NEW WEBSITE!!!!

www.paradoxchurch.com

Our blog feature and everything else will now be on the main site, everything in one place. So look around, there is a LOT of data, media, and more.

Extreme Home Makeover 08-25-07

Reminder, our second annual home makeover is August 25th, getting started bright and early.

Read this article: http://www.macombdaily.com/stories/080607/loc_20070806003.shtml

Rodger's contact info is in the article if you need more data.

See you there!!

Paradox Goes Metro!

Join us right after service on Sunday, July 22, as we take over Metro Beach! This is going to be a fun day that you won't want to miss - our first ever, outdoor baptisms.There will be plenty of hamburgers, hot dogs and fun for everyone. Bring a side dish or snack to share, your own drinks, something to sit on, and $4.00 for parking. Call our office at 586-980-9770 with any questions.

In the event of rain: we will eat the food brought to the church and the baptisms will be moved to after service the following week on July 29.
(But let's all pray for clear skies!)

Current Sunday Series: Miracles

Please see images above for details. Click to make them larger. Hope to see you there!

BOWL-A-THON FOR CHARITY:Saturday June 23RD

This is a GREAT charity event! Click on the image below for details, and email rodgersmith@comcast.net if you need any further information. BE THERE!!

I have been distant

But I will try to log on more and put something up here!

My bad

Upcoming Saturday, and Upcoming Sunday!

Here is the Flick N' Fam. A free movie night for everyone! Bring the whole family! Not only is the movie free, but the concessions are cheap. Click the individual images for details on the event. This will be a blast! See you on the 24th (next saturday!)




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This will be a service to remember. Perhaps you are someone who always goes to a church service on Christmas and Easter. Christmas is over, so that leaves Sunday April 8th for you, don't miss it, and arrive early for a good seat, and hot coffee. Click the individual images below for details, this one is not to be missed!!

KABOOOM! Paradox baby boom, again!

Chloe Ann and Sophia Marie Paryaski





















Collin John Scicluna





















Colin Justis Smith

Feedback

Did you go to the whirly ball event this past Saturday night? If you did, we'd love to hear your feedback on the event! Did you have fun? Did you meet anyone new? Were you sore the next day? LOL

Did you participate in the service projects yesterday at church? If so, we'd love to hear how that went! Did you go alone or with your small group? Did you decide to group up with some people you didn't know? Did you interact with the people you were serving? How about where you picked up your items at? What reactions did you receive? Please, share your thoughts!

The month of Love

With Valentines day just around the corner I thought this was an interesting post when I came across it on Alex McManus's blog.

I was going to copy / paste but there are other articles on his blog that I thought you might find interesting too.

The Culture Code - Seduction, Sex and Love in America

So what do you think?

It's a girl! It's a girl!

Congratulations to the McGlassion clan! The girls made their grand entrance yesterday (Jan. 2, 2007) at 12:27 and 12:28 am. Joslyn Brooke was 4 lbs., 13 oz., and 17 1/4" long. Corinne Nicole was 4 lbs., 9 oz., and 17 3/4" long. They were informed that Joslyn has pneumonia in both lungs, so they're giving her antibiotics to help. Outside of that, both girls are doing well! Nicole had a c-section & is doing pretty good. Craig's still just soaking it all in! Congrats, you guys! We're praying for you all, celebrating with you, and we love you!
(And I can't wait to see those girls!)

P.S. In the above pics, Nicole's holding Joslyn
and Craig's holding Corinne!

Blog by Alex McManus

Mel Gibson’s new movie, Apocalypto, though released in December, is not exactly your holiday fare.

While not seasonally appropriate, Apocalypto does provide some fodder in our search for a spiritual anthropology. We can avoid the criticisms of whether or not Mel is trying to demonstrate the horrific ugliness of non-christian cultures in comparison to the Roman Catholicism he espouses. Of course he is. But he also shows within the film both the potential ugliness and pristine humanity of non-christian cultures as compared to each other. Gibson’s film can lead to a fruitful discussion as to whether or not there is within human cultures –even Christian ones — a “heart of darkness”.

