

footprints in the sand reloaded
This makes my flat feet wanna dance!

RADIO Allelon
The people behind these MP3s have shaped me more than I can imagine.

Re-Imagining the Church
Seeing how this "imagining" can look like and feel is still a challenge ... but it's clearer than when I first read Todd's article the day it came out!

eMo 2006.5: Reminder

Here's a clearer write up from Yew Khuen the more organized one in the coordinating group.

*************************************************

THE JESUS WE NEVER KNEW

Date: Saturday, May 20, 2006
Time: 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Venue: The Father's House (Bangsar Lutheran Church)
23, Jalan Abdullah off Jalan Bangsar,
59000 Kuala Lumpur
http://blc.net.my/


Summary:
The Christian religion is definitely far from monolithic if one considers the numerous and diverse traditions that have evolved over its 2000 year history. Yet, Christians of all ages and traditions agree that the faith is constituted around the person of Jesus, and that knowing him and interacting with him is fundamental to living as a Christian. Join us for an afternoon of listening and sharing about how the different traditions view and respond to Jesus - the one under whom all things in heaven and on earth will be brought together.

I like "Sunday School"

Gareth told me last Sunday how he liked going to "sunday school" (it's hard to change our terminology - but what happens there is more important than ther labels). He mentioned a parable he was learning on the Good Samaritan - there was a more dramatic moment when he hinted at the robbers! Anyway, as a father (and not just pastor of BLC), his joyful smile here moves me. And I agree FULLY with Mama Sigrun's post below On Fire for Christ. The BLC Sunday school team are an awesome bunch! I'm so thankful for them as a father ... and also as the pastor.

"I seldom join the Sunday School fun, but was quite humbled upon doing so on Sunday. Takeshi was stringing tunes from his guitar and Vicky led the singing.

I did not find an angelic choir of cherubs in the room; no, it was a bit like a taming process of wild stock. I certainly want to applaud every single member serving our Sunday School kids. Their love and commitment is something I am very thankful for, yet I have not properly conveyed this to them. Every bit of Sunday Scool teacher energy output in this room is to the glory of God.

May God empower and equip us all with the love and guidance required to shepherd these young lives in the right direction. May our childrens' hearts be pierced so that they might be bright lights for God's Kingdom.

Love from the mothers of the rugrats-
Sigrun Berry :)
xxx"

Random Thoughts Before Bringing Elysia Home

I had a good time hanging out with Colin Kirton from Footstool Players during lunch. Surprised to bump into Soo Wei (one of the actors) for the upcoming play in BLC. As usual it wasn't just the food, it's the conversations, connecting, sharing stories and hopes.

The funny part is we bumped into one of my church members - it was a little embarressing because I was trying to eat my meehoon when she tapped my back. Of course, earlier it was even more suprising top bump into "old" friends Pastor Kenneth & Sandra Chin. Lots of surprises today.

I got an email today which made me on one had "shiver" because of the phenomenon of hype present and even promoted in Malaysian Christianity. And yet, I'm thankful the years "on the edge" has given me some space and security to process these "pressures" from a distance - a healthy one. It's joyful to know one is not imprisoned by what's popular. But, one still needs to be watchful after that pat on the back!

The world is REALLY small ... this is my running theme last weekend when two of my life group members shared about someone they met at a meeting whom I too have met at least once *grin*. Then suddenly discovering a new friend I'm getting to know is actually the sister of another friend I'm getting to know better from totally differing context. Fascinating. The funny thing is ... (fill in the blanks)

The traffic is crazy today on my journey to pick Elysia from my mom's place.

using the internet is a strange experience in an internet cafe here. On my left, one guy listening to Chinese pop music, a load of kids playing computer games, two Africans next to me surfing. My brother apparently helped design the basic atmosphere of this internet cafe. We are all shoe-less :-)

I want to catch up with some reading. .. I think I always say that ....

Runaway Bride at BLC

This production will be part of our Worship Gathering at 10am this coming Sunday May 21, 2006.

How to Make a Church Brilliant

Thanks to Dave Walker for dose of laughter therapy on Monday.

Happy Mother's Day!

I'm very thankful for May Chin and I know the kids are too!

