What a wonderful weekend! Take twenty four hours of silence, with the people you live with, add some sunshine and beach and you might calm down enough to listen to God's quiet calming voice.
That's exactly what we did this weekend. Even though it was tight quarters, the Dwellers and I lived together in silence. There was the occasional giggle and the note to communicate. There were still "Hellos" exchanged with strangers. But the whisper of God's peace was loud and clear over the waves, the seagulls and the silencing of our noisy, busy lives.
Monday, October 18, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Hurricanes VS Tornados
This week we are covered by the clouds of Hurricane Paula. She is blowing on Cancun and looks like Paula is heading toward Havana. You may think those places are so far away. They are in other countries.
Miami is completely tied to our neighbors in the Caribbean, Central America, South America. We are tied economically. Miami was named the capital of South America in a business publication. We are tied by blood. It can't be much of an exaggeration to say that everyone here has family members in a neighboring country. We are tied by weather. We are often reminded by the clouds over head. The same storm raining on us is raining on our neighbors even on another continent.
Last week, it was a joy to see an old friend from high school. She and her family live in Wichita, not far from where we grew up. The economy has been hard on the aircraft industry and Wichita is the world's leading producer of aircraft. I, of course, encouraged her to move near me. I think most of the groovy people in the world live in Miami and therefore any groovy people not living here, ought to move here.
She responded she wanted no part of hurricane season and would rather deal with a tornado. Even though I pointed out there is no preparation for a tornado. Oklahoma and Kansas have so many tornados it is known as Tornado Alley. Kansas is famous for the tornado in The Wizard of Oz. Tornados have the reputation for taking out one house and leaving another one standing next to it. Often they cut a path straight through a town, destroying everything they touch, but can leave the other side of a street seemingly untouched. In an awful twist of theology, many refer to tornados as if they are the "finger of God" sticking down through the clouds.
Hurricanes, however, affect the entire county/city/state/region. My mom and dad who grew up with tornados in Oklahoma, lived in Miami during the 2005 season of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Like so many who are familiar with tornados, it takes a while to understand just how big a hurricane storm is. It is a giant storm. We had so many that season, they ran out of names and used the letters of the Greek alphabet to name them. One of those knocked out the electricity so that more electric customers in the state of Florida were without power than had power.
In reality every natural disaster has its role to play in shaping our communities. They expose our lack of preparation, our prejudices, our greed. They also bring people together and show off our gifts, talents and abilities to care for one another. Neighbors help each other with shutters ahead of time, or clean up afterward. We grieve together. We celebrate together. We build together. The shared experience may be the only good thing about a hurricane.
Today let's pray for our sisters and brothers in the Yucatan and the people of western Cuba.
Miami is completely tied to our neighbors in the Caribbean, Central America, South America. We are tied economically. Miami was named the capital of South America in a business publication. We are tied by blood. It can't be much of an exaggeration to say that everyone here has family members in a neighboring country. We are tied by weather. We are often reminded by the clouds over head. The same storm raining on us is raining on our neighbors even on another continent.
Last week, it was a joy to see an old friend from high school. She and her family live in Wichita, not far from where we grew up. The economy has been hard on the aircraft industry and Wichita is the world's leading producer of aircraft. I, of course, encouraged her to move near me. I think most of the groovy people in the world live in Miami and therefore any groovy people not living here, ought to move here.
She responded she wanted no part of hurricane season and would rather deal with a tornado. Even though I pointed out there is no preparation for a tornado. Oklahoma and Kansas have so many tornados it is known as Tornado Alley. Kansas is famous for the tornado in The Wizard of Oz. Tornados have the reputation for taking out one house and leaving another one standing next to it. Often they cut a path straight through a town, destroying everything they touch, but can leave the other side of a street seemingly untouched. In an awful twist of theology, many refer to tornados as if they are the "finger of God" sticking down through the clouds.
