Interesting...

The Christianity research group The Barna Group has listed its choices for the "12 Most Significant Religious Findings from 2006 Surveys." The list includes some pretty interesting stats about church attendance, the prominence of witchcraft-related activities in teens and the growth of the "Christian Revolutionary" movement in America ...

The Leak...

You can listen to the entire new album from Switchfoot at MTV's The Leak before it hits stores the day after Christmas. I thought those of you who are fans would enjoy! Merry Christmas!

Rocky and Faith...

Here's a story about how Sylvester Stallone is talking with Christian leaders about how his rediscovered faith influenced Rocky Balboa, which hit theaters this week. The studio even launched RockyResources.com, a site that provides churches with ministry resources related to the film ...

Interesting Article...

Children think pop stars are more important than God. A survey taken in the U.K. of children under the age of 10 found that being a celebrity is "the best thing in the world." The 1,500 kids polled also ranked good looks and wealth high on the list. "God" ranked 10th ...

I got this from Relevant. It is interesting to see how culture has had such an impact on the way people see and live life.

Deep loss...

I found out my Grandma Sclafani passed away today. I think I am still in shock. She was such an amazing woman and I can't believe she's gone. I leave for New York for a two day wake and a funeral in which literally hundreds will come to pay their respects. Pray for my family and I as we journey through this loss.

May God's peace be evident in the midst of this difficult time!

I love you Grandma! You will be greatly missed!

Sounds good to me...

There is a new book coming out that I am excited to read. It is by Len Sweet called "The Gospel According to Starbucks Living With A Grande Passion." I don't think it comes out till January, but if you have ever read any of Sweet's stuff it is usually good and stimulating. He has this thing that he believes that we are designed for called EPIC. That we are Experimential, Paricipatory, Image-based, and Connective. And in this book he looks at Starbucks as an example of how we as humans made in the image of God live into this reality.

I don't know about you, but a book on theology and Starbucks sounds good to me!

Thought provoking...

One of the books I have been recently been diving into is called "Satan & The Problem of Evil: Constructing a Trinitarian Warfare Theodicy" by Gregory Boyd. It is not an easy read, but it is well written. It is one of those books you want to take your time and really think about what it is saying. But the bottom line is that it has been really good. It has helped me as a counselor/pastor to think about the lame "classic" answers people - particularly Christians and pastors give to issues of evil, sin, and difficulties that come from living in a fallen world.

Here is the book description from Amazon

Book Description

Where does evil come from?

If there is a sovereign creator God, as Christian faith holds, is this God ultimately responsible for evil?

Does God's sovereignty mean that God causes each instance of sin and suffering?

How do Satan, his demons and hell fit into God's providential oversight of all creation and history?

How does God interact with human intention and action?

If people act freely, does God know in particular every human decision before the choice is made? In this important book Gregory A. Boyd mounts a thorough response to these ages-old questions, which remain both crucial and contentious, both practical and complex.In this work Boyd defends his scripturally grounded trinitarian warfare theodicy (presented in God at War) with rigorous philosophical reflection and insights from human experience and scientific discovery. Critiquing the classical Calvinist solution to the problem of evil, he advocates an alternative understanding of the sovereignty of the trinitarian God and of the reality of Satan that sheds light on our fallen human condition. While all may not agree with Boyd's conclusions, Satan and the Problem of Evil promises to advance the church's discussion of these critical issues.

--------------------------------------------------------
If you are a pastor or a counselor, or someone who like me, is also sick of those "classic/no theological foundational" type answers here is another book Boyd has written you might like. I have heard it is good.

"Is God to Blame?: Moving Beyond Pat Answers to the Problem of Evil" by Gregory Boyd.

Interesting Neuroscience Experiment...

Here is a link to a study that is very interesting. It looks at the brain's activity in the midst of someone speaking in tongues. The study finds that the part of the brain that is active when people engage in activity on purpose experiences diminished activity when they speak in tongues. You can read all about it by following the link.

EXPERIMENT

Following and being like...

I am always asking myself how to describe what it means to be a disciple, follower, apprentice of Jesus Christ. I found this interesting link the other day and thought I post it. It is from The Jesus Dojo at REIMAGINE. Let me know what you think of it...

Qualities/Description of an Apprentice of Jesus Christ...

