happy 40th birthday to sesame street!  i can remember many a day learning to count, with the Count; that we’re supposed to share; that there really is a monster living in the garbage can; and that no one really questioned the relationship between Bert & Ernie – as far as I knew, they were brothers.

random tid-bit about s.s.: bob the music teacher is the only ‘human’ who has been part of the cast since the first show.

anyone remember ‘teeny little superguy’?

this morning was the first sunday in almost a year that i have enjoyed being at church. it was the first time we went to this community and we were warmly greeted by some of the members.
for this, i am thankful.

The federal government, through ACOA announced a $236,000 investment in Camp Medley yesterday. Find a release with details here.

i read rob bell’s latest book last night “drops like stars”.  the book was written in typical rob bell form – poetic, blank pages and of course, thought provoking.  there was one point that bell made – that perhaps in our efforts to “think outside the box”, we have created a new box.

interesting that in many context, church and secular, people suggest the need to think outside the box to change the context in which we are thinking or planning.  that seems to be one of the first statements when people are wanting to reach a new generation.  are we still thinking outside the box or thinking in a new box?

bell also makes the correlation between suffering and building community.  obviously we can all identify with suffering, in some form.  he shares the illustration that almost everyone could identify with the suffering of cancer.  cancer has not confined to race, economic, social or geographic backgrounds.

i read the book in a little over an hour, but i was also watching a movie.

an interesting combination – rob bell and jack black.

the labours of many long nights have finally been realized.

a new podcast has been launched, based on the inklings (c.s. lewis, j.r.r. tolkien and others), called ‘the kindlings‘.  its recorded monthly in surrey, british columbia.

An intelligent, imaginative, hospitable exploration of ideas that matter in contemporary life. Join us around the hearth every month to hear lively conversation about culture, music, art, books, and the ideas impacting today’s world.

i’m listening to their first podcast, discussing movies from the past year.

know anyone who this song is singing about?

h/t jonnybaker

the ‘official’ announcement went on monday about my summer 2009 ministry plans.

i’ll be taken a leave, of sorts (still doing some of my current work, at a distance), and serving as assistant director at camp medley.  i’ve spend a few weeks over the past two summers as chaplain – amazing to see the lives of so many be transformed by the gospel.

i’ve had a few meetings with the director, elizabeth harding.  so far, everything seems to be falling into place for the summer.  we have a great team, who i am looking forward to serving with, some new names for me and the camp.

i have no doubt that it will be busy and crazy – but i live for those moments.  especially when in the middle of chaos, you hear Father’s voice reminding you that he is in complete control and we just need to trust.  i am often humbled by the awe-some opportunity that people have when they work at the christian summer camp.  throughout the summer, we are given the opportunity each week to model the lifestyle that jesus demonstrated for us, to be an example of christian community (both shining and flawed) all while full of joy and excitement.  i have left the past two summers feeling physically exhausted but re-energized by the transformation of campers after sharing the good news of jesus with them.

i am looking forward with anticipation to serving with a great team and continuing to work with liz (shown at right) in planning for this opportunity.

if you’re in the maritimes, you might know of some kids or teens looking for a great week at camp.  check it out.

a great new resource has been launched for female youth pastors – ‘the sophia network’

The Sophia Network exists to connect women in youth work and ministry, to access training, develop skills and share wisdom.

We focus our energy in four areas:

• partnership – through everything we do we encourage women and men to work together in ways that reflect the heart of God.
• relationships – facilitating enhanced working relationships between youth workers; creating environments in which female youth workers can build relationships with each other; emphasising the importance of mentoring for youth workers and young people.
• voice – advocacy on behalf of women in youth work; raising awareness of how gender affects youth work and ministry.
• training – providing excellent training to develop confidence, skills and professional expertise.

Our ultimate aim is to encourage women and men to work together more closely in a way that reflects the heart of God, but we recognize that sometimes issues need to be addressed before women can contribute on a level playing field.

check it out.

h/t joe walker