The Magic of Movies
Thursday, September 10, 2009
One of the passages I found most interesting is at the very end of the book (p 236). This sums up my feelings, as well.
Watching movies at home, on a screen however large and a sound system however noisy, is simply not the same thing as seeing them in a theater. My dad used to say that watching movies on TV was like getting kissed over the telephone. What's missing in seeing a film on television is a central component of what it means to be human - the assembly. Whether it's at a church, at a play, or at the movies, the idea of losing your identity at a gathering of others - known or unknown to you - while sharing a common experience, a journey, an event, is uniquely human, and in my opinion we abandon such practices at our peril. Gatherings are important, and certainly better than going through life with ear buds. Never mind the theology or medium in question, concentrate on the part where you rub shoulders with strangers. Cities are places you walk or ride the subway, places where you look at people, they look at you; you don't pass them on the freeway at seventy miles an hour. At the end of a performance of Beethoven's Third, you and the audience have shared an adventure, at one individual and collective. The experience make you a better person. Don't ask me how or why, but it does. There isn't any movie shown on television that wouldn't be better in a movie theater. Art is fragile - it can be interrupted by crying kids, the telephone, the neighbors, what have you. Gatherings, whether for music, church, plays, films, or ballets, are experiences to which you must make a commitment and in making that commitment, in leaving your home to devote yourself to that communal experience, you reaffirm your humanity.
How awesome is that?! Interesting implications for internet churches, but explains why video venues for churches, conferences, and simulcasts are just as effective as those where the speaker is present physically. Food for thought, for sure.
Posted by Rob Spahr 11:32 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Churches, Rob's Stuff, star trek
Back to School
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Hard to believe that summer is over already and the kids are back in school. Now we have both Jordan and Jonah in junior high and both in sports (Jonah in cross country and Jordan in football). Such great boys - we're so proud of them!
Posted by Rob Spahr 6:45 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Labels: Jonah Spahr, Jordan Spahr, Rob's Stuff, Spahr Family
What does a Youth Pastor do all day?
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saw this excellent post about a youth pastor's job description. So true! Here is a great clip.
Here are some examples of what I do: pray, study, read, keep up with teen culture (not very easy to do), preach, teach, share, text, email, facebook, administrate, organize, make phone calls, return phone calls, conflict resolution, plan activities, hospital visits, confront, encourage, get frustrated, strategize, buy new tools for ministry, edit video, clean up, talk to parents, support my pastor, go to meetings, travel, meet new people, raise money, balance my time with my family, go to school events (concerts, games, …), develop leaders, update website, share life with others, stay up all night, drive a bus and go out to eat!
Posted by Rob Spahr 6:43 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: youth ministry
Rubik's Cube and a Football - This Sunday at Evergreen
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
If you missed the last time I preached (Time Out! on July 5) and wanted to see the video, you can find it on the church's website - EvergreenPineCity.org - under the Message tab. (Make sure you check out some of Pastor Seth's messages - he is a truly gifted communicator who could probably preach at any church of any size. We are incredibly lucky to have him at our church!)
Posted by Rob Spahr 8:27 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Evergreen Community Church, Rob's Stuff
A Picture of Our Relationship with God
Friday, July 31, 2009
I read a great post in Donald Miller's blog today and wanted to share a quote. It's a bit longer than I usually share, but it's only a portion of an ever longer, better post. This is a beautiful way to understand God and our relationship with Him. Here's a clip.
I had a long conversation with a distinguished scholar last month whose lifelong expertise is story structure. He is not a Christian. And as we talked, he said something that fascinated me. He said this:Be sure to read the entire post: "How the Stories You Believe are Screwing With Your Mind". Not a complete theological treatise or explanation of the Gospel, by any means, (nor is it meant to be) but it is a wonderful starting point for discussing our faith. I can't wait to read Don's next book: A Million Miles in a Thousand Years. It's about the personal implications of story and it should be fascinating.
“I understand you Christians. I understand the essence of your message. It’s this: If you are not a good person, you are going to burn in hell for all eternity.”
As I said, this man was a distinguished scholar and so it surprised me when he made this statement from a position of absolute knowing. There was no doubt in his voice. He wasn’t asking me to confirm. He knew. But he was absolutely wrong. That isn’t the essence of the Christian story, and anybody who believes so is a heretic.