1. An apprentice of Jesus lives with a sense of legacy and destiny.
2. An apprentice of Jesus practices desert reflection.
3. An apprentice of Jesus practices radical repentance.
4. An apprentice of Jesus makes a public statement of their commitment to live in reverence towards God (ie. Baptism).
5. An apprentice of Jesus practices abstinence from normal consumption and activity in order to strengthen spiritual clarity and resolve.
6. An apprentice of Jesus is aware of both human physical needs and desires and intangible spiritual realities.
7. An apprentice of Jesus resists the urge to obtain power and authority in human kingdoms through surrender to God.
8. An apprentice of Jesus resists the desire for status and reputation through humility.
9. An apprentice of Jesus seeks the good of reverent people and does not depend on religious institutions or groups for validation.
10. An apprentice of Jesus identifies with the poor, imprisoned, blind, and oppressed and seeks their liberation and restoration.
11. An apprentice of Jesus communicates God’s favor for all people.
12. An apprentice of Jesus deals graciously with rejection.
13. An apprentice of Jesus proclaims repentance and forgiveness.
14. An apprentice of Jesus seeks healing and restoration for people.
15. An apprentice of Jesus cultivates oneness with the creator through prayer and solitude.
16. An apprentice of Jesus fulfills their missional purpose in partnership with others.
17. An apprentice of Jesus makes friends with social outcasts and eats with them.
18. An apprentice of Jesus embraces a freedom beyond socially determined religious regulation
19. An apprentice of Jesus embraces and rejoices in suffering insult and exclusion.
20. An apprentice of Jesus is suspicious of comfort and global good reputation.
21. An apprentice of Jesus loves their enemies, blesses and prays for them and shows their shows mercy and does not retaliate.
22. An apprentice of Jesus has a merciful non-judgemental approach to people that is free to forgive.
23. An apprentice of Jesus hears and practices the teaching and speaks and lives in what is fruitful and good.
24. An apprentice of Jesus looks for goodness and faith in unexpected places
25. An apprentice of Jesus reveals and conceals through storytelling.
26. An apprentice of Jesus is not afraid but has faith in God.
27. An apprentice of Jesus utilizes the power and authority of God.
28. An apprentice of Jesus lives ready to die—with an intensity of self denial.
29. An apprentice of Jesus welcomes children and learns to be blind to status.
30. An apprentice of Jesus is resolute in their commitment to serve in the Kingdom of God.
31. An apprentice of Jesus lives by the law of love.
32. An apprentice of Jesus prays in the way Jesus taught.
33. An apprentice of Jesus makes requests of God.
34. An apprentice of Jesus has good perception of reality.
35. An apprentice of Jesus values beyond externals.
36. An apprentice of Jesus does not neglect justice and love.
37. An apprentice of Jesus is not possessed with self-importance.
38. An apprentice of Jesus does not load people down with religious regulations and obligations.
39. An apprentice of Jesus does not memorialize or enshrine other people
40. An apprentice of Jesus increases in consistency between how they speak and how they live.
41. An apprentice of Jesus is not afraid of anything but God.
42. An apprentice of Jesus does not worry about what to say publicly.
43. An apprentice of Jesus is wary of being greedy in any way.
44. An apprentice of Jesus trusts God’s abundance and does not worry about their material needs.
45. An apprentice of Jesus centres their life on seeking God’s kingdom.
46. An apprentice of Jesus lives generously
47. An apprentice of Jesus is watchful and ready to serve in the work of the kingdom.
48. An apprentice of Jesus acts and lives with a sense of urgency and immediacy about time and takes action in the present.
49. An apprentice of Jesus chooses humility and service over honour and distinction.
50. An apprentice of Jesus celebrates hospitality with the marginalized.
51. An apprentice of Jesus of Jesus surrenders all other agendas and is unconditionally and totally dedicated to apprenticeship.
52. An apprentice of Jesus does not see being right with God as a privileged position based on personal merit
53. An apprentice of Jesus is relationally shrewd.
54. An apprentice of Jesus is trustworthy in managing wealth and property.
55. An apprentice of Jesus is not ruled by money
56. An apprentice of Jesus is committed to deep marriage fidelity.
57. An apprentice of Jesus is wary of causing other people to sin.
58. An apprentice of Jesus is constantly forgiving when wronged.
59. An apprentice of Jesus serves the kingdom with enduring humility.
60. An apprentice of Jesus finds the kingdom of God internally.
61. An apprentice of Jesus prays with persistence.
62. An apprentice of Jesus is welcoming to children.
63. An apprentice of Jesus makes restitution for past mistakes.
64. An apprentice of Jesus maximizes all they have been given.
65. An apprentice of Jesus acts with integrity in regard to civil government.
66. An apprentice of Jesus is wary of established religious authorities
67. An apprentice of Jesus is generous, even in poverty.
68. An apprentice of Jesus is wary of false signs of false messiahs.
69. An apprentice of Jesus will be hated and betrayed.
70. An apprentice of Jesus celebrates the Lord’s Supper
71. An apprentice of Jesus seeks to be one who serves rather than one who is given authority and honour.
72. An apprentice of Jesus prays not to give into temptations.
73. An apprentice of Jesus proclaims the message and repentance and forgiveness.

Windows In The Sky

I LOVE THIS NEW U2 SONG!

OH CAN'T YOU SEE WHAT LOVE HAS DONE? x3
WHAT IT'S DOING TO ME!

NEW ALBUM COMING OUT SOON!

I know that this isn't the video, but it was the best way to get the song on the blog!

Getting in the mood yet?

Sufjan Stevens: Put The Lights On The Tree

I know it isn't Christmas yet, but come on! You got to love this! Well at least I know Jamie will :)

U2 - when you look at the world

I love this!

