GroshLink

 InterVarsity Christian Fellowship's Central PA Graduate & Faculty Ministry invites Christian scholars to consider

Culture Making on Campus

Featured speaker:

Andy Crouch, author of Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling (InterVarsity Press, 2008), a senior editor at Christianity Today International (CTI), a member of the editorial board of Books & Culture, a senior fellow of the International Justice Mission’s IJM Institute.

Sunday, April 19, 12:30 pm

Lunch hosted and provided by Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ, 996 East High Street, Elizabethtown, PA.  Click here for Mapquest directions.  Note:  A freewill offering for the lunch will be accepted.

Booktable provided by Hearts & Minds Bookstore

RSVP by April 5 to Tom Grosh, tgrosh4 @ aol dot com
Click here for 2-sided postcard invitations (PDF) and here for a poster to share with others.

Note: Andy will be sharing more on the Biblical theme of and the general application of Culture Making during Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ's 8:30 am worship service, 10 am adult elective, and 11 am worship service. No need to RSVP to join us for these sessions, but Tom would appreciate knowing of your interest so that he can welcome you.

Looking to discuss Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling?  Several opportunities will be available, the first of which will be on Thursday, March 26, 7pm, Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ.  Part of the fruit of these conversations will be a piece for Brethren in Christ History and Life on the applicability of the Culture Making Model to the Brethren in Christ, with Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ serving as a case study.

Culture is what we make of the world -- we start not with a blank slate but with all the richly enculturated world that previous generations have handed to us.  So when I go to the kitchen to make dinner or when a screenwriter sits down to write a script, the first requirement of us is that we be sufficiently acquainted with our cultural world.  To cook well I need to be familiar with the proper use of knives, the qualities of spices, the properties of stainless steel and cast iron pots.  I need to understand the culinary tradition I am joining -- am I making Italian or Chinese or Mexican food? --  Andy Crouch, Culture Making: Recovering our Creative Calling (Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 2007, p.73).

Quick update: Lily Joy (6/13) continues to be a great joy. She's downing homemade baby food, see Lily's First Meal, and is close to crawling.  Look at that reach!

As you might imagine -- based upon my 1/9/2009 post Where will Narnia go? -- I have mixed opinion about Fox picking up C.S. Lewis' The Voyage of the Dawn Treader for a Christmas 2010 release. 

But join me in prayer that the Lord will watch over the project, the conversations about journey and the writings of C.S. Lewis in relationship to it, campus outreaches which I may be involved in (and encourage), and for the movie to truly give glory to God ... news covered at Narnia Fans and CTI live blog.

Last night I came as close as I ever expect to come at being a Jeopardy contestant.  I took the Jeopardy online test which is only given at specific times, i.e. you can't just log on and take it whenever you want to.  It was 50 questions and you have 15 seconds to answer each one.  No going back.

 (More)

Still, when we ask ourselves which persons in our lives mean the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions, or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand.  The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not-knowing, not-curing, not-healing and face with us the reality of our powerlessness, that is the friend who cares. -- Henri Nouwen, Out of Solitude, recently posted by cultureisnotoptional (cino).

Amen! We rejoice in God's gift of calling a number of His people to walk with our family.  Furthermore, we pray that the Father may grant us the grace, humility, and opportunity to serve others in a similar manner on campus, in our local assembly, in our family, and to wherever we are called.

 (More)

Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you."  He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." -- Luke 8:19-21 NIV

What a joy to begin another term of identifying, encouraging, and equipping brothers and sisters in Christ to be redeeming influcences on campuses across the Mid-Atlantic Region (DC, DE, MD, PA).  Last semester, while serving a gathering of Faculty at Penn State Harrisburg, I had the opportunity to speak into and provide some support to the beginning of an undergraduate fellowship group on campus.  Just before Thanksgiving, I visited the undergraduate ministry's Bible study where I participated in manuscript study of Luke 8:19-21 NIV, led by Bret (an InterVarsity undergraduate campus staff member). 

During the walk through observation, interpretation, and application of the passage, I sat silently giving praise to God for assembling His people for encouragement and equipping.  Today I ask you to join me in prayer not only for the multiplication of this ministry, but also the influence of followers of Christ at Penn State Harrisburg.  In specific, join me in prayer to Father for the Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday Bible studies to be blessed with godly leaders incarnating the Word and filled with the Spirit as they teach and send forth others to ministry/witness/culture-making on campus (and beyond).