Our story, and by our story I don’t mean the Christian story, I mean humanity’s story, is this:
The Trinity existed forever in a completely loving community. They were and are other focused, without what we think of as ego (though I believe they have something like ego, we would not recognize it in comparison to our own) and they created an existence, including you and I, to enjoy their company. That is the most loving thing a perfectly loving being could do. But love cannot be controlling, it has to set it’s muse free, so they gave humanity an option out. And humanity took it, thus, by necessity, there was a separation between pure good and anything other than pure good. So now, we who have been designed to be complete in God, seek affirmation and validation from each other as though our lives depend on it. But it doesn’t work. Nobody has agency but God. So God sends his son to earth and his son essentially says this:
“You guys have all walked away from God. He can’t have anything to do with you, because he is purely good. But look, I haven’t walked away from him, so if you marry me, and we become one, you’ll be reunited with the Trinity. He’ll look at you and see me. We’ll do this at a wedding in heaven. Until the wedding, though, just have faith. It’s as though it’s already done. But it’s going to kind of suck until then.”
So that’s where we are in our story. We are waiting for the wedding, and until then, we have hope, and we have an explanation for our hope.
Posted by Rob Spahr 9:50 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Donald Miller
USA Monk Tribute Promo
Thursday, July 30, 2009
If you watch any of USA Network's awesome original series (Monk, Psych, Burn Notice, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, In Plain Sight) you'll get a kick out of this hilarious tribute video for Monk. It's amazing how many great shows USA has put together. Our family enjoys all of these very much. Great storytelling and wonderful characters.
Posted by Rob Spahr 8:00 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Rob's Stuff, Television
Blogging, "Micro-blogging", and Facebook
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
What's the difference between having a blog and keeping your Facebook status updated (or Twitter, or MySpace, etc.)? Isn't it the same thing?
I've been a Facebook fan for some time now and recently added my 300th friend. That may seem like a lot to some, depending on how long you've been on Facebook and your age. Others may find this quite a small number - usually younger people or those who friend at random anyone they've ever met. But I digress.
For a little while now I have been much better at keeping my Facebook status updated but have allowed the blog here to languish. Part of this is the assumption that most of the people I know are Facebook friends and can "follow" me there. Recently, however, I have begun updating my status a lot less frequently. I started updating my status only when I felt that I had something more significant to share than "heading to work again" or "staying up late tonight". I weary of reading some of my Facebook friends' updates that are constantly filled with trivia. It's not that I don't want to know what they are up to, but there is a point when the trivia becomes trivial. (For instance, there is the new habit some of my friends have gotten into where they post lines from a song as a status update. Sorry, guys, but I just don't care unless there is something in those lines of particular significance to you. If so, then explain it. Otherwise you may end up in my "hidden" list of status updates.)
The benefit of blogging is that there is the opportunity to expand on a thought and really flesh out items of more significance. No, I won't be giving up Facebook, which I think is a wonderful way to keep in touch, network, etc. But I think a nice balance of blogging is a great way to keep my communication skills sharp (as Seth Godin pointed out in my blog post yesterday.) Also, as these blog posts get highlighted in my Facebook status updates, there will be opportunity for interaction via the Facebook comments rather than on this site. Hopefully I can share some helpful, interesting, thought-provoking, or simply entertaining things on the blog and we can discuss together via Facebook. Let me know what you think.
Posted by Rob Spahr 6:40 AM 1 comments Links to this post
Why blog?
Monday, July 27, 2009
Saw this today and thought it was brilliant. Certainly something worth aspiring to, for sure. I'm going to give it a try. We'll see how it goes.
Posted by Rob Spahr 8:58 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Blogging, Seth Godin
Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover LIVE!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Meeting Dave Ramsey and sitting in on a taping of his radio show was one of the highlights of 2007 for me. Rosalie and I also were able to host a Financial Peace University class at our home early the next year. But the one thing I've always wanted to be able to do but never had the chance to is to go to one of Dave's Total Money Makeover LIVE events. These events are held in various large cities around the country, but there has never been one close enough for me to be able to attend.
This is a high-energy 5-hour event where Dave shares great information about taking back control of your money. Whether you are married and need to get on the same page or single and need the tools to stay financially focused, this event is for you! Dave shares personal experiences, stories, and information not found elsewhere. It's packed with humor, energy, and incredible information.