Revolution starters vs. rebels...

One of the big things that I have been wrestling with with regards to the emerging church is a sense that there are those who are "in" it for some sense of coolness or image and even more so a feeling of dislike and some cases hatred towards the church and then there are others who are sincerely feeling a call from God to do something different - not better - but different.

To me the result looks different. Those who are motivated out of coolness, candles, clothes, and dislike/hatred towards the church move towards emerging ideas out of rebellion and more often than not this simply leads to extremes and even the acceptance of sinful behavior.

On the other hand there are those who are being called to lead, start, pioneer, etc. something that is different from the traditional church, but is rooted in and built on the foundations of the church and the desire to see the Kingdom of God in the here and now. These efforts are the ones I find such beauty and awe in because not only are they unique, but they are revolutionary because they are the work of God being lived out in humanity.

I feel like I am rambling a bit, but I guess my point is that I would love you all to pray that I serve, lead, pioneer, etc. the ministries that God has called me to do - be it very different - or quite traditional - not for the sake of rebellion, but for the sake of a spiritual revolution.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

And on a completely different note... Did you hear the NEWS? This story is incredible, painful, sad, frustrating, and just another picture of the tension between living in the already but not yet. There is a spiritual battle going on and it is scary. Please pray for the impact this story will have on our cultures view of Christianity, the church, and Jesus. Much like the nooma video called Bullhorn. We [Christians] get put into the same box as bullhorn guy and his ways, as the catholic priests who have done wrong with there people, or the heads of the evangelical movement.

Anyways, pray, and may the Kingdom of God continue to come!

I CAN'T WAIT...

Anyone going to this? I will be there with some other staff members from Calvary Chapel Seattle I am very excited about it. If you are going to be there let me know. Maybe we could hook up for some eats!

If you have not signed up and you want to go - it's not too late!

Click here for all the details... REVOLUTION.CONFERENCE

U2 and Green Day...

U2 and Green Day "The Saints Are Coming"

I just had to post this...

ONE VOTE...

Interesting Dialog...

Richard Dawkins on the Colbert Report

I found this funny and thought provoking. What do you think?

And Now For Something Completely Different...

MICHAEL JACKSON’S Thriller has got to be one of the most memorable music videos of all time.

On top of the record-breaking production costs, the legendary star’s slick dance moves were imitated in nightclubs across the world.

However I think I’ve found someone who has taken his fanaticism to brand new heights.

An Indian Jacko wannabe has recorded his own version of the legend’s 1983 smash hit.

Check the hilarious video out by clicking on the link here.

Make Peace With Beauty...

Dove True Beauty Commercial Featuring Voice of Layah Jane

I am so lovin' these commercials! Having worked with students for 12+ years, it brings to mind many faces of beauty. Many faces of people who couldn't see their own beauty. They also make me think of my little daughter Gladys. She is so beautiful. It is my prayer that not only would she feel beautiful, that she would know that she is beautiful inside and out because she is made in the image of God. I think this campaign is awesome and pray that the God's glory and his incredible creative abilities will be seen in all and that this movement will help make that happen! Here is a youtube link if you want to see more of these videos.

DoveCampaignVideos

Powerful images...

Great Illustration Idea...

This video is a powerful display of how our culture has tried to take control of what we see and how we categorize someone/something as beautiful. Why is it so hard for our culture to see beauty in all? Thanks to Mark O for the hook up on this one!

More Moby...

I think this is interesting...

MOBY 2.0

Mars Hill Graduate School | The Struggle to Name

Mars Hill Graduate School The Struggle to Name

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

INTERVIEW WITH MOBY and...

This is a very cool interview with the artist Moby. One of my profs at Mars Hill Grad School use to go to church with him. I found it quite interesting to hear from his own mouth how he began his relationship with Jesus Christ.

Sojourners : Multimedia : Moby Interview

after listening to this interview I'd encourage you to listen to this cool version of u2's "with or without you" by a group called Scala. Note: to hear the song you have to click here and then scroll down and find the non "live" version and download it free.

hope you find this all interesting, encouraging, and thought provoking.

Oh and if you want to hear some more of that new Switchfoot album you can go to there myspace and hear another track. Thanks to Dan for the comment info and to Tim for the interview/song ideas!

SWITCHFOOT...

So if you are like me [bald and Italian :) ] you probably like the band Switchfoot. And if that is true you also know that they have a new albun due out in December. Well joy to the world they have released a track off the up and coming disk! If you want to take a sample of it or simply buy it go to itunes and check it! It rocks by the way!

Emergent Influencers...

Here is an interesting map of emergent influencers. It shows where a number of the "BIG NAMES" in the emergent church movement are from. I thought it was a bit interesting to see, but I think that there are a number of people that are missing.

See for yourself! EMERGENTMAP

Interesting Article in the LA Times...

