Multi-ethnic isn’t the end-all of ministry, but it was one of the most visible (and hard-fought) characteristics of the early church. We lose something when we relegate racial reconciliation to a nice side effect of Christianity that “works for some people.” From a comment on a recent Out of Ur post on Multi-Ethnic churches
Author: erika
The Garden
Today we went to one of our favorite little getaway spots here in L.A.: the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. We are members and we love strolling through the Desert Garden and letting the kids run like crazy through the giant fields and talking to the lion statues that guard the entrance to the Japanese Garden.… Continue reading The Garden
Them bones
I had a great conversation the other day with someone dear to us about the impact our communities have on who our kids become. He was arguing that the community itself plays a much greater role than the parents: something I am not sure I believe. In light of this, he was describing their struggle… Continue reading Them bones
For Gabe
“May the angels lead you into paradise: may the martyrs receive you at your coming, and lead you into the holy city, Jerusalem. May the choir of angels receive you, and with Lazarus, who once was poor, may you have everlasting rest.”
When the good news doesn’t feel very good
I missed our block club meeting on Monday night, so when I saw Lauren the next day I asked her what had been discussed. She gave me the update on police activity over the past few weeks, and it turns out that they did finally catch the two guys who were raping and robbing women… Continue reading When the good news doesn’t feel very good
This is my now
This past week I have repeatedly found myself driving around parts of L.A. that are a bit unfamiliar. Saturday I wound my way through the hills up to Rancho Palos Verdes; Sunday we drove to two different residences in Hollywood. And last night I ventured out through the hills and canyons of the Valley. In… Continue reading This is my now
Quotation of the Week
According to Loriene Roy, president of the American Library Association, it’s a matter of principle versus reality—”the philosophy of serving all people,” she says, “and the reality of what happens when we do.” From a Newsweek article titled Too at Home in the Stacks reporting on the rising trend of homeless individuals spending their days… Continue reading Quotation of the Week
For theirs is the kingdom
Doug is in the midst of jury duty selection this week, so his schedule has allowed for him to be home in the mornings. Yesterday I had a doctor’s appointment and because he was home I went by myself while he stayed with the kids. When I returned, he had all three kids out front:… Continue reading For theirs is the kingdom
The Mercy girl
I was just down on the floor changing Elijah’s diaper and when I leaned forward, part of my back was exposed. Mercy was standing behind me. She reached down and scratched on a place on my back: “Mommy, you have a nickel!” I had no idea what she was calling a nickel–I don’t have any… Continue reading The Mercy girl
On my own
Doug kicked me out of the house last night. In a good way. While he was sitting in a courtroom somewhere downtown yesterday afternoon (having been summoned for jury duty) I got this text: “So, where are you going tonight?” We had talked recently about how I needed to get out regularly, away from the… Continue reading On my own