STUCK IN A MOMENT WITH U2
Here are a few memorable moments for me from the concert this past Saturday…
THE FIRST TIME – In October 1980 a quartet of from Dublin released their first album, “Boy;” as they say, the rest is history. This song reminded me of a series of worship gatherings at our church this past summer, “Prodigal People” taken from the powerful story that Jesus told in Luke 15. Bono sang:
I have a lover, a lover like no other
She got soul, soul, soul, sweet soul and she teach me how to sing
Shows me colors when there's none to see
Gives me hope when I can't believe that for the first time I feel love
I have a brother when I'm a brother in need
I spend my whole time running, he spends his running after me
When I feel myself going down, I just call and he comes around
But for the first time, I feel love
My Father is a rich man, He wears a rich man's cloak
Gave me the keys to His kingdom coming, gave me a cup of gold
He said "I have many mansions, and there are many rooms to see."
But I left by the back door, and I threw away the key
And I threw away the key, yeah I threw away the key
Yeah I threw away the key
For the first time I feel love
SUNDAY BLOODY SUNDAY – In a post 9-11 world, Bono’s introduction to this classic song resonated with me: “America, this is your song now….”
I can’t believe the news today
Oh, I can’t close my eyes and make it go away
How long... How long must we sing this song?
How long? how long...
Broken bottles under children’s feet
Bodies strewn across the dead end street
But I won’t heed the battle call
It puts my back up Puts my back up against the wall
Sunday, bloody Sunday
PRIDE – I actually received two text messages during this song. One was from Bono in response to my text message in support of the ONE Campaign (try texting your full name to 86483 and see if it works). The second was from a friend who told me that she actually became a Christian at a youth event while the band was playing that very song – how awesome is that?
MISS SAVRAJO – Stripped down with the Edge playing keys and Bono doing his best impression of an Irish tenor, handling the Italian operatic lines originally sung by Luciana Pavarotti (who received birthday greetings from Bono and their crowd as he celebrates his 70th birthday this month).
SOMETIMES YOU CAN’T MAKE IT ON YOUR OWN – This was an emotionally powerful moment as Bono actually took off his shades and notes from deep within his soul poured forth as he sang about his combatant, yet loving relationship with his late father.
PARTY GIRL – Did you ever wonder what happens to a guy in the audience with a sign that reads, “Me + Guitar = Party Girl?” You get to jump onstage and play the song with the band. The guy was pretty good – he had all the chords changes down and even got a chance to play the lead part (all the time standing right next to the Edge). Catchy little tune from “Under a Blood Red Sky” and impressive performance by the guy; I think I would have peed myself.
One more post coming about the ending of the concert and until then...
Stay connected…
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
U2 COMES TO PITTSBURGH
Over the past five years or so, God has used U2 as a powerful catalyst in my life to press deeper into Scripture, God’s heart, and God’s kingdom. And after month and months of anticipation, this past Saturday I had the opportunity to gather with family members and friends (both near and scattered all around the Mellon Arena) to experience first hand the art and heart of U2. Later this week I will share a few of my favorite moments of the concert, but today I am thinking about the larger impact and impressions the event had on me.
COMMUNITY – How many bands have come and gone over the last 29 years? Why do I ask that question? Because the four members of U2 have been together for 29 years of uninterrupted musical community. While countless other bands flame out, burn out, implode and explode, these guys continue to make music together and truly enjoy one another. While recognizing the unique contributions each member brings to the table, in U2’s case, 1 +1 + 1 + 1 = “One” incredible musical experience far beyond the individual contributions. I loved to watch the non-verbal communication on stage – the occasional glance and smile, huddling together around a mic, the sharing of the spotlight; a look from Bono that signaled one of his famed lyrical improvisations; these guys are living inside one another’s skin. One of my favorite moments was during an acoustic version of “Stuck in a Moment;” when the Edge blew a change, Bono whispered in his ear and they played it a second time this time nailing it perfectly.
What I experienced on Saturday night was a powerful vision for musical community. I have been playing with some guys in a band for a few years now and I pray that 30 years from now we have the kind of love for the music and more importantly for one another that I saw on display on stage at the Mellon Area.