Thanks to Mark Driscoll of Mars Hill Church in Seattle for this article. It is about the founder of the Calvary Chapel movement Chuck Smith and his son Chuck Smith Jr. It has to do with how they differ in there theology and how that difference is now coming out in the way they are both pastoring church's in California. It is rich with story that to me is very powerful not only as a pastor, but as a pastor with a little baby girl. Anyways, love your thoughts!

Here is the article: LATIMES

Jesus Camp...

Has anyone heard of this? I think I'm scared! I'd love to hear your thoughts...

Watch the trailer by clicking... here or visiting here... And then weigh-in and tell me what you think -- of the movie, of the reality it attempts to represent, or anything else that comes to mind. This should be interesting.

Brian McLaren in the Washington Post...

Here is an interesting article on one of the profs I had at Mars Hill Graduate School. His name is Brian McLaren and I loved his classes. I even went out one night after class and had a pint with him and discussed ministry and theology. He was named one of the countries top 100 most influencial people in Time magazine. I find it so interesting how people either completely love this guy and his teaching or they truly hate him and think he is crazy! I think that is what I love about him. He is very smart and creative and stimulating that he really makes you think! He was also one of the most humble and teachalbe teachers I ever encountered. Anyways, thought this was an interesting article on him.

Click here to read it... McLaren Article

WARNING! EXTREME CUTIE PIE FACTOR!

WHISTLER BC 2006

GLADY'S FIRST ROAD TRIP!

GLADY AND JEN WENT RIVER RAFTING!

WE HIKED TO A BEAUTIFUL WATERFALL!

Doin' the Puyallup!

JEN AND GLADY TAKING A BREAK FROM THE FAIR!

GLADY HAS HER COWGIRL BOOTS AND HER GIRAFFE SWEATER ON READY TO GO!

Installation...

Well it is almost here. Tomorrow morning I will be officially installed as one of the new pastors at Calvary Chapel Seattle. What exactly is the "installation process" you might ask? Well it is much like vows and/or promises that occur in a wedding only with regards to ministry and calling. In a sense it is me declaring and confirming my call to love, serve, and pastor those who would call Calvary there home - specifically in the areas of youth/young adults and counseling/congregational care. Basically tomorrow Jen, Glady, and I get to go to our new church together and then starting this next week it's go time! Please continue to pray for us as we step into this new community!

Here are the promises/vows I will be responding to tomorrow at Calvary...

Installation Promises & Vows...

+ I affirm that God has prepared me for and called me to be pastor of Calvary Chapel.

+ I promise to pray for the church and to seek God’s wisdom in leading this congregation.

+ I promise to teach and to do the Word of God, being faithful to the truth in the Scriptures.

+ I promise to uphold God’s concern for the lost and the impoverished.

+ I commit myself to work with and to serve the appointed leadership of this church, and to faithfully shepherd the members of this congregation.

+ I vow to be open to the leading of God’s Spirit and to foster an environment in which the Spirit is free to work.


Have a great Sunday everyone! I love you all!

Oh, and stay tuned for some more "Glady Pic's!"

If you haven't heard...

So a while back I was acking you all for some prayer for direction and decisions. Well direction has come and the decision has been made. The short and the long of it is that I am leaving the church position that I have been at for almost 7 years [Fairview Church] and moving to a new church. Those of you who know me know that I have been doing youth ministry for almost 13 years now and that I still love working with students. And on top of that I got a MA in counseling and have felt for a long time that I needed to use my gifts in this area more effectively. Well with that and the fact that I now have not only a home to pay for, but an incredible wife and beautiful daughter to provide for as well, this new church will allow me to do everything I have dreamed of!

I will be an associate pastor at Calvary Chapel Seattle overseeing the youth ministry - which we will be starting basically from scratch, AND I'll be doing all the counseling (premarital, marriage, divorce, family, addictions, etc.). As you know this was a very difficult decision, but I do believe it is the right one and that it is a clear calling from God!

So last Sunday was my last Sunday at Fairview. I did my Sunday school class, led worship, and preached to the congregation, and afterwards they had a party for me. To say it was a long day would be an understatement, but it was worth it and it was a total blessing! This Wednesday will be my last time with my students and we are going to be having a party! I'm gonna miss them a lot! But kind of like when you grow up and move out of your parents home you do so because it's time not because you hate your parents. This is the feeling I have with Fairview. It's a family I dearly love, but it's time. And the beauty is that I can always come back to visit and always am welcome!

Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we have lots of transitions to do, moving, back to school, meeting new people, and getting connected into a new church community! And pray for the ministries that I've been a part of at Fairview that the people God wants to lead them would come and take it to the next level!

And lastly, pray for me as I work to turn our basement room "the dancefloor" into our brand new family room! Talk about a learning experience!

Love to you all!

rich

New Glady Pictures...

This is so cool...

You have got to watch this music video it is very cool! The song isn't half bad either! Enjoy!

OKGO

2006 Fastest Growing Churches in America

Kind of interesting to see...

