tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post5352906895458463578..comments2023-11-03T05:46:44.728-04:00Comments on RevGalBlogPals: Monday Book Review: Christianity For The Rest of Us by Diana Butler BassStephanie Anthony/She Revhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10089531643725874239noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-75458008363227115072007-05-02T23:16:00.000-04:002007-05-02T23:16:00.000-04:00Yes - let's have a meet-up in DC at Cathedral.And ...Yes - let's have a meet-up in DC at Cathedral.<BR/><BR/>And . . . Velvet Elvis is one of my favorites.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-83569440604050027472007-04-28T15:33:00.000-04:002007-04-28T15:33:00.000-04:00Blog 3 on the book...Leah, ready to begin reading ...<A HREF="http://desertspiritsfire.blogspot.com/2007/04/christianity-for-rest-of-us-3.html" REL="nofollow">Blog 3</A> on the book...Leah, ready to begin reading Velvet Elvis.leahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03501658909604910490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-81996894437864526722007-04-27T15:53:00.000-04:002007-04-27T15:53:00.000-04:00I hope someone still wants to discuss this book.I ...I hope someone still wants to discuss this book.<BR/>I decided to start with the chapter on contemplation. Silence, prayer-as-listening, contemplation, retreat have become significant parts of my life in the past few years, but I find it challenging to bring them into my PC(USA) environment. A (very)few of us meet to do lectio on Sunday evenings, using a passage from the next week's lectionary, and I know there are folks around doing centering prayer a la Keating, and there are a few of us in regular spiritual direction. But on the whole, folks are reluctant to pursue the basic Christian endeavors of prayer and silence and contemplation. We packed 75 people in for each week of an adult class Sunday morning series on other religions, but the next month's series on prayer averaged 25. I would love to hear other experiences.Gannet Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16374279595560691174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-73004384330716500232007-04-25T15:57:00.000-04:002007-04-25T15:57:00.000-04:00Well, Singing Owl, I for one love you right back. ...Well, Singing Owl, I for one love you right back. As you know I was not raised mainline--anything but--however, I bring with me what I hope are the best parts of my unbringing in the church universal.<BR/><BR/>Sometimes we mainliners can focus on the fact that we are taking a beating some places in the membership game, but I hope we can also see how we can all benefit from growing alongside each other.<BR/><BR/>I'm so glad that RGBP is diverse!Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18324456402703897094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-6601556604415825982007-04-24T18:46:00.000-04:002007-04-24T18:46:00.000-04:00I am trying so hard to finish the paper I have to ...I am trying so hard to finish the paper I have to write so I can start this book late tonight!Gannet Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16374279595560691174noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-8830942651905482702007-04-24T13:40:00.000-04:002007-04-24T13:40:00.000-04:00Like Songbird and others, I'm still in the process...Like Songbird and others, I'm still in the process of reading this book. But your comments --and the creative ways you all have contributed to utilizing this book in your churches-- encourage me to finish.Reverend Dona Quixotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00236153172787772792noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-25531751869692056182007-04-24T13:01:00.000-04:002007-04-24T13:01:00.000-04:00Chiming in late, so maybe no onw will see this, bu...Chiming in late, so maybe no onw will see this, but (speaking as a relative conservative who is not from a mainline church)I holler booooo at the E Free (or whatever pastor) and I rejoice in anything that stops the polarity and brings the Body together. It seems to my limited vision that those churches who are going to be effective in the long run (not just have a big crowd) are not afraid to take from each "camp." We have differing strengths, and can't we learn from one another? I find my life greatly enriched by interactions with fellow-believers who may do things differently than I do. Thus, I love the Rev Gals, who are mostly mainline (I think). I hope you all feel the same. :-)Dorcas (aka SingingOwl)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15626748280614018533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-75107444149830925762007-04-24T13:00:00.000-04:002007-04-24T13:00:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Dorcas (aka SingingOwl)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15626748280614018533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-15966792889144446002007-04-24T08:44:00.000-04:002007-04-24T08:44:00.000-04:00I am just re-entering the world after a glorious 8...I am just re-entering the world after a glorious 8 day retreat...so, I need to remember this book. I have read the previous two, Practicing Congregations and Nomads to Pilgrims. And I was blessed to hear Bass speak last fall on her "theory" and experience with these churches. Her presentation literally changed by understanding of what we are experiencing in churches today. I had struggled for years to have a language to articulate what I knew was going on, and she gave it to me. <BR/><BR/>Her presentation includes, and I assume those of you who will hear her speak next month will get it: unpacking the progression of liberal-conservative polarity (again not in a pejorative way, but from a sociologists perspective of what's been going on). She also unpacks the "established church of authority" and