Promo vids #2...i think it is funny

Ok, so here is our week 2 promo...I gave props in the last post.
Any problems watching the vid? Go to the original post
@ natedrye.com
If you laugh, let me know...

A little Conan, a little recycle, a lotta fun...

We have a new series coming up mid-November called, Church FAQs. Basically, we want to answer threatening questions people may have about our church, ALC. Questions like: why did you play a Michael Jackson song? what happens to my money after I put it in the offering bag thing? what does this church believe about the virgin birth? what do you see happening here in the next 2-3 years?

Those are just samples, but we're allowing everyone to ask a question via our website, text, email, or just easy paper and pen style with a connection card. So, we have some short video promos to promote the series. We sat down some of our church leaders (myself included) and had them volunteer ALC Secrets.

It may not be what you think, but here ya go:
(if you can't view the video, watch in the original post at www.natedrye.com)


So, whatcha think? More to come soon...

My dog ran away a lot...

When I was a young boy, I had a dog that ran away a lot. I can't really say that I blamed him. His name was Scruffy, and I was a bad dog owner. I didn't walk him, I kept him on a chain in the back yard, I whined when I was told to feed him, blah blah blah. Elementary school children learn responsibility in very odd ways.

When Scruffy ran away, it like he was running for sweet freedom. Seriously, you would have thought he was a POW that finally caught a break. I couldn't catch him. I don't even know why/how he "got loose." He always seemed to break free around the first day of school, oddly enough (lol).

It always irked me that he ran so hard once he was free. But then again, why wouldn't he? I was a horrible care giver. My mom pretty much cared more about Scruffy than me. She just MADE me do the right things and take responsibility. She would always say the same things to me: "He will stop running if you stop chasing him. And if you actually let him go, he may come back on his own." And he did...Scruffy always came back. He didn't come back because of me, though. I am convinced of that. Honestly, I still can't figure out why he would come back.

Responsibility is funny. Not in a lol kind of way, either. When it is forced on you, you're frustrated all the time and disdain the pressure (like me and Scruffy). When you take it willfully, like in a job, you are consistently trying to relieve the pressure by owning your role. There is a lot to be said about actually owning responsibility, especially when it comes to following Jesus, and in leading others on the same path.

I think that, as the church of Jesus, we have a tremendous responsibility: to own our roles as followers of Jesus in a way that leads those around us into a deeper connection to Him. Whether we sing, teach, serve, or smile...we are compelled to do so in a way that draws attention to Jesus. Think about that. If we actually do that, we may think that it is important that we value and prioritize, and, dare I say, lead with our actions when it comes to our actions as a Christ follower (some people would call this ministry).

We should at least conduct ourselves in a manner where other people will not want to ever "run far far away." I think love may play a factor here.

^15-17Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Christ—the Message—have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives—words, actions, whatever—be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. (Colossians 3:17, The Message)

Questions

At our church, we're in the middle of a series called, Faith FAQs. In this series, we're fielding question via text message. We are in the second week of this, and, I must admit, I am having so much fun with it. I love questions.

BUT, we have a great question asked this past weekend that really intimidated me. Not because of the question so much, but because of the emotion I knew was resting on the other side of how it needed to be answered. Dan (our Lead Pastor) had one the best responses I could have imagined. Watch this and see if you agree...



You can watch the podcasts and be involved in this series, even if you can't be there in the building. Go to our church's website (abundantlifechurch.us), ask a question at the website (faithfaqs.com), or text in your question and hopefully watch the podcasts and maybe it will be answered (text ALC + your question to 47201).

Lastly, this blog is fed into other sites, if the video doesn't feed in correctly, go to my original blog page to watch it (natedrye.com).

Old guys @ Strarbucks

So, I went to Starbucks earlier this morning to get some writing accomplished. Let's just say I got distracted. I really wish I could have taken a live, in the moment picture or even video, but it would have been too weird.

Let me explain, there are 4 old guys (Aaron and I refer to them as crotchety old men, and we want to be crotchety old men one day as well) that are ALWAYS sitting at this table.
They are Vets...they are funny...and, when I have the opportunity to eavesdrop on them, it is hard not to just laugh along with them. Basically, I am quite impressed with the range of their conversation this morning. I was so impressed, I kept track of the topics as they were talking. You may be equally impressed (disturbed, amused, entertained...). Here ya go:

