Tomorrow night, Sunday the 17th, we'll be meeting in Allen Hall at 5PM, rather than One-o-One.
Spread the word & see ya tomorrow!
Ben
///Canvas Weekly :: Exploring Rejection
Hey Misfits,
HUGE thanks to Louise for leading the great discussion last week! And thanks to those of you who were there to participate.
This week we'll reach way back to our roots as misfits. We'll take a look at the way Mark uses rejection stories as central elements of the life of followers of Jesus. We'll explore and discuss the ways we've experienced rejection at the cultural, religious, and familial levels, and we'll take hope in Jesus' confident response in the face of rejection.
There's a solid chance that Brooks may be back with us delivering some reflective melodies, so bring your singing voices!
Announcements:
- Keep those Misfit foam fingers limber- softball is coming back soon!
- Last week we gave $200
- Ben sends good reports from the Radius Camp in AL, and will be back with us Sunday
- Be thinking, elevating awareness, and seeking connections for Canvas service to our neighbors in the local and global community!
Can't wait for another amazing gathering!
GRACE & PEACE
///Canvas Weekly :: The Beauty of Failure
Hey Misfits,
Hope you've had a great week!
We have some amazing stuff in store for you this Sunday, as Louise leads us in some contemplation and conversation surrounding failure, intention, and the way beauty emerges. As always, we want to support those who spend their time preparing and thinking through what will be meaningful and formative for us as a community. So please show up and lend your voice as well as your encouragement to the conversation, and the leaders among us.
Ben will be gone to teach and preach at Radius Camp in Auburn, AL, and will be back next Sunday. We'll be praying together that he has much to report about the kingdom of love advancing among Students who learn to serve their neighbors and their communities.
Let's continue to pray for one another and the needs that have been expressed in the past few gatherings. Without a doubt, there is much brokenness. But, there is also much joy and healing.
Over the last three weeks we've given just over $400. Sometimes giving is rough over the summer with people traveling, missing Sundays due to holiday weekends, etc. But, whether you are a part of the group who has committed to support our annual budget, or if you simply value and benefit from the work Canvas does as a faith community, and in service of the greater community, please consider your participation. Your contribution, great or small, has immense impact as it enables us to continue as a community, and enables us to maximize the effect of our pooled generosity. So, please pray about if and how you give. but, pray also about how we, as a community, are called to spend well the growing sum that we have set aside for ministry and service to our neighbors.
Looking forward to a great Sunday! Until then, finish the week strong, and enjoy your weekend.
Grace and Peace
///Canvas Weekly :: The Seed and the Soil
Hey Misfits!
Hope the week careening at full speed toward a holiday weekend brings you all sorts of joy and peace. At the end of the day today, there will be a sabbath of biblical (3 day) proportions. And we all know how three days of laying low can lead to all sorts of resurrection and renewed life.
This week we'll continue the conversation begun last week about how Jesus' message- and the reality of the Kingdom of God itself- travels, grows, is embraced by, and even the possibility that it might change its context. Jesus has told a story about the kingdom being spread like seed strewn about to any number of different kinds of soil (contexts), and that the message is always received differently, in different time frames. We were left with the observation that were not to judge, categorize, or favor certain soils over the other, but instead to examine the soil of our own lives, and to be unconditionally giving and generous with the love and message we've been given. We were left also, then, with the question about whether or not the soil is static. Does soil change?
Join us as we keep the good times rolling! Sunday, 5PM, One.O.One
A few items for your awareness:
-The Buddhist Meditation group will be meeting at the lounge at 2PM Sun., and would love anyone to join them. They'll be practicing a special form of peacemaking prayer. For more info see the Canvas Facebook page.
-If you'd like to open your 4th of July plans to some Canvas Misfits, post the deets to the Canvas wall, or be prepared to announce and invite on Sunday.
Let's continue to pray:
- John's dad continues to need our prayers, as do John and Anabel, as they walk with him through a tough time.
- Louise's close friends are in our prayers as they live through a near fatal tragedy- Update Sunday night.
- Stevo is recovering from the illness passed on to Louise (Food Poisoning?)- both in need of some healing.
- Praying for Nick's dad, enduring at-home dialysis
- Praying for Brooks as he shares his gifts, and the embracing love of Canvas in Greece
- Continuing to pray for Jarian and Melissa, and Camp Alkulana, where they're serving at-risk youth this summer.
- Pray with your wallets and word of mouth- One.o.One needs some business, customers, and support!
- TAYLOR GOT A JOB!!! YAY!!!
Giving:
-Last week we gave $80, and the week before we gave $0 (didn't meet).
-Be thinking and looking for the people, places, and movements in which God is alive and up to something
See you all Sunday!
Grace and Peace!
///Canvas Weekly :: Theory & Jazz
Hey Misfits,
Hope your fathers day weekend was well, and the week is treating you kindly so far.