The peoples who practiced human sacrifice, or cannabalism in the Americas or in Europe, were after all people like us. What changed us? Or, have we really changed? After all, power, fear, superstition and greed still drive the human machine.

In relative terms, we might also discuss the merits of the expansion of western culture. Would people really have been better off in net terms without the gains in science and technology, law and culture that the western expansion provided? This is a movie sure to inspire conversation along the ideological chasm between left and right in western culture. And that’s a good thing because clarity is sometimes more important than agreement. What do you think?

Batteries Not Included

Each Sunday through the month of December we will be looking at the ways that the power of Jesus Christ within us empowers the many dimensions of our lives. As the apostle Paul says in Romans 1, the Gospel is not just mere belief it is powerful and when the person of Jesus lives within us so to does that power. The reason for the name of the series "batteries not included" is because Paul also make it clear that the full expression and experience of that power is only able when, by faith we have put out trust in Jesus (John 1:10-13).

Life is a lot like toys & batteries. A toy has all the parts to do what its been made to do. Without the batteries it still looks the same. The colors, the design, the purpose, are all there even without the batteries but, there is no power source.

We have been created in the image of God & as such all the parts are there to do and be what we have been created for. Our design and purpose are there but the Bible teaches that without Jesus we lack the power source to live as intended; to our fullest potential.

As we begin this next month we would love to hear the ways that the power of God is at work in your life. We would especially love to hear from you if you have recently made the decision to follow Jesus and are learning to live from His power and strength and lay down your own. Please share too how you may be struggling with that decision and just what to do with Jesus. Feel free to post a comment and share your story with us by clicking on "comments".

WIN!!

Connor Everett Kenyon was born yesterday, Nov 30th at 3:54 pm. 7 pounds 1 ounce, 20.5 inches long.

Mom and baby are doing fine!

Long time waiting... God is Good!

New service time!

Apparently very few people like getting up at the crack of dawn on Sunday mornings... who would've figured? :)

NEW SERVICE TIME is 10:00am, sharp.

See you Sunday at 10!

Sunday at Paradox

Five weeks down, three hundred years to go!

Well, I think Sunday's are going great. We've had a lot of really good response to what's been being done & taught on Sunday over the last month. As the Sunday planning team continues to plan for what we will be doing on Sunday mornings we would love to hear your thoughts.

One of the hardest things with a new church is knowing your audience; because we're all just getting to know each other. The Sunday planning team is currently in the process of planning out the next several months of topics, series & messages and would love to hear your thoughts.

Please post a comment with any ideas that you have on what issues, topics or books of the bible you would love to hear taught about on a Sunday morning. Your ideas may be for an individual Sunday or may be in the form of a series with several parts that would extend multiple Sundays.

This post will be left up for two weeks (until 11/8) so that we can hear from as many of you as possible. So, please take some time over the next few weeks to tell us your thoughts & ideas. And if you would like to talk to someone about getting involved in the Sunday planning team please indicate that in your comments & someone will get back with you.

Looking forward to hearing your ideas,
Craig

Justice & Compassion

I had an informative conversation with Drew Hage of Genesis Church last week. We talked about outreach strategies and compassion ministries. He mentioned that the members of Genesis Church definitely have an activist bent. He mentioned that a hunger for justice is imperative for God’s church. What social issues or justice issues are you most concerned about? What are issues in Macomb County that you think we need to address?

At the OMNi team we've discussed some of these ideas, but I would like to hear ideas from the rest of Paradox.

Limbo anyone?

I read an interesting article online a few days back called Babies Born Without Baptism Go to Limbo?. Let me start by pointing out the obvious error in the title... they mean it's about babies that die without baptism, not born without it! (How can you baptize a child in the womb?!?) Anyway, the article talks about how Vatican theologians are rethinking their teaching about what happens to babies when they die. The practice thusfar has been that if the child is not baptized before death, then they will not go to Heaven, but limbo - "an eternal state of perfect natural happiness." This is because many Catholics believe that we're all born into original sin and therefore excluded from Heaven (without baptism).