1. 8:58 AM. They were already in discussion as I sat down with my coffee about Obama winning the Nobel peace prize.
   -"He deserves that about as much as you deserved your second wife."
   -"He only won it because he lost that Olympics award."
   -"They never give that prize to anybody who does anything anyway."
   -"Now if Obama had created the Starbucks new Sanka Instant crap I could understand it. That stuff will bring people together." (followed by much laughter)
2. 9:20ish AM. The discussion then moved to different things about Obama and the Republican Party.
   -"If Obama were a Republican, he would probably change his middle name like Reagan did."
   -"Obama's middle name is no big deal...people need to get over it like they did Reagan's divorce history."
   -"I tell ya if Reagan were still alive he would have won the Nobel Peace Prize." (much agreeing and affirmation)
   -"The problem with the Republican party is that they don't have anyone to rally around....like Reagan"
3. 930ish AM. Here is where it gets really fun...
   -"Brittney Spears got partial custody of her kids, I heard."
   -"About time! You can't separate a kid from his momma."
   -"She's had her issues but I think she is a good girl where it counts." (mutual nodding of heads)
   -"I think she is a Republican, too!" (for real, this was said, and no one challenged the statement...priceless)
4. 940 AM. They started talking about a friend of theirs, Charity, who apparently is recently divorced and going through a custody battle of her own.
   -"Ya know, Charity should really look into getting a lawyer like Brittney Spears'."
   -"They're both great gals: young, pretty...got their whole lives ahead of them."
   -"I told Charity that she needs to look out for these crazy guys...her and Brittney both got bit by the same love bug, I guess."
   -"Yeah, that bug of bad choices."
   -"I bet the Nobel Prize committee got bit by that bug when they chose Obama!" (much laughter and nodding of heads)
5. 10AM ish (last convo before they left). The convo turned to their coffee, their wives, and ended full circle with Obama.
   -"I really hate Via."
   -"Why is that?"
   -"Cause my wife thinks I don't need to come out here for coffee when I can make what I like at home."
   -"Just tell that (nice woman) that she has scissors and can cut her own hair, then!"
   -"Don't call my wife a (nice woman)!"
   -"Oh shut up, I ain't got time for a lecture from you about how to treat a woman." (laughter, except for husband)
   -"My wife voted for McCain last year (last year?!?)...he wouldn't have ever won a peace prize!" (much laughter and agreement)
   -"Yeah, but I am still glad I voted for Obama." (then they got up and left...with that statement being said as they stood up and walked out together)

SO, I was entertained by them. There was much more said in the conversation, but I only typed out what i thought was funny when I could hear it. Hopefully, they read my blog...lol.

And on another random note...I wore a tie recently:

A late response...

I have seen your tweets, your status updates, and your blogs about this, and, I suppose, this one won't be as timely. But my response is to people who say they follow Jesus. You see, I watched the same youtube videos, hulu, huffington post... And I witnessed the audience react to the news.

Wait, maybe you didn't see it. Watch this:




There, in under two minutes, now you are somewhat up to speed.

Like I said, I have read your tweets, your updates, your blogs... and quite honestly, I am disgusted on a few levels. Here is my response to more than the video:

1. Letterman did bad things. And Clinton did bad things. In fact, bad things are done all the time. However, many folks don't tweet, or update, or blog until those bad things have to do with some type of sexual bad thing. The internet was bubbling with ecstasy when Ted Haggard finally came forward. We (our culture, both on the left and the right) are obsessed with sex.
   
2. The audience at Letterman's taping celebrated that behavior with laughter and applause. We (humans) joke about and laugh with the ongoing stigmas that we watch on SNL, The Soup, VH1, ET, ad nauseum... I think (and I am probably wrong) that he was brilliant in the fact that he disclosed everything. His humor style (self deprecation) leads to this full disclosure, if you think about it.
3. Not many people were shocked or surprised at his confession. Many of you (and you know who I am talking about) made that abundantly clear in your judgmental tweets, updates, and blogs. This made me angry. I could write and get on my own soap box, but that would be unwise. You are bad, too (or so says I John 1:8); don't tweet, update, or blog about someone else's badness in a self righteous way, please.
   
4. And then there is the audience's LIVE reaction to Letterman's news of applause and laughter. Many of you, my Christ loving friends, have made it a point to respond to their reaction with disgust, out right judgment, anger, intolerance, and societal embarrassment. Many of the tweets, updates, blogs had the statement: "It is sad that Letterman fans applauded and laughed with him about his sin." (Or something like that)
   
5. I have a theory (it is probably wrong): I think our culture laughs nervously and celebrates the idea of "celebrity" being human (depraved). Anytime we can connect to the celebrity, the other, the image, we love it. Therefore, I believe the laughter and applause is a connection that says to the celebrity, "Thanks for being bad like us. We know you are human. Keep making us laugh so we don't have to endure the pain of our bad choices. We're here for you."
   
