Almost a year of dormant activity on this blog!

I've set the authors of this blog to be any of our home community leadership:
Chris, Misty, Patrick, Rachel, Jim, Dara, Laura and Jeremy

The blog is still public -- enabling people who are considering visiting to check it out.
Let's get some more current and relevant information up here in the coming weeks!

A reminder about Ned and Emily in Tanzania...

I just thought I'd remind those of you that may not be subscribed to Ned & Emily's blog how you can stay in touch with them. The email address they are using is nedmgreene@gmail.com -- I think that they'd love to hear from anyone. (I myself need to sit down and punch out a message to them!)

Their blog site is http://nedemily.blogspot.com/ and if you subscribe to that you can get some updates and photos of their travels and relationships that they're building.

Also -- http://cradleoflove.com/ is the website of the organization that they are currently working with in Tanzania.

And if that isn't enough -- you can view their online snapfish album here.

What is Advent?

I realized after the last post that for some, Advent may be a completely new concept so here are some thoughts on what it's all about.

Advent (from the Latin Adventus, implicitly coupled with Redemptoris, "the coming of the Saviour") is a holy season of the Christian church, the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, also known as the season of Christmas. The beginning of Advent can be traced as far back as the Fourth Canon of the Council of Saragosa in 380. In the next two hundred years more formal activities developed around the season of Advent. A fast was established and a liturgy was written that provided for six Sundays in Advent. The Harper Collins Encyclopedia of Catholicism credits Gregory the Great, who died in 604, as the true orchestrator of the Roman Advent for the Catholic Church which is where many modern day Protestant traditions originated. Gregory fixed the season at four weeks and composed seasonal prayers and antiphons.

One of the most popular symbols during the celebration of Advent is the Wreath. It originated in one of the Scandinavian countries where people would gather to celebrate the return of the sun after the winter solstice. The wreath is made of evergreens signifying life and the circle represents the continuation of time in a yearly cycle. There are four candles, one for each Sunday, and they each have a meaning associated with preparing your heart for Christ's birth. The center candle is the Christ candle which represents the promise of the coming of Jesus, a light to this world.


There are a number of other traditions associated with the season but at least now you have some idea of the rich (and long) history of Advent. It is a sacred time for the Church as we begin our new year and what better way to start a new year than in celebration of our Savior?

Advent is Upon Us

Being a part of the Children's Ministry often means thinking of things long before they actually take place. These past few weeks have consisted of praying and preparing for the upcoming Advent season and how I can best convey the message of Christ's birth to a very young crowd. As we enter into the season of anticipation and meditation how do you prepare your heart for Christ's coming? Do you have an Advent wreath at home, conduct a small Bible study, pray with your family?

This first week of Advent focuses on the prophecies of Christ's coming. The Prophecy Candle is the first candle lit in the Advent wreath. It reminds us of the prophets who foretold Christ's birth, especially Isaiah. This candle is also called the "hope" candle.

Are you a passive racist? -- Forum next Sunday night.

I took a school of theology class from Paul Metzger about two years ago and found his conversation and heart to be very encouraging. Some of the conversations from that class helped form the book that Dr. Metzger recently published. Like the best professors, he is able to take theology to the community we live in -- and ultimately to our hearts. Below is the information about the forum they will be hosting next Sunday...

Paul and Mariko Metzger will be hosting a forum called "Are You a Passive Racist?", where they will share their heart on race issues, on Sunday, November 4, at 6 p.m. at Evangel Baptist (2830 NE Flanders).

Dr. Paul Metzger and his wife Mariko, a native of Japan, are passionate about integrating theology and spirituality with cultural sensitivity. They have been active in intercultural ministry in the States, Japan and England, and have now found their church home at Imago Dei with their two children, Christopher Takasumi and Julianne Misaki. Paul is Professor of Christian Theology and Theology of Culture at Multnomah Seminary. He is also director of "New Wine, New Wineskins", an organization that explores the gospel's engagement of contemporary cultural issues such as poverty, AIDS, race, the environment, class divisions, globalization, and more. Past conferences and forums have included bringing civic leaders from various perspectives together: conservative and liberal, Christian and other religions, to engage in meaningful dialogue on pressing issues of our time. He is also founder and editor of "Cultural Encounters: A Journal for the Theology of Culture", which provides theological perspectives and resources on cultural topics. His most recent book, "Consuming Jesus: Beyond Race and Class Divisions in a Consumer Church", has just been released. Challenging the consumerism that fosters ethic and economic divisions and distorts evangelical Christianity, "Consuming Jesus" puts forth a theologically grounded call to restructure the church's passions and practices, transforming the evangelical imagination around a nobler, all-consuming vision of the Christian faith." Dr. Metzger's book is available for purchase at Imago Dei Community's book table.

