be.love.serve.

missional communion

Archive for June, 2009

MLB All-Star Game

Jun 30

Posted by Daryl in Sports | No Comments

Sadly this year I will not be on a baseball roadtrip. Maybe that is only sad to me. The last few years I have shared the open road with a van of guys, on search for the next great baseball stadium. Over the years we have hit the likes of: Wrigley, Fenway, Cooperstown, PNC, Jacob’s Field, Shea, Yankee Stadium, etc. Often I was able to catch the Jays at one of these great stadiums. However, this year my baseball watching has be limited. Insult to injury, with no cable, I havent been able to watch many games on TV lately. And then I remembered today… Im going to miss the All-Star game! I will be on the mission trip. And even though we have 4 baseball fans on the trip (including me), I cant imagine we could tempt a person or two to vote for watching/listening to it. So instead Im going to predict the game…. and maybe someone out there who watches the game can tell me if Im anywhere close… Im basically saying what I want to happen.

First, the teams:

American League (C = Mauer, 1B = Teixeira, 2B = Pedroia, 3B = Longoria, SS = Jeter,  OF = Bay, Suzuki, Hamilton, SP = Halladay)

AL Bullpen: Lee, Nathan, Greinke, Buehrle, Sabathia, Weaver, Jackson, Millwood, Francisco, Papelbon, Rivera

AL Bench: Martinez, Cabrera, Morneau, Kinsler, Hill, Youk, Young, Crawford, Hunter, Jones

National League (C = McCann, 1B = Pujols, 2B = Utley, 3B = Wright, SS = Ramirez, OF = Braun, Beltran, Soriano, SP = Lincecum)

NL Bullpen: Billingsley, Duke, Haren, Cain, Cuerto, Santana, Bell, Broxton, Hoffman, Rodriguez

NL Bench: Martin, Howard, Fielder, Gonzalez, Rollins, Chipper, Zimmerman, Ilbanez, Hawpe, Lee, Victorino

GAME RESULTS:

Scores: AL = 11 / NL = 9

WP: Greinke

LP: Billingsley

MVP: Bay (4 RBI’s)

However, Pujols will hit a homerun off Halladay after 5 foul balls… if only I could watch this at-bat!

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one week

Jun 29

Posted by Daryl in PhillyDC | 4 Comments

Getting very pumped for our mission trip to Philadelphia and visiting DCLA in Washington. Our group will be departing Canada in about 125 hours… WOW! Let the countdown begin. Just a heads up – please follow us as we go on this journey. Spread the word and keep checking on a daily basis. Make lots of comments. I will be having a few students and other leaders posting each night. Please encourage them by making a comment. Also, we will be posting a few great pictures each night. So a great chance to stalk us and our experience. If your looking for one central location to find all the articles related to our mission trip in one place (instead of scrolling thru the blogs) – click the link on the right titled, ‘PhillyDC’.

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Be? Love? Serve?

Jun 27

Posted by Daryl in PhillyDC | No Comments

Why the website name? Well in short… my hope is this is a place where a community of people can be present. Where life together can happen. Where we can learn to be in communion and sharing mission together. Therefore, whoever participates is exactly who is suppose to be part of this. And whenever one is involved, and whenever one moves to another place – we were part of this for just the right amount of time. I want people to contribute and help write these stories. To be active participants. Commenting and blogging. So if you have something to say – please do. This space is only good if you are learning something and/or contributing something. If neither is happening for you, challenge yourself to change or move on. My biggest hope is this, anyone who is in relationship with me (small or large) is part of this. My students, my friends, my family, my acquaintances, my influences, my church, and my self.

beloveserve

BE: Who am I? (identity)

My identity is a follower of Jesus Christ, framed in real community with others who have a synergistic, shared passion for the mission of God in the world (walk humbly with God).

Love: What is my unique contribution to this world? (autonomy)

My autonomy is found both in the uniqueness of my own story, as well as the unique ways in which my contextualized community seeks to live out faith in Christ, together and for others (love mercy).

Serve: Where do I belong? (affinity)

My afinity is with these people, for these people, with Christ, and for the active mission of God in the world (do justly).

* ‘Idea’s’ all stolen from Mark Oestreicher, who stole them from other people… and the cycle continues. Hopefully all for the Kingdom of God. Let us all be part of his dominion and domain eclipsing creation.

