Godglasses

-Kelly C.

The connections I’ve made continue to fill me with a lot of joy.

-Crystal A.

My daughter is playing softball this spring so those hours of playing various games of hitting the tennis ball with instruments (rackets, bats, light sabers) may be paying off. It was interesting watching her in a game the other day, though. When we’re playing behind our townhouse, she has a nice swing and takes a good hack at it. During the game, however, she seemed tentative and took what essentially was a half swing. I was a bit puzzled by that, but I think I can relate. It can be intimidating standing there facing a pitcher because you don’t want to strike out. I felt that way when I was 10 years old and it has carried with me today.

We talk all the time at Urban Village about being bold, messy, authentic. And yet too often I don’t live into that. I don’t want to fail. I don’t want to make mistakes. I have expectations that I feel like I have to live up to and that can bring about stress and anxiety.

That’s why I was inspired once again by the story of the widow in Luke 21:1-4. Jesus is sitting in the temple watching the wealthy and powerful give money to the religious structures. And then along comes this older woman and plunks in two coins. Surely a few people scoffed at her or groaned at the inconvenience of fishing out those coins. As I was meditating on this story, however, I imagined that she put in one coin. Clink! And then when she heard the groans, she smiled in defiance and then dropped the second coin as if to say, I am putting myself in here, regardless of what you think. Jesus loved this.

When you fully put yourself into your own life, you will fail, groups will groan, people will think you’re an inconvenience. When that happens, smile, and defiantly put in your second coin. Jesus will love it.

Peace,

Chris

One day last fall I had an appointment to get what is left of my hair cut, at a little place I go to on Division (one of the coolest streets in Chicago, I think). I’m usually on my bike when I’m that close to home, but I was driving that day and found a parking spot on the same block as the salon.

I walk to one of the now-ubiquitous green Pay-to-Park boxes. I swipe my card. Nothing’s happening. I swipe my card again. Nothing. Again. Nothing. Finally I decide to actually read the electronic screen, which says “this box is not in operation until next week” and I realize that I don’t have to pay a thing. In a city where every errand costs a buck or two, this spot was, for at least one more week, totally free. This delighted me. I’m usually somewhat difficult to delight, but this did it.

So I skip into the salon where my barber realizes that he’s double-booked and can I come back in an hour? Usually I’d be like, pshaw, no way, I’m too busy for that, don’t you know my schedule? But that day, free parking and sunny: sure, I can do that.

And so I sat on a bench outside for an hour and watched the world go by. And one of the things I got to see, over and over again, was people parking, walking to the pay box, which was right next to my bench, and discovering that their spot was free. There wasn’t one person whose presence didn’t change when they realized that, at least for that day, it cost nothing.

A woman on crutches, who seemed to be carrying more burdens than her casted leg, saw that it was free and almost danced away, the crutches now playground equipment. One of those tough guys-maybe you’re one of those men who believes that the stiff upper lip, the uber-solemn face is what guys “should” look like-I saw him crack a smile. Another woman read the screen and said Hallelujah! She saw me smile and she said, you know what I’m talking about. I said, I know what you’re talking about. Hallelujah, indeed.

Now, I am not talking about or endorsing shallow prayers: “Hail Mary, full of grace, help me find a parking space” and God sweeps in to clear room for your Acura. No, no, no. In a world torn by war, kids going hungry, I really do not believe that God is concerned at all with you having to circle a few times to find a parking spot or put a few quarters in while you run in to get your nails done or buy a six-pack or whatever is on your errand list for the day.

I’m talking about how cool it was to see someone changed, even just a little tiny bit, by the surprise of getting a gift that they did not expect to get. Such a small thing, and yet that afternoon, there was joy all the down Division St.

Peace,

Trey

A new pastor is usually pretty skittish with the initial sermons s/he preaches at her/his first church. Is it theologically sound? Will the people fall asleep? Will I be able to do it again next Sunday? Will people actually show up again next Sunday? The people usually do show up again, but they also will let their opinions be known from time to time.

The first time I received a negative letter about one of my sermons, I was a bit taken aback. I don’t remember what I preached about, but I do remember the person telling me in no uncertain terms that one doesn’t mix politics with religion.

It makes people nervous when you bring politics into religion and vice versa. We can all name examples when that particular concoction has been mixed poorly and has done harm. But just because it’s been done unadvisedly doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be done.

