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A New Directory for the ISM

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It's so hard to keep track of all the denominations and dioceses of the independent sacramental movement. It's good to see that Saint Columba Press is looking to update and publish a directory that's supposed to come out sometime early next year. You can get information about the directory or let them know about your denomination at: http://www.autoceph alous.net/ Peace.

Top Ten Missional Bee-Attitudes

I think that Rev. Lainie has become one of my favorite bloggers! This was originally posted on her blog . Top Ten Missional Bee-Attitudes 10. Be Grateful: The opportunity to participate in God’s story is an awesome privilege. Be grateful for all that he calls you to do for the sake of the Kingdom. 9. Be Useful: People who channel their skills and abilities into something productive are appreciated and welcomed by others. This is true in almost all contexts, no matter what personal foibles you have. Trust me on this. 8. Be Trustworthy: Keep confidences and commitments. Let your “yes mean yes” and “no mean no”. (James 5:12) 7. Be Observant: Look for opportunities to be of service. Look for opportunities for missional interactions. Look for needs to be met. Examine cultural contexts closely to discover ways in which the gospel can be presented. 6. Be Real: People can spot a poser from a mile away. You can and should be yourself even as you work to learn and und...

Lonely Man

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Rev. Lainie shared an experience in a recent post of a lonely man who randomly asked her for dinner outside a restaurant. Her empathy for this man and insight into the issue of male loneliness is admirable. I believe that she is on to something when she suggested that there may be an opportunity for a missional approach in assisting men who face loneliness. There's no doubt that men have a difficult time with social and emotional loneliness. Men tend to deal with many emotional issues in an unhealthy way -- either by ignoring or avoiding the problem, or acting out in an inappropriate manner. John Mark Ministries shares a story of a pastor who took a wrong turn in his journey of dealing with loneliness. His story is not uncommon. The real problem is not a new one. Men tend not to seek help. Men avoid sharing problems on an emotional level especially with other men. Men usually invest most, if not all of their emotional energy into one significant relationship and if that ...

"Have you been mistreated at your job? Call Don Pratt!"

This is a funny bit from "Mr. Show" that has a lead character with an interesting name. Let me apologize in advance for the obscene gesture in the first frame of the clip. The obscene gesture and a bit of strong language disappears after the first 15 seconds or so. Have You Been Mistreated At Your Job, Call Don Pratt! Add to My Profile | More Videos Enjoy! Don

Top Ten Ways to Fail at Being Missional

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10. Be very annoyed that some people belong to religions other than your own. Express this annoyance freely. 9. Don’t bother becoming a “regular” at local businesses. Just shop/dine/get- your-clothes-drycleaned at whatever place has the best sales that week. If, by some unfortunate coincidence, you do become a regular at a local business, don’t get to know the owner, employees, or other patrons. 8. Fixate on the quality of your missional targets: Focus on the local Unitarian Universalist minister, Mormon bishop, and Wiccan high priestess (who also owns your town’s only occult bookstore). Don’t give a second thought to that rather ordinary looking lady who you see every morning on the train. She doesn’t have a large enough sphere of influence. 7. If you see a problem in your community, don’t bother to check out what other organizations or individuals are doing about it. Just start your own project: You’ll get a lot more accomplished if you are in charge! 6. Don’t waste yo...

When is a Joke NOT "Just a Joke" ?

Ralph and Edna were both patients in a mental hospital. One day while they were walking past the hospital swimming pool, Ralph suddenly jumped into the deep end. He sank to the bottom of the pool and stayed there. Edna promptly jumped in to save him. She swam to the bottom and pulled him out. When the Head Nurse and Director became aware of Edna's heroic act, she immediately ordered her to be discharged from the hospital, as she is now considered her to be mentally stable. When she went to tell Edna the news she said, "Edna, I have good news and bad news. The good news is you're being discharged, since you were able to rationally respond to a crisis by jumping in and saving the life of the person you love. I have concluded that your act displays sound mindedness." "The bad news is that Ralph hung himself in the bathroom with his bathrobe belt right after you saved him. I am so sorry, but he's dead." Edna's response: "He didn't hang himse...

Global Climate Change Debate

How It All Ends - Watch more free videos This is a great video by a science teacher that illustrates the debate regarding global warming. The bottom line is that we need to act. Peace.