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Favorite song…

Jun 26

Posted by Daryl in PhillyDC | 3 Comments

I have some serious roadtripping on the horizon. I get to drive about 2400km’s in the next couple weeks. What does any good roadtrip need? A good playlist. So I started to scan thru my songs for the right sounds. A nice mix of the popular and the less known. A mix of the ages, genres, and messages. All in the hope to provide a soundtrack that matches a diverse experience. See, I have a theory. Maybe its driven by the fact that I watch way too many movies. Maybe its rooted in my experience from working at Blockbuster. Or maybe its fresh on my mind because I recently alphabetized / genre sorted my DVD’s. My theory is this, I believe we think of life, as a movie. We see stages in our lives like chapter marks. We see us as the center character in our epic tale. With others playing major and minor roles.

One thing I have learned from my videography days is this – music plays a significant role in setting the tone. Without music, we will feel like something is missing. However, when its right, you forget about the music. The same is true on any good roadtrip. You find yourself just singing along at times. Other times just mellowing out watching the nature outside the window. And like any good movie – sometimes you need a theme song. I stumbled across a song today that I know will be my theme song for PhillyDC (a mission trip Im part of, coming up July 5th). This song might even be my theme song for a few chapters in my DVD called ‘life’.

I already knew the song. I had shared it with friends, family, and my students. This song has caused much inspiration and tears in my life. Ironically, my mission trip team even spent a prayer session resting in the truth behind the song. But then I discovered it again in a whole new light. One of my favorite musical artists are the David Crowder Band. If you dont know them – find them in concert and GO! Ideally if you can hear them play outside sometime this summer, in God’s creation – you will experience a glimpse of heaven.

Nothing like singing, “Make a Joyful noise” out in nature.

Make a joyful noise to the Lord
All the earth

The flowers of the field
Are cry’n to be heard
The trees of the forest
Are singing
And all of the mountains
With one voice
Are joining the chorus of this world

And I will not be silent
I will not be quiet anymore

Running through the forest
Dive into the lake
Bare feet on beaches white
Standing in the canyon
Painted hills around
The wind against my skin
Every ocean
Every sea
Every river
Every stream
Every mountain
Every tree
Every blade of grass will sing

Me and David Crowder chilaxing at NYWC Nashville

Me and David Crowder chilaxing at NYWC Nashville

But anyway, to my song I found. I discovered a great song called, “How he loves us.” I originally heard it sung by Blaise Pascal from The Olive Branch at Through the Roof (my buddy Ian Dowding was one of the vocals on her worship team – he has an amazing voice!). Originally I believe the song was performed by a great singer/songwriter named Mark McMillan. Powerful song. You can find it on YouTube at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chx6s3qXKt4

Well… I heard David Crowder has a new album coming out on Sept 22 called, ‘church songs’. And low and behold the single they pre-released was a cover of, “How he love us.” All I can say is WOW! I have been listening ever since. This will be a song I will be rocking out to on the road to PhillyDC. So, I have discovered one song for my playlist – any other song suggestions?

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USA

Jun 24

Posted by Daryl in Sports | 1 Comment

I hold a funny relationship with the United States of America. They are like an older brother to me. I look up to them, but also I am jealous and annoyed with them (most of the time). As a Canadian, we canucks often define ourselves relative to our southern brother. As I backpacked the UK I was sure to correct the locals I was not American. I am always proud to see the difference in our news coverage. And who is not forever thankful for public health care. Especially in sports competitions, I am always a loyalist to OH CANADA. However, there is one exception to this rule… Soccer.

Im not saying I don’t like cheering for the Toronto FC or the Canadian national team. However, I am not naive enough to think I will have the joy of cheering for my countrymen in the World Cup for many years to come. So I cheer for England. Well I am obsessed with England and I am a dual citizen. Yet, if England is not playing, then my runner up team is the other Red, White, & Blue (USA).

Tonight I witnessed one of the ‘greatest soccer matches in the United States history.” USA just slayed the All-star team known as SPAIN, in the Confederation Cup. Spain was ranked no. 1, USA was ranked no. 40. Spain had not been defeated in their last 35 consecutive matches (dating back to Nov. 2006). Spain had not lost to a non-european team for the last 10 years. The USA team barely sqeek into the semi-final by impossible odds. They had lost to Brazil and South Africa. They had to beat Egypt by 3 goals and depend on Brazil beating Italy by the same margin just to get to play Spain. Clearly USA 2-0 victory tonight is atleast the biggest victory for North America soccer for the last six years. As one announcer said, “this is why we play the game.”

As I watched this battle, I sat on the edge of my futon, constantly worried that my cheers would wake my sleeping wife upstairs. Going into the game, it seemed like a fist fight between a grade 4 and a grade 8. However, the little guy packed a mighty punch and I was cheering for the underdog. The Americans only had 2 shots on goal – but they sure did count. Spain pounded the net with numerous scoring oppurtunities but Tim Howard, the keeper in green, was the giant of the game. I was so proud of my big brother.

