art, art, I want you...

So today is my Sabbath and I am excited. I am meeting today to discuss starting an artists community at CrossCurrent.

I hopefully will have more to say later.

Any one have any thoughts to contribute?

apps...

In your spiritual banking account, do you spend more time doing apps than you spend completely focused on God?

who do you hang out with?

I was lucky to find STUFF CHRISTIANS LIKE early on before he became such a phenomenon in the blog world. Jon is great at smacking people upside the head with the sometimes ridiculous things that we do/believe as Christians.

One of his earlier posts was called #58. Calling people "seekers" . It actually helped me come up with the rather tongue in cheek name of this blog "designing for Philistines..."

I've always thought the term "seeker" was more than a little condescending. I fight the term all the time. I prefer the word "skeptical". I love people who are skeptical.

Disclaimer: Yes, I understand we need other believers, blah, blah, blah. But honestly a lot of "Christians" insulate themselves in an exclusive world that doesn't have them interacting with anyone who is skeptical. And honestly, I think that is just wrong. I said it "wrong"!

I will choose to hang out with "people who Jesus loves" anytime over a "believer". It's what I am called to do...

So today's challenge is really a question:

How many people do you have in your life that are on a journey of skepticism?

Or do you surround yourself with "believers"?

If you are interested, here are a few classics from Jon's blog.

creative fuZion lab //22// videos...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
This is the blog kingdom where freaky creatives are able to share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.
This is the place to share whatever creative element you are using in your weekend service or just something you have been dreaming about.
Come and see what others are doing, come and share what you are doing. Let's spark each other's creativity...
So here’s what you do…
Ready to begin? Here we go.
Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)

You will hear me say again and again; we have a mad creative team. Here are two recent examples. The first is Barbie's House (part 2) video; which was written, acted, filmed by our team (and other talented people)

Barbie's House Part 2: Robo Dude from CrossCurrent Ministries on Vimeo.

The second here is a sketch entitled "Middle of the Garden". Again written in house.

Man I am so blessed to work such talented people.

Why not share something you've been dreaming about doing?
Mr. Linky

don't ASK...

When is the last time you simply spent time with God and didn't ASK for anything?

That is your challenge for today...or maybe the week.

the Word...

The Word is a living, breathing testiment of God.

What is your favorite scripture and why?

consuming fire...

Be consumed by the fire.
start this link Consuming Fire by Third Day
Then click this...


Consuming Fire by Third Day (the lyrics)
Set this place on fire
Send you spirit, Savior
Rescue from the mire
Show Your servant favor
Yesterday was the day that I was alone
Now I'm in the presence of Almighty God

and yes our God, He is a consuming fire
And the flames burn down deep in my soul
Yes our God He is a consuming fire
He reaches inside and He melts down this
cold heart of stone.

Set this place on fire
Send Your spirit, Saviour
Rescue from the mire
Show your servant favor
Yesterday was the day that I was alone
Now I'm in the presence of Almighty God

and yes our God, He is a consuming fire
And the flames burn down deep in my soul
Yes our God He is a consuming fire
He reaches inside and He melts down this
cold heart of stone.

Did you realize that inside you there is a flame?
Did you ever try to let it burn?

shhhh! (secret mission clue #3)

Here we go...follow along with the secret mission of an element I'm working on...

I bought something at clue #2.

It goes here... hee! hee!

image...

About once a quarter our youth group, IMAGE take over the worship service.

They are amazing!

We have a thriving youth ministry. Our youth have their own monthly worship service, home neighborhood groups and they have several creative arts ministries themselves.
We also have youth that are being mentored in lights, Media Shout and as worship leaders.

Several youth are now being integrated into regular rotations in the band and tech.

We installed a summer intern youth minister last week.

This is just our high school and junior high school ministries.

Recently our elementary youth started their drama ministry called FREESTYLE.

