“Organic community has the human complexities that promote artistry over mechanics. In our worship of “how-to” pragmatism, we have in some cases treated the church as an object and programmed the life out of it. It would do us well to remember that our job is to help people with their lives rather than build infrastructures that help institutions stay alive. Sometimes we focus so much on building a ‘healthy church’ that we forget to tend to the health of the people. Healthy environments are vital – alive. They are not inanimate – dead. When places encourage community to emerge spontaneously, they have motion, emotion, and a living spirit. The goal is not to manufacture community, nor is the goal to build programs. The hope is to watch living community emerge naturally and to collaborate with its environment in helpful healthy ways. The difference between a paint-by-numbers kit and the blank canvas of an artist is the difference between master plan and organic order. In short, master plan tries to manufacture life, whereas organic order is an invitation to live.”

6/30  Meal Groups Meet Together @ Harvey Park

7/14  Meal Groups Meet Together @ Harvey Park

7/28  Meal Groups (Homes)

To Find a home near you email us at info@thechurchatspringhill.com.

“On Thanksgiving Day we acknowledge our dependence.”

So today I acknowledge…

I am dependent upon my faith & relationship with Yahweh, who is in my heart and mind no doubt real and active in my life and the lives of those around me.

I am dependent on Jesus who shows me practically who Yahweh was, is and will be.  When a world of thoughts, ideas and propaganda swirl…I can always look to Jesus and see what to do.  It may be not be easy, but it is there.

I am dependent up on the Meredith.  Without her voice and presence I would be frantic and often off course. Without her constant willingness to help and give, I would be a failure.

I am dependent upon my children who teach me daily what it means to love and to slow down and that every moment is precious.

…to Arden who teaches me that it’s all going to be okay.  I can relax and laugh.
…to Aubrey who teaches me that it there are always opportunities to love and the kindness and compassion win.
…to Abram who teaches me that there is always time and life can always be fun.

I am dependent upon my extended family who give me solid words and deeds of encouragement and council.  They love me no matter what and have always supported me and encouraged me to follow what was on my heart.  They have also helped me see that all people have value and are loved and treasured by Yahweh.

I am dependent upon my adopted family, my church community, who are teaching me that Yahweh is real and that there is nothing more important than the unique moments that He gives us together.  Without this community, I would be really disillusioned as to what it means to be the church.  They are saving and refreshing me.

I am dependent upon my friends & neighbors who often encourage me and help me realize the dreams that Yahweh has put inside of me.  I am also deeply dependent on their wise council and funny looks when I climb above 30,000 feet…or I’m about to crash. I need them.

I am dependent on a host of other things & people as well…some good some not so good.  Books, my computer, my iPhone, the crew at Spring Hill Starbucks, headphones, Fuller Seminary, Google Reader, Hulu, my PS3, the Utopia Coffee Crowd, my pastor friends, and many more things that I’m sure I’ve missed.

I am dependent. As much as I really do like to be alone (it’s a only child thing), I am dependent.

As much as I’d like to be an island, to have it all together , to be an army of one, to be a super hero…I am dependent.

And today…to all these people (and things), I say thanks.

Peace  ~

William

-  Henri Nouwen