THE EDGE – While Bono may be the soul of U2, the Edge is the heart. Above the stage was a large screen that contained four separate viewing areas, one section dedicated to and focused upon each of the four band members. Quite often I found myself captivated with the Edge, riveted on his amazing guitar skills. The man plays with incredible passion and simply makes his guitar sing. Whether he was blazing through classic riffs from “One” or “Where the Streets Have No Name” or the tasteful changes on his acoustic on “The First Time” or “Stuck in a Moment,” the signature sound of U2’s music flows from the Edge’s heart through his hands.
TRANSCENDENT MOMENTS – Last week I read about a workshop that will be presented at Willow Creek’s Next Generation Conference on worship leadership entitled “Everything I Needed to Know abut Worship Leading I Learned from an Irish Rock Star.” Let me tell you, U2 understands flow and how to move (and there is a big difference between move and manipulate) an audience. In a recent interview in Rolling Stone, Bono was asked, “What are you trying to do with the audience?” He responded, “To lose my own sense of self, self consciousness – and theirs. It’s an amazing thing. We’re not really a rock & roll band. We’re pretending to be a rock & roll band and sometimes we get away with it… Our set list is designed in a kind of three-act structure, to get people out of themselves and to get ourselves out of ourselves. And to get to a place where everything feels possible…Our definition of art is the breaking open of the breastbone, for sure. Just open-heart surgery.”
I have been a worship leader for quite a few years and feel like I have a pretty good experience base to draw from; but, Bono and the boys took me to school. There were times when I thought my heart was going to explode (Elevation and Where the Streets Have No Name) and tender moments when tears flowed freely (Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own). Surely the presence of the Lord was in the place and I knew it!
It’s a beautiful day; don’t let it get away!
Over the past five years or so, God has used U2 as a powerful catalyst in my life to press deeper into Scripture, God’s heart, and God’s kingdom. And after month and months of anticipation, this past Saturday I had the opportunity to gather with family members and friends (both near and scattered all around the Mellon Arena) to experience first hand the art and heart of U2. Later this week I will share a few of my favorite moments of the concert, but today I am thinking about the larger impact and impressions the event had on me.
COMMUNITY – How many bands have come and gone over the last 29 years? Why do I ask that question? Because the four members of U2 have been together for 29 years of uninterrupted musical community. While countless other bands flame out, burn out, implode and explode, these guys continue to make music together and truly enjoy one another. While recognizing the unique contributions each member brings to the table, in U2’s case, 1 +1 + 1 + 1 = “One” incredible musical experience far beyond the individual contributions. I loved to watch the non-verbal communication on stage – the occasional glance and smile, huddling together around a mic, the sharing of the spotlight; a look from Bono that signaled one of his famed lyrical improvisations; these guys are living inside one another’s skin. One of my favorite moments was during an acoustic version of “Stuck in a Moment;” when the Edge blew a change, Bono whispered in his ear and they played it a second time this time nailing it perfectly.
What I experienced on Saturday night was a powerful vision for musical community. I have been playing with some guys in a band for a few years now and I pray that 30 years from now we have the kind of love for the music and more importantly for one another that I saw on display on stage at the Mellon Area.
THE EDGE – While Bono may be the soul of U2, the Edge is the heart. Above the stage was a large screen that contained four separate viewing areas, one section dedicated to and focused upon each of the four band members. Quite often I found myself captivated with the Edge, riveted on his amazing guitar skills. The man plays with incredible passion and simply makes his guitar sing. Whether he was blazing through classic riffs from “One” or “Where the Streets Have No Name” or the tasteful changes on his acoustic on “The First Time” or “Stuck in a Moment,” the signature sound of U2’s music flows from the Edge’s heart through his hands.