Sauvie Island Corn Maize and more...

Beaumont Home Community will not meet at the Meehan's next week! We'll be at Sauvie Island.

Information below was shamelessly cut from the Imago website. More at http://www.portlandmaze.com/home.php

Imago Dei has exclusive use of the Corn Maize on Sauvie Island this Monday, October 29 at 6 p.m. Rain or shine this event is happening. Everyone is encouraged to come early (5pm) and enjoy dinner at the Red Barn café. There will be a wide variety of events for everyone to enjoy. Live music by Danny O'Hanlon and friends will help us celebrate the changing of the season. Find a dance partner or get some folks from your Home Community and participate in a traditional Irish Ceili. In the Corn Maize you will find two bonfires with the makings for s'mores and trick or treating for the kids.

Ceili: Free to everyone. 7-9pm in the Big Red Barn
Corn Maize: $3.00 6-8:30pm (Families will not be charged more than $10)
Café: $1-7 dollars 3-7:30pm Burgers, apple cider, hot chocolate, and other tasty treats.
Location: 16525 NW Gilihan Rd, on Sauvie Island.
Driving Directions: Take Highway 30 West, towaards St. Helens, and go right over the Sauvie Island Bridge. Take a slight left onto NW Gilihan Rd, drive a mile and look for the signs. Corn Maize will be on your left.

Advent Conspiracy...

Last year, Imago launched a campaign called "Advent Conspiracy" that sought to re-orient our community toward a truer sense of the gospel's call on our lives during the holiday season. The results were very impressive in terms of the generosity that ours and several other communities of believers demonstrated, as well as the continuing impact such generosity is having even now, 10 months later.

I'm interested in hearing how everyone feels about the "Advent Conspiracy". Is this a good thing for our church to advocate? If so, why is that? In what ways does the "Advent Conspiracy" promote a truer, more faithful response to the gospel of Christ? Does it distract at all? How?

I have more questions that these, but I'd be interested in hearing what you all have to say on the matter. Be as general or specific as need be, though the more specific the better (in my opinion). I understand that some of these questions are rather subjective, but try to view that as an invitation to voice your own thoughts and feelings on the matter.

Grace and peace.

Left wondering...

I have many different influences on how to interpret the bible, three major ways at the moment that I am faced with, maybe four ways. First is through the pastors in my life, both are similar in their teaching, Rick with Imago and Kenny my Pastor back home. They seem to know the history of the bible and both seem to portray the stories in the bible to be examples for us to follow or as a go to. Second is my grandmother a real "spiritual person," she quotes scripture for me to "believe" and wants me to know I have "promises from God," such as, by his stripes we are healed, we are redeemed from the curse, we are the descendants of Abraham and we have gained his promises, and so on. Third is a new one to me, that the bible is not inerrant, and that the letters written to the churches of old from the saints may not be meant for us at all, and there may be other documents for us to read concerning the life of Jesus. Fourth is a small part, but is of what I can make out of the scripture, mostly interpreting them to my advantage.


I am very grateful for this study, it is causing me to ask questions about Jesus, the bible, my spiritual life, and my personal relationship with God. It has caused this craving inside of me to dig for answers, I want to know not just what someone tells me what the bible means but I want to really know the purpose of having this book.

I think of David, how he was a man after Gods own Heart. I want to be like that and David didn't have access to God's written word, so I am w0ndering...

A part of Beaumont HC goes to Tanzania!

Last night we got to hear some about Ned and Emily's upcoming plans. Shortly after they are married in October they will leave for an extended trip to Tanzania. As you pray for them -- you might also visit their blog site.

We'll miss them of course - but we trust God lead their way and guide them in their travels. Ned, don't worry, we'll save you a seat at the bear buddies table.

The Map at right can be enlarged quite a bit if you're interested in learning some of the cities.

Please continue to pray that Ned's home is rented at just the right time in preparation for their departure.

Tanzania -- and all I can think of is Tazmanian devils -- who taught me geography anyways!

Introduction to Hebrews Study...

Hey all! This is Patrick, and I'm going to let you know what's going to be happening this Fall for the "Truth and Meaning" piece of our home community. I'm going to be facilitating an extended discussion regarding Bible reading using the book of Hebrews as a case study to begin employing the tools and strategies we talk about. The goals are:

1) To develop a working strategy for interpreting the Scriptures

2) To interact practically as a community toward a fuller understanding of God and Christian life together by way of a corporate inquiry into the meaning of Hebrews and the Scriptures as a whole

Each week, we'll bring a new aspect of the process into the equation and discuss how our approach or understanding might be impacted by such factors. I hope that it will be a beneficial time for all of us!! Here's what I need from you, though. . You will need to bring a Bible every week. Try to stick to one of these translations: English Standard Version, New American Standard Version, New International Version, King James, New King James, New English Translation, or the New Revised Standard Version. If possible, please avoid The Message, Amplified Bible, Good Book, or New Living Translation. If you have any questions about this, please email me. You can download the whole New English Tanslation off of the website if you so desire, and it's a good resource for text based questions regarding translation and manuscripts. If you're interested, go to http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=3086 Also, it might be a good idea to bring something to write with and a notepad or something like that.