Worship Set 1

Let the Praises Ring

Happy Day (Kim Walker; Jesus Culture)

Human Video to World So Cold (12 Stones)

Teen Testimonies

Both of these elements were extremly powerful...

Message: Playing for the End Game

Worship Set 2

Agnus Dei

Mighty to Save

Video and Honor Grads

Grads pray over congregation

After worship today, we had a cook-out. People were encouraged to invite friends and neighbors to worship this morning and then join us for lunch. We actually had to out and buy more food!!!

I have to say, I really love Agus Dei, it is so powerful and worshipful. What is your favorite worship song?

Come and see what worshipers are doing across the world at Sunday Set List 48 on Fred MacKinnon's blog.

this is church?

you bet it is...
This is pt 2 of a satire series on the "perfect family." We thought what family is more perfect than Barbie's? Of course, her family turns out to be anything but!
We are again introduced to the dysfunctional Barbie family (we know it's really Tina). Well, Barbie is fed up with all the yelling and comes up with a plan to stop it. Course, things don't always work out as planned!
This satire, of course, shows the need for love and loving families. Enjoy!

Barbie's House Part 2: Robo Dude from CrossCurrent Ministries on Vimeo.

heart's discontent...

Seven years ago at a leadership conference, my mind was arrested by this terminology. It resonated through my being.
Over the last few months, I have been found by several high school friends and acquaintances. I have found it very interesting to see how their heart’s discontent has surged in their life’s journey.
Some have committed their life to very worthy causes. Every thing from saving the earth, animal rights to helping people who are houseless.
Then there are people whose entire life still seems to center around drinking, drugging…

If we are lucky we know our heart’s discontent and we journey on the path of resolution.
This week I’ve been discussing and counseling “heart’s discontent” with several people.
I like journeying with people like this. People who recognize their life’s calling and are stepping into the path. For it takes all of us to create a better world. Each heart’s discontent melds together to create a better world.

What is your heart’s discontent? Are you pursuing this journey or are you simply skipping through your life?

Heartbeat from Noor Valibhoy on Vimeo.

creative fuZion lab //21// simply packaged...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...

This is the blog kingdom where freaky creatives are able to share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.

This is the place to share whatever creative element you are using in your weekend service or just something you have been dreaming about.

Come and see what others are doing, come and share what you are doing. Let's spark each other's creativity...

So here’s what you do…

Ready to begin? Here we go.

Let the creative fuZion begin.

Spread the Word.

Dorothy (vicar of vibe)

Today is mostly a repeat of last week. A very simple stage design. But, I got pictures of how I tied the other end of the cloth to the props cage at the school.

I started by attaching on end of the cloth with safety pins to the rope that opens and closes the stage curtains. Then tied it off on the opposite end of the stage to the props cage. Same for the cloth in the front, but it was tied off to the bottom of a mic stand.

I encourage you to utilize whatever you have stage wise. This has been my journey recently. I use everything I am able to get my hands on like this rolling tech cabinet.

So what have you been creating in your mind recently?

shhhhh! (secret mission clue #2)...

I am on a secret mission for an element for church. I will be showing you clues...



First I went to this store...












I know, I know, not much of a clue, since I tend to start any shopping here...
Another clue...it's something that some people have rejected...
and that is WHY this is a secret mission.
Stay tuned for more clues...

love God, love others...

Wow! A big band today, 7 people in all. Well that was up until the last set. We had major technical difficulties at the beginning of "My Glorious " in the second set. One of the guitars stopped working and the keyboard starting acting up (playing random stuff).

So the last song was sung with just the djembe and the worship leader acapella. It was spectacular. Our worship leader was very emotional during the song. She could barely sing. God led. The people worshiped. I love when God does things like that.

