Athens to Athens

Boston has been called "the Athens of America." Like Athens, the capital of ancient Greece, and Athens, the greatest city in Georgia, it's a great center of education and the arts.

Seeking the Shalom of Boston

"This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 'Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper...For I know the plans I have for you,' declares the Lord, 'plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'" Jeremiah 29

We are all familiar with some of the challenges of urban life: gentrification; materialism and poverty living next door to each other; public schools in need of repair; systemic racial and justice issues, etc. But we can also vividly see the intrinsic beauty of the city: it was the birthplace for creativity and innovation, it was filled with a mosaic of all of God's different people, and those who lived in the city were incredibly open to new things (including the life and message of Jesus Christ).

In Old Testament times the global cities were often ignored by God's people, because they carried enormous anxiety towards urban life. They feared that their culture and customs would be overpowered, that they would lose their sense of identity, and that their children would be swayed by the powerful current of city life. The prophet Jeremiah relays a message from God. He tells God's people that they are to go to the most powerful global city of its day (Babylon) and give themselves to the needs of that city. They were to start businesses, build homes, and even marry into the culture. The reason God gave this command was not so they could profit from the economy of the city, but to serve the city. God called them to seek the shalom of the city-caring for it in a holistic way: spiritually, economically, and culturally.

Seeking the shalom of Boston would look like people coming into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, where cultures come together in a way that glorifies God, where justice is fought for and oppression is fought against, and where the children of the city could be protected and nurtured.

Mmmmm....mmmmm....mmmmm....

The more we learn about Boston, the more we see FOOD! What a wonderful place to go for those of us who enjoy a wide spectrum of good eats. Another word for people like us is:
FOODY
One who appreciates good cuisine, or just eats to do darn much.

Our youngest son would tell you his self-proclaimed nick-names are: "Chick-fil-a" and "Snacks". We have heard that the definition of "foody" is also: A friend that shows up every Saturday morning to eat breakfast and watch 3-D programs. This could pertain to him as well.

Here are a few of the items we are so excited to munch on!

Baked beans have been a traditional dish since colonial days. Beans were served so often that Boston became known as Beantown.
Lobster-pronounced "Lahb'-stah" -The pilgrims ate lobster only when there was nothing better to eat. The Puritans served it to prisoners, servants and the poor. Native Americans used the meat for fish bait.
Chowder- pronounced "Chaw'-dah"
Canoli
Boston Cream pie-actually a cake
Pho-Vietnamese noodles
And a good Irish Stew

The DL

These are a few thoughts we thought worth posting from a friend in Dot concerning vision and action for church planting:

1. Multicultural churches grow slowly. The work is hard because it takes more commitment to the goal of diversity, more time to allow each group to have their voice heard and allow them to shape the service.
2. Diverse churches typically do not bring in the families w/ three kids who just moved from Connecticut. Instead, it is the guy who comes to the door in tears in the middle of the week because his wife is addicted to cocaine and his kids are in jail and he doesn’t have anywhere else to go.--These people are not healed on Sunday morning. It takes total devotion to their life situation and a Monday-Saturday commitment to bringing the Gospel into their lives.
3. Majority culture has to give up power - this is very hard.
4. Every member of the church should be asked frequently, ”Why do you go to this church and not another one?”
5. Multi-cultural is not about 3 races, it is about ALL races and cultures.
6. If people become focused on differences, the church is in big trouble.
7. Leadership must reflect diversity.
8. Pastors in urban churches cannot seek fame or influence. They've got to put their heads down and get to work.

This said…

1. If CTK-Dorchester wants to be diverse, it is possible.
2. If CTK-Dorchester wants to be diverse, it will take intentionality and require people to work strategically towards that goal. It will be very different from "typical" church planting efforts.
3. If CTK-Dorchester wants to be diverse, bottom line, God has to do the work.

please pray...

Racial Reconciliation

Thoughts on racial reconciliation:

We do not check our cultural identity at the door. We are fully what we were made to be, but we likewise do not cling to our racial identity as a spiritual life preserver that gives us our primary sense of identity.

We celebrate our cultural identity, for the sovereign God of the universe meticulously choreographed everything about us. This should be embraced and cherished.

The Gospel gradually transforms our identity so that Christ becomes the central-most part of who we are, and everything emanates from that reality. One of the most crucial ways that the Christian Church embodies the Gospel is in the unity of Christians who are different from one another-economically, culturally and racially. We become free by the power of the Gospel, while also demonstrating to the world that people who cannot live in love and unity outside of the Gospel can do so in Christ.

God created cultural groups uniquely and with their own "splendor" according to Revelation 21:24. Because God created such cultural distinctions, there is an almost unlimited resource at our disposal for learning about God and His majesty. One day we will experience God in His fullness, and understand in full the beauty and uniqueness of humanity. Until that time, His church is given the privilege of offering the world this sweet taste of Heaven.

Hey Ma! Whas' fah Breakfast?

Before Boston, there was Dorchester.

Great photos from Dorchester. I have included the lyrics for those of you who are like me: lyrically illiterate. I think the message is that Dorchester matters. It is a real place with real people.



Staring down Cedar Grove up on Indian Hills
See a skyline littered with triple deckers and gin mills
Years of tot lot pass my eyes
Reflecting faces that have gone by
Adams corner embedded in my soul

In defense of Dorchester
Home to a thousand dreams and Beantown legends
In defense of Dorchester
Historical revelence cemented in her sidewalks

Gather up my thoughts stroll through the observation fields
Think about Dot detractors well up with a rapid anger
Because I can't help but sing for her
It gets real personal when she is slurred
Can't forget Garvey and Hemey Park

In defense of Dorchester
A real community not idle zip codes
In defense of Dorchester
I forged a life on these streets and city roads

This is who I am
This is where I'm from
Wear it on my sleeve
Predictably the fire brand

Never stay silent when she's assailed
Into my heart advocacy nailed
Lower Mills I did not forget you

In defense of Dorchester
Home to a thousand dreams and Beantown legends
In defense of Dorchester
No matter where the gang winds up, you'll always be my home