Caring for the Whole Person

"It is a great mistake to think of the gospel as purely spiritual in nature. There are spiritual religions, but Christianity is not one of them. Throughout Christian history there has been concern for bodies as well as souls. There has been almost as much emphasis upon hospitals as upon places of worship, and the feeding of the hungry, including those formerly known as enemies, has been a marked feature of the modern Christian age. This effort to minister to the whole person, rather than merely to spiritual needs, does not represent a departure from the Christian genius, but is deeply rooted in the original gospel." ~ Elton Trueblood, Confronting Christ via inward/outward

eMo 2006.5: The Jesus We Never Knew?!

It's been quite a while since we've last gathered together. Lots of excuses and explanations for that :-) For, now I'll just post up an invitation for our meeting next Saturday so those who are interested can book the time.

Random Thoughts while watching American Idol

Nice to hear lots of Elvis Presley songs ... it's funny because I've grown to appreciate Elvis more as I grow older. That goes for the Beatles too. For someone closer to home ... P. Ramlee, no one has surpassed him in Malaysia yet!

This afternoon's buffet was awesome ... it's tiring too but good. I had my share of lamb chops ... so it's a pretty good holiday thus far.

Gareth hugged me while I was driving tonight, I enjoyed that a lot.

yesterday had a special suprise moment where I had a short googletalk chat with Brian Mclaren :-)

It's been quite a while since I've had a headache (and not metaphorically) ... after a nap today it was painful. Now it's better, maybe it's all the Elvis songs?

energy levels are increasing gradually ... but sleeping after 1am and trying to wake up early in the morning and feel energetic is no longer possible.

Reading A Tribute to Stanley Grenz did me a lot of good ... all round. I'm looking foward and trusting *grin* to see theologians similar to his ethos emerge in Malaysia and across the globe.

It's a treat to see May Chin enjoy watching TV for a change ...

I agree with Bob's post Once A While... "God works in weird ways and brings the right people across your path just when you need them. You just gotta know that you're looking.". The last few years, I've found myself in conversations with people I never imagined I'd actually be talking with. What's even more exciting is when these conversations evolve into friendships and sometimes opportunities to work together in some form. Bob called me an "unconventional Gen X clergyman" which got me laughing out loud. He adds on in the comments, "Encourager, encouragee, friend, chaplain, pastor, shepherd, sojourner, fellow traveller ..." I'm learning a lot mate...

got to go May Chin wants to watch a movie .. that's good.

It’s All About Relationship

"[Jesus’] new world order is based on the experience of a God who is experienced personally. Jesus seems to be saying that God is not a philosophical system, a theory to be proven or an energy to be discussed or controlled, although we have often reduced God to such. Jesus believes that God is a Person to be imitated, enjoyed and loved. We only seem to know God by relating to God, almost as if God refuses to be known apart from love. It is all about relationship." ~ Richard Rohr, Jesus’ Plan for a New World (via inward/outward)

The Easter Kemunting Holiday 3.1

Our mornings at Cameron were always beautiful ... outside before the hills and greenary and on the breakfast table.

Getting on this vehicle was special

They really upgraded the facilities for the Boh Tea Plantation ...

Of course, nothing compares to the greenary.

Asian Lutherans Online!

This is a good start for Lutherans in Asia to connect with the world.

coComment

I haven't been doing much commenting lately but this is good ... better late than never. Time to add something new to this blog!

Why does the church exist?

"According to the early Christians, the church doesn't exist in order to provide a place where people can pursue their private spiritual agendas and develop their own spiritual potential. Nor does it exist in order to provide a safe haven in which people can hide from the wicked world and ensure that they themselves arrive safely at an otherworldly destination. Private spiritual growth and ultimate salvation come rather as the byproducts of the main, central, overarching purpose for which God has called and is calling us. The purpose is clearly stated in various places in the New Testament: that through the church God will announce to the wider world that he is indeed its wise, loving, and just creator: that through Jesus he has defeated the powers that corrupt and enslave it; and that by his Spirit he is at work to heal and renew it." ~ N.T. Wright (Thanks DashHouse for this quote)

I've been meeting many "unchurched" or "de-churched" or "hard-to-reconnect-back-to-church" Christians. I know there are stories that need to be heard. I'm curious of how they came to where they are at right now, how do they see their Christian faith, and where are they heading or would like to be in the near future?

Many of these individuals are reflective people. Some are enaged in worthy causes which I wish more Christians "in the church" could be part of. There are those whom were once "very active" but now totally disconnected with Christian community (apart from some Christian friends), they also admit that perhaps there's nothing really happening as far as faith in God is concerned.