You can also see the last couple of years to compare. This years number one fastest growning church had a gain of over 12, ooo people in one year! And just the gain of the top 10 churches adds up to over 150,000 new people! Now that is a lot of people!

Click hear to view the list...

2006FGCinA

Too much time...

As I have been in the midst of major decisions about life, family, career, and all someone else has time to create this! Either I am way to busy or this person has way too much time on there hands. See for yourself. Picture/remember Space Invaders...

HUMANINVADERS

Oh, and by the way...

Some big news in the Sclafani family is soon to be released! Thanks for all your prayers! I can't wait to share it with you all!

Peace in Jesus,

Rich

Decisions, Decisions, Decisions...

Have you ever been in that place where you feel a bit overwhelmed by all the choices you have to make. Not so much one decision with lots of options to choose from, but more so multiple tough important decisions to make all of which seem to have the sense that they will be "life changing" in a way. Family, career, finances, direction spiritually, relational, and the likes. They can pile up and weigh you down. That has been me for the last couple of months especially in the last two weeks.

So with this little blog note, I am asking for prayer. That in all the decisions, I would experience the peace that comes from doing whatever it is God is calling me to do. That not only would I hear from God, but that I would follow, and that God would speak words of unity to both Jen and I as we seek his will.

It is crazy, when faces will all of these decisions, but at the same time it is so exciting to think what God might have in store for us in the future!

Thanks for your support!

lovage,

rich

Lovin' the underdogs...

So the Italian National Team was never expected to win the World Cup, and guess what? They most certainly did! Well done boys! And no one ever expected Rocky Balboa to win the boxing championships that he did, but he most certainly did! Well done Rocky! But the question remains... can Rocky still do it? Can another story of the underdog still entice people! If you didn't know there is one last fight for Rocky. I wonder if it will work?

Click here to see the trailer

ROCKY

I'm lovin' the underdogs especially when they are Italian!

George Bush Sings U2...

This had to take a long time to make. It's brilliant!

Click here to view...

BUSHSINGSU2

BEHOLD THE GLORY OF GLADY!

After having been in our lives now for close to four weeks Glady has only gotten more beautiful! See for your self!

I CAN'T WAIT...

Ok, so I know the blog has been a bit silent lately. If only my house was this way, say during the hours between 8pm and 4am! :) And to add to this the hot, hot, heat, and the lack of sleep, my car has had "issues!"

But I think that there is something that can get me through all this...

I super hero of sorts...

Who is this person you ask...

His name is...

NACHO LIBRE!

I LITTLE LAUGHTER GOES A LONG WAY IN MY BOOK!

My First Father's Day...

As I got up this morning at 4:50am this morning to change my baby girls diaper I was hit once again with the reality that I am officially a Father! In my sleep state of diaper cleaning I was overwhelmed with the wonderful honor and responsibility that this role brings to my life.

This was combined with the fact that my Glady doesn't really like getting her diaper changed so without question she was bawling! I was reminded that sometimes parents have to do things to/for there kids that the kids don't understand let alone enjoy - but they are doing it none-the-less for the good of the child.

What great memories I have of my family, my father, and even my father in law of how to care well for there kids. I have been so blessed with great father's and father figures! And on top of that I have been blessed with a relationship with the Heavenly Father through Jesus Christ. The God of the universe sees me as His child and like me will do anything for there kids best interest.

SO THANKS TO MY FATHERS!! ALL OF YOU BIOLOGICAL, IN LAW, FATHER FIGURES, AND MOST OF ALL HEAVENLY! YOU HAVE MODELED FATHERHOOD SO WELL! I LOOK FORWARD TO LIVING OUT THESE EXAMPLES TO MY LITTLE GIRL!

So back to my diaper story!

After the new diaper was on and Glady was swaddled back up. She just couldn't stop looking at me. Starring intently at me with her beautiful little eyes.

And then she smiled!

That was all I needed!

I love you Glady girl! Thanks for making me the proudest Father in the world!

- Glady's Daddy

Glady's Beautiful Eyes...

Well it has come to my attention that in all of these pictures of Glady you all have yet to see one of her best features...HER EYES! So here is a picture for you to gaze at! Enjoy!

Glady's First Starbucks Visit...

Us at the Village Starbucks with Auntie Kristin, cousin Grace, & little cousin Charlotte [seen in the picture]. I think this was the first of what will be many visits in the future!

MORE PICS OF GLADY!

CAN YOU TELL JEN AND I ARE IN LOVE WITH THIS GIRL?

IT'S A GIRL!!!

ALLOW ME THE HONOR OF INTRODUCING TO YOU FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME...

THE NEWEST SCLAFANI!

GLADYS ELAINE SCLAFANI

BORN: 6.7.2006 at 4:48am 6lbs 15oz and 19inches long!

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR PRAYERS!!! GOD IS GOOD AND HAS BLESSED US ALL! MORE PICTURES TO COME!

GLADYS ELAINE SCLAFANI!

Approaching The Hood....Fatherhood!