We're back on for our Sunday gathering this week at 5 at the lounge, barring a persisting a/c and power issue. If there is an issue we'll be in touch again about an alternative location.
Bring a snack and beverage this week, as our time will be heavy on the conversation, listening to one another about how we're seeing God at work and the Kingdom alive, in and through our lives and spheres of influence. We hope you'll each bring some meaningful stories.
We'll sing, read a parable and Jesus explanation, reflect together on how we understand and experience the movement of God, this mysterious kingdom, and a message of good news. We'll eat, drink, and be merry together.
Can't wait!
Grace and Peace
///Canvas Weekly :: Happy Father's Day!
Hey Misfits,
Here's to wishing one another amazing weeks, regardless the slog of the job, or the joy of the freedom. Pause and own your value and humanity apart from whatever keeps you busy.
This weekend we'll pause from our gatherings, and celebrate a Sunday with friends, family, and hopefully seeing, calling, celebrating, or just remembering our fathers.
If you're in the mood for some personal or smaller group reflection, check out the following passages/ stories, and reflect on the father in each. Jesus teaches the disciples to pray in Matthew 6:9-13. The story of the prodigal son- Luke 15:11-32. If ya ain't got a bible, google it!
Announcements:
-Let' pray for the Bates family as they've experienced a tragic loss this week
-Monday's softball game was postponed until this next week. Same 6:30 time. Last game of the season.
-This week we gave $25
Grace and Peace,
Ben
Canvas Weekly :: Explanation & Experience
Hey Misfits,
Huge thanks to our conversation leaders, and those adding their voice to the mix, creating a meaningful dialogue last Sunday.
This week we'll move our conversation in a bit of a different direction, exploring the tension between explanation and experience. Jesus life and teachings are composed of this give and take, back and forth, ebb and flow of teaching, talking about, explaining, describing, and inviting. He wants people to know and understand this new thing he calls the Kingdom of God. Then, there's this often raw, energetic, experience-driven demonstration and enlisting of spectators and participants in becoming a part of this Kingdom. Knowledge, experience, and all the ways they overlap.
Looking forward to more great conversation, enlightenment, and inspiration- individually and communally!
See you all Sunday night at 5 at the lounge,
Grace and Peace
///Canvas Weekly :: "Who is this?"
So, who is this? (Attached). This is June Sandra Collins. Thanks to everyone for all the support and prayers. Ben, Stacy, and baby June are home and settling in.
This Sunday we'll be at the Hookah Lounge at 5, and will continue the "Who is this" discussion from Mark chapter 4. We'll be led by John, Adrienne and Louise, as we look through what Mark has to say about this question, and what he suggests about his response. Brooks will provide some tunes, and community, connections, and conversation march forward.
Come and lend your voice!
Announcements:
-Giving: Last week we gave: $675
-Softball resumes Monday: time and field TBA
-Prayer Requests: Andrew- husband of a friend of Canvas has a brain tumor- surgery on Wed.; Camp Alkulana- Canvas ministry partner- for underprivileged girls and boys- staff training starts Monday; Jarian- heading to Alkulana tomorrow- staffing for the summer- giving kids a childhood and showing God's love; Taryn- safely in Ukraine- loving orphans; June was born- is home and healthy- Ben's dad (Conrad) was able to be there and is making amazing progress recovering from his spinal injury.
-Benefit: continuing to work on an event to raise funds and awareness for a cause, and to elevate exposure of local art, talent, and creativity. Keep us posted if you have an idea or contact.
Thanks for making Canvas Canvas, and for making everything we are and do possible by being you! See ya Sunday!
Grace and Peace
:: Mid-week Gathering ::
Hey All,
For the continued discussion/ gathering this week, come to the Webb's place (Mason's Fam).
1251 Valley View Lane, DeLand
From 6-8...ish. Make sure to bring a swim suit, and any snacks/drinks are appreciated. Mason's making bean dip for crackers or chips and we have a couple 2 liters of soda.
See you all tonight!
///Canvas Weekly :: "Who is this?"
Hey Tribe,
The weekend is upon us again. We need the rhythm. We work, and we rest. We toil, then we stop, reflect, celebrate the fruits of our labor, and remember our humanity, full of thanks!
This Sunday, we'll move into the core of Mark's story of calling and sending. At its center is this question- "Who is this (Jesus)?". It is the question at the core of the Christian faith, it is ever on the mind of those who claim Jesus- whether for his way, his teachings, his life, death or resurrection- or for the mystery of their fullness when taken together. And so, when Mark begins to explore the life into which we're called, and the work for which we're sent into the world, he gives us a question; Not a simple answer, but a mystery wide enough to hold together Divinity, humanity, the universe- and to wonder at their connection.