What did you think about as you ate breakfast?  Theresa and I discussed Knitting as a cultural artifact. Why? 

With Andy Crouch's visit to Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ less than three months away (Sunday, April 19), Theresa and I have been regularly discussing material from Culture-Making. We've particularly appreciated Andy's Five Questions as a starting point for conversation regarding what it means for followers of Christ as individuals and a community to connect with the current form(s) of culture (Note: Andy defines culture as what we make of the world) and respond by creating and cultivating culture which reproduces the likeness of Jesus. How? By firmly embedding our way of life as the Body of Christ in the Biblical story and articulating this message with clarity in an age of pluralism/multiple cultures.

If you have thoughts to add to the conversation on Knitting as a cultural artifact, post some here and on Andy's page.  Also, if you're interested in discussing Andy's book on Culture-Making, drop me an email and stay tuned.  For those that would like to get a jump start, I have a ESN blog post on Culture-Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling.

Culture is what we make of the world -- we start not with a blank slate but with all the richly enculturated world that previous generations have handed to us.  So when I go to the kitchen to make dinner or when a screenwriter sits down to write a script, the first requirement of us is that we be sufficiently acquainted with our cultural world.  To cook well I need to be familiar with the proper use of knives, the qualities of spices, the properties of stainless steel and cast iron pots.  I need to understand the culinary tradition I am joining -- am I making Italian or Chinese or Mexican food? --  Andy Crouch, Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling (Downers Grove, IL:  InterVarsity Press, 2007, p.73).

Thought my friends computer science friends would find Where Computer Science and Cultural Studies Collide of interest. The article highlighted SoftWhere 2008, Grand Text Auto, MIT Press Platform Studies, Critical Code Studies, Codology, Game Studies. Below's a quote:

Most users have no more knowledge of what their computer or code is actually doing than most automobile owners have of their carburetor or catalytic converter. Nor is any such knowledge necessarily needed. But for academics, driven by an increasing emphasis on the materiality of new media — that is, the social, cultural, and economic factors driving technical innovation, essentially the inverse of an old-school technological determinism that posited technology as the governing force in human activity — no hardware component is too exotic, no acronym too esoteric to escape critical notice. Put another way, software studies and its kin are the collision of computer science and cultural studies. -- from Where Computer Science and Cultural Studies Collide by Matthew Kirschenbaum in The Chronicle of Higher Education, January 23, 2009.

 PS.  Another piece you might find of interest posted at the Emerging Scholars Blog, What is the ‘Rightful Place’ of Science?

After breakfast, I had a conversation with the twins regarding the inauguration and oath-taking after which we prayed for the new President using a prayer written/posted by Scot McKnight (w/an addition found in the second comment). Thank-you Scot.  Good material.

What's the word about the inauguration around your house, neighborhood, workplace? Any thoughts/comments/prayers to share? Note: Hayley and I Remembered Martin Luther King, Jr. last night by watching/discussing the below video of the I Have a Dream Speech (text here).

Are you familiar with The Music Box (Copyright 1980, White Lion Pictograph. Length: 28 Min)? I came across it as part of a discussion group and thought others might find it of interest, particularly as you seek to share the joy of Christ in your daily life.

Webpage description: One of the most highly acclaimed short Christian films of all time, MUSIC BOX is a classic film that has been enjoyed by millions all over the world.

MUSIC BOX is a parable, a simple story with a special meaning. It's about a weary man who lives in a cold lifeless city. He has a boring job and is unconnected to his family. One day everything changes. In a snowy alley, he receives the gift of a magical music box.((A man trudging home from work through a dreary, snowy city is surprised by a joyous group of gospel-singing, tuxedoed angels. They give a special gift of love and life to the man: a magical box and the wondrous story of a loving king.((MUSIC BOX is a modern parable of the joy-filled life in Christ, and our responsibilities to share the joy.((In the tradition of Christ's parables and the allegorical fiction of C.S. Lewis, MUSIC BOX is a must for anyone who needs a little "Hallelujah" amid the "Ho-Hum."

Seen by millions, this comical award-winning film will keep you laughing -- while teaching a vivid lesson about how we use or misuse God's gifts.

1/29/09 Link updated and description text added.