Because we're hosting this locally, you won't have to drive to the Cities, try to find a place to (pay to) park, and fight huge crowds and long lines. Instead you'll be able to gather with a couple of hundred people from east-central Minnesota right here in Pine City to laugh and learn together.
I'll be the key contact person at Evergreen and Glenn Westing is the person to talk to at Our Redeemer. Checks for tickets can be dropped off at either church office or given to either of us personally. Reserve your spot now as the facility will accommodate about 200 people and we anticipate this filling up quickly.
Posted by Rob Spahr 8:43 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Dave Ramsey
Working on Time Out! for Sunday
Friday, July 3, 2009
I am excited about the opportunity to share with our church. Pastor Seth will be out of town taking advantage of a wonderful Time Out with his wife and kids and he has graciously asked me to share this week from God's Word. If you're in the area, we'd love to have you join us. There are two services; one at 9 a.m. and one at 10:30. We meet at our facility at 710 5th Ave. SW in Pine City (the old Methodist Church building). We have an incredible worship leader and terrific time worshipping together each week. Hope to see you there!
Posted by Rob Spahr 9:34 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Evergreen Community Church, Rob's Stuff
Award-Winning Son!
Friday, May 29, 2009
Congrats also to all of the other recipients in the sixth grade class. Only 12 students received this honor this year from our school.
I can't believe I'm now the father of two junior high boys! They're so awesome!!
Posted by Rob Spahr 11:20 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Spahr Family
Moving Day on Thursday
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Of course, it wouldn't be moving day for the Spahrs without some type of inclement weather. This time we're expecting rain but hoping it won't last all day long.
If you're in the area and want to drop by and give us a hand for some of the day, please do so. We'll have some food for you, too! We're starting shortly after 8 a.m. and going until we're done (which hopefully won't be too late in the afternoon, depending on the weather).
Posted by Rob Spahr 7:22 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: moving, Spahr Family
So good!
Friday, April 24, 2009
The Pepsi has a very smooth tatse and none of the dry aftertaste the corn syrup sweetened pepsi usually has. Can't wait to try the Mountain Dew. (Coke has some "Coca-Cola Natural" coming out that is also made with real sugar, but I haven't found any yet.)
Posted by Rob Spahr 12:07 PM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Rob's Stuff
My Favorite Administrative Professionals
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
I have worked with some incredible church administrative assistants/secretaries in my years of youth ministry. Almost every one has become a dear friend, and none moreso than the one I want to highlight today on this Administrative Professionals day, and that is Jeanne Johnson at Pine City Evangelical Free Church.
She has given her all to the church through the years and does far more for others behind the scenes than anyone will ever know. It's not because she's a workaholic, but out of a sense of love for the church and people and desire to do the very best job possible that she is often there early mornings and late nights on various days of the week. She pours her time and energy into her job and works with a true servant's heart. She strives for excellence without being an unhealthy perfectionist. She always seeks to learn more so she can serve better. Jeanne is one of the hardest workers I have ever served with.
You don't have to work in church ministry for long before you realize that it is very difficult. You take all kinds of criticism and abuse - mostly unfair and sometimes even from the very people you work under. Jeanne has suffered more than her fair share of this and yet in spite of the hurtful and untrue barbs she has taken in the past, she continues to serve with a cheerful attitude, humble spirit, and open heart. She is always willing to talk with people and is one of the best listeners I know.
So congratulations, Jeanne, on this special day. I dearly miss serving alongside you but will always count it a privilege to know you and call you my friend. Have a great AP day!! We love you!!!
Posted by Rob Spahr 6:32 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: ministry, Rob's Stuff
Awesome Weekend at Evergreen
Monday, April 20, 2009
Of course you expect a "home run" message on Easter, but Pastor Seth nailed it again this week as we kicked off a new series: Kaleo (greek for "Called"). We're beginning by talking about what we as Christ-followers are called to do... and then we're actually doing it - not just talking about it.
Now that we have decided to stay in Pine City our family is getting involved in Evergreen beyond just Sunday morning worship. I began training in on the tech team yesterday and Jordan attended his first youth group meeting last night. We both had a great time and are looking forward to getting to know more people at church.
If you live nearby and don't have a church home in the Pine City area, you should come join us! I am so excited to be a part of a growing and vibrant church that is really reaching out to people far from God. So cool.
Posted by Rob Spahr 11:03 AM 0 comments Links to this post
Labels: Evergreen Community Church, Spahr Family
