Defending reason

I came across this article just recently and I think it speaks a great deal to the way I feel we as a church can speak to this world. We are not all naive, unquestioning people willing to make full use of our "religious crutch" to help us deal with the tough realities of this world.
Here is Cardinal Shoenborn speaking on his concern with the current view of neo-Darwinists"If this is a scientific theory, it must be open to scientific criticism, he said. What I'm criticizing is a kind of strategy to immunize it, as if it were an offence to Darwin's dignity to say there are some issues this theory can't explain." Vienna Cardinal Christoph Shoenborn

For the full article please click here, Vienna cardinal draws lines in Intelligent design

Fronteras

This past weekend a group of us explored our fronteras (borders) on several different levels. It was an amazing experience for me to walk with a fantastic set of members from the congregation as we explored our feelings as we become more proactive about reaching out to our neighborhood. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch at one of the fine restaurants just blocks from the church.
One of the many interesting experiences from that weekend was the concluding time spent at worship with one of the Latino congregations here in Norristown. The worship time was great and we even had Calvary's own coming up to the front with some of those worshipping there and singing, in Spanish! One interesting thing about that worship service was that it was in a small room but it had a sound system for a large room and the volume for it was on that level. For some of us, that experience was unnerving and it may have even bothered our ears. Though I think Neil did not have any trouble hearing everything that happened while we were there. I am very glad our first Fronteras group went through unscathed and the better for it, at least I think so. Thank you for being willing to explore your limits and borders with me.

Small groups

This past weekend I was fortunate enough to attend two more small group gatherings. It was a great time for me. I have felt very welcomed and loved here since my arrival in July. However, it has been difficult for me to meet many of you in a more personal level. Saying hi on sunday morning or in passing at the office isn't really the best way to get to know a bit more about anyone really. So, the small groups have been a blessing for me as I've gotten to hear more about some of you and your life in Calvary as well as outside of church. In fact, I was even able to learn a bit more about the history of Calvary,social security, and retirement prescription plans. I am looking forward to meeting more of you in these groups.
We have Christianity because of Jesus. However, I wonder how different Christianity would have been if it hadn't started with a small group that spend time inside and outside of synagogue together?