Disclaimer: Clearly I do love USA. I am helping lead a group of people from my church to serve the poor and needing to Philly & DC. Furthermore, I basically was raised by american TV. I am a loyal Apple user. And if that wasn’t enough proof – I own (and have watched multiple times) the 7hours HBO DVD series: John Adams (first vice-president and second president of the USA).

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Football Magazine

Jun 24

Posted by Daryl in Church, Sports | 2 Comments

I am crazy about sports. I have lawn chairs that say ’sports fanatic’. Im sitting in a room with atleast 7 bastball bats on the wall, lots of signed sports memorabilia, and even a couple DQ baseball caps (does anyone else remember the days when you could get icecream from DQ out of a mini plastic helmet? so genius!).

To be honest, sports are usually a waste of time. But I enjoy it. I have been missing my SportsCentre, Around the Horn, and PTI (I cut my cable recently). Watching sports helps me to turn my over-thinking brain off and just enjoy. Usually sports has no real significance in life. I have heard Donald Miller say, without the fall, we wouldnt have sports. Im afraid that is true. But today I had a couple good sports moments. First, I got an invite to a soccer game by one of my jr high students. Obviously I love watching live sports. I have been to over a dozen baseball stadiums alone. But it always surprises me how much just showing up to a sporting event can be a big deal.

I had another sports moment today. A friend of mine is out of the country, however, he found out a friend of his is in the hospital. He asked me to go visit. I had met this guy only once before. Yet, he gave me a sweet tip. Bring a football preview magazine. Im not saying we had this magical deep interaction, but we talked. We had some common ground. Football was a starting spot. After I left the hospital, I was dissapointed it wasnt a ‘great’ conversation. But life isnt all great moments. Often its alot of little conversations.

Real life is made up of alot more tweets about something then blog with deep thoughts. I think I put pressure on myself to have great conversations because then I feel like I can see I accomplished something. Yet relationships can never been seen as accomplishments. When we share life with people, a relationship creeps up on us. The journey of life is a walk alongside others. And often Im so focused on the ‘great’ talk – that I miss how sharing real life’s little moments have meaning. That it takes common experience to be known. So if you want to know me, maybe we should talk some sports…

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Awards

Jun 22

Posted by Daryl in Student Ministry | 2 Comments

Today I got to do one of my favorite parts of my job. I got to cheer! One of my students graduated today. One of the great aspects of being a pastor – is you are freed up to share life with others. I get to be a witness. I get to be one of the people who gives the high five and hug for the great victories. Not only did I get to cheer on my friend for graduating high school, but I got to watch as he won the Bishop W.A. Townshend Medal. This award is for, “the student who has demonstrated exemplary spiritual, physical, intellectual and social pursuits.” What an awesome award?! Like seriously could there be a better award to get?! It was so cool to watch parents, teachers, the church (not the building but people), all cheer him on. And we were all so proud. And better yet, to see his smile of victory… and he has an awesome smile.

I got to thinking – what awards/prizes would I want?

Well I do prize myself in eating – maybe the eating champ of Hillside? I remember my uncle Keith having the record at camp Kakeka for fastest water slide… I was always really proud of that. I’m partial to the slip and slide so maybe – farthest distance you go when racing on a slip and slide? I think I got a chance… I’m a fantasy baseball nut and have won my keeper league the last 2 years – maybe I can go for 5 years in a row? I asked one of my students what would be a cool award and she suggested – best pokemon immitation… Anyone in our youth group can guess who suggested that.

In all seriousness – I think I would want the Bishop W.A. Townshend Medal. First off because medals are shiny. But also because its for, “the student who has demonstrated exemplary spiritual, physical, intellectual and social pursuits.” I sometimes get treated as a student because Im a youth pastor. But, I am a student. I am a learner. I do like to have fun and get to know other students. And I do want to be a person who is living life to the fullest. Not just talk about life – but live it and demonstrate it to others! My whole being. My heart, soul, body, mind, and relationships.

What award would you want?!

Father’s Day

Jun 21

Posted by Daryl in Daryl | 1 Comment

Me and my dad... if only I could remember

Daryl and Tyrone (my dad)

I will start off with a disclaimer. This will not be a warm and fuzzy post about fathers day – well maybe it is in a weird way.

My dad died when I was three. To be honest, I usually cant stand father’s day. That sounds bad. And don’t get me wrong, I think its a great thing to celebrate. Actually, Im really looking forward to celebrating it someday if I have the chance. However, for the last 24 years – it has been a brutal reminder that I am missing the most important man in my life.

