What does the church provide?

I posted this question on the church Facebook page.

To our friends on Facebook, what if the church provided everything you feel that a church needs to provide, what would that be? I would like to start a dialogue to answer that question. You can send me an e-mail at donaquila@gmail.com or go to my blog where this question is posted and comment. Help us to help ourselves by answering the still quiet voice of God that is in each of us.

What do you think?

Week nine and beyond - The Journey continues

Today marks eight weeks since the Open Heart surgery. For most of the medical profession this marks the end of treatment while I see this as the beginning of the journey. Rehab will continue for 17 more weeks and at the end I should be stronger and more fit than I have been in a while. Most of the people I have talked to said that their biggest regret was not continuing some sort of exercise program after rehab. I will endeavour not to have that regret. A little setback medically that the doctors are trying to figure out. Not heart related but related to the surgery so keep those prayers coming that it will be identified and settled quickly. It is more of a nuisance than anything else at this point. We are headed to Richmond this week at the end of the week for a Dentist appointment and to see family.
It's funny when God wants you to know something. Everything you read and hear seems to point in that direction. My sermons the last two weeks have been a bit harsh but point to the fact that we cannot ever get comfortable as long as there is injustice and poverty in the world. Our theological stance (what a big phrase) needs to be that we are willing to be in places of discomfort in order to further the Kingdom. That means taking stands on racial issues or poverty or apathy especially within our own communities and churches. I know deep down that my own spiritual journey is lacking at the moment and needs a renewal. So I will working hard on that. But meanwhile I feel moved to press forward with discipleship and a call to christian response in the world around us for the church.
I will continue to leave my random thoughts on this blog from time to time but this intentional focus on healing will likely no longer be weekly. Not sure who is following it anyway - maybe some feedback from others than Tom would help me know who is reading. Blessings and safe travel on your journey.

Week Eight Begins

Today marks the seven week anniversary of my heart surgery. Much has happened in those seven weeks, most of which centers around healing. This week I got a little stronger, preached my first sermon from the pulpit in nine weeks and began the process of organizing an office due to a resignation of our church Admin. Plus, let me not forget a great Vacation Bible School, the first for the church in eight years. It was a full week that wore me out at times. Naps are a great gift of God!
Sunday I challenged the church to hope. First we hope for the promise of resurrection. Now that does not mean we are not sure, rather we anticipate the fulfillment of God's promise in our lives and begin to live as if we have already received the promise. Technically we have, but all too often people think it comes when we die. That is precisely why Jesus kept telling us that the Kingdom was near. As Paul says, though we see dimly now what we will see clearly in the future, we are given a taste of the kingdom now. I can truly appreciate what that means, realizing how fragile life can be.
Well, this week rehab starts. Looking forward to it.