I don't remember the Bible specifically addressing the issue of what happens to infants when they die, but aside from my own feelings, one passage comes to mind. Remember when David committed adultery with Bathsheba and she got pregnant? God sent a prophet to tell David that because of his sin, he would take the baby (in death). David obviously went through morning & grieving & praying while the child was sick, but when the baby passed away, David became calm. People questioned his response, and David replied with this "While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept. I thought, 'Who knows? The Lord may be gracious to me and let the child live.' But now that he is dead, why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I will go to him, but he will not return to me." (II Sam. 12:22-23, NIV) To me this shows that David, while still upset, had a peace and sense of calm about his child. Who knows? Maybe he knew in his heart that he'd see his child once again in Heaven.

One last thing... here's the results (after my vote) of a poll AOL had on this:

Where do you think unbaptized babies go when they die?
Heaven 86%
Other 9%
Limbo 5%
Total Votes: 74,755

Any thoughts?

Paradox Has Launched

Well the day came & went much like any other, no fireworks no bells in the sky, the sun didn't stand still & the moon hung in the sky that night; 24 hours and the day was gone, just like any other. But something magical happened that will forever set the course of this church & be the beginning of a journey for many of us that will shape a part of who we are.

On Sunday 372 people between both services sat & heard of the power, the plan & the man...Jesus. As I sat waiting to go on stage at the second service I sat with a few of the people that have been around from day one (a year & a half ago). It was difficult not to get teary eyed as we remembered the basement where 25-20 of us gathered just a year ago with a dream & a belief that if we stepped out in faith that God would use Paradox to be a place of hope & healing.

For some time now we have planned & prayed for faceless & nameless people that after Sunday now have names & faces & stories; God is at work. In hindsight, launch day is like a wedding; anyone can have a wedding but not everyone has a strong & healthy marriage. We had a great "wedding day" but now we must build a strong & healthy marriage; may God grant us strength, wisdom, patience & endurance. May He continue to honor the dream that began this journey & draw back His scattered people. If you were there we'd love to hear what you thought, so feel free to post a comment.

Paradox Postcard

Here are three of our postcards that were sent out to Macomb County a few days ago. Hopefully you got one. What do you think of these?

The back of the 1st postcard:

"Ever wonder about the priorities of some churches? We do. Waste - that word, more than any other, defines many of the activities in the American church. And while it is often wasted money, that is not the only thing that is wasted. Many churches waste time and still others waste opportunities. From up front there is big talk about the urgency of making a difference in this world but in practice the most urgent item on the agenda is wall papering the women's bathroom or funding the pastor's vacation. At times people, even people are wasted. They sit in pews and folding chairs for years and never feel like they are needed or that their skills and ideas are valued. Have you ever felt like even going to church is just a waste? We have too.
Paradox is not a perfect church – but that's not saying a lot. In truth, Paradox isn't even a great church. What we are is a new church (and there are several out there) that is working hard to live the way Jesus lived. Our hope is that we will be a home for a few people that never "got" how to be a part of a church. And by the way…we DO sponsor kids in Africa and donate our time and money to people in our neighborhood...just in case you were worried that we were actually heartless. :)"

The back of the second postcard:


…or a chance to really do something great. You can switch your major. You can switch your cell phone carrier. In fact almost everything in life comes built in with a backup plan or a way out, but once those little eyes look up to you and do what you do, you know that your life will never be the same again. It's pretty cool that they mimic you; that is, until they swear in front of grandma.
Unlike any job we've ever had, parenting is the most difficult and most rewarding. It can be thrilling and scary at the same time. The world is pretty crazy these days and we spend a lot of time thinking about how we can teach our kids what they will need in order to, "make it" out there. Whether a parent, an uncle, an aunt, a grandparent; no one has all the answers so no one should walk alone. At Paradox Church we are applying the words of Jesus, learning as we go, and are encouraging one another along the way. If all that doesn't work – we plan to start a fund to pay for their counseling after they turn eighteen.

