Wednesday, January 25, 2012

 

On Missions and Evangelism

This year, the Missions and Evangelism Department of the Antiochian Archdiocese teamed with North Texas Orthodox Missions for a joint conference held in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Metroplex.

The speakers were Fr. Joseph Huneycutt, Fr. Evan Armatas, and Fr. Peter Gillquist. The dates were January 20-21, 2012. The conference was dedicated to the memory of His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri. -- from Ancient Faith Radio (click the link to listen).

Pictured with me: Deacon Gregory Norris of St Seraphim Cathedral.

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Friday, January 13, 2012

 

God’s a Steeler, Tebow’s Out, and Orthodixie Takes a Bow

Freshly mown grass, newly lined field, colorful band uniforms, zealous cheerleaders, the smell of hot dogs and popcorn under a Friday night sky in the fall.

Football.

Back in the day, high school football practice began on August 1st. That was the day that we all had to run 5-miles around the field – for God and all to see what kind of shape we were in.

That kind of routine marks you. It was only a few years ago that I realized August 1st had come and gone and I’d not thought of the smell of that freshly cut grass and the rigors of the game.

Time flies.

On another note, I’ve been doing the Orthodixie Podcast for almost five years now … and it’s time to take a break. But, more on that later.

Y’all? Let me just say, right at the start, God is a Pittsburgh Steelers fan -- at least that’s what I've always thought. So this whole Tebow-Jesus thing will go nowhere. It’s a media created stir-fry which has no bearing on the salvation of souls. The NFL is big business – and if a buzz can be created, even using Evangelicalism – whatever sells! – the NFL is all for it.

Frankly, I prefer the days when the game was rough and tumble without hair extensions, sharpie marks all over the arm, girlie looking men doing fairy dances in the end zone. Yep, back in the days of Jack Lambert -- when mud and blood and teeth (or not) prevailed.

Sure, I’m biased. These days, I prefer the quiet and frequent witness of Troy Polamalu’s signing of the Cross to someone who can’t complete a paragraph without mentioning “mylordandsaviourjesuschrist”.

But as a Christian, I guess I prefer that to ...

The Orthodixie Podcast on Ancient Faith Radio.

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Thursday, January 12, 2012

 

Ha! Really: You have to watch/read this!

Follow this link. The video, God help me, is cringe worthy. But, Fr Andrew Damick's response makes it all worthwhile!

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The Shy Single Christian’s Guide to Coffee Hour

by Thomas Eric Ruthford

There is only one place a man can ask a moral, religious woman he’s just met to stay for breakfast without getting slapped. It is church coffee hour.

Many a Christian single has wished to meet someone at church, both because shared faith gives shared purpose to a relationship and because you automatically have a meeting place for shared activities where you can get to know one another. Church is also a great place to make friends with people of your own sex, friends who can later connect you to someone special. But, if you’re like me, you have a difficult time working a crowd and collecting lots of phone numbers.

This challenge does not require you to be a smooth operator with pickup lines like, “Come here often? Oh, once a week? Funny, me, too!” or “What’s your favorite hymn?” or “I prophesied that I’d meet someone as wonderful as you here.”

Your purpose is to get acquainted with some new people, which involves um, yes, you know, talking. Really, you just need to start with something like, “Hi.” But, if you’re an introvert ...

Read it all - HERE.

Thomas is the author of Heaven Help the Single Christian.


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Friday, January 06, 2012

 
A repeat -- an annual posting.

How is it that my Creator comes to me?
I'm not worthy.
To quench is my fate.
THIRST
All can relate.
Before Eden thou wast; even before the flood.
I parted for Thy people at the behest of Moses, Thy chosen one.
I’ve whetted e’ery path man’s trod; every field he’s plo’d.
At Thy command I came to be; my rest shall be in Thee.
Tell me Lord, what brings Thee to me? I’m not worthy,
I must confess.
Me? I cleanse from sweat, dirt, sand, and disease.
Washed away are cares and burdens -- the soot of the day --
in my waves.
John calls forth the people.
In their salvation I participate.
Yet, to Thee, how can I relate?
For without, I’d not be.
Jest it seems!
(Agent of cleansing feels dirty in the presence of the King.)
Cleanse me, O Lord, that I may be worthy of Thee.
THIRST
I am water.
I lack nothing but Thee.
At Thy baptism, O Lord, Thou hast found me worthy.
Quenching, cleansing:
paths, fields, people,
salvation;
I
shall ne’er be the same.

Come Lord Jesus,
cleanse Thou me!


Published in 2005 on the Antiochian Webpage - click the link for other Epiphany offerings.

ALSO ... here.

Image Source

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