TRANSCENDENT MOMENTS – Last week I read about a workshop that will be presented at Willow Creek’s Next Generation Conference on worship leadership entitled “Everything I Needed to Know abut Worship Leading I Learned from an Irish Rock Star.” Let me tell you, U2 understands flow and how to move (and there is a big difference between move and manipulate) an audience. In a recent interview in Rolling Stone, Bono was asked, “What are you trying to do with the audience?” He responded, “To lose my own sense of self, self consciousness – and theirs. It’s an amazing thing. We’re not really a rock & roll band. We’re pretending to be a rock & roll band and sometimes we get away with it… Our set list is designed in a kind of three-act structure, to get people out of themselves and to get ourselves out of ourselves. And to get to a place where everything feels possible…Our definition of art is the breaking open of the breastbone, for sure. Just open-heart surgery.”
I have been a worship leader for quite a few years and feel like I have a pretty good experience base to draw from; but, Bono and the boys took me to school. There were times when I thought my heart was going to explode (Elevation and Where the Streets Have No Name) and tender moments when tears flowed freely (Sometimes You Can’t Make It on Your Own). Surely the presence of the Lord was in the place and I knew it!
It’s a beautiful day; don’t let it get away!
Monday, October 17, 2005
CALLED AND SENT
I didn't sleep much last night. And that's ok. God was stirring me.
After a potent worship gathering in the morning, a frustrating Steeler loss in the afternoon, last night a large group of people gathered for worship at the Open Door, followed up with a lively dialogue with Tony Jones about the shape of the emerging church. Tony is the national coordinator for Emergent and possesses one of the sharpest theological minds you will ever encounter (check out Tony's blog for some heavy duty stuff).While I am not a huge fan of the phrase "emerging church," (I much prefer missional church), Tony rearticulated the heart of the movement - Emergent is all about rethinking theology and rethinking the Church within the context of friendships with a heart to simply follow Jesus into the world. That my friends, energizes me – big-time!
This brings me to the called and sent thing. The first pattern of a missional church is "discerning missional vocation." The word vocation signifies a call and in the Scriptures that call is to participate in God's grand purpose for the world. The call is to come to Jesus and then follow Him into the world and join the activity of God wherever and wherever we are able.
Missional Churches are continually seeking clarity on the call, especially as it relates to identity and location. They give attention to:
I didn't sleep much last night. And that's ok. God was stirring me.
After a potent worship gathering in the morning, a frustrating Steeler loss in the afternoon, last night a large group of people gathered for worship at the Open Door, followed up with a lively dialogue with Tony Jones about the shape of the emerging church. Tony is the national coordinator for Emergent and possesses one of the sharpest theological minds you will ever encounter (check out Tony's blog for some heavy duty stuff).While I am not a huge fan of the phrase "emerging church," (I much prefer missional church), Tony rearticulated the heart of the movement - Emergent is all about rethinking theology and rethinking the Church within the context of friendships with a heart to simply follow Jesus into the world. That my friends, energizes me – big-time!
This brings me to the called and sent thing. The first pattern of a missional church is "discerning missional vocation." The word vocation signifies a call and in the Scriptures that call is to participate in God's grand purpose for the world. The call is to come to Jesus and then follow Him into the world and join the activity of God wherever and wherever we are able.
Missional Churches are continually seeking clarity on the call, especially as it relates to identity and location. They give attention to:
- where they are in a geographic, social, and cultural context
- when they are in the flow of history and change
- who they are in continuity with a tradition and re-forming it in the present
- why they are welcoming God's call and entering God's coming reign
Let me raise a few questions:
Where are We? Where is our missional assignment? While I understand we have a responsibility to be engaged in mission to the ends of the earth, our primary responsibility is local. How would you answer the “where are we” question? Are you/we clear about that? I have to confess I am wrestling with this one right now and am unsure that our faith community is zoned in on this one.
When are We? Are we aware of the unique opportunities that stand before us in our time? The Scriptures speak of these moments as kairos moments, opportune times. Because God has placed us in a particular space and time, there are unique situations that face us and demand our attention and energy? What unique opportunities stand before us, right here, right now?
Who are We? Our faith communities are rooted in a theological and historical flow.
Are we clear about our roots and are we re-thinking together about how we will faithfully express ourselves in our world today?