Hurricanes, however, affect the entire county/city/state/region. My mom and dad who grew up with tornados in Oklahoma, lived in Miami during the 2005 season of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Wilma. Like so many who are familiar with tornados, it takes a while to understand just how big a hurricane storm is. It is a giant storm. We had so many that season, they ran out of names and used the letters of the Greek alphabet to name them. One of those knocked out the electricity so that more electric customers in the state of Florida were without power than had power.
In reality every natural disaster has its role to play in shaping our communities. They expose our lack of preparation, our prejudices, our greed. They also bring people together and show off our gifts, talents and abilities to care for one another. Neighbors help each other with shutters ahead of time, or clean up afterward. We grieve together. We celebrate together. We build together. The shared experience may be the only good thing about a hurricane.
Today let's pray for our sisters and brothers in the Yucatan and the people of western Cuba.
Friday, October 8, 2010
Preparing for Silence
This week in our Dwell program, we are reviewing our living covenants. Each house writes their own rules to live by, but we bring them out once a month or so to review and edit as needed.
We are also discussing the spiritual disciplines of Silence, Solitude, and Submission. Next weekend we will take a retreat to spend in silence and prayer. Everyone is looking forward to the time. Many have not had such an experience before.
We are also discussing the spiritual disciplines of Silence, Solitude, and Submission. Next weekend we will take a retreat to spend in silence and prayer. Everyone is looking forward to the time. Many have not had such an experience before.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tropical Storm Tonight- but as yet unnamed
It looks to be a rather weak storm, but the Dwellers are prepared anyway. The shutters have been applied. Help has been offered to the neighbors. The two houses of Dwellers are spending the night together as we have our community day together tomorrow.
If the weather doesn't interrupt us, we'll be meeting our friends at Sembrando Flores. Sembrando is one of the amazing ministries that truly reflect God's love to a community. They've been serving the migrant farmworkers and others in south dade for decades. They do it cheerfully, passionately and on a shoe string. But it often looks like the parable of loaves and fish. God makes miracles from such small offerings. I am very glad we'll get to sit together tomorrow.
Also we'll be discussing 5 chapters of Foster's Celebration of Discipline. Quite a chunk to conquer but it's very good stuff to start a year together.
If the weather doesn't interrupt us, we'll be meeting our friends at Sembrando Flores. Sembrando is one of the amazing ministries that truly reflect God's love to a community. They've been serving the migrant farmworkers and others in south dade for decades. They do it cheerfully, passionately and on a shoe string. But it often looks like the parable of loaves and fish. God makes miracles from such small offerings. I am very glad we'll get to sit together tomorrow.
Also we'll be discussing 5 chapters of Foster's Celebration of Discipline. Quite a chunk to conquer but it's very good stuff to start a year together.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
You are Invited- Housewarming Parties!
This Saturday Sept. 25, from 2pm- 5pm you are invited to help warm the house of the Dwellers living in the Wesley parsonage in Little Gables. Drop in and meet the new team. Feel free to bring a housewarming item, or a plate of yummy food.
The fun does not stop there! Oh no. The following Saturday, Oct. 2 the place to be is the volunteer house in the Redlands Community Association, 296 St and S. Dixie Hwy, Homestead. We haven't had volunteers in this house for a few years. They could really use some warming. If you'd like they need would love a loaf pan, a casserole dish, and fruits and veggies!
If you'd like more details, email Heidi@doornetwork.org. She'll get you directions or more information about living and serving in Dwell.
The fun does not stop there! Oh no. The following Saturday, Oct. 2 the place to be is the volunteer house in the Redlands Community Association, 296 St and S. Dixie Hwy, Homestead. We haven't had volunteers in this house for a few years. They could really use some warming. If you'd like they need would love a loaf pan, a casserole dish, and fruits and veggies!