It's a strange feeling talking with them because I resonate with much of their complaints. In fact, I would agree with much of their criticism of the "weaknesses" of the "institutional or organized church". I applaud their engagement and interest in social issues and/or anything for the betterment of humanity. It's just that deep down I wonder, could this have been different? What if? What if .. they or we could find a local community of believers at least desiring and taking some steps to "rectify" how church should be and get back to the heart of why does the church exist? Perfect models aren't existent (apart fro our ideals or at times illusions) but does that mean we give up?

I joked with someone yesterday, "I planted a church I wanted to go to!" (I know that sounds selfish ... if read out of context! And I'm very well aware of our weaknesses and limits in Bangsar Lutheran Church). But the opportunity did arise, and reading N.T. Wright's quote reminds me again though we are a small congregation we are part of God's bigger picture and we need to return to that center.

Now back to those whom are "unchurched", "de-churched" or "hard-to-reconnect-back-to-church" ... what is a possible alternative that could "express" out in concrete forms what Bishop Wright is talking about here? What if we sat down and patiently in gracious conversations - listen to our stories, deal with the various themes and issues that arise without sidestepping them? What if we could re-ignite our imaginations again to what the church can be and do (beyond our former "boxed" mindsets and formulations)? What if we take risks again but now with a second naivete, a chastised zeal, with more realistic expectations - and play our part in small ways for this to happen?

My prayer and wish is ... Those in Malaysia (especially Klang Valley) who are already engaged in some sort of NGO, social cause, or whatever that is important - part of what the church should be involved in in some way- and yet feel a disconnect with church will be willing to enter into a conversation with someone they trust (I'm open to be contacted) to ..

(1) Share their story, their success, their struggles about where maybe they felt "the church (specifically the leadership) might have failed them" from their point of view. - no strings attached here :-)

(2) Explore what could have been done .. even can be done now. Ideas anyone? kind of sharing. This could include, how can a church or the church support those involved in "work" not commonly seen as "Christian ministry".

(3) Be open to the possibility to reconnect back to the church again (in whatever form) - yes for me it's.. a more organized community of friends and families. That we could be faithful to see the church re-emerge again and fulfill her true calling. What it looks like will vary, but I don't think Christ has given up on her bride yet. Church History is helpful here. ... But I'd like to take it one step further, can we see ourselves actively part of his ongoing authorship here and now today?

The Easter Kemunting Holiday 2.6.

wow quite a few delayed posts here .. anyway, I think recalling the recent Cameron Highland trip is good pre-breakfast for today.

one thing for sure, Gareth had a great time at the playground where we stayed at the Lutheran Mission Bungalow. It was a big BIG tall TALL slide!

Dinner always starts with tasty chicken soup at the mission bungalow. Yummy! The Deserts at the end are .... I'm speechless.

The slow fading into the evening was soothing after ice cream and strawberrys!

We tried to start a "fire" for an evening conversations with the few guests who stayed at the Bungalow. One thing I learnt .. a little petrol is very dangerous! And it's not that easy ... at the end, because the wood wasn't dry enough .. we just had wine and random conversations :-)

Random Thoughts when everyone is sleeping

This week has been a good week ... much much better than many weeks before. I'm thankful. There are still hiccups but the good has outweighed the not so good. Excellent progress in this Easter season.

The arrival of Joel, Elise, Zyad and Daya Vestal was timely this weekend. Joel's presence and "preaching" today connected with the "heart" matters of BLC and myself personally. I love it when words like "Sentness", "Justice", "Incarnation", "Church", "Mission" all get unpacked in some degree in accessible form for the rest of us!

A special bonus is to see people like Ellen Bender and Jason Foster set aside time, energy and focus to serve with ServeLife International. It was wonderful to see them interact with BLC members and newcomers :-) Jason has sent me an article of his experience in Nepal recently and I thought I'd post it up later ...

Today we sent off Ray officially as a church. I was so encouraged by the words spoken by those who were blessed by his presence in our church during his stay in Malaysia the past months. In his own quiet way, he's been a wonderful gift (and shares his gifts) to our community of friends and work-in-progress church family. We'll miss him. I will miss him.

I wonder why the last two times the church acoustic-electric guitar I played didn't work properly :-( I'm still playing with all the old tricks I've been using for many years. perhaps it's time to learn some new tricks?

