Community Alive (the rest of my week)

[Tony]It didn’t feel right to comment only on what happened on Friday when the rest of my few days off have been equally satisfying to so much that my heart was thirsty for.
On Friday evening I had a chance to go golfing with my little brother and then have dinner with him at Champp’s in Woodbury where we both worked not long ago. It was so refreshing to be able to spend time with him without feeling that I had to rush my time with him because I had other things I had to get to. We spent hours together talking and joking and catching up on brother stuff.
I left my brother and Champp’s feeling full in my tummy and deeply happy at the day that was unfolding. When I pulled up to Ekklesiah in my car I saw a number of people outside on the sidewalk and on the porch. Then I saw a guitar. Then I saw a dgembe (I know I butchered the spelling). I parked and quickly proceeded to make myself comfortable on the porch. The next few hours was filled with worship that was loud, deep, genuine, and filled so much with the Holy Spirit it was palpable. There was prayer between brothers and sisters for one another, for the city and for our neighbors, and it was all done outside, for everyone to hear and anyone to listen and join. Our little community at Ekklesiah has grown so much! The depth of fellowship that was displayed that night could have only come as a gift from God. It is so satisfying seeing that we are growing so closely together and so closely together in God. We are learning, it seems everyday, that Christianity is meant to be done in compassionate community with others. I am so happy that we are becoming a community together that can show others what that looks like and how much joy it can bring.
On Saturday I was able to go with Ryan and Kelly Lindstedt to get a couch for their new home. This was the first time I have been to their new place (which is literally blocks from Ekklesiah. I love how God continues to infiltrate this neighborhood with his followers!). Seeing them there, together in their new home, while they worked together to unpack their things and move in, gave me a sense of awe. Their relationship together just seems so right and so God drenched. I am so happy for them (even though we miss Ryan at Ekklesiah).
Saturday afternoon Nathanial, his brother Isaac, his dad Greg, James, myself and a couple of bored kids from across the street went to the park to hit baseballs. Oh, how good that felt. There is something about running around like a little kid at the park that fills me with love of God and friends.
Nathanial, Sarah Malloy (a friend of James’ and Ryan’s from Montana) and myself went to Cossetta’s on Saturday night for a late night dinner. Enough said.
Sunday was such a day for God. The day started with 180 in the morning, learning about God and worshiping him with our joyful high school Jesus people. Then, Christi and I went out for lunch with my whole family. That was chaotic… and really wonderful. From there, Christi and I met with the Compassion, Mercy, Justice team for The Gallery and dreamed big about the outreach of The Gallery when it launches next January. After the meeting came Sanctuary and after Sanctuary came more time at Ekklesiah. This time, like many Sunday evenings, many people came from Sanctuary to the house to spend more time with each other in a place that is centered on living for God. God brings people into our home because He knows that we will see Him when we are all together there. When our community gathers like that in the home God has given to us, the Holy Spirit is heavy and alive. Nobody wanted to leave. Literally. Last night, nine people ended up sleeping at Ekklesiah. I cannot stop thanking God for the depth of love that comes out of the community He makes here. If you haven’t experienced this at our house yet, please come. We want you to know God in this way.
Today, after sleeping in for too long, I have spent most of my day here at Café Latte on Grand Ave. I spent most of my time completing my application for Bethel Seminary (finally, I am done!). Now, I look forward to another relaxed night of fellowship and God and two more days off. How wonderful God’s blessings are.
I’ m glad I had time today to write to all of our fellow Ekklesiah blog readers! May God bless you and guide you in everything you do.