If you'd like more details, email Heidi@doornetwork.org. She'll get you directions or more information about living and serving in Dwell.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Dwell Miami
August 30 marked the beginning of a new intentional community of young adults living, serving, worshiping in Miami. This year we have 7 young adults living in 2 houses, Little Havana and North Homestead. Traditionally we start our year in the fall. It’s funny that so much of our lives revolves around an academic calendar long after we are out of school. But like school, we began with an assigned reading, “In the Service of Life” written by Rachel Naomi Remen. She passionately outlines the very different experience of helping, fixing or serving. Take a few moments to read the passage and think how this impacts the activities you are undertaking in your own life, group, school or church. There is certainly a time to fix. There may be times to help. But I challenge us all to be sure that Service reigns in our hearts and minds as we approach any situation. Let’s be aware of the situation, our intentions and certainly our impact to ourselves and our brothers and sister.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Re-Launch of our local partner the Lighthouse
Today marks a special new beginning for our local partners, Miami Music Ministries/ the Lighthouse and First United Methodist Church of Coral Gables. They have combined in prayer, personnel and purpose. Today the Community Music School is registering new students. Tonight the Lighthouse will be a special Sunday night service for professionals, young adults, college students, youth, and generally the folks that prefer an evening gathering.
It's one of those God moments where the sum is greater than the two parts by themselves. God's math is often whimsical. 5 loaves and 2 fish feed thousands. Two adults in marriage become one. A baby becomes King. The blameless took all the blame.
So tonight dinner is at 5pm, Worship together at 6pm.
It's one of those God moments where the sum is greater than the two parts by themselves. God's math is often whimsical. 5 loaves and 2 fish feed thousands. Two adults in marriage become one. A baby becomes King. The blameless took all the blame.
So tonight dinner is at 5pm, Worship together at 6pm.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Looking back on the Summer
Written by summer staffer, Colleen
1 John 3: 18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Our 6th DOOR group this summer was from Blooming Glen, Pennsylvania. A group of 50 people brought their faith and work ethic down to DOOR Miami for a week. It was apparent on Monday morning just how hard these youth and leaders were willing to work. One of the fundamentals stressed here at DOOR is that God and his work are not on a schedule; God is always present in our lives. After working one day at Roots in the City, a Community Garden located in Historic Overtown, one youth was distraught thinking about future groups having to work with a broken wheelbarrow at the garden. In order to put these thoughts into action, a fundraiser was held at Christ the King, our host church. Randy, the youth participant determined to purchase a new wheelbarrow for Roots in the City, asked all participants and staff for any monetary donations. At the end of the day, over $140 had been collected. The group raised more than enough money for a new wheelbarrow, and they kept with their initial intention to donate all of it to the garden. A new wheelbarrow as well as a gift card were purchased on Wednesday night, which is the groups’ free night off from DOOR activities. It really is refreshing to see the groups affected so much by God and his work in the city to utilize what is technically their night “off” pursuing their goals and keeping the primary focus in order to help others and to show how God’s work never ends.
The group epitomized the phrase “love your neighbor as yourself” and always kept the work of the mission and God on their minds even when they were not physically at an agency. Following our Friday morning reflection, the group took the new wheelbarrow and gift card to Roots in the City so that future volunteers, employees, and community members can benefit from a fully-functioning wheelbarrow and to better enjoy the fruits of their labor. In 1 John 3:18, we are told to show our love in our actions, and this group really embraced their experiences to produce positive repercussions for the community. All of the participants are a great inspiration through their actions. They work hard at agencies to gain knowledge through experiences from new people and places which develop through practice into future actions. The faith in their words and love in their actions are a great representation of how the face of God is seen in the city and beyond.
1 John 3: 18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.”
Our 6th DOOR group this summer was from Blooming Glen, Pennsylvania. A group of 50 people brought their faith and work ethic down to DOOR Miami for a week. It was apparent on Monday morning just how hard these youth and leaders were willing to work. One of the fundamentals stressed here at DOOR is that God and his work are not on a schedule; God is always present in our lives. After working one day at Roots in the City, a Community Garden located in Historic Overtown, one youth was distraught thinking about future groups having to work with a broken wheelbarrow at the garden. In order to put these thoughts into action, a fundraiser was held at Christ the King, our host church. Randy, the youth participant determined to purchase a new wheelbarrow for Roots in the City, asked all participants and staff for any monetary donations. At the end of the day, over $140 had been collected. The group raised more than enough money for a new wheelbarrow, and they kept with their initial intention to donate all of it to the garden. A new wheelbarrow as well as a gift card were purchased on Wednesday night, which is the groups’ free night off from DOOR activities. It really is refreshing to see the groups affected so much by God and his work in the city to utilize what is technically their night “off” pursuing their goals and keeping the primary focus in order to help others and to show how God’s work never ends.