I will save the “why we are” question for later. But in the meantime I would love to hear your thoughts on any of the above. Is God stirring anything in you about the identity and call of the church in the world today? What do you think?
Stay Connected…
Friday, October 14, 2005
PATTERN 1 – MISSIONAL VOCATION
The first pattern that is identified in missional congregations is that of missional vocation. The authors define it as follows:
"The congregation is discovering together the missional vocation of the community. It is beginning to redefine success and vitality in terms of faithfulness to God's calling and sending. It is seeking to discern God's specific mission vocation (charisms) for the entire community and for all its members.”
Ok, without unpacking that definition (I will do that in the next post), let me raise a few questions:
should a church be concerned about success?
how do we typically define success in church?
are these good and accurate indicators of congregational health?
what new benchmarks might a missional church want to consider as better indicators of congregational effectiveness and health?
What do you think? Jump in – share your thoughts and ideas with the community.
Stay connected…
The first pattern that is identified in missional congregations is that of missional vocation. The authors define it as follows:
"The congregation is discovering together the missional vocation of the community. It is beginning to redefine success and vitality in terms of faithfulness to God's calling and sending. It is seeking to discern God's specific mission vocation (charisms) for the entire community and for all its members.”
Ok, without unpacking that definition (I will do that in the next post), let me raise a few questions:
should a church be concerned about success?
how do we typically define success in church?
are these good and accurate indicators of congregational health?
what new benchmarks might a missional church want to consider as better indicators of congregational effectiveness and health?
What do you think? Jump in – share your thoughts and ideas with the community.
Stay connected…
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
TREASURE IN CLAY JARS
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power from is God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Each month I spent some time with other 4 or 5 other guys in the Pittsburgh region talking about leadership in the missional church. Two of us are old guys and the rest of the group are what I like to call emerging leaders - they keep me on my toes and I am grateful to God that our lives and ministries are becoming more and more interconnected. Believe me, there is a lot of iron sharpening iron that occurs.
This fall we determined that we would read together a book published by The Gospel and Our Culture Network entitled Treasure in Clay Jars: Patterns in Missional Faithfulness (Lois Barrett et al.). The book is a follow-up to a seminal book on the missional chucrh written in 1998 by Darrell Guder, Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America.
Treasure in Clay Jars centers on case studies of nine missional congregations from across the United States and Canada that are diverse in their denomination affiliations, worship styles, political stances, and socioeconomic background. The book explores eight concrete patterns common to these churches. Although the patterns may look different in each setting, the authors argue that these eight patterns can be recognized in any congregation seeking to participate in God's mission in the world. These patterns are not so much about specific activities, but more so about the very heart and soul of the church. The authors write: "the church does not exists for itself, but for participation in God's mission of reconciliation...Mission is the character of the church in whatever context it exists."
For today let me simply list the eight discernable patterns and then in some follow-up posts, I'll share some thoughts and reflections on these patterns and open up some dialogue. As you read through the list, are there any that get your pulse rate up? Which ones energize you or stir up your curiosity? Drop a comment, would you?
Pattern 1, Missional Vocation
Pattern 2, Biblical Formation and Discipleship
Pattern 3, Taking Risks as a Contrast Community
Pattern 4, Practices That Demonstrate God's Intent for the World
Pattern 5, Worship as Public Witness
Pattern 6, Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Pattern 7, Pointing Toward the Reign of God
Pattern 8, Missional Authority
Stay Connected...
"But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power from is God and not from us" (2 Corinthians 4:7).
Each month I spent some time with other 4 or 5 other guys in the Pittsburgh region talking about leadership in the missional church. Two of us are old guys and the rest of the group are what I like to call emerging leaders - they keep me on my toes and I am grateful to God that our lives and ministries are becoming more and more interconnected. Believe me, there is a lot of iron sharpening iron that occurs.
This fall we determined that we would read together a book published by The Gospel and Our Culture Network entitled Treasure in Clay Jars: Patterns in Missional Faithfulness (Lois Barrett et al.). The book is a follow-up to a seminal book on the missional chucrh written in 1998 by Darrell Guder, Missional Church: A Vision for the Sending of the Church in North America.