Most father’s days I try to pretend its not a big deal – and keep myself busy. However, I had a few reminders today. I was texting with a student during church (I know. How bad of me txting and tweeting in church – from the youth pastor?! Church isnt about interaction/relationships – its about sitting and watching – jokes). Anyway, back on topic. I was txting and there was the cutest kid in the world in front of me playing with his dad. And the student txts to me, ” :) I cant wait til you have little nick…I cant wait, Im not gunna lie. :) ” My first thought, Why Nick? No offense to Nick’s out there. Its a fine name. Just confused how I lost naming rights to my future kid. But I also couldn’t help but wonder, ‘will I be a good father some day?”

After church I went to pick up some things from a student in our church who was working. I remembered as I left, this is his first father’s day without his dad. It pains me to think how much that hurts.

After the pickup, I went for lunch with a new friend. We chatted about our interests, jobs, sports, church (aka. life). I felt like it was an ‘I love you, man’ (still want to see that movie) date. One thing that united us was, we both have basically grown up without a father our entire lives. We shared how we both constantly are watching other fathers, in hopes that it will ‘rub off’ on us. How we are constantly yearning for men of integrity to come alongside us, and show us how to be men. Its amazing as I think back about all the important men God has brought into my life. But none could be MY dad.

And then in the afternoon I get a phone call from my mom. Out of nowhere, she calls me and checks in on how Im doing with fathers day. I dont ever remember her asking me that before. It was awesome. We didnt really talk about it much – but it was just an amazing thing to be asked. To have someone who understood and cared enough to call. To be known.

I will close with a few quote from, To Own a Dragon, by Donald Miller. This book has been a great source of support in my life, especially as one who is fatherless. “There have been times in my life when I didn’t know exactly how to be. I wasn’t sure how to manage myself, how to talk to a woman, how to build a career, how to-well, be a man.” Miller goes on to say, “I began to wonder if those of us without dads aren’t making mistakes in our lives we wouldn’t make if we had a father to guide us.”

This scares me. And I know I am not alone. Did you know, more than 70% of students who drop out of school come from fatherless homes. There is a huge need for fathers. I am tempted to wrap this up with some uplifting comments about how God is fathering us or a challenge to care for the widow and orphans. Very biblical truths. However, instead I will end with this: I want to be able to celebrate father’s day… someday.

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Love is an Orientation

Jun 20

Posted by Daryl in Books | 2 Comments

Well… Here is my try at the first of many posts. I am currently reading a book (1/4 done) titled, ‘Love is an Orientation’. I got to admit, I am alittle proud that this is my first book to comment on. I find it so needed and so focused on a way of Jesus – that I am compelled to smile every time I mention the book to people. Finally, a book that is interacting with the GLBT (gay lesbian bi-sexual transgender) community.

Finally a book that is getting away from a discussion of condemnation and heading towards hope. Andrew Marin, the author of the book, is a guy full of love for the gay and lesbian community. I am proud to follow his lead. I had the pleasure of meeting him in Nashville last year at the NYWC’08. He is a person who is friends with so many from the GLBT community (especially boystown in Chicago), that I trust he won’t continue the stigma and shame. I believe this because each person he writes about has a face. Love is an Orientation, is a wake-up call to the church. I feel like the church, atleast in Canada, is ready for this message. The GBLT community has been waiting too many years for this.

We are being called to understand the GLBT community. We are being challenged to listen. We are being championed to restore the damage that has been done. Finally, a book that is beyond the nurture/nature debates and moving to the personal relational need for God’s love to be real for all people. I am so sad that people like myself, people who say they are the church, have been one of the biggest reasons that the gay community has lost connection with Jesus. So many lies have been said or truths unsaid. I hope Hillside is becoming a safe place where all people, no matter your identity, can find freedom and peace. A space to investigate and experience love.

If you are interested in finding out more info about Andrew or his book, check out: http://www.themarinfoundation.org/

Also, I really want to check out the gay pride events coming up. Obviously one of the greatest parties around is the gay pride parade in Toronto. Its coming up on June 26th. I so want to go…

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PhillyDC

Jun 20

Posted by Daryl in PhillyDC | No Comments

One of the reasons I setup this BLOG was to have a space for our PhillyDC team to process our experience. So please keep checking this BLOG from July 5-14 and follow us on our journey.

We will be serving with CSM in Philadelphia from July 5-10.

We will be loving DCLA’09 in Washington from July 10-14.

We will becoming more like Jesus, one day at a time.

PhillyDC