So where are the Eagles :( 

I was looking forward to the match-up.

Make us worthy, Lord, to serve our fellow men throughout the world, who live and die in poverty and hunger.  Give them today, through our hands, their daily bread and through our understanding love, give peace and joy.  Amen. -- Missionaries of Charity, p. 41.

I'd encourage you to take a few minutes to read the story of a Radical Scholar who came to Christ and a summary of her meaningful book Finding Calcutta: What Mother Teresa Taught Me About Meaningful Work and Service.

What a joy not only to receive birthday greetings from friends and family, but to watch Eden and Theresa prepare/bake a carrot cake for later today.  After the cake went into the oven, Eden wanted a carrot to eat ;-)  We've raised such a good eater ... of course a few minutes later she wanted her gum from Darrenkamps, which has been a news item to share with everyone she meets (hopefully my Dental Practice Family won't hear about it again and again tomorrow afternoon).

As I'm 1/2-way to 70, I have no question in my mind that God the Father has been refining me for a good work as part of the people of God ... one which although I may have a glimpse, is much richer than I anticipate.  Please join me in praying for the fruit of the Spirit to come forth in more fullness each day of my life.  Pray that I would reproduce the likeness of Christ Jesus through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in my home, local congregation, neighborhood, school district, various campuses which I serve, streets/highways which I travel, grocery store runs, shopping center trips, etc.  Pray for the God the Father by His Spirit, Word, and people to overturn/address the sin, the flesh, and the devil which so easily creates barriers to my life and word(s) giving full testimony to the Way, the Truth, and Life.

You are great!  Have you watched the short film Validation? This morning I came across Validation in an on-line discussion group where I shared some comments which led to the formulation of an ESN post.  Watch the video, read the ESN post, and let me know what you think (either here or at the ESN post).  

 

A brief framing quote on the work of the Jesus the Christ and Holy Spirit, writen by John Stott and passed along to me by my friend Miller.

"Suppose Jesus was still in Jerusalem.  Every boat and plane would be crowded with pilgrims....You have come to see Jesus, but you will never see Him.
 (More)

New song from David Bailey, can't wait to share This Could Be Your Day with my girls. Why? 

This morning, I sat with one of my daughters to discuss the challenges of One More Day and we listened to David's introduction to One More Day on his Live CD and then sang One More Day with him as we embraced following Jesus under the care of God the Father and the power of the Spirit each step of the way. David's no doubt part of the sudden inspiration for playing guitar within our household (Note:  Ellen and Hayley have his music playing in their rooms at various times). The Spirit works in amazing ways among the people of God. Worship God the Father with all of your being today.  Pray for David's continued strength to minister One More Day.

 

 

How clean is the electricity you use?

Thank-you to my friend who posted this neat EPA widget that takes your zip code and electricity provider, and tells you where your electricity comes from.  Not surprisingly, the public power offered in Northern Lancaster County, PA, is a near even coal (45%) and nuclear (38%) with some oil (9%).  Three Mile Island Nuclear Power, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Plant, and Brunner Island Coal immediately come to my mind.

While I was in Pittsburgh, the power was 73% coal, and 22% nuclear. How does yours compare? Try it out at let me know.

 (More)

For those who haven't heard, I received a shoulder sprain on the left side while playing basketball on Monday night.  Shoulder sprain is the assessment of my family physician who I visited yesterday day (not ruling out the torn rotator cuff, but at present the shoulder sprain appears a more appropriate diagnosis).  I have anti-inflammatory medicine and an exercise sheet to address the decreased range of motion. 

It's probably the end of my season and the tipping point in my decision to end involvement in competitive ball with high contact.  I thought that I could play/contribute, but my fragile frame is not up for the contact.  Maybe making such decisions is part of growing older (on Saturday I'll be 1/2-way to 70) and wiser ;-) 

None-the-less, I will very much miss being part of a team with a shared athletic purpose and direction.*  Hope to get back to informal play and shooting around w/friends in a few months.

Pray for

1. healing
2. rest, I've had some difficulty sleeping
3. taking it easy on the left shoulder in play w/Eden and Lily
4. accepting the transition -- feel free to hold me accountable

*I'll try to come out to cheer some games. And those I miss I'll check the scores here -- HT to Mike.