The group epitomized the phrase “love your neighbor as yourself” and always kept the work of the mission and God on their minds even when they were not physically at an agency. Following our Friday morning reflection, the group took the new wheelbarrow and gift card to Roots in the City so that future volunteers, employees, and community members can benefit from a fully-functioning wheelbarrow and to better enjoy the fruits of their labor. In 1 John 3:18, we are told to show our love in our actions, and this group really embraced their experiences to produce positive repercussions for the community. All of the participants are a great inspiration through their actions. They work hard at agencies to gain knowledge through experiences from new people and places which develop through practice into future actions. The faith in their words and love in their actions are a great representation of how the face of God is seen in the city and beyond.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Good Bye Summer
We have had such an amazing summer. We hosted 12 weeks of volunteers in a row plus a weekend group from West Palm. No Emergencies. Only one plumber call. Good food. The weather was basically good. But best of all were the many stories shared, lives touched, hearts called, minds boggled, questions asked! How can we quantify such personal and spiritual growth?
If you came this summer, please join the facebook fan page. It's a little tricky to find. Type in DOOR(Discovering.... and it should come up for you. Please feel free to post pics and stories!
Local school starts Monday. May all of our friends in school, have a great school year.
If you came this summer, please join the facebook fan page. It's a little tricky to find. Type in DOOR(Discovering.... and it should come up for you. Please feel free to post pics and stories!
Local school starts Monday. May all of our friends in school, have a great school year.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Hello Tropical Storm Bonnie
Tonight we wrapped up a great week with volunteers from Trinity UMC- Sarasota and First Nazarene-Nashville. Tonight as well a small tropical storm will roll through. We are thankful that at this point, it is small and low wind speeds. We pray it diminishes or does no harm as it slides over into the gulf tomorrow night.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
The latest fashion craze sweeping the country
This summer's last fashion and best souvenir. Sales support our local youth scholarship and development fund.Friday, June 25, 2010
Prayers Please
I just got a call today. A former participant in '08 was with his youth group this week on a mission trip in the Bahamas and suffered an accident that ruptured a vertebrate. He was flown to Miami's Jackson Hospital- home to a renown paralysis center. Please pray for him and his family, the doctors and home church.
-H
-H
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Seeing the Face of God in Community
This summer we've been emphasizing the presence of God in communities you may least expect. We look into the least likely places of the city bus, the curb under the bridge, the parking lot. It is also a chance to allow God to be present when two or three youth groups come to serve and learn in Miami the same week.
Although we are the same in many ways, We may be from similar churches, from the same state, from the same economic backgrounds. We differ in so many more it seems when we aren't letting God be present. But when we allow God in, when we look for God's presence in a community of homeless men, or in a shelter of battered women, or in the foster families or hard labor of poverty, we have much more in common. Whether slave or free, greek or gentile, we share the promises of God's love and presence.
Although we are the same in many ways, We may be from similar churches, from the same state, from the same economic backgrounds. We differ in so many more it seems when we aren't letting God be present. But when we allow God in, when we look for God's presence in a community of homeless men, or in a shelter of battered women, or in the foster families or hard labor of poverty, we have much more in common. Whether slave or free, greek or gentile, we share the promises of God's love and presence.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
A Great First Summer Week
This week, DOOR-Miami hosted a church group from Denver, Colorado. This was the first group for the summer staff and it was a great group to begin the season. It was great to have such diversity among the youth and the urban perspective of another city. The group was spiritual aligned and constantly dropped what they were doing to pray.
One of the many highlights of the week was being able to incorporate the gifts of the group into the agencies. Members of the group are very skilled in putting on a puppet show. At Easter Seals, an agency that serves as a day care for the elderly with Alzheimer’s and children with disabilities, the group performed their puppet show. Everyone loved it and asked the group to perform the show several times. God used this group in many ways and revealed God's presence in the city throughout the week.