Well all, if you didn't know my wife is due with our first child in 5 days! And we are very excited to say the least! I am emailing you all to ask you to pray for us, for Jen and for our little bambino/a that will soon be here. It is a simply prayer that I am praying for our baby and I'd love it if you'd join me in praying for us. It comes from Numbers 6:24-26.

Here is how I pray it as I lay my hands on my wifes belly...

"May the Lord bless you and keep you;
may the Lord make his face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
may the Lord turn his face toward you
and give you peace."

As we move into a new chapter of life we find ourselves very thankful for the incredible friends and family that we have. You are all so wonderful! I will keep you posted as baby Sclafani enters our world! Until then thanks for your prayers!

peace,

big papa

Free Switchfoot Song...

Hey all of you who love Switchfoot. Get a free download of a new song by clicking the link below! It's called "Daylight To Break"

CLICK HERE TO GET IT... SWITCHFOOTSONG

Bono Article...

Here is an interesting article on Bono. Having to do with the him being the only person to be nominated for a grammy, golden globe, an oscar and the noble peace prize. It talks about his powerful influence as a leader through his music, his character, and his passion!

Check it out...

BONO

EVOLUTION OF DANCE...

YOU HAVE GOT TO SEE THIS! IT IS HILARIOUS...

EVOLUTIONOFDANCE

Colbert's White House Correspondents' Dinner Speech

I don't know if any of you saw this, I am still unsure what I think about it. I find myself stuck in the tension of laughter and sadness. It is pretty powerful to see if you got some time to watch. This is a link to Adam Cleavelands blog called Pomomusings. It has Colbert's speech and then if you want you can watch George W Bush's reactions to it.

Follow this link to see both clips... COLBERTsSPEECH+BUSHREACTIONS

How is this for a blend of text.soul.and.culture...

Hank from King of The Hill goes looking for a new church...

What does this say about the church today?

Check it out KINGOFTHEHILL

SNL's FUN WITH REAL AUDIO...

I got this link from Dwight Friesen who has a great blog and is a professor at Mars Hill Graduate School. It is a great picture of how our world/culture, and the text/word of God come into play. And on top of that it is funny which is always good for the soul if you ask me.

Click here to enjoy FUNWITHREALAUDIO

Look up in the sky...

It's a bird. No, it's plane. No. You guessed it. It's Superman!

Watch the trailer to the new Superman movie.

SUPERMANRETURNS

Emergent thougths...

Hello all,

If you are at all interested in the "emergent" talks/conversations that are going on all over the place you might appreciate this blog on the topic. It is by Pastor Richard Dalstrom of Bethany Community Church in Seattle. He is a good man with wise words to contemplate.

Click here to read his blog RAINCITYPASTOR

BEN & JERRY'S FREE CONE DAY!

Today's the day! Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day. From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. you can go by any Ben & Jerry's store to get a free scoop of your favorite flavor. If you call my office this afternoon and no one answers, now you know why...

Enjoy the sun and your ice-cream!

The Bible Experience...

thanks to ysmarko for this...

wow. i’d heard about “the bible experience” — it’s a dramatic reading of the entire bible, with original music, read by an all african-american cast, including denzel washington, blair underwood and many others (releasing this fall). but i just went to the website, and watched the ‘behind the scenes’ video, and just found myself brought to tears. this is going to be so beautiful. really, you must watch this. i will count the days until i can listen to the whole thing — god’s story, our story, so gorgeously rendered.

Super-Soakers are Out...This is In!

As a pastor to jr. and sr. high students for the last twelve years every summer you plan on having some fun with water. Be it water fights, water balloons, swimming parties, super-soaker battles, or all of the above. But I think I have found something that could take this to a whole new level. Check it out...

THE FOAM FACTORY

HILARIOUS CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENT...

New church building/ministry expansion? Check this out...

CHURCH ANNOUNCEMENT!

FOR FUN...

So I have been a bit silent for a while now. Sorry about that. I have been preparing for a baby to enter the world and my home. And I was on a little vacation visiting some great brothers of mine in Corvallis OR. Namely, Bernd Strom and family, Carlo Furlan and family, and Brent O'Neill and family...I mean new girlfriend! I got to spend time with my godson Isaac who could be the coolest, cutest kid on the planet. That is till my child is born!!!

Anyways, as always happens when spending time with these people we end up laughing a lot! I mean fall down laughter...side splitting laughter. So here is a site that we had way to much fun with that now you too can enjoy!

It's called monk-email

And if you would like to see one in action click here [mix! monk email] to see the one I sent to the students I work with at The Mix!

Enjoy

"The Secret Message of Jesus" by Brian McLaren

Some of you may know Brian McLaren from some of his other books including A New Kind of Christian Trilogy or A Generous Orthodoxy. I just finished an advanced copy of Brian's newest book, The Secret Message of Jesus - Uncovering The Truth That Could Change Everything, and I believe it will be considered his best so far. Not because he's sharing something so incredibly new, but because he has done so in such a way that invites such wonderful dialoge and engagement for all who read it. He brilliantly shows how Jesus Christ "came to start a political, social, religious, artistic, economic, intellectual, and spiritual revolution that would give birth to a new world" (p.4). He not only shows/explains/discusses this "secret message of Jesus," he generously invites all to participate in the implications it brings to our world, our relationships, the church, our jobs, and beyond.