Soul of Christ, sanctify me
Body of Christ, save me
Blood of Christ, inebriate me
Water from the side of Christ, wash me
Passion of Christ, strengthen me
O good Jesus, hear me
Within thy wounds hide me
Suffer me not to be separated from Thee
From all the malicious enemy defend me
In the hour of my death call me
And bidst me come to Thee
That with Thy saints I may praise thee
Forever and ever. Amen -- p.29

Join me in prayer for each member of our family to be Christ-centered as we return to the rhythm of Wednesday night activites at our local congregation -- choir for the girls, Mom's chat for Theresa (and Lily), and gathered prayer for Tom. 

 (More)

I arise today

Through a mighty strength,

the invocation of the Trinity,

Through a belief in the Threeness,

Through confession of the Oneness

Of the Creator of creation -- p.19.

Amen!  What a blessing to pray these words as I offer this day to the true God.  Pray for me as I prepare for a breakfast appointment regarding my role in adult ministry at Elizabethtown Brethren in Christ (including details for Andy Crouch's April 19 visit) and a lunch with the Christian Medical Society at Penn State Hershey Medical Center (undergrad nursing students, medical students, graduate students, faculty, physicians, spouses/kids) where I'll make various connections regarding the Emerging Scholars Network. 

PS.  Interested in more regarding St. Patrick?  Visit St. Patrick's Day Celebration. For more text to this prayer, follow this link.

I've begun to pray through Shane Claiborne and Jonathan Wilson-Hartgrove's Becoming the Answer to Our Prayers: Prayer for Ordinary Radicals. Reflections on the book coming later, as for now I'll post prayers from the book. As we begin this day, let us as members of the Body of Christ, pray as a family/people with One Father who gives us strength, direction, and purpose each step of the way ... despite whatever concerns we may face:

Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us today our daily bread,
And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,

but deliver us from the evil one,

for yours is the kingdom
and the power and the glory forever.
Amen. -- p.15

Continue to pray for The Gift of Spring in Eden's Life.  As our friends/family love to mention to us, Eden has continued to get around better and doesn't care if she runs into something or falls down.  For the most part Eden gets up and keeps on going, trying to keep up with whatever everyone else is doing and singing along the way.*  She even navigated some ice this morning, almost successfully ... then pressed on

Earlier we had mentioned Eden's vision 'possibly' slightly improved, but our most recent visit did not confirm this direction.  Please pray that when we go back to the eye doctor in April that he sees some improvement.  

Eden's made some progress in dressing herself.  She's limited in this area because she lacks strength and agility in her right hand.  

*Note:  Eden loves to sing

the ABCs
It's Raining It's Pouring as a lead into The Wise Man Built His House Upon the Rock -- love this!
Jacob's Ladder
O My Darling (Clementine)
Rocka My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham (but she's on a first name basis w/Abraham, calling him Abe-y)

O Lord,
no day of my life has passed

that has not proved me guilty in your sight.

 (More)

Last night David Bailey returned to the stage in Buford, GA.  Below's the mass email update which I received. Please join me in prayer for his healing and strength for continued testimony to living One More Day to the glory of God.  For David's website, visit here. 

 (More)

So, Is the Narnia Franchise Dead -- at least the most recent attempt? As Disney is now all about the money and whatever it takes to get it, even the violence, I'm not so disappointed about a possible new sponsor or resting the series at Prince Caspian. Due to the LOTR-like battles, I was reticient to watch The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe with my twins even when they were eight and I'm not sure when we'll watch Prince Caspian. ... Maybe the fact that Prince Caspian doesn't sit on the shelf of a strong Lewis and Narnia fan helps explain the lower DVD sales (although I'm sure I'll eventually get a copy).  W/regard to our younger daughters, we'll return to the BBC version alongside reading the books as they kindle our imagination and spirit.  

Now if I take a step back and think about engaging culture on a adult level, there are still glimpses of the Gospel in the most recent series which provide opportunities for conversation and a blessing to the larger culture.  When I watched and discussed the films with friends, students, and family there was exciting dialogue about the original purpose and direction of Lewis' writing as a follower of Christ (note:  it was fun to contrast Lewis with Tolkien on their view of writing fiction).  From that perspective, press on but let's be wary about all the marketing to children!

Earlier posts include:

On the Possibility of Miracles
Prince Caspian goes to the Big Screen
Narnia Spoiler