Interesting "fast class" on Holy communion today with those who are affirming and the guy who just got baptised!! I love their questions and I hope I'll guide them in the process of working through their answers themselves as well as giving some handles for starters. I'm excited about our Cyberjaya trip!

When a couple of the kids were at ease to sit with me during the worship gathering while Joel was speaking, I felt REALLY good. I noticed when I talk softly with the kids they respond likewise. When I am silent and use hand signals to communicate, they somehow understand me. Interesting possibilities and insights to reflect upon. Why do we talk so much to get kids to do what we want? :-P and usually it's so hard. Perhaps adults need to change.

Talked with a friend over how so often we just want to do "our part" in our unique way - true to ourselves and what we perceive to be the best we can offer to others - and yet it may be perceived as a threat or whatever in the eyes of others. Now when it's at the level of mere perception that's still containable, but when some act in ways that create doubts, skepticism, and tension ... which doesn't move us all forward then we need to pause and re-examine ourselves. And in the midst of that see what is our best next move. Most of the time, passivity maybe best (don't bother!), and yet I'm learning more and more on this gift of "redemptive dialogue" working wonders ... of course, with lots of realism thrown in too. At times it maybe two steps forward and one step back, or even one step forward and then stuck again ... a longer term perspective helps!

Need sleep ... havent' been getting good sleep for some time. All sorts of reasons, excuses, bad habits and discipline issues. I think Scot Mcknight's advice is good starting tonight ... "Try this every night for a week and you’ll learn its rhythms and graces...

Protect us, Lord, as we stay awake; watch over us as we sleep, that awake we may watch with Christ, and asleep, rest in his peace. Amen. ~ From The Book of Common Prayer

Food, Fun & Fellowship

Food was GOOD! Pretty much empty by the time I took this photo.

Interesting expressions and fashion sense.

Lots of movement and laughter ... craziness was accepted. Find the Emporess in this picture ... where is the trading taking place?

Both young and old could join in. Gareth evaded taxes! Oh yes ... we played "Romanopoly"

That was our evening at Bangsar Lutheran Church tonight.

A Vestal Visit

Joel Vestal is here with his 2 wonderful kids, 1 amazing wife Elise and two more friends - Jason & Ellen. The only thing he left behind in Thailand was his beard :-) Joel and I had a good time catching up yesterday (with Zayd too). Claris from our church did a wonderful job taking the others to KL's China town I think.

I happy all of them are safe and sound after what I heard about their "Nepal" adventures (during the riots). And it's good they can take a break here in a peaceful environment. Tomorrow on sunday, Joel will be sharing at our worship gathering 10am - and I'm looking foward to that.

Check out ServLife International to see how they want to build a global community (and more)

Little People

“Little people doing little things in little places everywhere can change the world.” ~ Anwar Fazal

We need quotes like this.

Random Links 94

Neocalvinism . . . Maybe: A peek into my neocalvinist toolbox
This is VERY good stuff ... very insightful. "...I'm inclined to express my reservations with neocalvinism in terms of user-error. In other words, I'm starting to think that the problem isn't neocalvinism, but neocalvinists! And perhaps I have less problems with the neocalvinist toolbox and more a concern about the ends to which neocalvinist users employ these tools—particularly when they start suggesting that this is the only faithful way to use the tools."

Role of Apologetics
some reflections on apologetics bubbling in Malaysia:-)

How To Speak And Write Postmodern
This made me laugh ... " let's imagine you want to say something like, "We should listen to the views of people outside of Western society in order to learn about the cultural biases that affect us." This is honest but dull. Take the word "views." Postmodernspeak would change that to "voices," or better, "vocalities" or even better, "multivocalities." Add an adjective like "intertextual," and you're covered. "People outside" is also too plain. How about "postcolonial others"?"

In praise of SLOW
This is good for those who are too FAST: "The SLOW movement is not about being lazy, being boring, having no life, being a technophobe, or checking out of the world. It's about making use of speed when it serves you well, but maintaining an inner poise that refuses to let your soul be rushed through life. The Slow movement is not against speed when you need it, it's against speed for the sake of speed. "

Malaysia warns Myanmar against move on opposition
We talked about Myanmar refugees, politics, and the state of the nation after our worship practice last night. Sobering .. but we seriously prayed.

The Gospel

"... the gospel is the work of God to restore humans to union with God and communion with others, in the context of a community, for the good of others and the world.