Worship Set 1
Let the Praises Ring
Your Love Is Amazing
Highlight - Jessica (our missionary)
Video from her mission work

Worship Set 2
God of Wonders
My Glorious
Video - Love is Evangelism

Message: serve the world…

Worship Set 3
All Creatures of Our God and King
I have to admit, I particularly am drawn to this three week series “love God, love others, serve the world…” It is almost exactly what my life mission statement is (love God, love others, it’s simple…).
The message was really interesting part of it was about serving the world, by being willing to step into people's lives and being willing to get our hands dirty. Our pastor shared some books written by Frank Warren called "Post Secrets". Here is Warren's blog today. It's people sharing their secrets by postcards.
Frank Warren is a small business owner who started PostSecret.com as a community art project. Since November 2004 Warren has received more than 150,000 anonymous postcards.

(the postsecret.com website doesn't work anymore.)


Come join the excitement with worship leaders and others at Sunday Set List //47// at Fred Mckinnon's blog. You don't have to be a worship leader to come and play.

if I had but one day left...

if I had but one day left

I would spend it seeking His face

so why not today?

today I smile and bask in the Creator

shhhhh!

I am on a secret mission...
It involves a creative element...
But I am being sneaky...
Don't tell anyone...
I'll be giving clues, see if you are able to figure out what I am doing.
Stay tuned...

will I ever find...

I am really beginning to wonder if I will ever find someone out there in the world that does what I do... "style" the stage every week?
Surely I can't be the only one...

creative fuZion lab //21// the end of “I”…

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
This is the blog kingdom where freaky creatives are able to share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.
This is the place to share whatever creative element you are using in your weekend service or just something you have been dreaming about. Come and see what others are doing, come and share what you are doing. Let's spark each other's creativity...
So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)


Just when “I” think “I” have reached the edge of what “I” am able to do…
GOD steps in with a new vision.
Again I am learning to step from “I” to “i” and let HIM lead.

Sometimes i am able to walk in with a concept-with no idea if it is going to be successfully implemented or not. Yet, almost every single time it does work.
Often when i walk in on a Saturday to style the stage at XC, i don’t even have a clue what i am going to do.

Actually for me it’s really the continued realization that everything i create is truly from HIM.

This week was one of those weeks, when the inspiration just hit while i was setting up. A very fun process. i knew i was going to raise the cloth "like a flag on a flagpole". But then it hit me, i could actually tie the other end to the props cage backstage (will have to get a picture this week). Viola! It looked so cool!

Have you been focusing on “U” want? What “U” think “U” are able to do in your power?

Keeping it real. Always remember it’s not us, it’s HIM.
Now, it's your turn. Show me what you have been doing creatively!

this is church?

you bet it is...

and breakfast is served also.

CrossCurrent Ministries

Is this you?

How in the world…
did I ever live my life without You

From first breath in the morning
To last thought at night
You sing Your song over me
You wrap Your arms around me
We dance a dance of love over all eternity

See
for what I was made for
is to praise You
to worship you
To honor you
It is the essence of my core
You, Oh, I adore

And yet I turn my back to You
Choose itunes, hulu, social connections
When You – gave - me – this - life
gave every connection I ever need

You love me sooo much,
You sent your Son to die,
I wouldn’t send my son
No, no way and I love the world
Or I thought I did
Until I saw I it through Your eyes, Your love

You love me sooo much,
You sent the power of Your holy spirit to dwell within me.
That power of sweet serenity
That I am able to tap into for ALL eternity

In my own power I am absolutely nothing
With out Your Son I am a dirty mess
With out Your Spirit my muddy feet are sucked into the mire of nothingness
With out…

I cease to exist

How in the world…
did I ever live my life without You

From first breath in the morning
To last thought at night
You sing your song over me
You wrap Your arms around me
We dance a dance of love over all eternity

So one more time
I allow Your song to pour over me
Feel Your arms embrace me
Move in the dance of Your foreverness…

So one more time
I try to get it right
This day,
This moment
I choose to turn off the electricity
and seek Your face…
bask in Your authenticity

Today…I am going to
STOP

toy...

copy this: 128,128,64,64,32,32,16,16,32,32,64,64,128,128,0,0

go here: aM laboratory tone matrix

paste and listen

Are you able to tell me what song this is?