-Vanessa
One of the many highlights of the week was being able to incorporate the gifts of the group into the agencies. Members of the group are very skilled in putting on a puppet show. At Easter Seals, an agency that serves as a day care for the elderly with Alzheimer’s and children with disabilities, the group performed their puppet show. Everyone loved it and asked the group to perform the show several times. God used this group in many ways and revealed God's presence in the city throughout the week.
-Vanessa
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Summer Staff Begin Orientation and Training
School may not be out in Miami yet, but summer started as we began orientation with our summer staff. Today we found a few of our many agency partners, did a fair bit of grocery shopping and began to share our stories over meals.
It's going to be a great summer in Miami!
Don't forget to please vote for the Nature's Path grant competition Branches has entered for their gardening program. Just Means is a great site. You'll find other very useful information there as well. Branches is close to the top but must finish in the top 2. There are many days to go and the Florida City community isn't a very digitally connected community. But this isn't a merit competition. It's pure popularity. They need your vote to win.
http://www.justmeans.com/contestidea?ideaid=NTYz
It's going to be a great summer in Miami!
Don't forget to please vote for the Nature's Path grant competition Branches has entered for their gardening program. Just Means is a great site. You'll find other very useful information there as well. Branches is close to the top but must finish in the top 2. There are many days to go and the Florida City community isn't a very digitally connected community. But this isn't a merit competition. It's pure popularity. They need your vote to win.
http://www.justmeans.com/contestidea?ideaid=NTYz
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Please Pray for Branches Florida City
Late Saturday night, a fire burned down the sanctuary and playground of our partner church ministry Florida City United Methodist Church. Please pray for the staff, students and surrounding community that the devastation be turned to opportunity. Sunday morning service was held outdoors. The Branches program continues. Plans are moving ahead with all the summer activities. May God be praised and lives be changed.
View the local news coverage. http://cbs4.com/video/?id=95992@wfor.dayport.com
View the local news coverage. http://cbs4.com/video/?id=95992@wfor.dayport.com
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Univ of Northern Iowa arrives Sunday
Summer 2010 begins Sunday with the arrival of a group from Iowa. We hit a record high of 93. Hope the group is ready for summer heat also.
We're looking forward to this week's experiences. Many of our partner agencies and ministries have been low on volunteers. Many children's programs are preparing for the end of the school year. Their will be a wide range of variety of projects.
We're looking forward to this week's experiences. Many of our partner agencies and ministries have been low on volunteers. Many children's programs are preparing for the end of the school year. Their will be a wide range of variety of projects.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Miami Staff and Dwellers Making the News
In 5 separate articles, online magazines, and newspapers our Miami staff and dwellers have been featured.
Duke's Faith and Leadership feature this article on Vanessa Silverman and local leadership.
http://faithandleadership.com/features/articles/growing-your-own-leaders
YMToday.com published this article from Heidi Aspinwall on encouraging mission service in the gap year before college.
http://www.ymtoday.com/articles/article.php?aid=2578
Goshen News published an article featuring former Dweller, Isaac Shue is his efforts to raise awareness and help Haiti's recovery.
http://goshennews.com/local/x993506934/Hearts-for-Haiti
In the April issue of Presbyterian's Today, Dweller Megan McCarty is featured for her blogging this year. Young Adult Volunteers- Ministry of Presence
[I'm sorry the link has been replaced with May's issue already!]
This month's youthworker newsletter from Mennonite Mission Network, features 6 articles from DOOR's national staff for summer activities.
http://www.mennonitemission.net/Tools/Relate/Pages/Home.aspx
Duke's Faith and Leadership feature this article on Vanessa Silverman and local leadership.
http://faithandleadership.com/features/articles/growing-your-own-leaders
YMToday.com published this article from Heidi Aspinwall on encouraging mission service in the gap year before college.
http://www.ymtoday.com/articles/article.php?aid=2578
Goshen News published an article featuring former Dweller, Isaac Shue is his efforts to raise awareness and help Haiti's recovery.
http://goshennews.com/local/x993506934/Hearts-for-Haiti
In the April issue of Presbyterian's Today, Dweller Megan McCarty is featured for her blogging this year. Young Adult Volunteers- Ministry of Presence
[I'm sorry the link has been replaced with May's issue already!]