... God designed the gospel for us.
God designs the gospel for more than my goodness and my sin and my redemption and my liberation and my experience and my chance to go to heaven when i die. the gospel is about us before it is about me. my own i is in the Us, and a gospel of i without an Us is a gospel about me. i’m glad the gospel is for me but it is about more than me." ~ Scot McKnight (via Marko)

aGO 0.2: A Generous Refund

Ok let's continue where we left off.

5. I understand Brian's "accumulating-opinion style of orthodoxy" to mean that the focus is a "know-it all" or "know-more-than-you" approach where the accent is very much on the intellect (perhaps at the expense of other dimensions like experienceal or the less rational-cognitive stuff). It also makes one think we need to have lots of right answers. I find myself having a strange reaction right now to it. On one hand, I enjoy the whole process of "accumulation" in terms of ongoing learning - and the search for right answers is a powerful motivating and enriching factor in one's discipleship. But, when it becomes about winning or losing then I find myself resonating less with this style. It fact, it slowly becomes suffocating. I too don't advocate a "know nothing" approach (thus I'm not anti-intellectual, it's more of I find it's limited value and necessity)... perhaps it's more of "what are we doing with what we know" and "where are these answers affecting me?"..

6. Humility is admiting my limitations and fallibility and willing to revise my formulations - taking seriously (with some humor) my humanity. Charity is considering others better and smarter than me, this involves appreciating insights I would have missed (and often do miss). Courage is the energy to stand firm and stick with what we're convicted with (keeping the humility & charity part in check of course) and to move forward in the midst of suspicion or criticism. Diligence is the persistent determination to keep on the pursuit of truth and be willing to enter an ongoing cycle of learning, unlearning and relearning.

7. Brian's view of orthodoxy "as a tool and means to achieve orthopraxy" pushes one to ask "so what does all this mean in terms of our life and ministry here on earth?", "So what's next? What needs changing?" So the our understanding on the Trinity has much to say about how we relate to each other or exist as a communty. Our understanding of Christ has relevance to who we can become. Our understanding of sin makes us pause to relook at at the mess we're in. The pro is that we don't just focus on the abstract nitty gritty of doctrines or it's fascninating coherence or logic. .. we may enjoy that but we're know it's unfinished or incomplete unless we link what we think with what we do. The flip side is the same we back track from what we do to what we think. And this back and forth process clarifies our doctrine and sharpens our practice. The con might be that if we see orthodoxy merely a tool or means then we may be tempted to value the doctrine on our immediate assesment of it's usefulness in our perceived definition of "orthopraxy" .. perhaps when we cannot see it's immediate link to right action it's a sign we need to pause. Another con is we might miss the beauty of orthodoxy and it becomes to utilitarian.

I would have prefered "orthopathy" to be put n the equation or at least broug
h up to light. I sense it maybe assumed. But if spirituality - heart matters is thrown in I see less the temptatio to be either/or .. then we don't have to have a more"sequential" metaphor (due to the language of tools and means) ... to a more "music-like" (using the language of music and songs) where orthodoxy - right thinking - gives the lyrics, orthopathy right feeling or experience - the melody/harmony and orthopraxy - right action the rhythm. We could just look at a lyric of a song (we could do the same for the melody and rhythm) and there's some use but it doesn't convey the total picture of the whole piece.

I'm a little tired so maybe that's why I may sound not that coherent above. This is a blog ... and it's very much a "beta" thinking (constantly in revision mode). There's one more question but I'll try another day.

Agreeing and Disagreeing in Love

*I read this over and over today, we are so inadequate in the way we relate to each other. Interesting cross cultural comment at the end. Lord, have mercy. His mercies endures forever. Darkness cannot swallow the light ~ Sivin*

Agreeing and Disagreeing in Love
Commitments for Mennonites in Times of Disagreement

"Making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3),
as both individual members and the body of Christ, we pledge that we shall:

In Thought

Accept conflict
1. Acknowledge together that conflict is a normal part of our life in the church. Romans 14:1-8, 10-12, 17-19 15:1-7

Affirm hope
2. Affirm that as God walks with us in conflict we can work through to growth. Ephesians 4:15-16

Commit to prayer
3. Admit our needs and commit ourselves to pray for a mutually satisfactory solution (no prayers for my success or for the other to change but to find a joint way). James 5:16

In Action

Go to the other.
4. Go directly to those with whom we disagree; avoid behind-the-back criticism.* Matthew 5:23-24; 18:15-20 .