The back of the 3rd postcard:

Jesus never had a parking space with his name on it. He never had a key to the corporate washroom. Jesus was a carpenter – a man's man. If you just believe the stereotype, you might think that he was born in a barn, was visited by rich uncles, and then went around walking on water until he was about thirty and started doing all of those miracles. Nope. Jesus had a J.O.B. - you know, "Just Over Broke." He swung a hammer and straightened his own nails. In fact he probably whacked Himself in the thumb a time or two.

The Bible thinks pretty highly of straight-forward people who work hard with their hands. So, why is it that that some people will look at you funny if you have a little dirt underneath your fingernails or wear jeans (we all happen to like jeans) when you go to church? Paradox Church appreciates a good day's work, a speaker that gives practical advice, and genuinely helping people in need. The way we see it, nothing says you really care like hearing about a need and loading up a truck.

Learning from kids

Today was Kirsten's first day of Kindergarten. We checked in, then went outside to wait, per instructions. It was interesting to see how many children were just patiently standing in line outside with their parents... nervous, shy, clinging to the stability standing next to them and clutching their hand. A few feet away, in clear view, was the playground. My daughter was the first one to run out to play on it. I was actually surprised to see only one other girl join her... there must have been a lot of first-time schoolers (this is Kirsten's 4th year!). Anyway, I just watched. I watched this other girl run over to the swings and start swinging. Then I watched my daughter. She looked at the girl for a moment, then quickly ran to her and said, "Wanna play with me?" I love it! She even asked the girls' name and told her hers!

No fear of rejection. No contemplation of the "right" words to say. No hesitation. Kirsten wanted to connect with someone else. She wanted companionship out on that playground.

God created us as social beings. He didn't intend for us to be alone, focused only on ourselves, but to long for and actively engage in relationships with one another. Numerous times in Scripture God tells us to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18, Mt.22:39, etc.). Sometimes life happens and relationships fail. We may want to not risk putting ourselves out there again, and instead withdraw from others. But deep down we know how much we need relationships. We need to talk, encourage, hold accountable, pray for and with, forgive, and LOVE one another! We were created like that! Heb. 10:25 - "Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another..." Gal. 5:13 - "...serve one another in love." Eph. 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Heb. 10:24 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds." I John 3:18 - "...let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." We NEED each other. We were wired like that! Even children instinctively know that!

Let me finish with one last photo from this morning. After entering the classroom for the first time, the kids were able to color a picture of a bumble bee while settling in. Kirsten was so focused on the other kids (future friends), that she was coloring without looking! Priceless!

Detroit's Graveyard

I got lost in an old graveyard the other day. I was taking pictures of statues and gravestones at the Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit. It wasn’t terrifying, it wasn’t a reminder of my mortality, and it wasn’t depressing either.

It was impressive. The history of our city impresses me. I was impressed by the people who made some contribution to their world: civil war soldiers, doctors, industrialists who provided jobs, and city leaders. I was impressed by the tradition and roots of our city- people who lived and died in the late 1700’s.

I would like to be a part of the legacy of Detroit- not the burned down buildings, the crime, and the disparaging poverty and addiction; but the builders, the innovators, and the contributors.

There is a connection between the spiritual condition and the physical landscape of Detroit. It seems that many people in Detroit are broken, addicted, and hopeless. I had an interesting conversation with a plant supervisor for Ford this morning. We both agreed that the Michigan economy is in trouble, especially if Ford doesn’t turn things around. I like to focus on how to solve a problem, and I’ve been thinking about this one. I heard an interesting quote about changing the human condition, which leads to a changed world. “The world tries to change a man by taking him out of the slums. Jesus Christ takes the slum out of a man, and then he changes his environment.” Perhaps Paradox Church can be involved with this process.