I'm excited to study Hebrews with you all!! God bless!

Study through Hebrews coming! September 10

This fall Patrick will be leading us through a study of Hebrews. There is a lot more the he'll share with us shortly about how we're going to go about this -- so pay attention. September 3rd is the BBQ at our place. September 10th is our kickoff night with Hebrews!

I want to really thank Patrick and Rachel for being willing to step up their involvement in Home Community this year. Most of you know -- they're expecting an addition to the family this November 3rd! Please pray for them as they get closer to this momentous occasion.

Kiddos in the Fall

Hi everyone,

As you may have noticed, we now have more than one child in the group! If you haven't noticed, your attendance has been noticably poor, and we hope you will come more often. :)

Once we start meeting again in September, it seems like it will be fun for them, but no longer practical to have them in the living room with us the whole time each time. Here is my thought on how to keep them happy and also keep our group from consisting of us all just watching and talking about them (cute as they are, that's just not the point). I would like to propose that one parent each week takes a turn watching them, outside, in Selah's bedroom, etc., and if childless members in the group would like to volunteer to take a turn as well, that would be great, but not required. The children can certainly join us whenever they would like for things such as worship, more casual meetings (if we have an occasional potluck for example), etc., but have their own time while we are talking more seriously.

Does anyone have any thoughts about this?

LOVE PORTLAND - September 8, 2007

Come see the Vaux Swifts at Chapman - Sept 16

For nearly a year I've been planning on seeing this bird migration event. I hope I'm not disappointed. Anyway - my invitation is for us to meet at Wallace Park across from Chapman Elementary School around 6:30pm on Sunday September 16 for a picnic. Sunset is to be around 7:30 - so I figure we can eat and play Frisbee or kickball for a while till the birds start going in for the night.

Each year, thousands of migrating vaux swifts claim Chapman's old boiler chimney as an evening resting place. During their short stay in Portland, crowds gather around the school at dawn and dusk to watch a black cloud of birds swoop, flutter and funnel into the chimney in graceful frenzy. The presence of lingering predatory hawks who see the swifts as dinner only adds to the excitement.

You can learn more at the Audubon Society of Portland. And in case you think I'm crazy - Portland Monthly listed this as an event that every Portlander has to participate in at least once!

Spread the word about Love Portland

These last couple of weeks I've been working to prepare projects at several schools in the Portland Public School District for Love Portland. This gathering and expression of love for our community will be Saturday, September 8. Please spread the word and invite people to participate! You can find more information - and subscribe for the latest updates at http://www.loveportland.org/. “Love Portland” is the continuation in new form of what was previously called “Sacred Space.”

For more on the history of Sacred Space, see http://www.sacredspacepdx.org/.

About Invitations to Blog Authors...

Today I decided to extend invitations for Beaumont Home Community people to post on this blog. My hope is that this would work as an online scrapbook for photos, video and discussions that we want to share together in a more open setting. The site is public - can be subscribed to - and we can all post comments as well as original blog posts.

I know everyone is not inclined equally towards tech type stuff. But lately I've enjoyed learning more about people through their blogs and myspace pages. I just don't like the visual clutter and advertisements on myspace. This fall several members of our home community will leave for colleges and Tanzania. Blogs work well for keeping people connected across the miles.

As we engage in more biblical study and learning this fall - blogging will work for referencing different books, teaching and scripture. Comments on posts help track the discussion thread.

Last spring, as most of you will remember, I set up a google groups mailing list. This continues to work well for getting messages out to the group that are private or time sensitive (like prayer requests, details about a party, church event, etc.) We'll continue to use the google groups mailing list for these types of things. By the way - all of you are able invite others to join that mailing list; so if someone is being left out be sure to send them an invitation.

So ... either I'm going to drive you guys totally batty - or (hopefully) we'll continue to grow together and strengthen each other on our journey with God, Imago Dei, and Portland. I'm glad to be with all of you and look forward to what you guys post!

Position papers shared with church members...

A few of you who aren't members of our church have requested to read the position papers regarding Imago Dei's stance on women in ministry and, separately, divorce and remarriage.

Here are links to the two papers. I hope these are helpful for discussion and questions. Let me know what your thoughts are - happy to talk about these.

The Grass Kickers!