Soul (simpli)City Sundays
Over the past couple of weeks we have been gathering in our home with friends on Sunday nights for a little thing we called Soul City Sundays. They have been such a beautiful reminder of the SIMPLICITY that became so contagious and transformational in the First Church.
Last night was simply amazing. And amazingly Simple. First off, there were almost as many kids as adults – scampering around the house laughing, playing, and occasionally working through their “Do I really have to share” issues. All of us, kids included, shared an amazing meal together – compliments of Heather Wittaker.
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After all nine kids were tucked into their beds (we can fit a pack and play almost anywhere!) we went around the circle and each read aloud, slowly and deliberately the Sermon on the Mount – all 3 chapters of it. We shared how God was speaking to us personally through it and how He was speaking into the reality of Soul City Church. And then we worshipped.
The sound of our 13 voices was pure, strong, and sincere. I (Jeanne) fought off goose bumps the entire time as the spirit of God continually affirmed His vision of this church. After we worshipped people went around the circle and shared where they needed prayer and then another member of the circle committed to carrying that need with them throughout the coming week. We spent some time praying together and once we were done we lingered around for another hour or so laughing, connecting, and enjoying our friendships.
It was a powerful night. Powerfully Simple. There is always plenty of room for things like Production, Design, Structure, and even Complexity. We appreciate and engage regularly with each of those things. But there are times to just keep it Simple. To let the things that God has used for 1000’s of years be used again in a new and fresh and transformational way.
We’d love to hear about some of the “Simple” things you or your church are doing or have recently done. What did you do? What did you NOT do to do it. What did God do through it?
Eric
We really had a great time last night. Felt incredible to do church with you guys. We'll definitely be back. Just no all-veggie dinners, please.
Aug 17, 2009 @ 6:42 pm
Kurt and Katie Duggleby
Let us know what the current needs/prayer requests that were shared last night so that we can join you in bringing then to God. We are lifting you guys up and our hearts are with you, even though we aren’t there…
Aug 17, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
@FOECUSpastor
Great posts! The systems, policies, and procedures can sometimes interrupt community! This year we are considering implementing a communal quiet time of study and discussion before school for our students!
Aug 17, 2009 @ 10:27 pm
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Aug 17, 2009 @ 11:33 pm
Jesse Phillips
This is similar to the "church" I attend every week. This seems to me to be very much "church." I don't see why we can't just do this instead of the complicated & expensive thing that most of us are doing (and spend all that money on loving and serving outsiders) – although I'm sure there are some good reasons and arguments.
Aug 18, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
duregger
I love this! One thing I wish we could do as a Church (big C) is to combine the corporate celebration service on Sunday's (program based) and the simple, intimate house church (relationship based) during the week. I've been apart of a couple of Churches that have tried a few things, like alternating house church and celebration church every other Sunday (a bit confusing at times for visitors). Anyway, this style of church was huge in bringing me back to church… as i was one of those people who loved Jesus, but hated the church.
Aug 18, 2009 @ 5:01 pm
Bethany Arndt
Jeanne – It is encouraging to hear the approaches to re-visiting the basics and the simplicity of things. We too easily get tangled up in putting together a church service and having it 'all together'. Within that, we find ourselves then asking how we lost our focus from our first love. Thank you for sharing this blog – it was of great encouragement to me today!
Aug 18, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
Daniel N
hey there. we are doing something similar at our home. we LOVE having our kids with us. It's an integrated community. A couple of things jump out at me though (logistical things). How big is your house? and do the kids really all go to bed (and stay there) while you continue church?
I am encouraged by your simplicity as that is what my family is pursuing while 1st seeking the Kingdom.
thanks,
daniel
Aug 19, 2009 @ 5:24 pm