On the way...

I am in Denver right now- headed to Tucson for a few days with my parents, and then on to Louisville for the oral defense of my paper and project. I enjoy flying- I just don't enjoy being away from home! flying to Denver from Portland I was thinking...(it's not really that much of a stretch to picture me thinking...is it?)
Actually, I've been pondering an issue for awhile. Our church is in the midst of a remodel that will add some 1200 sq feet to our auditorium. We aren't filling the space we have, but we are proceeding along with the remodel. Are we wasting resources? That's not even the right question. What in the world are we doing? That may be the right question. I'm still uncertain about what 'church' will look like in the future. I can say, it probably won't look much like it does now - and has for most of my life. So, why remodel? Why build?
A couple of things come to mind...1. our remodel will allow us to be more flexible in worship. Our current configuration makes worship pretty much a spectator sport- I stand at the front, our worship team stands- and the group- sits in rows and watches. PErhaps a new configuration can allow us to change some of that pattern.
2. Space is an issue. Currently we have an AWANA's ministry- and the exapnded space makes it much easier for us to have our Wednesday dinners and to host the children at AWANA's without so much physical labor of moving tables, chairs, and the like. The additional space will also enable us to try some new things- for example, twice a month on Wednesday nights we are inviting the AWANA's families for dinner- and a relaxed time of fellowship and interaction with churhc folks. LAter in October we are hosting a winter clothing giveawa-hoping to connect resources with those who need resources! 3. Sometimes the status quo just needs to change! After 18 year of serving the same church and community we need to adapt, to change. And we have made some changes...but there will be more to come. 4. Finally, this remodel is giving some folks in our church an opportunity to be stretched in their giving, to offer their gifts, and to pray in new ways.
Well, soon it's time to board another flight and go to Tucson...so I'll close...
More later...