Treasure in Clay Jars centers on case studies of nine missional congregations from across the United States and Canada that are diverse in their denomination affiliations, worship styles, political stances, and socioeconomic background. The book explores eight concrete patterns common to these churches. Although the patterns may look different in each setting, the authors argue that these eight patterns can be recognized in any congregation seeking to participate in God's mission in the world. These patterns are not so much about specific activities, but more so about the very heart and soul of the church. The authors write: "the church does not exists for itself, but for participation in God's mission of reconciliation...Mission is the character of the church in whatever context it exists."
For today let me simply list the eight discernable patterns and then in some follow-up posts, I'll share some thoughts and reflections on these patterns and open up some dialogue. As you read through the list, are there any that get your pulse rate up? Which ones energize you or stir up your curiosity? Drop a comment, would you?
Pattern 1, Missional Vocation
Pattern 2, Biblical Formation and Discipleship
Pattern 3, Taking Risks as a Contrast Community
Pattern 4, Practices That Demonstrate God's Intent for the World
Pattern 5, Worship as Public Witness
Pattern 6, Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Pattern 7, Pointing Toward the Reign of God
Pattern 8, Missional Authority
Stay Connected...
Monday, October 10, 2005
SOMETHING TO BE
Well I capped off my weekend by spending a couple of hours with my daughter Abby at Heinz Hall (along with a few other friends scattered throughout the venue) enjoying the Rob Thomas concert. The show rocked. For those of you not familiar with Rob, he is the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty and his biggest commercial hit was a song he wrote and recorded with guitar genius Carlos Santana, “Smooth” (he did a great scaled back version last night –I love to hear deconstructed arrangements - very Sting-like – but that’s a different story). The show included stuff from his solo project, great MB20 songs, obscure Tabitha’s Secret songs and a few classic covers like “Let’s Dance” (David Bowie), “Stop Dragging My Heart Around” (Tom Petty and Stevie Nix) and a beautiful Tracy Chapman song.
Rob opened the song with the title track from his solo project, “Something to Be.”
I can't stand what I'm starting to be
I can't stand the people that I'm starting to need
There's so much now that can go wrong
And I don't need somebody
Trying to help it along
It's the same old song
Everybody says you've been away too long
Everybody wanna tell you what went wrong
Wanna make you like an icon
Till you believe that they're right
I've been looking for something
Something I've never seen
We're all looking for something
Something to be…
The song reminds me that life is all about being. Yesterday in our worship gathering I reminded our community that it is not only important to know who we are but as well to possess a vision of who and what we will become.
Rob’s opener got me thinking - a number of years ago I discovered a book by Brennan Manning (Abba’s Child) that radically changed my life (perhaps even saved my life): Manning said, “Define yourself as one radically loved by God.”
I heard not long ago that the key to real life is “simply” to become what we all ready are.
We're all looking for something
Something to be…
What do you think?
Stay Connected…
Well I capped off my weekend by spending a couple of hours with my daughter Abby at Heinz Hall (along with a few other friends scattered throughout the venue) enjoying the Rob Thomas concert. The show rocked. For those of you not familiar with Rob, he is the lead singer of Matchbox Twenty and his biggest commercial hit was a song he wrote and recorded with guitar genius Carlos Santana, “Smooth” (he did a great scaled back version last night –I love to hear deconstructed arrangements - very Sting-like – but that’s a different story). The show included stuff from his solo project, great MB20 songs, obscure Tabitha’s Secret songs and a few classic covers like “Let’s Dance” (David Bowie), “Stop Dragging My Heart Around” (Tom Petty and Stevie Nix) and a beautiful Tracy Chapman song.
Rob opened the song with the title track from his solo project, “Something to Be.”