This month's youthworker newsletter from Mennonite Mission Network, features 6 articles from DOOR's national staff for summer activities.
http://www.mennonitemission.net/Tools/Relate/Pages/Home.aspx
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Special Summer Offer for Local Miami Dade Youth Groups!
DOOR Miami has been awarded a generous community grant from Dade Community Foundation. This partnership will allow DOOR Miami to open weeks for local Miami Dade Youth groups to participate in a week of service and learning all summer. (Your group must originate from Miami-Dade to qualify for this special program.)
If your interested in bringing your youth group, please contact Marie at 303-295-3667 for availability of the week you wish to participate. Or contact Heidi at 786-261-3667 to discuss details of the week and financial arrangements.
Thank You Dade Community Foundation!!!
If your interested in bringing your youth group, please contact Marie at 303-295-3667 for availability of the week you wish to participate. Or contact Heidi at 786-261-3667 to discuss details of the week and financial arrangements.
Thank You Dade Community Foundation!!!
Sunday, March 21, 2010
City Kids Preparing for Camp Oasis
Please be in prayer for youth, young adults and adult leaders as they prepare to pack it up and head to camp. Camp Oasis is a special long weekend camp in Central Florida for the youth of Miami. It's been happening every Spring Break for about 15 years.
Pray for the youth to be open to the new experiences of attending camp. Pray for the leaders to guide and lead. Pray for the Camp staff in central Florida to receive the group with a welcoming and gentle spirit. Pray for the weather to allow for the many outdoor activities that camp is good for.
We are thankful for God's presence in Miami and in rural camps in central Florida. May God be worshiped and praised in both!
Pray for the youth to be open to the new experiences of attending camp. Pray for the leaders to guide and lead. Pray for the Camp staff in central Florida to receive the group with a welcoming and gentle spirit. Pray for the weather to allow for the many outdoor activities that camp is good for.
We are thankful for God's presence in Miami and in rural camps in central Florida. May God be worshiped and praised in both!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Welcome Auburn University's Campus Ministry
After a fantastic week last week, we are in for another. this week we are hosting Auburn's campus ministry's spring break mission trip. Their previous plans of serving in Haiti were cancelled due to the earthquake. Even now, skilled labor and first responders are needed in country. However, this week they'll be focusing on the Haitian community in Miami and the relief efforts being staged from here. May God be glorified in all that is done and said. May this week open each participant's eyes to interconnectedness of God's people.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Reflections on a weekend retreat by Dweller Megan
Read her post or the blog. Read other Dweller reflections.
We were the only church down south who were crazy enough to make the five hour drive up north. Since we were so far “north,” the weather changed. Our kids were completely unprepared for the cold that awaited us in Leesburg and most of them only showed up with flip flops. Although, to be fair, I think more than anything that most of our kids actually only own flip flops.
I learned a lot about our youth this past weekend. Five hours in a car will do that to any group of people. However, I learned more about their lives and their Florida City culture. I learned mostly by listening. Not by listening to the ridiculous stories they told, or to their complaints, or to their conversations with one another. I learned so much more about their lives by listening to their questions.
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Welcome Brookside!
Today we welcomed Brookside Congregational Church. They came from Manchester, NH and we welcomed them with Miami's beautiful winter weather- Sunny High of 75 Low of 60!
May this week be filled with God's presence and may God's love radiate like the warmth of the sun.