Then you are able to hit the space button to clear and create your own.

the deep...

I personally enjoy our service called "the deep".
It is a chance to just kick back and enter into a deeper space of worship without the time constraints of our Sunday morning experience. Two and a half hours of lightly scripted worship and prayer.

And pray and worship we did.

Tonight's sets:

We Are Hungry

Power in the Blood

Tis' So Sweet

Amazing Grace

Nothing But the Blood

On Bended Knee

My Heart Your Heart

Your Love is Deep

All Creatures of Our God and King

How Marvelous

When is the last time you were able to just kick back and worship with others for an extended amount of time?

This is contributed to Fred McKinnon's Sunday Set List.

Sunday Set List //46// love others...

We are focusing on "love God, love others, serve the world... "

Today we laughed and worshiped.

Worship Set 1
The Time Has Come
Marvelous Light

Video - Barbie’s House II - A House Without Love (see pt. 1 below)

Worship Set 2
Your Love is Deep
Amazed

Message: love others...

Worship Set 3
Till I See You/(reprise) Your Love Is Deep

This is Barbie's House Pt. 1, that we did over a year ago. We did Pt. 2 today. Really, truly, honestly it is for church. I hope to have it posted on the creative fuZion lab this Thursday.




I had the honor of producing for my first time AND running the lights for the first time (interesting combo). The greatest blessing for me is that I have been on a hard core journey recently of spending time just waiting on the Lord.

Now I am off to one of my granddaughter's birthday party. Then on to "the deep" this evening; our once a month deep worship service.

I appreciate all the worship leaders that gather and share over at Sunday Set List at Fred McKinnon's blog. Come see what others are doing in worship across the world.

today I had a scary thought...

today I had a scary thought, what if God didn’t wake me up this morning with a song on my lips.
I find I am really anticipating rising each morning…
To hear what God has to say to my heart.
He is amazingly faithful to show up when I seek His face.
I have had this quote on my fridge for years.

"Because God is silent, Ecclesiastes has nothing, even though he
has everything.

Because God speaks, Job has everything, even though he has nothing."

-P. Kreefts, (Three Philosophies)

But, now I believe, even if God didn’t speak to my heart another day in my life, I would still praise and worship Him forever…how could I not? I have everything I ever need… You?

this is flipping cool...

fire fall down..

music is my muse when connecting with God...

What is your muse when connecting to Him?

creative fuZion lab //19// simply packaged styling...

Welcome to "creative fuZion lab" at designing for Philistines (on Thursdays)...
This is the blog kingdom where freaky creatives are able to share the chaos created in their minds for THE Kingdom.
This is the place to share whatever creative element you are using in your weekend service or just something you have been dreaming about. Come and see what others are doing, come and share what you are doing. Let's spark each other's creativity...
So here’s what you do…
1. Each Thursday YOU post on your blog on whatever creative church element sparks your passion.
2. In your blog, link back to this weeks specific creative fuZion lab.
3. Then post the link to your particular post at the NEW Mr. Linky below.
4. Then come back and comment. If you don’t blog yet, still feel free to share your idea in the comments.
5. Then off you go. Go visit other people’s ideas, comment and share.
6. Ready to begin? Here we go. Let the creative fuZion begin.
Spread the Word.
Dorothy (vicar of vibe)
__________________________
This week "Simply Packaged" idea: Styling the stage with cloth...

Next, my family has asked me to stop climbing on ladders. Several things have happened to me recently and they are concerned for my safety. So this adds a new dimension for planning the stage designs. Either not hang cloth or have someone else climbing the ladders. I've been asking God what He thinks I should do now...
This idea hit me a few weekends ago. We opened the back curtains. Then attached cloth (with safety pins) on the the rope (that opens and closes the curtains) and then closed the curtains, which raise the cloth up like a flag on a flag pole. It took a couple of times to get the placement correct, but it worked extremely well. The pictures of this week are the ones with the red satin cloth.
Then we stretched the cloth across the stage and I had a tall person simply safety pin the other end of the cloth as high up as he could reach.
That's it.

