Evangination
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Carl Thomas Gladstone
Sep 26, 2007, 12:51:54 PM9/26/07
to the-conv...@emergedetroit.org, The-Conv...@googlegroups.com
NEW PODCAST EPISODE:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
THE CONVERSATION:
Over the past few days I've been attending a New Church Start academy with peers from around our United Methodist churches. We gathered to be trained for building up new communities of Christians around our state. Sometimes my mind wandered during the conversations and I came to realize that one of the things I like to do best is envision the possible identities and ministries that could be born and developed someday. Below is a list of those churches for you to read about, consider, and maybe go out and plant! It's a part of what I'm calling the "evangination" movement, that is imagining all the best ways we can share the good news!
FOUNDRY AND FIELD UNITED METHODIST FELLOWSHIP - In an urban center that has been known for a robust manufacturing industry, vacant lots and green space are increasing as a poor economy and dwindling population change the landscape of the city. So FOUNDRY & FIELD is a gathering of artists, urban settlers, and city farmers who occupy an old warehouse as a worship and service center, coffeehouse and hang out for local residents, have converted upper floors into audio, video, and visual arts studios which are also used to host concerts and shows of theologically intriguing and socially engaging art, and feed the hungry in their neighborhood with produce from rooftop garden plots.
THE UNION, A United Methodist House Church Network - Scattered across a metropolitan area, member of The Union gather weekly in house churches for bible study, worship, and service projects. Each represents one cell in a living, breathing, constantly changing body of Christians who see their faith as determining their lifestyle, 24/7, not just as something that keeps them busy on Sunday mornings. Each house church cares deeply for their immediate neighbors through regular parties and conversation across the yard. Monthly the whole network gathers at a local concert venue for corporate worship, Holy Communion, a message from their organizing pastor, and a word about their shared mission initiatives around the world.
THE VILLAGE, A United Methodist Intentional Community - Residents in this 4 square block community have decided to create a church solely dedicated to sharing the love of God with their neighbors. Every member of THE VILLAGE donates 60% of their salaries (made at their full time jobs) to the common fund. This fund is used to maintain thier community owned homes, run a clothing closet and "free store," and run a food co-op. VILLAGE residents meet weekly in a nearby United Methodist church for a Love Feast with homeless and poor folks who live nearby. The United Methodist congregation of that building has been dwindling in size but is eager to have this new community as their guests each Sunday.
Hope these scenarios capture your own evangination!
Peace,
Carl
GATHER
GROW
GO
CARL THOMAS GLADSTONE [deacon]
Director, Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Birmingham First United Methodist Church
*For those new to this email list - most weeks I send an e-message to students and young adults connected with BHAM First UMC, and with the developing Emerge Community for young adults. These emails are meant to stay in touch with you, encourage you in your Christian journey, and pose some faith-filled questions that might spark some email correspondence. If you have any questions about this list, just drop me an email at the address above. To unsubscribe send me an email with the address you'd like removed. Peace. | |
carl thomas gladstone | deacon, first umc, birmingham, mi | 248.646.1200 | cglad...@fumcbirmingham.org |
CARL THOMAS GLADSTONE [deacon]
Director, Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Birmingham First United Methodist Church
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