Seeing Stars and new Dreams

It’s 11:30 on a Sunday night and I’m intensely watching Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The Western Conference of the NHL, that is. That’s right, I’m watching pro hockey and I’m totally diggin it. The 2nd OT is about to start and the Dallas Stars are on the verge of giving back a 3-0 series lead to the San Jose Sharks.

Even though Jim Rome is vehemently opposed to pro hockey, I think it rocks. I’m excited to live in a town where I can get into this kinda thing from more than an arms’ length. It’s one of the many things that I’m joyful about these days.

Also among them is the awesome service at HPPC this morning, 1105, which is the most contemporary of services at church. We had a great communion Sunday and I got to spend time with lots of cool people. I’m also a big fan of the fact that the worship leader/band writes some original stuff that we worship to as a community.

I’m very stoked to be working with Lars, Keith, and Jon, as well as lots of other people who aren’t techaholics. Tomorrow I’ll spend a few hours in a good meeting with our Young Adult staff and I’m excited about it. Well, I’ll be excited if I can get some rest after getting so fired up over hockey….

What am I going to be doing?

So I am leaving Corvallis, Oregon to work in Dallas, Texas. Big move, huh? 2200 miles.

I’m going from a town that’s frequently referred to as “the most unchurched town in America” to a city that has mega-churches on every corner. No biggie…

Here’s the thing though–I’m incredibly sad to be leaving this ministry and the college students we dearly love, but I’m stoked to be taking on the challenge of my new job…

“Director of Young Adults–Community Formation” for Highland Park Presbyterian Church. As I understand it, my primary responsibility is to help the Young Adult ministry’s vision of missional living for young singles and families manifest itself in little communities and various initiatives all over the Dallas area. I get to spend my time doing what I’m passionate about, helping people be agents of the Vision of God where they live, work, and play. I’m nervous and excited, but mostly ready to dream big.

There’s beauty in seeing the Body of Christ take up space in the midst of this world. It’s a challenge to get people to see that because they’re often distracted by the promises of this era (who isn’t), but God doesn’t abandon us or leave us to our own devices–He is drawing us towards Him, helping us fulfill our Calling. I get the joy of helping a community of young adults take the Great Blessing with them wherever they go, and to make the most of their role as the Embodiment of the Character of God amongst Creation.