The book is laid out like so...

Part 1: Excavation: Digging Beneath The Surface To Uncover Jesus's Message

In this section McLaren introduces the readers to the political and socio-economic message embedded within Jesus' teachings.

Part 2: Engagement: Grappling With The Meaning Of Jesus's Message

In this section, the reality of the "the Kingdom being here and now" or "the present kingdom" and it's powerful and never-before-experienced implications are explained and developed.

Part 3: Imagination: Exploring How Jesus's Secret Message Could Change Everything

In this section, Brian spends most of his time challenging different views about heaven and hell, and discusses a kingdom manifesto and kingdom ethics. He also explains how in so many ways we have "missed" the message and shares a wonderful list of people who have influenced his way of thinking. He even has a discussion about Kingdom prayer.


There is no question that some will find this book controversial, but more so I believe will be invited, encouraged, and motivated. And for those who have not enjoyed McLaren's books in the past I think this book may change some of your feelings. I definitely recommend you getting The Secret Message of Jesus and reading it. You will not be disappointed.

At The Drive In Church...

A photo essay by Time Magazine...

Take a gander...

Click here DRIVEINCHURCH

Hybrids, and even newer accessories...

So in the not so far future I will be needing to find another form of trasportation other than my red sled [or 87 subaru Gl with 200,000 miles on it] and as a wise consumer I have been looking into the many options you can now get. Hybrids and environmentally friendly vehicles are of great interest to me, but now a company has come out with an option that is limitless in its potential. They have started a new add campaign and this is the first one. I figure that working with teens and having a child on the way in June, that this feature would be priceless!

You tell me... Click here to see for yourself TRUNKMONKEY1

The iPod Culture...

Talk about culture... now even our new Pope has an iPod!

Read all about it here... POPE'SIPOD

President Bush's iPod...

Have you ever wondered what the President of the United States listens to on his iPod? Well now you can know the answer.

Click here to watch and learn... BUSHSIPOD

What an adventure...

Imagine if you will, what it would be like to go back to high school and be a student for a month at your current age. This blog is amazing. It is a 33 year old youth pastor who got clearance to do an experiment/study on being a hs student everyday for a month. Anyways, you can read it and watch it. It is very interesting. Thought you might like it...

Click here to go to the blog TWOWEEKSBACK

The ONE campaign...

Help make poverty history...

See the new ONEspot video and sign up today!

ONEspotVideo

Ash Wednesday...

The Day of Ashes

Today millions of our sisters and brothers in Christ join together in an 1,100+ year-old tradition of commonly referred to as 'ash wednesday'. The ashes - which are from the burned palm branches from the previous year's Palm Sunday service - are placed on the forehead in the shape of a cross to mark the beginning of the season of Lent.

Below are one and one-half stanzas of

T. S. Eliot's poem: "Ash Wednesday"

As I am forgotten

And would be forgotten, so I would forget

Thus devoted, concentrated in purpose. And God said

Prophesy to the wind, to the wind only for only

The wind will listen. And the bones sang chirping

With the burden of the grasshopper, saying
Lady of silences

Calm and distressed

Torn and most whole

Rose of memory

Rose of forgetfulness

Exhausted and life-giving

Worried reposeful

The single Rose

Is now the Garden

Where all loves end

Terminate torment

Of love unsatisfied

The greater torment

Of love satisfied

End of the endless

Journey to no end

Conclusion of all that

Is inconclusible

Speech without word and

Word of no speech

Grace to the Mother

For the Garden

Where all love ends.

Thanks to a fellow blogger, thinker, teacher, leader, artist, counselor, learner, disciple, and friend Dwight Friesen who shared this with my through his blog last year. "May the dust of you rabbi be on you" as you move into the season of Lent [taken from some thoughts by Rob Bell]

tenebrae

tenebrae

The office of Tenebrae is an adaptation of a service that was used in the early church. It is a meditation on the shadows that gradually grew darker and finally enveloped Christ in darkness as he journeyed towards the Cross. The service is therefore in a restrained and solemn mood. Readings from scripture are interspersed with music and periods of silence. This is a service I'm working on for our Lent/Easter season. Each of the eight movements through the shadows of anguish, humiliation, separation and death will be played out through scripture readings, music, dramatic action and silence. We are marrying together the richness of our choral music with the alt*worship tradition - taking ancient ideas and re-engaging with them by putting them into contemporary clothes. New Testament readings, and other possibilities like - Isaac Newton and Gesualdo will sit side by side with Taize, Brian Eno, barbed wire and candles, fairy lights and red paint and who knows what else ...

