OK, OK, so EVERYONE and their mom has blogged on how awesome Elie Wiesel was last Thursday night. And I am just now getting around to my turn at it. So, here goes. . .

First, I AGREE- the evening WAS awesome. The church building (

it was at my church- how cool is that?) was packed with over 800 people. Channel 7 news even made an appearance! There was an excitement I haven't felt when waiting to hear a speaker- EVER. And when Elie stepped out, everyone erupted in applause and leapt to their feet. Just seeing a group of people honor a man like that was inspiring!

I can still remember having to read his book "Night" in high school. It was one of the few books that has stuck with me all these years. I even pulled it out 3-4 years ago and re-read it. So, to now sit at the feet of this man, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and actually hear him speak . . . . it's beyond words. For just one night, he was our teacher, our Rabbi- sharing with us the message of reconciliation.

If you want to know more about his content, I will defer to Josh and Patrick. They have done a great job summarizing it, so check their blogs out!

Anyway, I started grad classes last week at Rochester College. I'm excited to get back into school and learn again. I know it sounds weird, but its true. I miss digging into the Word and learning from my Bible profs. So, I'll get my fill on Thursday nights!

Contemplative Worship

Last Sunday, we finished the last of three nights called the "Summer Worship Series." One Sunday night a month, the church came together to worship. What makes this unique is each night was a different style of worship: one traditional, one contemporary, and one contemplative. Each one also included a time of fellowship with a potluck.(I know, we're kickin' it old school!)

This last Sunday was the contemplative service. It was done in the style and manner of Taize (www.taize.fr for more info). Of all three styles, this was the one I was looking forward to most. It also was the one I was dreading most. You see, the Taize service places a HUGE emphasis on silence and prayer. The praise team, singing all reflective songs, sang from the back. The liturgy was read by Vicki and one of our elders, John Barton. The structure is very liturgical with candles and crosses. The room was darkened. In other words, very Catholic. And I was nervous as to how our church would receive it.

I personally get a lot out of this style of worship. In my hectic life, I sometimes need to be FORCED to slow down and listen to God.

Listen.

It's that word that I like. In so many of our other services, it's not so much about listening as TALKING and DOING. And as much as I love the activity and the outpouring of other languages of worship, there is something to being still and listening for the still, small voice of God.

To my surprise, the contemplative service was a hit! People responded very well to the almost 5 minutes of silence, the selection of taize songs, as well as the candles and the crosses. And they asked to do it again!

I am thankful I am in a church that is open to try varying styles of worship in this way. That they aren't afraid to experience God in different and sometimes uncomfortable forms. From songleaders and hymns to praise teams and choruses to silence and liturgy, we can all find something meaningful in each one. We can appreciate each one for their depth and authenticity. Each style is a language that has communicated adoration through the years to one God. And that is something we can all come together for!

Another great blog from Phil Cooke . . . . further reasons to be a Apple computer guy!

When people ask me why I use a Mac, my usual response is that it’s more “intuitive.” A PC is logical, but a Mac’s interface and software is more like the way I think. I’ve also noticed it in how quickly young kids adapt to a Mac in contrast to a PC. They just seem to “get it.” It’s similar to the GPS systems on my car. A few years ago I had a Lexus and I loved the GPS. It just made sense. It thought the way I did. But now I have a Land Rover and I hate it. The Land Rover GPS is good, and it’s very logical – but I find it’s very difficult to use.

Logic is good. Logic is, well, “logical.” But human beings aren’t necessarily logical. Human beings are intuitive. We gain insight from a number of areas – sight, sound, taste, touch, smell, and process information in ways that aren’t always logical.

That’s the reason “numbers” or “detail” people often have difficulty dealing with other people. In other words, they often have a bit of trouble with people skills. CPA’s, accountants, mathematicians, scientists, strategists, and others aren’t always the most exciting people in the room. They love all things logical. But they miss the connection to people, because try as they might, most people just aren’t logical.

That’s also why so many companies and non-profits are frustrated with their messaging. Sure it makes sense. Sure it is logical. Sure it’s the truth. But it just doesn’t connect with the audience. Audiences aren’t logical, they’re intuitive. They make leaps and connections that don’t always make sense.

I sometimes get into this argument during creative meetings with clients. They will do a direct mail campaign, advertising promotion, or TV program that has solid information, makes sense, is certainly true, and is logical. But it just doesn’t connect. They don’t understand that without understanding how people think, they’ll never get the audience’s attention.

Remember – Mr. Spock was logical, but then again, he came from another planet.

Jim and Casper Go to Church

I just recently finished ANOTHER great book called "Jim and Casper Go To Church". The book is a frank conversation between a pastor and an atheist about churches and what they see at church services. Jim Henderson hired an atheist Matt Casper to travel with him to churches all over the U.S. and then write about the experience. Casper's unique perspective really gives some great and critical insight to us Christians when we say that we are open and friendly to those who don't believe in what Jesus.

It is a an easy read, but challenging little book. You have to put this on your "MUST READ THIS SUMMER" list! You won't be sorry!

-chris