The Rend Collective Experiment plays worship music with a jangly, fun, indie vibe (all good things in my book).
In the video below, they play Chris Tomlin’s popular worship anthem How Great is our God as a full band with nothing but their iPhones. Engaging and, strangely, breathes some fresh air into this well-worn song (must be the nerd in me!).
Eugene Cho, in a recent post, asks the question: Why is being a pastor so unhealthy? He quotes a New York Times article, which says, “Members of the clergy now suffer from obesity, hypertension and depression at rates higher than most Americans. In the last decade, their use of antidepressants has risen, while their life expectancy has fallen. Many would change jobs if they could.” The picture in his follow-up post, death by ministry, looks even bleaker.
As someone who has been in vocational church ministry for awhile now, I can testify to the unique challenges faced by pastors and church staff. However, I think it’s also pretty fair to say that almost every job is stressful. Whether it’s unrealistic expectations, difficult co-workers, or burdensome bosses, most work environments have more than their fair share of pressure.
Our trip to Delmas, South Africa was a beautiful whirlwind. There is nothing like joining in the redemptive work of God in the world, whether close to home or far away.
I’ve admired the work of the folks at Invisible Creature for awhile now. From the Sasquatch Music Festival to the Hurricane Poster Project, Invisible Creature has developed a strong voice in the design world.
Now, you’re invited to join the fun! The Lil’ Happy Invisible Creature S.A.S.E Club is kind of a throwback nod to the days when people actually sent letters to each other (“S.A.S.E” means “self-addressed stamped envelope, by the way).
Here’s how it works:
It’s real simple. Send us a self-addressed stamped envelope and we’ll fill it with goodies. Put 2 stamps on your return envelope and we’ll fill it with more.
However, we thought we’d make it a bit more fun and interactive. Regardless of your artistic ability, we ask that your envelope addressed to us be creatively designed or illustrated. No rules, anything goes – and we’ll post the coolest ones on the Lil’ Happy Twitter page.
… The Idea Camp, which has just launched a new site today!
On September 27-28, 2010, The Idea Camp will be hosting an important conversation about sex, the church, the world, and ideas for good.
I’ll be the first to admit, I’m uncomfortable talking about this topic. However, it is simply too important for us, as the church, to look the other way.
I love the heart behind #ICSEX (the Twitter hashtag for this Idea Camp):
The issues related to human sexuality are too often misunderstood, ignored, or avoided in far too many churches. The Idea Camp will facilitate a safe and transparent environment of learning, sharing of insights from the respective fields of focus, and practical insights and examples of holistic care. As a faith-based conference, there will be an on-going focus on the importance of living as God’s loving expressions of grace and hope to the world through tangible acts of care in this area.
During the weeks leading up to #ICSEX, different bloggers will be hosting conversations around a topic each week. The first week has already wrapped up, and there have been many honest, challenging reflections already. Upcoming topics will include sexual abuse, gender, and slavery. I’m looking forward to hosting one of these discussions here at headsparks* in September.
Being part of The Idea Camp tribe has been so life-giving to me: nowhere else have I found the friendship, collaboration, and inspiration I have found from this diverse group of like-minded people. This time, what happens in Vegas could transform the church and change the world!
headsparks* 