Verses on your mind...

Do you have a favorite verse? What about one that God's been laying on your heart lately? I have a few favorites, but the one that keeps popping in my head lately is Jeremiah 29:11... "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." God has used that verse many times to remind me that He does have good things planned for me! He has a future planned for me! Being on this journey with Paradox, and with launch being right around the corner, I'm encouraged to know that He has great things in store for us... He tells us so! We just have to trust in that promise that He is taking care of us and WANTS us to prosper... He really, really wants that for us! So... do you have any verses that might encourage us? Or even just another verse that means something special to you... please share!

So this couple is vacationing in the Holy Land...

It was a neat place to vacation, but they didn't care for each other's company very much. Soon after arriving, the man's wife became very ill. It was a very progressive illness, and she died within a few days. The hospital connected him with a local mortician to prepare for funeral and burrial. But the man wanted to bury her back in the States where they lived. The Moritican told him that it would only cost $150 to bury his wife there, but it would cost $5000 to have her shipped back to the U.S. So he went back in forth in his mind trying to figure everything out. When asked what he was going to do, the man said it would be challenging to come up with the money, but he would spend the $5000. Out of curiousity, the morician asked why he would not save the money and have her buried there; to which the man replied: A long time ago someone was burried here, and three days later he was back. I just can't take that kind of chance.

30 Day Countdown

I can not believe the launch of Paradox is only a month away. It’s funny, but even though we’ve been planning for this day the “in a year and a half we’ll be launching” phrase still runs through my head.
A friend asked me the other day, “so, are you guys all ready”? Are we ready! Are you kidding! Is a husband and wife ever READY to have kids? I feel about as ready with Paradox as I do with the twins on the way (surprise, if you hadn’t heard). I feel nervous, excited, scared, elated, I dream about it every night, think about it all day long and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else, ever. This has been such an exciting & challenging time already that I can’t wait to see what God continues to do once we “open the doors”.
It’s like when the disciples stood there as Jesus was doing His last “check this out trick” as he floated up to heaven in a cloud. They were probably scared, excited, and antsy & thinking, “Ok, this is what we’ve trained for”. They didn’t have a clue; as evidenced by the next scene of them all huddled up hiding in a house together afraid of big bad Rome.
The next few years cost those guys everything, everything. But they turned this world upside down for Jesus. They must have really believed His words about His forcefully advancing kingdom. We believe those words too. We’re on the hill, cloud going up, scared & excited and life is never going to be the same again!
Join with us as we fast every Wednesday between now & launch. You are a part of this dream as you battle with us in prayer.

in omnibus glorificetur Deus "in everything, may God be glorified"

Do you watch the morning news?

I never really have, too boring, always bad news.

But I discovered the Daily Buzz, do you watch it?

www.dailybuzz.tv

It is on channel 50 every morning, check it out!

Bulletin Bloopers

 

I couldn't think of anything pressing on my heart to write about today. Actually, let me rephrase that... the only thing I feel God is prompting me to share today is some laughter! I think we all need to just step back and laugh sometimes, force ourselves to smile even. Our lives get so busy and pull us in so many directions that if it wasn't for having a 6 yr. old at home to keep me giggling, I think I'd sometimes forget to! I know many of you might have seen these before, but read 'em over... you may find a few new ones in here! I think these can bring extra tears of laughter to those like me who've come from more of a Baptist background. Well, with the wonders of technology and the little spell-check button we all know and love dearly, hopefully we won't see errors like these in our programs at Paradox! Then again, I'm sure some will slip through the cracks... intentionally!


Bertha Belch, a missionary from Africa, will be speaking tonight at Calvary Methodist. Come hear Bertha Belch all the way from Africa.

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water."
The sermon tonight: "Searching for Jesus."

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreation hall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.

The peacemaking meeting scheduled for today has been canceled due to a conflict.

For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.

The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

The Associate Minister unveiled the church's new tithing campaign slogan last Sunday: "I Upped My Pledge - Up Yours!"