One candle after another will be put out as the sight of the darkness closing in on Jesus. In retracing the steps of Jesus towards the Cross we will meditate on his obedience to God. We also think of our own life of sacrifice for Christ and those for whom he died. “If any person will come after me, let him deny himself and take up the cross and follow me. Whoever loses his life for my sake and the Gospel’s will save it.”

Tenebrae - A Service of Shadows

If you have any ideas for this let me know!

Fall Down Laughter...

Well, after a wonderful weekend retreat at Lakeside Bible Camp as the speaker, and being able to take a break from my normal work routine this has been an extended weekend. And as I love vacations and retreats, it is always that return home/work where you are reminded of the realities of the things left behind. Clients to meet with, walls to paint, cribs to put together, worship sets to plan, youth group nights to organize, etc. Sometimes that overwhelming feeling is easily dealt with by the use/experience of laughter. So free of change and thanks to one of my wonderful student/leaders Mary here is something for your heart and soul to laugh about!

Make sure your speakers are up! Click here FUN SONG

Enjoy!

The Message & U2

Here is a great article/interview with Eugene Peterson on his thoughts on Bono, U2, and what he sees as a prophetic voice to our culture. Those of you who don't know Eugene Peterson, he is the translator of "THE MESSAGE" a contemporary translation of the Bible. He is also a retired pastor of 32 years, and a prof at Regent Seminary in Vancouver BC. He has written a ton of wonderful books one of my favorites being "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction." Anyways this is a great article. Thanks to Ben Gezon for the link.

Click here to read. The Message & U2

Cool story...

Have you been keeping up on the Olympics? Well I found this very cool story about Kelly Clark one of the best female snowboarders in the world. It is pretty cool to see how she is expressing herself in the midst of a media minded, product driven, world-wide audience. You can read the article by clicking here....

KELLY CLARK STORY

Nacho Libre...

Unexplainable...

Just something you...

Have got to see for yourself...

click here: NACHOLIBRE

Even Better...

Seeing is believing.

The previous post about Bono's words at the National Prayer Breakfast version 1.2. If you are not a reader click here to watch and listen to Bono share!

It is awesome!

BONO VID

BONO'S REMARKS TO THE NATIONAL PRAYER BREAKFAST

If you didn't know Bono got to speak to everyone at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington D.C. If you have not read his speech/plea/prayer/vision/challenge/message, you have got to take some time to do so.

Click here to read it... Bono at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Attention Lovers of Death Cab For Cutie...

11 songs, 11 videos, 11 directors, all for your enjoyment...

click hear DCFCdirections

It's Official...

Here it is the year 2006, and I have my own blog, my family with a baby on the way, I even have my own business www.richardsclafani.com but what I realized I was without was my very own myspace account. I will be honest in that I had my reasons for this. The number one being the new statistic that says around 70% of the people that use it are in fact pedifiles. The bottom line is that it like much of the incredibly creative things God has made it can be used in a way that is beautiful and glorifying or it can be used for something very bad.

I have been blessed to have some wonderful people in my life and I don't get to see or hear from them very often, and now I can thanks to myspace.

So let it be known! It is official! I now have my very own myspace account. If you have one, and would like to be one of my friends I'd love that! [And just a note, if you can, tell me how to get and receive myspace/friends to your own account] I'm kind of hurtin' in that department so far. Anyways, enough of that. Click here to check it out! Rich's Myspace

New Website + New Business...

If you didn't know I have started my own private counseling practice. I am registered with the state of Washington as a Mental Health Therapist/Counselor. I just got my official master business license in the mail and all of my insurance. So it is official! I have my own business which means I am my own boss.

With it I hope and pray that I can help people live authentic lives through whatever life throws their way. I'd love your thoughts on my new site [as of two days ago] you can see it by going to www.richardsclafani.com. And if you know anyone that might be in need of some counseling any referrals would be much appreciated.

Thanks for all of your support!

Rich

New Music...

Hey all,

I just thought I would throw down some links to music done by two people and I know and love.

Aaron Spiro this is his myspace page, but it has two new songs on it that are incredible. He is playing a gig this weekend that if you can you have got to go! I've known Aaron since I was in the 5th grade and my life has never been the same!

and

Andrew Platter this is a podcast of an interview he recently did and you can hear some of his new stuff as well. If you want to hear the whole album click here HOME. I have known Andrew and his music since he was about 16 and now he's 26. I am very excited to see where God take him.

Listen and enjoy...

Wax On Wax Hoff...

Remember Knight Rider with KITT and Michael Knight (played by the ever so talented David Hassalhoff)? Well then maybe you need to check out this site...

WAXONWAXHOFF

Chronicles of Narnia...

So last week there was a great skit/video on Saturday Night Live on the Chronicles of Narnia. I was on the floor in pain from all of the laughter. It is a great example of different cultures mixing together - rap, the movie itself, the actions of preparing to go to movie, and humor. Thanks to the great Erin Hanson for the link!

Click here to enjoy...