Our creative elements this week was a video that parodies a Swiffer comercial. We are refocusing on the simple things. This week was "love God".

Swiffer Commercial Parody from CrossCurrent Ministries on Vimeo.

Again, our media team (and drama team) hit it out of the park. I can't say it enough. They are mad creative.

Last but not least, over the last three weeks of utilizing our prayer wall, we've had about 200 prayer requests come in. Cool, huh?

So, now take time and tell me about where your creative juices are flowing.
Here is Mr. Linky...

Silence...

When is the last time you stopped and simply waited on God? No agenda, no petitions, simply waiting...

This isn't new, but today's thought...

Nooma - 05 - Noise from Gustavo Ferlizi on Vimeo.

I have to admit when I first saw this NOOMA years ago, I was one of the people that thought it had ending at 2:30.

How much time have you really spent recently stopping in silence and waiting on the Lord? Well?

That's it...

sometimes you just have to laugh...

We do challanging often. We do in your face. We do deep, experiential. Sometimes we do laughter....

Balance, it's all about balance...God loves laughter!

Swiffer Commercial Parody from CrossCurrent Ministries on Vimeo.

still worshipping...

So, it is 1:22 a.m. and I just got in from a Hillsong United (concert). Hard to call it a concert since it was flat out worship for so many of us.
I could have easily gone on for a couple more hours.
So I am...

todays journey...a finger labyrinth

Today’s challenge is to stop and take time to “walk” a finger labyrinth.

BRIEF HISTORY:
Labyrinths are found in many cultures dating back as much as 3,500 years. Unlike a maze, the labyrinth is unicursal, having a single path leading to the center with no loops, cul-de-sacs or forks. They all share the basic features of an entrance or mouth, a single circuitous path and a center or goal.
Today we journey through a classic Chartes labyrinth. The Chartres, 11-circuit Labyrinth was constructed around 1201 AD in the stone floor of Chartres Cathedral, France. Its distinguishing features are; 11 circuits, the turns arranged in four quadrants, lunations or teeth around the perimeter, and a 6-petal rosette in the center. Medieval Christians visited Chartres (and other cathedrals) and walked the labyrinth as an alternative to taking a hazardous pilgrimage to Jerusalem to walk in the "foot steps of Christ." Modern "pilgrims" walk the labyrinthine path as one of many tools to enhance prayer, contemplation, meditation, and/or personal growth.

"WALKING" A LABYRINTH
Create the Environment: Begin by setting the environment for the experience. Download the picture above and print out a copy (as large as possible). Lower the lighting around you, select some calming music, turn off your cell phone.
Set your personal environment by dropping your 'physical baggage' such as key-chains, pocket change, cell-phones, watches and dangling jewelry. I suggest you take off your watch to remove the temptation to measure your progress chronologically.

The Walk: There is not a "required way" to walk the labyrinth. The beauty of the labyrinth is that people can approach the experience on their own terms. However, as a guideline, we can break the ‘walk’ down into these stages.
Entering: (also referred to as shedding or purgation.) During this stage you “walk” the path toward the center, and should try to acquire a relaxed, peaceful state, temporarily release concerns and quiet the mind.
Illumination: The time in the center. This is a time of openness, peacefulness and prayer; you experience, learn or receive what this unique moment offers. Take your time.
Union: The journey outward. You choose when to leave the center, following the same path. This is a time to review and consider what occurred in the center and how it may be applied in your life.
Implementation: This stage represents your life outside the labyrinth; the world where your experience or illumination is carried into and affects your everyday life.

Now with everything in place, start “walking” the labyrinth with your finger.