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing: "Break Forth Into Joy."

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Scouts are saving aluminum cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.

Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say "Hell" to someone who doesn't care much about you. 

From the Paradox August Retreat: God's purposes

This is Mary Toomey's written response to an excerpt from My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers, entry for August 5th. Craig asked us to read this excerpt at the Paradox retreat a few weekends ago.

"It shouldn't matter if I know what God is doing in my life. It shouldn't matter if my path has a foreseeable purpose. The only thing that matters is that I am walking, running (perhaps hiding?) along the path God deems necessary to put me on. The thing I need to concern myself with is locating God as I walk. Not His purpose, not His end game for me, but the here and now that I pass along the way to whatever finish line, hill tops, and valleys God chooses to present me with. Asking God why seems a conditional faith. It doesn't matter why. It doesn't matter why my childhood was what it was. It doesn't matter why Kenny died the way he did. it doesn't matter why my heart is the way it is. What matters is that God gave me these things, not so that I would question Him, but so that I could more easily find him. It would be too difficult to see Him if I did not need Him as I do. God created me very much with a reckless spirit of independence. Of course there must be situations in my life where He reminds me that I desperately need Him. He gave me the great power that I must constantly give back to him. Yet again, here I go looking for logic. Here I sit writing out God's purpose for me on His path. The truth is, I long for direction and explanation. I want someone else to drive, but the relinquishing of even a small amount of control forces that annoying question out of me: 'So where are we going?'. What really matters is that God is driving, and I'm sitting next to Him. Better if I were blind, so I couldn't see the distractions ahead and ask where we're going. Perhaps then I wouldn't be so blind to the fact that God doesn't care for that question, and when he deems it necessary that I know our direction, He tells me before I can even think to ask. Why do I feel I need to demonstrate how little I trust Him? Why am I so eager to display my ignorance? I wish he didn't have to break my legs to keep me from running away. And when I'm scraping my elbows as I crawl away to hide from Him, no one is more ashamed than me."-- Mary Toomey

Freedom

I won't deny it. I've long been a fan of Mel Gibson, even had an understanding with Matt that if Mel ever finally came knocking on my door... well... Matt would understand! We have things in common: he has 7 kids, I'm the youngest of 7; he was born on January 3, 1956 which is the same day my sister Evelyn was born. Hmmm... I think that's all I was going on for a while there... not really that much, I suppose! Anyway, I've been a big fan of his work in film. I love that every character he plays has a bit of that Mel insanity burning in their eyes, and often spilling out in speech or gesture. I've seen that look in his own eyes during interviews. He has a nervous energy about him, which I'm sure he can channel in positive ways.

As long as you've been connected to reality in some way, you've heard about Mr. Gibson's recent press. He was out one evening, succumbed to his youthful ways of alcohol consumption, drove his car while intoxicated, was pulled over by officers, and was recorded spewing profanities and anti-Semitic remarks from his mouth. I've followed many articles online that have talked about this incident, including some on AOL News and TMZ.com (and here).

Mel was arrested on DUI charges, and I don't dispute that one bit. His blood alcohol level was elevated and an open liquor container was found in his vehicle. The subject of all the debate is the remarks he made about the Jewish people, that they're "responsible for all the wars in the world." I think no argument is being made over him saying stupid things while drunk. That's an obvious point. The debate is whether Mel is anti-Semitic or not. Some say he wouldn't have said those things if he didn't truly believe them in his heart. Some say he was just rambling stupidities while intoxicated and that's not who Mel really is. I don't personally know him, so I can't give any valid opinion on if I think he meant it or not. What I do know are some things I've learned about his father, Hutton Gibson, and his views on the Jews. He has not been a quiet man about his thoughts and opinions, and is even noted as being a denier of the Holocaust. One site quotes him saying, "I don't know what the Jewish agenda is except that it's all about control. They're after one world religion and one world government." I can only imagine how it must be as an adult to try to separate your views and feelings from that of what your father has told you your entire life. Maybe what Mel said was just those mantras coming from his youth, or maybe he honestly believes some of it. I'll never truly know. I can say that I hope he gets the proper counseling that he's seeking, and that he can come to terms with himself for himself, not for the world.