Take a look at the prophets of the Old Testament and you’ll see individuals like Jeremiah and Hosea and Amos being called to be the voice of God to people in power. Often these individuals weren’t thrilled about this calling. They sometimes argued or tried to run away from it. But it was clear that God needed someone to speak on behalf of those who weren’t being heard. God still calls many of us to do the same today.

As part of our Church Without Walls initiative, Urban Village is beginning a relationship with Community Renewal Society so that we can make sure that all the children of God–especially those on the margins of our society–have a voice. The first step we’re taking in this relationship is joining others to travel to Springfield and be a witness to legislators on Tuesday, April 24, as we pray and urge decision-makers to listen to those who are too often ignored. Our goal is to have 10 people make the trip. Will you join me and others as we make this journey?

The individuals who make up UVC will not all agree about particular issues that we feel are important. Nor is that our expectation. But we do hope that you will think about individuals in our society who are being treated unjustly and pray whether God might be calling you to speak out on their behalf. You might even be a prophet in disguise.

Peace in Christ,

Christian

Everyone loves pictures. Across our three sites this past Sunday, over 500 people celebrated Easter, including 5 folks who were baptized — and it was cool to see pictures from worship being shared on Facebook. Check out a few here. Thanks to everyone who helped us party, Resurrection-style!

Easter is not just a day. It’s a way of life fueled by the God who makes all things new. As we “do Easter differently” in the weeks ahead, our community will take a good look at our picture. Who is already in the picture? Who is not there yet? Why? How can we open ourselves more faithfully to God, who is trying to expand our frame and make the picture even more beautifully diverse? Join us for a new sermon series as we explore inclusion, race, and faith — and what it means to truly be a church without walls.

Also, you’re invited to our home for a Spring Party on Friday, April 27th. Because parties are fun and fun is an important part of faith, I think. So join us. Let us know you’re coming here and invite friends to join us, too.

Easter peace,
Trey

As a child and youth, each summer, I felt like I had one purpose and that was to play softball. There were many opportunities to play; evening catch with my dad, an afternoon practice with my team, an occasional pick-up game in the neighborhood and then of course the big games that happened one evening a week. There was nothing like the thrill of working together as a team to score an out, or cheering a team mate that hit a home run (for my love of the game, I usually didn’t have a mighty bat).

Despite my deep passion for softball, I am not extremely competitive. Of course I wanted to win. It felt good and we always went to Dairy Queen afterwards, but the reason I loved playing softball so much was the community that we built. It came from spending time together on the field and off. It came from knowing each other’s strengths and backing up each other when we missed.

I have talked with many of you who are longing for that sort of community here at UVC. Church is a great place to discover community both during worship and outside of worship. If you are looking for a one time connection, next Thursday night we are gathering in 10 neighborhoods across the city for potluck meals and conversation remembering Jesus’ last supper. Grab a friend and come join this time of remembering and fun. Find a location near you here. Also, for those who share my passion of softball and teamwork, we’re putting together a UVC softball team. If you are interested in joining you can email Jen here.

Wherever you are, there is a place for you here.

Peace,

Brittany

My friend David posted this as a Facebook status update last week: “I think the Bob Ross ‘painter of happy little clouds and trees’ t-shirt I am wearing should be quite intimidating to the other team when playing volleyball later today.”

I chuckled for many reasons, but one of them is that I have a fond place in my heart for Bob Ross (and if you don’t know what I’m talking about, watch him in action and I guarantee your blood pressure will be lower). I responded to David’s status by writing (in jest), “I want a t-shirt!” And I left it at that.

Yesterday, the doorbell rang, my son ran down to see what it was and there was a package by the door addressed to me. I opened it up and discovered what I’m wearing in the photo. A Bob Ross t-shirt sent by David.

I can’t tell you how tickled I was by this for numerous reasons. First, I was touched that David went to the trouble to do this. Second, it was completely unexpected and I like to be surprised. Third, I know that wearing the t-shirt is going to attract more than a few responses and I must confess that I like that, too. But I also had a fleeting feeling of, “Oh, David shouldn’t have done that” and “What can I do to reciprocate?” I quickly put those questions aside for the moment to simply receive the unexpected gift.

If you ever wonder how to define grace, I think that’s a pretty good way to do it. The love and grace we receive from God isn’t earned. It’s not even deserved. But it comes to us in surprising and joyful ways. Even in the form of a Bob Ross t-shirt.

Peace,

Christian

P.S. Urban Village Church Downtown is celebrating our 2nd birthday this Sunday. We would love for you to join us in celebration! For folks driving to our downtown location this Sunday, be sure to note these street closings due to the Shamrock Shuffle.