we always say at the refuge that we are just babies at this. we are less than 2 years old, toddlers, really, when it comes to planting a new community. a few months ago we met a pastor of a sweet little church in east denver who told us that his congregation was pretty young—only 22 years old! it made us laugh because we always think we’re so far behind. then we remember that most of our friends who are pastoring other communities have been at it a long time; they are 8, 9, 10 years ahead of us. sometimes we get really distorted thinking, kind of like the toddler or preschooler who thinks they should be able to do something that the older kids are doing. they get frustrated because they just…can’t. there are many things we’d love to do and try and experience but we just aren’t quite ready for it yet. maturity takes too long!
but at the same time, the crazy part of the refuge is that even though we are young, just babies learning to walk, we also have this incredibly weird sophistication when it comes to connection, community, love. like little kids who naturally play and laugh and make up games we don’t have foundations or structures that we “should have” according to the church planting books, and boy do we suck at raising money, but something really wild and beautiful is happening. In a strange way, it is often the adult world that spoils the wonder and joy of being a child. no amount of planning or money can produce the uninihabited joy of children.
so who knows what 2008 will bring. remember, we’re just learning to walk. this means lots of bruises, bumps, maybe even stitches. we’re glad we’re in this together. as we wrap up this year and look forward to the next, here are some of our milestones, and boo-boos of 2007:
boo-boos:
…wrap things in bubble wrap and hand them out in the service
…have a spontaneous service project instead of a worship service (we will continue to want to serve, but maybe give folks a heads up!)
…a december baptism, outside, at nightinvite cupid’s brother to valentine’s day party and let him leave his shirt off
…can you say “technical difficulties”?
…underestimating how long it would take to finish a basement!
…sneaking gogurts into joshua station & assuming the sugar wouldn’t affect the kids
milestones:
…embracing that the refuge will always have “technical difficulties”
…inviting jim & casper to come to denver for dialogue instead of debate
…a wonderful Christmas present—news from the IRS we got our 501c3!
…inviting mrs. claus back to the refuge for the single mom’s “tea” (only to discover she’s as bitchy as ever)
…the 2nd annual refuge camping trip – glorious baptisms & crazy tube rides
…finishing marna’s basement for future single moms to find refuge
…including creative expressions of communion each week as part of our culture
…mastering the fine art of serving a special meal to the residents of joshua station without dessert.
we would love your memories, so help us out, what are some of your memories of 2007?
January 2nd, 2008 at 3:37 pm
I’m remembering all of our movie nights!! They’ve been so much fun. I remember the first one at the Wheelers home and seeing the faces of those who watched “Fight Club”! What a trip you guys took during those 2 hours.
Also, I’m thinking of all the babies that were made in 2007 that we’ll get to meet in 2008!! Yeah for refuge love!!!
January 2nd, 2008 at 10:10 pm
now I’m offended- I Liked the bubble wrap.
(Sage)
Every communion, every sunday, is my favorite.
-and more things than I could say here- Thanks
January 7th, 2008 at 12:23 am
Let’s see…
–More people than I can count, both in and outside of the Refuge, who had a car to get to work because we somehow shifted our own cars around enough to meet those needs! Mike wins the the CARpe diem award this year for this…
:0)
–Several families living in community to lower housing costs and use unused space and resources.
–For me, one year hospital-free. :0) No way could that have happened without POTENT healing community.
–At least a million guilt-free, wholly meaningful, sincere hugs.
–Amazing things for our kids and youth, like integrating them always into our church through their talents in music, art, dance, working with other kids… one kiddo who made and sold COOL t-shirts to help fund the orphanage in Thailand, and so many exchanges of tender, bold, daring hearts of the young… amazing Refuge kids!
–Extremely numerous times we all got together to help people move, learn how to be even better neighbors, and also to generally party hearty!! Rock on… Who said being a Christian was boring or stiff? wow.
These are a few of my favorite things… lol
Tami
January 7th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
christa - i have loved movie nights, too! yeah, we were a little shellshocked on fight club but it was such amazing conversation afterward and in the car home.
sage - yeah, i like doing communion every week, too, in all kinds of wacky and beautiful ways
tami - this was an awesome wrap, see, that’s why we asked. your gave me chills, made me cry! thanks for sharing. love ya and couldn’t imagine a more amazing group of people do to live this out with.
i thought of one more–i forgot that we did the walking wounded conversation in june. that was a really amazing conversation!