I can't stand what I'm starting to be
I can't stand the people that I'm starting to need
There's so much now that can go wrong
And I don't need somebody
Trying to help it along
It's the same old song
Everybody says you've been away too long
Everybody wanna tell you what went wrong
Wanna make you like an icon
Till you believe that they're right
I've been looking for something
Something I've never seen
We're all looking for something
Something to be…
The song reminds me that life is all about being. Yesterday in our worship gathering I reminded our community that it is not only important to know who we are but as well to possess a vision of who and what we will become.
Rob’s opener got me thinking - a number of years ago I discovered a book by Brennan Manning (Abba’s Child) that radically changed my life (perhaps even saved my life): Manning said, “Define yourself as one radically loved by God.”
I heard not long ago that the key to real life is “simply” to become what we all ready are.
We're all looking for something
Something to be…
What do you think?
Stay Connected…
Saturday, October 08, 2005
WEEKEND PREVIEW
Well it's Friday and that means the weekend is upon us. For most of you that means down time, but for those of us in the ministry thing everything has a sense of building toward Sunday. Here's a quick look at the next couple of days in my life - what's happening in yours?
Friday night is Pizza Night in the Timm Household. We have a few places in the rotation like Pepperoni's in Bethel Park, Little Nippers on Beverly Road, Mineo's and my favorite, Caruso’s in Uptown Mt. Lebanon. What's your favorite - who's got the best slice in your neighborhood?
Saturday night my son Sam's high school soccer team has a big match as they take on Peters. I must say everyone had pretty low expectations for the team this year, but they have worked their way up to a number two ranking in WPIAL. Peters in the only undefeated team in WPIAL AAA and the match is on their pitch; it will be a real test. What kind of games will you be playing (or watching) this weekend?
Sunday morning we begin a new series at our church's worship gatherings. I am pretty pumped abut the series on "Environments." Each week we'll be looking at an element in the creation and allowing it to serve as a metaphor for our life as the People of God. Here are the five environments and they way they speak to our call and purpose as a community of faith:
Wind - Mission is why the Church Exists
Fire - Relevance to Culture is not Optional
Earth - Creativity is the Natural Result of Spirituality
Wood - Structure must Submit to Spirit
Water - Love is the Context for All Mission
Do any of these elements peak your curiosity?
And on Sunday night I will bring the weekend to a close by attending the Rob Thomas concert at Heinz Hall. Rob is the former lead singer for Matchbox 20 and earlier this year released an excellent solo project. I have never attended a rock concert at Heinz Hall; the acoustics should be great. How about you: what are you listening to these days?
Have a great weekend and stay connected…
Well it's Friday and that means the weekend is upon us. For most of you that means down time, but for those of us in the ministry thing everything has a sense of building toward Sunday. Here's a quick look at the next couple of days in my life - what's happening in yours?
Friday night is Pizza Night in the Timm Household. We have a few places in the rotation like Pepperoni's in Bethel Park, Little Nippers on Beverly Road, Mineo's and my favorite, Caruso’s in Uptown Mt. Lebanon. What's your favorite - who's got the best slice in your neighborhood?
Saturday night my son Sam's high school soccer team has a big match as they take on Peters. I must say everyone had pretty low expectations for the team this year, but they have worked their way up to a number two ranking in WPIAL. Peters in the only undefeated team in WPIAL AAA and the match is on their pitch; it will be a real test. What kind of games will you be playing (or watching) this weekend?
Sunday morning we begin a new series at our church's worship gatherings. I am pretty pumped abut the series on "Environments." Each week we'll be looking at an element in the creation and allowing it to serve as a metaphor for our life as the People of God. Here are the five environments and they way they speak to our call and purpose as a community of faith:
Wind - Mission is why the Church Exists
Fire - Relevance to Culture is not Optional
Earth - Creativity is the Natural Result of Spirituality
Wood - Structure must Submit to Spirit
Water - Love is the Context for All Mission
Do any of these elements peak your curiosity?
And on Sunday night I will bring the weekend to a close by attending the Rob Thomas concert at Heinz Hall. Rob is the former lead singer for Matchbox 20 and earlier this year released an excellent solo project. I have never attended a rock concert at Heinz Hall; the acoustics should be great. How about you: what are you listening to these days?
Have a great weekend and stay connected…
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