Heraclitus of Ephesus, the pre-Socratic Greek philosopher, once said, "Nothing endures but change." I think there's a lot of truth to that. Since I haven't posted much on this blog in some time, lots have changed in the meantime...

• Julie's New Job. This week Julie will be starting her new full-time job at Family Building Blocks, an amazing non-profit organization that works at keeping kids safe and families together by breaking generational cycles of abuse.
• Soma's New Location. Beginning on Sunday, December 6 Soma will no longer be meeting at Kingwood Bible Church, and instead we'll be in our new location at 735 Edgewater St. (the old piano shop).
• Advent Conspiracy. Like last year, the Soma community will once again be participating in Advent Conspiracy as we look for creative ways to spend less and give more. Right now, we're collecting blankets, coats, hats, tents, and sleeping bags to give away in December to anyone who needs a little extra warmth.
• My Dad. The latest is that he'll be having a bone-marrow transplant in mid-December. This last year he was diagnosed with myelodysplasia (pre-leukemia), which means that his body isn't making the right kind of white blood cells. We're praying that the transplant gets him to a healthier place where he hopefully won't need routine blood transfusions.

Lots going on, but that's the beauty of life. Moving along, one step at a time...

Getting ready for Soma's 1-year anniversary celebration tomorrow night, Sunday, October 4th at 6:00 p.m. So, if you're looking for something to do...come join us for the party.

Also...thanks to Hank Arends for his recent article in the Stateman Journal talking about SalemNet and the connections being made in our local community among church leaders.

enjoying the beach...

Just sitting here enjoying the beach...at our worship retreat...sitting back listening to the team as they practice tonight.

On another night, I am so proud of these guys. We had some good discussion today around Philippians 2, vulnerability, and what's to come. Lots of great team unity and open conversation about conflict and differences.

More to come later...

ambitions get tired too...

I started the evening off with some fairly grand ambitions. Finish watching the final 35 minutes to the last of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and then chew threw Rich Christians in an Age of Hunger. After all, I've been procrastinating finishing this book for how long?

But alas...I was up at 5:15 a.m. this morning and it is now 10:22 p.m. and I'm ready for bed. Guess ambitions get tired too. And even the best plans we make deserve a little break now and then.

It's now 10:24 p.m. and you can hear the echos of the Sabbath idea now. Rest is good. Necessary in fact. An ever-present reminder that it does not depend on us, but instead on God.

Blog Facelift...

So I finally caved. The old look just needed a little adjustment. Be on the lookout for a few more minor changes...

Also...This Sunday at Soma we continue our current series - The Tangible Kingdom - and our journey through Jesus' sermon on the mount. A huge THANKS to everyone who participated in our worship stations last Sunday. I can't tell you how much joy I had looking around seeing people spreading the news about our clothing giveaway and sorting clothes. You guys are amazing!

Changes...

Doing a little reconstruction on my blog. Stay tuned...

Sunday Morning Starbucks

I've heard it said that Sundays working at Starbucks is....well...less than desired. I've heard it said that many of the customers are dressed nice for church and stopping by the coffee shop for a quick, impatient morning pick-me-up. And to be honest, since church planting and working at Starbucks, I haven't ever worked Sundays. Until now. Since we worship on Sundays night at Soma, I figured it was only fair to open up my availability to Sunday mornings.

So tomorrow I get to see the crowds of people. I have a feeling it will be an educational morning for me.