6. With my theory, I think the conversation concerning the audience's reaction is elevated past the surface of celebrating bad behavior. It is camaraderie, connection, and our very deep need to know we are not alone and that we are not the only bad people. This does not make the bad things being done okay, but it does make sense of the reactions.
7. I think the reaction is yet another outcry for connection to something bigger...and anticipation of something, if you will (Romans 8:18-20). And with this thinking, it makes me want to share the human connection of Jesus more and more. If people connect to Jesus (God, perfect, the other, celebrity out of reach feeling of a person), their reaction is likely to be one of applause and laughter followed by authentic life connection.
   

So, in essence, how should we respond? I have expressed my aggravation with what I have read, but am I wrong to be aggravated? I think we should ask more questions and elevate the conversations past ourselves when we react to each other (each of us, God's creation...even the people laughing in the Letterman studio). We should get to know each other more and peel back these surface discussions to reveal something deeper. We are all bad people. We all need a magnificent rescue. We all desire a connection to something greater and bigger. I cannot, for the life of me, understand how we are having that conversation when we (as followers of Jesus) continue to tweet, update, or blog our self righteous illusions. Tell me I am judgmental and bad, I am cool with that. Believe me, I know. But don't respond to this out of anger. Have a real response with a real opinion about what I said.

Wait, last thing: what if we were angry and reacted to injustice and things that made a difference where we live? I suppose this conversation is cyclical...like from the 80s lol

There, any thoughts?

Wanted: Leaders

You will notice the absence of pictures, here...but there are lots here if you need to look at some.

There is a passage in James (that is pretty harsh altogether in its context; chapter 4), that basically says "you have not because you ask not." Another golden nugget in this book (chapter 1) is: "he who doubts is like a wave of the sea..."

I have learned a lot about myself and leadership since I began the journey into ministry. One thing I always noticed is how we (in ministry) are always looking for high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in. It is a tall and great need, but, truth is, it's valid. Over the past 18mos, I have been fortunate to be a part of the leadership at ALC, and the story here is similar: we need high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in. Church wide, we have several key leadership positions that need to be filled. We have prayed, been irritated, confused, and hopeful. It has been a learning experience for me to watch and be a part of the process. And guess what, there seems to be some shreds of light regarding some leadership and buy in...maybe even some chemistry, too!

It seems like a no brainer, but one of the ways we actually began to attract and begin conversations with high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in (YES, I WILL CONTINUE TO USE THAT ENTIRE PHRASE THROUGHOUT), was the simple act of communicating the need to our community. Simple, huh? A blurb in the program, simple conversations, and job descriptions. And the words ring out in my head: you have to ask...you don't have because you don't ask. It's so simple. See, in my mind, I need to magically (because all my thinking usually begins with me) seek out the needles in the massive haystack of our community... the thought of simple communication may be too chaotic! (sarcasm, fyi)

So that is it: simple communication. Sure, there may be some conversations with people who aren't ideal for the job, but I remember that God used a stuttering senior citizen to negotiate and lead millions out of Egypt, an adulterer to hoist the title "man after God's heart", and a murdering religious leader to write most of the New Testament. I am confident that discernment and God conversations will help sort out the bad eggs (again, sarcasm).

There are many more leadership needs we have at ALC, especially in Creative Arts. And, until right now, I can't remember vocalizing those (Creative Arts) needs outside the conversations with a few trusted leaders. In a way, it kind of feels selfish. I wonder who may answer the call when it is made clear and public? It is kind of scary.

Here are three big picture leadership needs we have in Creative Arts. Pray about these, please. What would happen if you connect with one of these as you read the descriptions? Whether you are a part of our ALC community or not, would you just say a prayer for our needs? Like I said, Creative Arts isn't the only place where leaders are needed, but...we're asking.

