YMCA + Reading Barth Together

Christians in the YMCA are part of a 175 year old global movement with origins in British Protestant evangelical aspirations.

Since then it has taken on a siginficgant theological role in the world, focusing on fostering harmony as the faithful follow the Lord Jesus Christ and the Kingdom of God.

Don’t underestimate this emphasis on harmony, unity, and peace – or take it for granted.

In the lean and grief-full years following the Great War and World War 2, Christians from across the globe sought to build solidarity with each other.

Both the YMCA and Karl Barth were part of this effort, along with many others, and together they had a part in the formation of the World Council of Churches.

We don’t think of the Y as a source of theology, though it is, through it’s embodied actions.

Barth was a prodigy and prodigous writer – a good complement to the voluminous programs the Y has put into practice.

Want to learn more about Karl Barth and his writings on Christianity? He’s still worth learning from. Especially in the YMCA.

Click here for more info about weekly Zoom calls in May with two of America’s leading theologians who will be discussing Barth’s take on Christianity in our age.

Reading Barth Together: Dogmatics in Outline with Will Willimon and Stanley Hauerwas through the month of May on Zoom

Reading Barth Together

The Blessing – the Church,the City, the Y

A friend shared this song with me the night before Easter. Each time I’ve listened to it, I get teared up. It’s taken me by surprise, this rarely, if ever happens to me and music.

When I reflect on what I find so moving about this virtual church choir, there a few things that come to mind.

One, I love seeing city churches like this coming together to bless a city, especially when everyone is going through a hard time. Rev. Roger Reece of Associated Churches is the one who shared this song with me, and I appreciated his Easter greeting and gift, particularly since his work everyday is about knitting together churches to bless our city of Fort Wayne.

Two, it’s a really good song, performed by talented singers who are obviously moved by the music as well. A few of them captivate my attention, they seem so caught up in the message and moment, it really is inspiring. Makes me wish I could sing, or inspire like that, to encourage others and make this kind of connection with God for others.

Three, when I think of the mission of the YMCA, of the different leaders and Christians who are part of the Y, across the city, and when I listen to this song, it resonates deeply in me. The Y can be a powerful catalyst for connecting different kind of churches to be a blessing in their city. Yes, each church can be a blessing on their own. But how much more powerful when we do it together. This song points me to John 17:21.

Fourth, it reminds me of what I want my children and family to experience with the Lord. That God is for them, and with them, and he hears them and wants to bless them with his presence and calling, to pour his favor upon them, that they, that we might be a blessing to those he sends us to.

May the peace, favor and blessing of the Lord Jesus Christ be upon you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Discovering Your Enneagram Type in Pandemic-time

With the extra time at home, to yourself, with your family, you are given some opportunities to reflect on your self in this pandemic-time.

Socrates once noted that self-understanding was a vital starting point for making sense of the world. This ancient wisdom is still true today, especially amidst our busy, fast-paced, quickly changing environment radically altered by the quarantine.

The Enneagram can be a helpful tool for Christian spiritual formation, whether it be a calm season or a crazy one. It can help you identify what motivates you in engaging the world around you, God, and yourself.

Some friends recommended the above-embedded video by LeeAnn & Michelle, a humorous overview of how each of the typical 9 Enneagram types might be reacting to the quarantine stay-at-home orders.

As you watch it, don’t be looking for exact identification, but consider which of them seems to resonate with you. There is no right or wrong type, no better or worse, there’s just you and how you relate to people and situations.

If you find this helpful, leave a comment below on which type you identified with and why!