the development of "practicing congregations." Then she talks about the modern world view and the post modern world view and clearly articulates where Christianity is today in all of that. <BR/><BR/>I bought and read this book based on that presentation. Members of my congregation are reading this book and finding is useful to unpack what they too are experiencing. As small church this book is giving us some useful language to define who we are and help us claim an authentic expression of self through developing our practices. <BR/><BR/>For me, this book has been a real gift.Terrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15667178624061122421noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-1629600061527106092007-04-23T23:22:00.000-04:002007-04-23T23:22:00.000-04:00It's a different, but similar event (with BBT) tha...It's a different, but similar event (with BBT) that is sold out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-72542106275153468432007-04-23T23:08:00.000-04:002007-04-23T23:08:00.000-04:00Elbee, I didnt take notes on the Ash Weds service ...Elbee, I didnt take notes on the Ash Weds service (Cheese, we are veering far from the book now, sorry...) but as I remember it was something like this:<BR/><BR/>1. Everyone gathers out front around a brazier with a big pile of old palms in it. Pastor talks about how the palms heard all the bad stuff from the year, God doesnt want us to hang on to that, and then he lit the palms on fire which the kids LOVED.<BR/><BR/>2. Everyone sang something repetetive(cant remember now) and moved inside to the kind of chapel-y room. <BR/><BR/>3. imposition of ashes (hmm, not the hot ones i'm assuming...) and then everyone sat on floor <BR/><BR/>3. Scripture (something from the gospels, something from Job - not sure what the lectionary is but I'm betting they followed it...)<BR/><BR/>4. A little talk from the pastor about how sometimes God changes God's mind (this was my favorite part!)<BR/><BR/>5. Communion by intinction with more singing.<BR/><BR/>whole thing took about 25 minutes, and was scheduled just before an "adult" service. My 4 year old was attentive the whole time and especially loved the fire and was very proud of the ashes. Hope this helps. and would love to see your Maundy Thursday service if you're willing to pass it around - would you email it to me? rev dot brownell at gmail dot comJennifer Garrison Brownellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10170014214291920971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-80369396369744735222007-04-23T22:45:00.000-04:002007-04-23T22:45:00.000-04:00Juniper - I'd love to hear more about that Ash Wed...Juniper - I'd love to hear more about that Ash Wednesday service. I am discovering that a critical part of my call into the ministry is just that - making sure that we are engaging and teaching our youngest worshippers. <BR/><BR/>I wrote a "Jr Tenebrae" for our K-5 group this year, which we did concurrent with the Tenebrae on Good Friday. <BR/><BR/>It's shorter and I used the CEV or NLT for most of the readings, and then I added some experiential elements (like hammering a cross, passing around a crown of thorns, pouring out vinegar, etc).<BR/><BR/>It was so beautiful to watch the little light bulbs coming on as as the candles went out. Those sweet children totall "got" it.<BR/><BR/>Hopefully, we'll add it as a full-fledged family service next year, rather than as a Children's church.<BR/><BR/>This looks like another book to add to my ever-growing list of must-reads.ellbeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09046832702502191902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-57434578515519671442007-04-23T21:54:00.000-04:002007-04-23T21:54:00.000-04:00I have only read a wee little bit of the book, but...I have only read a wee little bit of the book, but I am really enjoying the bit of dialogue I am seeing here. <BR/><BR/>The conference sounds wonderful. Too bad it's during my busiest times of the year as a school teacher. <BR/><BR/>Look forward to delving into the book more and it might even show up as a book club read at our church!Cathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15279097751133383753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-70757965462010171972007-04-23T20:26:00.000-04:002007-04-23T20:26:00.000-04:00I'll be at the conference!So will Jan from Church ...I'll be at the conference!<BR/><BR/>So will Jan from Church for Starving Artists. <BR/><BR/>But I haven't read this particular book (yet). I read The Practicing Congregation and liked it; this one sounds like it goes more step by step through practices and... signposts, is it?reverendmotherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07457532866087494676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-58986561591924768722007-04-23T18:55:00.000-04:002007-04-23T18:55:00.000-04:00I wanna go!!But it's just days before graduation. ...I wanna go!!<BR/>But it's just days before graduation. Do I dare??Theresa Colemanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12134175277230355640noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-22799627528833041802007-04-23T18:21:00.000-04:002007-04-23T18:21:00.000-04:00I've been using this book w/my Session. One "sign...I've been using this book w/my Session. One "sign-post" per meeting. I do a quick and dirty summary of the chapter, then invite discussion about how that particular signpost is present, (or not) in our congregation. I like the idea of a sermon series.Karen Sapiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01952041607368514856noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-74931331844953409722007-04-23T18:17:00.000-04:002007-04-23T18:17:00.000-04:00hey dc gang, should we do a meetup for the rest of...hey dc gang, should we do a meetup for the rest of us the weekend that ms. bass plugs? i've got some plans on my new house that weekend, but i'm sure i can set a few hours aside...Gallycathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00347338626554551296noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-11312216271675734682007-04-23T18:16:00.000-04:002007-04-23T18:16:00.000-04:00Speaking as a layperson, I agree with Cheese that ...Speaking as a layperson, I agree with Cheese that this book is accessible to church leaders who would bog down with an overly academic approach. But I do think there is a lot of rigorous thought here and that it isn't just surface level.