#SolomonsPorch

[byfaithmedia]

Did the High Priest in Solomon’s Temple use this item or is it a forgery?

[victorialinph-blog]

I’ve been surrounded by a curious set of poetry comrades lately. Not sure what the alchemy of these artists will bring.

I wrote a piece this winter that we plan to use in my church community, Solomon’s Porch, to say out loud as a prayer during the season of Lent. I like to think of Lent at a time to more toward awareness, love, and forgiveness. I think this poem reflects that. There are some other communities that plan to use in this season as well, which makes me very happy because I wrote it to give it away.

A Prayer for Lent

One: For you who live on the crumbling edge of an abyss.

All: We pray for the courage to crawl away from the edge.

 One: For you for whom time moves more slowly than grief or sprouting seeds.

All: We pray for the patience of water.

 One: For you who see your present, past, and future as a dark cave.

All: We pray for a match-lit hope.

 One: For you who fell from the highest spire.

All: We pray you climb again.

 One: For you who betrayed those you love most. 

All: We pray for lavender-scented forgiveness.

 One: For you who were betrayed so deeply you’re suffocating with loss.

All: We pray for the breath of peace.

 One: For you who are so often silent, your voice is a stranger.

All: We pray your words flow like bird-song.

 One: For you who have so much.

All: We pray for hands that cannot stop giving for the benefit and blessing of all the world.

  Victoria Lin Peterson-Hilleque

[dougpagitt]

Jesus as Savior? A Solomon's Porch Sermon by Doug Pagitt

[howardlo]

#solomonsporch #basketball #christislife #ballislife

[s-t-robertson-blog]

WE DREAM OF A CHURCH WHERE... 1. We listen to and are obedient to God 2. People who are not Christians become followers of God in the way of Jesus 3. Those who are not involved in church would become an active part of it 4. People are deeply connected to God in all of life; body, mind, soul, and spirit 5. Beauty, art, and creativity are valued, used, and understood as coming from the Creator 6. Culture is met, embraced, and transformed 7. Joy, fun, and excitement are part of our lives 8. The Kingdom of God is increased in real ways in the world 9. The biblical story of God is told and contributed to 10. Biblical justice, mercy, grace, love, and righteousness lead the way 11. Truth, honesty, and health are a way of life 12. We value innovation and are willing to take risks in order to bring glory to God 13. Worship of God is full, vibrant, real, and pleasing to God 14. Faith, hope, and love are the context for all 15. The next generation of leadership is built up and leaders are servants 16. Everyone is equipped to do ministry 17. God's spirit takes precedence over all structures and systems 18. Christian Community is the attraction to outsiders and the answer to questions of faith 19. People participate in the Kingdom of God in accordance with their abilities and gifts 20. We are connected to, dependent on, and serve the global Church 21. People learn the ways of God and are encouraged to make it central to their lives 22. Other churches are valued and supported 23. People's visions and ideas of ministry come to life

"Reimagining Spiritual Formation - A Week in the Life of an Experimental Church"

What does the church you dream about look like?

It gives me hope and joy to see churches trying out there.

Trying to DO church. Trying to live faithful lives. Trying to follow where God leads. Trying to love everyone. Trying to be open to new opportunities and creative methods - even if it might fail. Trying the best they can. 

In a world where we often hear or define ourselves as what we aren't, what we don't believe in, or who we don't like, it's uplifting to see a clear, positive direction statement. You don't have to agree with everything on this list, or how it's worded (I don't completely), but I appreciate their sense of direction and call toward the positive creation of something full. 

At any rate... I'll shut up and let you dream... what does the church you dream about look like?

[leaveseestaygo]

Solomon's Porch

On Saturday, I went to Solomon's Porch at World Impact. I roused the courage to go speak to this homeless man that made eye contact with me, and I'm very glad I did. At first I was apprehensive of coming close to any of the homeless people there because I felt like they were dirty. But after I got over the mental block, I really learned a lot. 

I forgot his name already. But it started with a D....

anyways. He told me several experiences that he's witnessed through his time of being homeless. He began with his. 

He was beaten by his pregnant daughter in law, and left with a black eye and scars all over his arms. He was fired about 2 years ago, and did not have enough money to pay for the house he had that he'd been providing for his wife, son, daughter in law, and grandchild on the way. He didn't have enough money to pay for his medications, because he is mentally ill. When he isn't on his medicine, he becomes extremely violent and selfish, only caring about himself. He decided the best decision was to leave. He has sprained his ankle and fought people bigger than him during these past two years, but has gotten medication. He tried to kill himself last year, but Jesus saved his life. Since then, he's been trying to get back on his feet. Cornerstone, the Bridge, and some other places are some of the places he goes to a lot. 

His daughter in law has been raped four times in the apartment complex that she lives in. She has 48DD's, so she has become an apparent target. He found one of the guys that raped her and threw him over the bridge into the river. 

He says that you have to make friends on the streets, because it's vicious. He says there's not much worse than being homeless. Than not having a family to go back to, with love. For girls, the biggest danger in being homeless is rape. A lot of girls make friends with men because they need protection. He saw one girl make friends with someone she should not have, and he protected her for a while. But after one month, he saw her drunk, and the man had $30 with whiskey in his hand. What's the meaning in that? Well, he prostituted her out for a price of some money and alcohol. 

So many people lack a warm bed to sleep in at night. So many people forget their blessings, including myself. There's just so much to live for happily. I fought going to this homeless shelter, but I'm glad I went even if it was to prove my brother wrong. There's only so much you can learn from anything besides people that experience it everyday. I'll be back

[byfaithmedia]

The powerful in the time of King Herod chose to live near Herod’s Temple because it was where the elite lived.

[dougpagitt]

Sermon from Solomon's Porch - Jesus as an Example of the Way of Humanity by Doug Pagitt

[howardlo]

Highlight reel from last night’s game. #solomonsporch #hkbasketball #christislife #ballislife #stayblessed

[byfaithmedia]

To make his great temple in Jerusalem, King Herod had to enlarge Solomon’s old platform for the new Jewish Temple in Jerusalem.

[byfaithmedia]

Did the priests in Jerusalem use this item or is it a fake?

[byfaithmedia]

After Jesus’ death & resurrection, the disciples continued to meet at Solomon’s Porch on the Temple Mount which is found on the east side of the mount in front of the Second Temple.

[byfaithmedia]

The Gospels tell us Jesus taught on the Temple Mount in Solomon’s Porch which is found on the eastern side of Temple Mount near the Golden Gate.

[byfaithmedia]

The Dome of the Rock stands where King Solomon’s & later King Herod’s Temple stood. Explore the Temple Mount, discover what’s in the Dome of the Rock & ponder the mysteries of God’s plan for this holy location.

[dougpagitt]

Jesus as progressive movement leader Sermon

[howardlo]

Quality time with the Church fam❤️ #secretsanta #housechurch #solomonsporch #merrychristmas