I'll finish with this last point. Tuesday I was listening to a bit of Bob Dutko on 103.5 FM, and he was talking about the "Mel Gibson" story. His twist on it caught my attention. A drunk celebrity makes a horrible statement about Jewish people and there's a ton of publicity, with people questioning his character and putting his reputation (and some say his career) on the line. Yet there's been many occasions where Christians (using the term loosely, of course) have been the doormat and no one is held accountable for stepping on them. Take a look at this painting in which the artist, Chris Ofili, threw elephant dung on his painting of Mary (he calls it "The Holy Virgin Mary"). Or how about this "art" by photographer Andres Serrano. It's a jar of the artist's urine with a small crucifix submerged in it. This won an award. This one seemed to stir up a bit more controversy than the elephant poo story did, but I still hadn't heard of it until Bob Dutko mentioned it. Many consider these as blasphemy, but they're usually attributed to freedom of speech (or "art"). It just seems that out of all religions known to man, they're all considered sacred and off-limits to persecution in any manner... except those that follow Jesus Christ. Do you have any personal experiences with this? What do you think?

The COST of Paradox!?

When we first began Paradox I remember thinking, "we're doing it the easy way by not moving across the country". I watched Dave Nelson and K2 The Church as they moved from Troy MI to Salt Lake City Utah and thought that was the truest test of sacrifice to plant a church and the type of plant that would cost the most.

Well, two weeks ago my nephew; Landon Hood died on a Thursday afternoon just before our last preview service. There is no place in our minds & hearts that makes sense of death, especially when it's a healthy baby. The whole experience from hospital to funeral was horrible. I saw and felt pain that I do not know how to describe. The most difficult moment for me was when my brother-in-law asked me to help carry the casket. When you carry a two foot long casket to it's grave, your perspective will begin to change on a lot of things. For me that change has been in the form of becoming more focused on what & who is really important to give my life to AND what is slowly & subtly wasting my time; my life.

As I have been examining my life to see if I am really living for the what truly matters I have found many things and much energy that is wasted; daily. I want on the day that they lay me in my grave to know that I have used every talent, moment & strength towards the only thing that really matters and lasts; Jesus, and people; people knowing the loving Jesus.

It's now that I realize that planting a church across the country isn't harder; it's just a different cost. The cost for me is not that I have to sell my house, leave my friends & family and move to an unfamiliar people & place but, that I must examine my already full, busy and "working" life and figure out what must go, what must stop, what must begin to get less or none of my time and energy anymore. The difficulty is that these time takers will still be right there (not across the country) and the decision to say no to them will probably be an ongoing process.

Here's the crazy thing; cost of anything, by nature, isn't easy but, I don't feel like following Jesus has ever really COST me anything; I want to sacrifice for my king. Think that sounds crazy? Read II Corinthians; that's a large part of Paul's message in that book ; "I will boast in what makes me weak". I love that my King is asking me to make difficlut decesions to make His kingdom priorities my Life's priorities; the cost is part of the joy.

Write or Shoot!

We're moving forward now with the static site. I'll be working on creating the actual pages in the next few weeks, and I would like other people to contribute writing and photography to the site. On the wiki I've created two assignment sheets with detailed requirements for each piece of writing and photography, and directions for submission.

How long are hotdogs good after you buy them????

When purchasing a perishable item, it is always important to check the expiration date. I was very encouraged when I purchased a pack o' dogs. These babies will last for (begin echoey dr. eil voice)... ONE THOURSAND YEARS!!!

Think about the potential here. You can begin a family tradition of passing off these hotdogs from generation to generation. And if society continues to degredate at current speeds, then it is likely that your acencestors could be roastin dogs with JC when he returns! Not bad eh? :)