In the spirit of humility...
5. Go in gentleness, patience and humility. Place the problem between us at neither doorstep and own our part in the conflict instead of pointing out the others'. Galatians 6:1-5

Be quick to listen
6. Listen carefully, summarize and check out what is heard before responding. Seek as much to understand as to be understood. James 1:19; Proverbs 18:13

Be slow to judge
7. Suspend judgments, avoid labeling, end name calling, discard threats, and act in a nondefensive, nonreactive way. Romans 2:1-4; Galatians 5:22-26

Be willing to negotiate
8. Work through the disagreements constructively. Acts 15; Philippians 2:1-11
* Identify issues, interests, and needs of both (rather than take positions).
* Generate a variety of options for meeting both parties' needs (rather than defending one's own way).
* Evaluate options by how they meet the needs and satisfy the interests of all sides (not one side's values).
* Collaborate in working out a joint solution (so both sides gain, both grow and win).
* Cooperate with the emerging agreement (accept the possible, not demand your ideal).
* Reward each other for each step forward, toward agreement (celebrate mutuality)

In Life
Be steadfast in love
9. Be firm in our commitment to seek a mutual solution; be stubborn in holding to our common foundation in Christ; be steadfast in love. Colossians 3:12-15

Be open to mediation
10. Be open to accept skilled help. If we cannot reach agreement among ourselves, we will use those with gifts and training in mediation in the larger church. Philippians 4:1-3

Trust the community
11. We will trust the community and if we cannot reach agreement or experience reconciliation, we will turn the decision over to others in the congregation or from the broader church. Acts 15
* In one-to-one or small group disputes, this may mean allowing others to arbitrate.
* In congregational, conference district or denominational disputes, this may mean allowing others to arbitrate or implementing constitutional decision-making processes, insuring that they are done in the spirit of these guidelines, and abiding by whatever decision is made.

Be the Body of Christ
12. Believe in and rely on the solidarity of the Body of Christ and its commitment to peace and justice, rather than resort to the courts of law. I Corinthians 6:1-6

*Go directly if you are European-North American; in other cultures disagreements are often addressed through a trusted go-between.

Destroying Community

"A community which insists upon keeping its illusion when it should be shattered, permanently loses in that moment the promise of Christian community. Sooner or later it will collapse. Every human wish dream that is injected into the Christian community is a hindrance to genuine community and must be banished if genuine community is to survive. He who loves his dream of a community more than the Christian community itself becomes a destroyer of the latter, even though his personal intentions may be ever so honest and earnest and sacrificial."~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Life Together via inward/outward

aGO 0.1: a Generous Refund

When this book first came out, Jen Lemen graciously sent me a free copy so I could participate in a group blog, aGenerousOrthodoxy.com. The excitement generated by the reception of the book can be felt here (back in 2004). Brian McLaren has been a welcome conversation partner and friend in my own Christ-following journey and feeble attempts to be a reflective practitioner/pastor (my 32year old birthday thoughts can't hide this). I must admit that when we were supposed to be contributing to the group blog I had difficulty organising my thoughts and working through my fears (and lack of confidence). This irrational fear was probably intensified because of the controversy revolving around the book, the emergent conversation (and the wider emerging church discussion specifically in the USA), as well as Brian personally and as a small fry young pastor in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - I didn't want to get pulled into a whirlpool and thus spending unnecessary energy engaged in debates that may or may not concern me (which is often the case IMHO for Christianity in Asia). I confess I may have been a coward or plain over-cautious. My involvement was limited to personal email exchanges, some blog posts and face to face conversations with those directly connected to the emergent conversation in USA & UK. Of course, even being associated with Brian McLaren and the what-does-this-mean term "emergent" or "emerging church" has brought both blessings and frowns.

Anyway, I saw a paperback version of the book today with a new epilogue and discussion guide at Borders Berjaya times Square (they are offering 15% for all books). The discussion questions looked helpful to get me thinking and articulating again. Furthermore, I owe Jen Lemen this (many thanks for the book again! BTW, it's amazing that Holly & Ryan Sharp who were on the creative team for the book actually came to Malaysia and we had some good times - they signed on the book *grin*) This will be my fresh attempt to move beyond random thoughts and posts to a series, I'll skip typing the questions and go straight to my response using the numbers (Ok! I'm lazy to type the questions *smile* - or you can guess the questions yourself).

allow me to jump into the questions and fear later ...