<BR/><BR/>I really appreciated the anecdotal reports which I think will inspire others to creative ways of ministry and mission.Jody Harringtonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08031378214797420014noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-36201853749293901982007-04-23T16:55:00.000-04:002007-04-23T16:55:00.000-04:00As an employee of the Cathedral College of Washing...As an employee of the Cathedral College of Washington National Cathedral I can assure you that the Church for the 21st Century conference is not at all full, we still have lots of space. You can find more information and registration at www.cathedralcollege.org. Questions can be directed to cathedralcollege@cathedral.orgThe Episcopal Princesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597376764994652890noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-77042352058985799272007-04-23T16:44:00.000-04:002007-04-23T16:44:00.000-04:00About the conference at the National Cathedral nex...About the conference at the National Cathedral next month:<BR/><BR/>I don't know about scholarships or accomodations, but there's still plenty of room for those who want to attend the conference--the cathedral is a big place! Hope some of you can make it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-84268447344616593822007-04-23T15:27:00.000-04:002007-04-23T15:27:00.000-04:00Okay, this book just got onto my "really should or...Okay, this book just got onto my "really should order" list. It sounds great!Gordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03767921257861340046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-84295065630660922222007-04-23T14:01:00.000-04:002007-04-23T14:01:00.000-04:00I'd so hoped to go to the conference in DC (a frie...I'd so hoped to go to the conference in DC (a friend gave me the flyer, thinking I'd spring for it, which I did; after all, it said generous scholarships) but it was full by the time I got online! :(((leahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03501658909604910490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-21790940364898592022007-04-23T13:20:00.000-04:002007-04-23T13:20:00.000-04:00This book has been giving me so much hope!!!!! I f...This book has been giving me so much hope!!!!! I finished reading (for the first time) last week and I've blogged twice, though sort of on the fly both times. After I read everyone else's comments, I hope to blog about the book at least one more time. So far:<BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://desertspiritsfire.blogspot.com/2007/04/christianity-for-rest-of-us-1.html" REL="nofollow">blog 1</A><BR/><BR/><A HREF="http://desertspiritsfire.blogspot.com/2007/04/christianity-for-rest-of-us-2.html" REL="nofollow">blog 2</A>leahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03501658909604910490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-12914273052587025292007-04-23T12:48:00.000-04:002007-04-23T12:48:00.000-04:00hey all, any of you who preach regularly consideri...hey all, any of you who preach regularly considering doing a sermon series on this book - like a week for every practice in section 2 or something? it seems so perfect for a summer series - I'm putting it on the long long long long list for when I have a Church of My Own.<BR/><BR/>I got this in the winter, read it, and then gave it away, so I'm not good on specifics either. But remember that I was surprised and delighted to discover that the church where my son goes to preschool is featured (!!) and can report that, from the preschool side, at least, Phinney Ridge Lutheran really is that cool. A great thing that they did this year was the family ash wednesday service, which really invited the kids into the seriousness of the day in a really accessible way. And if you think I didnt cry when the pastor put the ashes on my little ones head with the words, "you are dust and to dust you return," then you dont know what a big old weeper I am.<BR/><BR/>Mostly, here was the message of the book to me - that we dont have to water down our faith or experience in order to be accessible and welcoming - in fact it's better if we don't.<BR/><BR/>Politically, I think the book is quite even handed. I was kind of looking for jabs at conservatives and didnt find them. In fact, I foudn the term "purple people" pretty helpful in my somewhat-conservative-in-liberal-SEattle congregation.<BR/><BR/>And DBB, if you're still reading, thanks!Jennifer Garrison Brownellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10170014214291920971noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14710344.post-39050453966303101082007-04-23T12:34:00.000-04:002007-04-23T12:34:00.000-04:00Teri, props to you for blogging this while on vaca...Teri, props to you for blogging this while on vacay! I hope you are having a restful time away from church. (Psst: are you at home? I'm thinking meet-up!)<BR/><BR/>Mrs M: I hear your depth critique, and yet I think this is a book that would be helpful on the shelves of many non-clergy church leaders, who might get bogged down in a book that reads more like a scholarly work.<BR/><BR/>Sally: my, that's ambition!Juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18324456402703897094noreply@blogger.com