Hey everyone, a quick update on the site! Sorry, we’ve been a little slow getting up articles, interviews, and features with more depth in the last few weeks. We are having a creative session this week to brainstorm some direction for the site this summer. THREE quick things: 1. WE WELCOME YOUR BIG IDEAS for our site which really needs to keep representing us as a group & community- feel free to email us via the contact us page! 2. We are seeking writers and those inclined to design & imagine who might be interested in contributing on AFD during the summer months. again, email us. 3. Stay tuned for a short, quick survey next week that will help us get your thoughts on the site, how regularly you visit, and what posts mean the most to you. That’s it for now!
Archive for May, 2009
old school quality gospel album covers ?!
Published 05/27/2009 Entertain Me! Leave a CommentTags: album covers, gospel music
on a lighter note, we’ve found a classic site with some retro-gospel record album covers. They range from the hilarious to the “are-you-kidding-me?” Below, a few samples…. the whole lot can be found here.
Author/Speaker Peter Rollins
The following short story is from Peter Rollins new book, The Orthodox Heretic and Other Impossible Tales. If you were ever a fan of the parables in Kierkegaard’s Provocations, you might really dig this book. The story is called THE THIRD MILE, and it forces us to consider what love beyond duty could look like, even when applied to Jesus’ words:
One day a small group of disciples who had embraced the way of Jesus early in his ministry heard him preaching by the side of a dusty road. As they crowded round they heard Jesus say, “The law requires that you carry a pack for one mile, but I say carry it freely for two.” The disciples were deeply Continue reading ‘love beyond literal’
infatuation
Published 05/18/2009 Thoughts to Ponder Leave a CommentTags: followers vs. admirers, kierkegaard, worship
Soren Kierkegaard
Lord Christ, you did not come into the world to be served nor to be admired either, or in that sense worshipped. You yourself were the way and the life- and you require only followers. If we have dozed off into this infatuation, wake us up, rescue us from this error of wanting to admire or adoringly admire instead of wanting to follow you and be like you.” Soren Kierkegaard
what's your motivation?
Published 05/14/2009 What we are doing Leave a CommentTags: conversions, john 6, motives, peter rollins
tonight, we’ll dive into a discussion with Jesus and the crowds in John 6 as well as hear about $200 conversions via video with Peter Rollins. The question at hand: What motivates you & I to engage Jesus and perhaps attempt to believe & follow him? Since Rollins gives a lot to consider in just a couple minutes– here’s a look at the video that will be part of tonight. Remember, we’ll also share about the group experiment from last week- see the previous post. and see you tonight!
speak deep
Published 05/12/2009 Group Experiments Leave a CommentTags: group experiment, mark scandrette, Soul Graffiti, spiritual conversation
After reading Soul Graffiti last fall, we have attempted to consistently follow up on the idea of ”experiments in truth“. The idea is simple: We pick an action, specific or general, that relates to the way of Jesus, and then we invite each other to try it in the same time frame. Here’s what we’re trying this week– Ryan Long explains:
As a group we have been discussing conversations Jesus had with people in the Gospel of John. Our experiment this week is to enter a conversation with a freind, co-worker, family member, etc…and be intentional about sharing our faith with them. Open up, be honest, talk about life with God, go deep, and don’t hold back. Next Thursday, be prepared to share your experience.
lauren mcleary is more educated and artistic than you
Published 05/08/2009 Group News , Reviews 2 CommentsTags: grad school, jenny mudlo, Kelly Shaw, lauren mcleary, ponybird.com
It’s good to know people who are artistic and have a masters in something cool. Our good friend Lauren McLeary now fulfills both of those criteria. Most of you know she’s been developing her art skills while completing grad school at Washington State University— but this month she’s done! (other graduation shout-outs to Jenny Mudlo and Kelly Shaw!) Lauren is allowing us to share photos from her thesis project, titled “Between Being” this weekend. We are committed to making Lauren a local artist hero. So…. read her artist statement, and check out her grand design after that… 
ArtistStatement/lauren mccleary/www.ponybird.com My work is a nod to the imagination, propaganda for wonder. People are consistently absent from my imagery, but the work speaks to our humanity. For thousands of years the land and the animals have been our greatest teachers. It is the silence of each that says so much. The land constantly gifts visual surprises and stirs a curiosity that can’t be found within closed walls. Places I have seen, been, and imagined layer my mind. The work is made to share with others these things in which I take delight. I want the audience to recall a time when they looked at the world with wonder, I ask them to ponder the mystery of reality, hoping for it to sink in and stir.
Continue reading ‘lauren mcleary is more educated and artistic than you’
converse with Jesus tonight…
Published 05/07/2009 Group News Leave a CommentTags: brian mcalren, Donald Miller, gospel of John, the voice
one more shout out on tonight—- we’re digging into the Voice revealed– a recasting of John’s Gospel. We’ll spend some time discussing & teaching on a particular conversation Jesus had each week. Tonight, we’re covering chps. 1-5. Books available tonight (only $3) or you can read it online here. Tonight @ 7PM in the GP. Here’s a quick (& yes, a bit cheezy) minute promo about the whole NT Voice project with Mclaren & Miller sharing a couple quick thoughts on what the Voice brings to the scripture…
virtual community
Published 05/06/2009 Thoughts to Ponder Leave a CommentTags: flickering pixels, shane hipps, technology, virtual community
Our addiction to virtual community is understandable. The convenience factor is just too high. We love the efficiency of our interactions; they allow us to be in touch more often. However, there is a big difference between being “in touch” and truly connecting with others.” -Shane Hipps, author Flickering Pixels
hear the voice: conversations with jesus
Published 05/03/2009 Group News , What we are doing Leave a CommentTags: chris seay, gospel of John, the voice
THIS MAY– we’re going to be taking a deeper look at Jesus’ heart in the gospel of John. As we’ve discussed our hopes & dreams as a group, we continue to come back to the Way of Jesus. In order to look at Jesus with fresh eyes, we’re going to be reading The Voice of John: The True Story of the Last Eyewitness. It’s a remix of John’s gospel written by Chris Seay that really brings strong life to the narrative. We have copies for everyone— and we’re asking you bring at least $3 to cover the cost of the books for the group. You can also read online here. If you’re looking to dig into scripture in a new way, check out what other projects they’re doing with the Voice. Read chapters 1-5 for Thursday night, come ready to engage, discuss, and learn the Way! Don’t have the book yet & want one before Thursday? Let Craig know: craignason@mac.com.