1. Director of the Arts Community:
-The main expectation of this leader is to bring cohesiveness to the arts community in Creative Arts at ALC (this includes leading the direction of four main teams: set design/ concept artists, graphic designers, dancers, and drama teaml and each of these teams already have dedicated leaders). The responsibilities include: a bi-weekly Directors Meeting, lead a monthly team leaders meeting (for the team leads of the 4 arts teams above), drive creativity and edgy thinking in our brainstorming (MUST have an edge to your personality), and be able to hang out over coffee and have spiritual conversations (both in accountability and in pastoring others).
2. Video Design Director/ Associate Director of Production:
-The main expectation of this leader is to own and cast vision for video creation and editing for all of Creative Arts. We have a studio already designed for you with CS4, a tricked out iMac, audio mixer, and comfy couches (no flourescent lighting allowed). We also have 3 good cameras, one HD mini, a portable audio solution for shoots, and GBs galore for archiving. We want to put together a green screen, but we need a great reason (you). This person needs to come along side our Production Director and own projects. We will bail you out of jail occasionally should you become too enthusiastic with your filming (but don't tell anyone). For real, though...this position promises no money outright, lots of free coffee, as much training as you can stand, occasioanal meals, and the coolest office at the church campus. Ideally, we see a young adult (17-24) filling this role. If you are older or younger, that isn't necessarily bad...
3. Kenya Team Leader for Arts Team:
-We are taking 3 teams to Kenya in 2010: a team of medical professionals, a team for a documentary creation, and a team that will conduct a creative arts day camp in the middle of Mathare Valley. We need a leader for that last team. Main responsibilities include: keeping up with your team internationally (passports, airports, stuff like that...organization a must), the ability to be flexible in the African community, develop and lead a day camp for kids (ages 0-21), have meetings leading up to the trip (with the team leads), and pay for your own trip. As you can see, it is a glorious role...but it will be life changing. Also, we expect you to be involved with and invested in our Creative Arts community at ALC (whew...this one is a biggie). The trip is April 5-16, 2010.

There ya go...I am curious to know what youre thinking. Are you a high capacity leaders with great chemistry, sacrifice, and buy in?

Interested? Email me and let's talk about it: ndrye@abundantlifechurch.us

a very serious issue

Shauna and I were having a discussion about a very moving video we saw back in the 90s. With all of the 5 hr energy, Monster Caffeine drinks, and opportunities for caffeine addiction out there, this video is a sobering reminder of the effects. Please watch with discretion, this may be life changing.

Say no to drugs, kids.

What makes us worth it?

I had a random thought today:

Phenomenal design is (mostly; that AND the price) what sets stores like Urban Outfitters and Anthropoligie apart from second hand bargain bins and consignment stores (this is strictly my opinion). I must admit, I really hate a concept with no design, no art. I am a foreigner in the world of bargain hunting.

My wife, she appreciates great design. In fact, if we had the money, she would probably shop Anthropoligie about once a month. But you know what? I also know she would hit up a Goodwill quite often, as she does now. She can see things (vision) out of those second hand gold mines.

Me? Not so much. I struggle to get past the smell of "not new" when I go into one of these stores. But Shauna can see the value in the bins. I walk into the store, take a panoramic look around, and go to the car. I don't enjoy shopping.

I go buying.

I walk into a store knowing what I want and look for it. If I find it, I buy it. If I don't, then I leave. Simple. Masculine. Uncomplicated. Dare I say, time saving. Totally inward focused. Christmas shopping (when I do it) is done online.

I spend more money by not being able to see past the design. Therefore, I am grateful for my wife's talent in the second hand treasure chest. Just don't ask me to go.

There is a part of God in each of us (me and my wife). God appreciates beauty (design), he is a creator/artist himself. He also sees the continued value in the creation, even if it is stuck at the bottom of a bargain bin. The thing is, his creation never lost its value. Our capitalist American minds struggle to contend and align with the Kingdom mindset. You see, the creation never lost its value. We simply keep messing it up with our humanity.

I kind of picture God as an older (for whatever reason, Spanish...from Spain) wealthy woman perusing the bins at Goodwill and getting excited as he (she) comes across an original work of art, purchases it (even though she created it), and places it in the place of prestige in her mansion overlooking the French Riveria (notice I didn't picture God as being from France, but he no doubt would live close by on the water). And that is my rambling messed up way of seeing the value in myself...being a creation of God who messes up and, by my calculations, continues to reduce my own worth. But God is continually pulling me out of the bargain bin, excited with the find, placing me in a place of beauty in his big beautiful French Riviera Waterfront Home. He sees the value. He is the creator.

What makes us worth so much to Him? It still blows my mind. After all, I am into the design : )

recent prayer

I recently read this prayer from Henri Nouwen's book, With Open Arms. This one may be a habit for a while:

Dear God,
I am full of wishes, full of desires, full of expectations.
Some of them may be realized, many may not,
but in the midst of all my satisfactions and disappointments,
I hope in you.
I know that you will never leave me alone and will fulfill your divine promises.
Even when it seems that things are not going my way,
I know that they are going your way
and that in the end your way is the best way for me.
O Lord, strengthen my hope,
especially when my many wishes are not fulfilled.
Let me never forget that your name is Love.
Amen.


Yes, Amen.