May this week be filled with God's presence and may God's love radiate like the warmth of the sun.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Last weekend for Mahalia
Mahalia has been playing at the M Ensemble theatre company in North Miami. Not only is the M Ensemble company amazing and the longest running African American theatre, but the production is fantastic. Christina Alexander, known to some to sing with us at the Lighthouse, has the lead. But the rest of the cast is equally amazing. Catch it if you can. Maybe enough people are interested they'll hold it over for another weekend.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Not just a Superbowl weekend
It was an exciting time in Miami this weekend. Gorgeous weather coupled with the many tourists and fans of the Superbowl teams weren't the only excitement in town. Also the new class of Brethren Volunteer Corps participants were in town as a part of the orientation to their year of service. Seventeen participants and leaders enjoyed the sun, food, sands and people of Miami. We pray blessings on them and may the year of service in all of their respective locations open up their hearts and minds to God's call in their lives.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
January Weekend of Service
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Pray for Haiti
Our neighbor Haiti is in terrible trouble. The country only just "made it through" severe food shortages and four hurricanes in 2008. Now after this earthquake, aid efforts are being sorted out. Local donation drop offs have been designated. Accounts for donations have been set up. At this point, the men and women of Haiti are digging themselves out. They will hold on until more aid arrives. They are a strong people.
In many ways, Miami is more a part of the Caribbean than we are a part of the United States. Most of the US thinks Miami is only related to Cuba but this is wrong. Besides the many folks from other areas of our southern region, our large population of Haitian Americans is proud, productive and an essential part of our community. Miami is often called the Capital of the Caribbean and South America. But at the very least, each of these countries relate like family members, similar to cousins.
The agencies that are best at rescue and relief are even now arriving on the scene. There will be much to do and the rebuilding will take years. We, as brothers and sisters in Christ, must pray on their behalf. We must listen to our friends as they grieve. We must give of ourselves to hold up our suffering family.
In many ways, Miami is more a part of the Caribbean than we are a part of the United States. Most of the US thinks Miami is only related to Cuba but this is wrong. Besides the many folks from other areas of our southern region, our large population of Haitian Americans is proud, productive and an essential part of our community. Miami is often called the Capital of the Caribbean and South America. But at the very least, each of these countries relate like family members, similar to cousins.
The agencies that are best at rescue and relief are even now arriving on the scene. There will be much to do and the rebuilding will take years. We, as brothers and sisters in Christ, must pray on their behalf. We must listen to our friends as they grieve. We must give of ourselves to hold up our suffering family.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Epiphany! The Celebration of Giving our Gifts to the Christ
Christmas so be so obstructed in our society. The obvious complaint is the commercialism as Christmas items appear on stores shelves the day after Halloween. But This time of year, in Miami anyway, the culprit is entertainment. On the 7th day of Christmas we instead get to watch a giant orange being lowered at Bayfront park downtown. On the 10th day of Christmas, there is a NFL game with play off implications. On the 12th day of Christmas, it's the Orange Bowl College game.
The one thing we have to bring us back to celebrating Christ is Epiphany. Epiphany is the celebration of the day the three kings of the East found and honored the child with their gifts. And for added measure, they went away changed. Many Latin countries celebrate Dia de Los Reyes as a day when children receive small gifts in their shoes left at the bottom of their beds. In Miami, Little Havana will host its annual Three Kings Parade. This year the parade will be held Jan. 8 and of course feature live music.
Whether football or parade or falling oranges, we must remember, we are in this world but not of this world. We look for the presence of God and find it, in the least likely places, in the least likely towns, in remote corners of the world. We bring our gifts to honor the Christ. Emmanuel. God with us.
Amen.
The one thing we have to bring us back to celebrating Christ is Epiphany. Epiphany is the celebration of the day the three kings of the East found and honored the child with their gifts. And for added measure, they went away changed. Many Latin countries celebrate Dia de Los Reyes as a day when children receive small gifts in their shoes left at the bottom of their beds. In Miami, Little Havana will host its annual Three Kings Parade. This year the parade will be held Jan. 8 and of course feature live music.
Whether football or parade or falling oranges, we must remember, we are in this world but not of this world. We look for the presence of God and find it, in the least likely places, in the least likely towns, in remote corners of the world. We bring our gifts to honor the Christ. Emmanuel. God with us.
Amen.
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