Sometimes the vision is SO big and SO amazing that I can't get out of idea-mode and into action mode. What I see in my head and dream in my heart is BIG - but what I am actually able to do is relatively small. I haven't been asking God for more ability - but I have been asking for more faith.
I've also been seeking clear guidance on what is the next step - the first thing to do. I believe God revealed that to me recently. He said, Just do it for a month. Don't try to start something that you have to sustain indefinitely - can you trust me enough to do it for a limited time?
Good idea, God!
a bit of confirmation came in a quote attributed to St. Francis Assisi: Do what is possible, then do what is needed; soon you will be doing what is miraculous.
So, what we are working towards now is to 'build a tabernacle' for the month of December - a place of beauty and community and worship and prayer - in the middle of the Urban 'wilderness' that is downtown Tempe. (Okay, we won't literally build a tent - we're hoping to rent one of those vacant retail spaces near the coffee plantation.)- We hope to exhibit art that speaks the gospel (probably with the theme of Incarnation -God come to dwell with us in an unexpected way, the divine truly present in our broken world, the grace of God made accessible and tangible).
- We want to have lots of live music, especially on the weekends when thousands of people, from the University campus and all over the world, are strolling Mill Avenue.
- We plan to create a sacred space where prayer is ongoing - worshiping God, ministering healing and hope to people, blessing this community.
- We expect to engage in countless conversations with all kinds of people about ordinary and extraordinary things - with more much listening and understanding than preaching. We may have some more structured discussions and learning opportunities.
- We sense that God wants us to give and serve the oppressed and the captives - not sure what form that will take, but we are listening and available.
- And we will even 'do church' on Sunday mornings!
(but not always 3 songs and a sermon)
The point is to be present in a specific location as people who express God's grace. Our purpose is to encourage creativity, spirituality and community - an incarnational ministry of people who love Jesus and want to spend time with the people that Jesus misses most.
Now comes the hard part (for me) which is inviting other people to be part of this ministry-outreach-event-mission-whatever-you-call-it. For now, would you just pray with us - and if something begins to resonate with you, would you please talk with us about doing this with us?