1. I was drawn to read (or re-read) this book because of (a) the reasons mentioned above. (b) it's 2006, 2 years after some "heat" generated by the book and I hope this season I can reflect on it in a "cooler" environment. (c) reading Brian's new epilogue inspired me where he shared,

"A Generous Orthodox felt more pastoral and personal. I think I was working on chapter 20 ("Why I Am Unfinished"), the last chapter, when the word confession came to mind -- confession not in the sense of a deep, dirty, sinful secret, but in the sence os Augustine's famous Confession (the margins of whose pages I am not worthy to mark), which would perhaps be better translated testimony. A confession is a personal testimony: here's what I believe, here's my story, here's my heart -- exposed with vulnerability and honesty"

This is important because when I first read it that was exactly how I felt and understood the book - not as a systematic treatise (with all the arguments ironed out) that I would swallow uncritically , or a kind of manifesto that I need to sign, or a formula that would solve all our problems in Christianity - I read it as a conversation with someone who's willing to open and "confess" his journey and hopefully through this interaction think about my own. Sorry for the 2 year delay, my mind has been processing all of this. Only now, I'm disciplining the fingers to key the thoughts down (at least for myself).

2. I would be under the catergory of "a Christian leader who has heard terms like postmodern and missional". This goes way back to 2000 when I was exposed to discussions revolving around these two terms though sparks from Bob Brow, conversations with Todd Hunter, early articles from Next Wave, The Len Swet classic Soul Tsunami, The Gospel and our Culture Network series - starting with Missional Church, and all things Lesslie Newbigin. As an audience for the book, probably I'd best be described simply as a Christians who's part of a sidelined mainline denomination refocusing what is frontline ministry in this time and age. :-) who has not left the ""institutional" church and consciouly chooses to remain in my present context (prayerfully to be a blessed catalyst for good).

3. When Brian tries "to be provocative, mischievous, and unclear." in this book, the playful and the creative side me thoroughly enjoys it. The part in me that needs challenging, rethinking and not taking formulaic answers or thinking processes shouts, "Great!". The more cautious side of me would be on the edge of my seat and more then once I've heard myself saying, "He might get into trouble for saying this.", or "I'm not as daring as he is to use that way of communicating his ideas", then there's the "This is very helpful to spur thinking, I hope some wouldn't take him out of context for their own personal agendas". After reading someone like Rober Farrar Capon I can take Brian's style but many wouldn't.

4. My initial reaction to the definition of orthodoxy as "What God knows, some of which we believe a little, some of which they believe a little, and about which we all have a whole lot to learn" is ... "This is honest! And it's true isn't it? Who (as in humans) can claim to have very bit of knowledge especially with regards to God all sorted out?" I don't think it's a classic definition where I'd expect some talk on Christ, the canonical scriptures, the creeds, the ongoing contextual engagement of the Gospel in and through the church with culture (often shown through the wider church tradition). But it's a "creative" directional definition where on personal confessional level it takes a lot of pressure of me and frees me to learn. It's kind of an "ethos" or an "attitude" where beyond a personal level multiplied communally would help us as Christians first to live together and then further work together. Not just tolerating but genuinely respecting each other - it's hard - but I think the body of Christ right starting from the local congregation needs hold this "creative confessional directional :-) definition" to take the unnecessary pressure off us to have "space" to grow at a variety of paces while still connected to one another, and for some minus defensive postures adding on learning postures which must lead to "orthopraxy of love of God and all God's creations" Whether its classic (faithful to where we're come from), creative (not just in an artsy sense, but in a constructive sense), confessional (which springs from personal ownership and authenticity) - the content of this kind of "orthodoxy" is indeed rich and enriching!

I can only manage until 4 today. So aGO 0.2 tomorrow. Non-virtual important stuff awaiting my attention.

Speak Lord, we are listening ...

Happy Birthday May Chin!

Labour Day is always special because - this is when May Chin's mom (who's birthday is also today!) went into labour ...

Happy Birthday my dear May Chin ... May your life be ever so sweet :-)

Demystifying 'Da Vinci'

This was a good watch - very informative and insightful. I liked the way the whole series ended - which brings a focus to conversations that REALLY matter. I thoroughly enjoyed the style and format too ...