We'll be back at One-O-One Hookah Lounge- 101 W. Rich. 5 PM. No softball on Monday as it's a holiday weekend. Thanks to Keelyn for opening her house on Wednesday, and for the conversation.
So excited for Sunday!
Grace and Peace
Canvas - tonight @ Keelyn's
Hey everyone!
I know most of you are now using the Facebook group to get info about Canvas. I wanted to send out a quick reminder about tonight, but, I'm at my school, so I don't have access to Facebook.
We are having a get together - with FOOD/DRINKS and fellowship - at my apartment TONIGHT! :) Here is the address and directions. Hope to see you there! I will have lots of burrito fixings and drinks :) Bring a small appetizer or drink or dessert if you want :)
Integra Landings (apartment complex)
1575 Canopy Lane, Apt. 207
Orange City, FL 32763
Directions (from Stetson U.)
- Go SOUTH on 1792 (aka - Woodland Blvd.) for about 8-10 minutes
- Turn LEFT onto Graves Ave. (drive for about 3 minutes)
- Turn RIGHT onto Veterans Memorial Pkwy (traffic light)
- Drive for about 1 minute, and BEFORE you get to the next traffic light (Rhode Island Ave), you will see Integra Landings apartment complex on the LEFT side of the road.
- If the gate isn't open, hit 176 on the keypad and I will let you in. When you drive in, drive straight back; the road will curve to the LEFT. My building is 1575 (I'm in the middle stairway, on the second floor). Apt. 207.
Call if you get lost :) See ya there!
386-837-4264
Keelyn Hermansdorfer
///Canvas Weekly :: State of the Union
Hey Tribe,
If the frantic, frenetic pace of the week has robbed you of sanity and left you wondering why it flew by so fast, or why it seems to be dragging along so slowly, pause for a breath and remind yourself of your humanity... your dignity. You are more than your busyness. You have value beyond what you produce.
This week we'll be stepping a bit further into Mark's story of Jesus, using our conversation last week, and some review and further detail this week, to launch into an examination of the Canvas community. Where are we? How are we doing? What is our metric? What do we see for the future? Mark's picture of Jesus is very intentional about calling followers, purposeful in what he thinks they ought to do together, and what and who that prepares them to be as people moving through this life. So, we'll start there. We'll make some reports about what the recent conversations have yielded regarding vision, direction, leadership, etc. And, we'll answer any questions to bring clarity, and a shared sense of momentum. Claire and Zach will be bringing some meaningful reflection and celebration through song. We'll take some time to pray, reflect, and center ourselves. Should be a great gathering!
DON'T FORGET! We're meeting at Allen Hall this week. NW Corner of Minnesota and Woodland. Park in back. We'll be in the main auditorium.
See you all Sunday!
Grace and Peace
///Canvas Weekly :: What does Jesus have in mind?
Hey Tribe,
Hope this week finds you well- winding down another 5 day grind, or sailing through one blissful day of work after another. Whatever the case, know you are appreciated, thought fondly of, and are having good things hoped and prayed for you as you struggle or sail. As you struggle or sail from now till Sunday night, or thinking of the ways you have over the past days and weeks, take a moment to reflect on the ways you've seen or experienced God in your life and work. Has there been unexpected love where it might seem the least likely? Have you seen mercy where it was undeserved? Have you surprised yourself by a gracious act, or been surprised by the grace of another? If you've got an experience of your faith that might be meaningful or encouraging to others, or is a picture of the way Canvas flows out from our gatherings into our lives, please feel free to bring it to share on Sunday. If not, let this reflection remain private, for your faith and growth.
This week we're going to begin to look at a brilliant section of Mark's story of Jesus, in which Mark gets down to just what Jesus is looking for out of his followers. Is it religious allegiance, belief, theological agreement, church attendance, money, time, pretending to be happy? What? Jesus has something in mind for his followers, for disciples... for us. "What is it?" Join us Sunday as we examine this question and begin to make the turn toward what might be in store specifically for Canvas.
Then the following Sunday, the 22nd, flowing from this week's question and discussion, we'll have a sort of "State of the Union" for Canvas, in which we'll present the results of many of the conversations that have been had in the recent months about the growing/ changing shape of Canvas, and clarify where we are, where we're headed as a community, and how we can best embrace and live this common vision together.
Canvas Life:
- 80's night at 101 on Friday. Specials and Live Music- Support Louise and the Lounge as they support us!
- If you benefit from Canvas, consider giving to what Canvas is and does together and in service to our neighbors.
- Recent Giving has helped one of Clark's friends, who lost everything in a house fire, to get basic supplies for his wife and kids. Thanks for helping us to love our neighbors well.
- Softball Game next Monday at 8:30
- If you have anything to contribute to a community yard sale- Robin and Larry are collecting and Storing.
See you all Sunday!
Grace and Peace
///Canvas Strategy Sesh...
Hey all,
Part three of our strategy/ vision sessions will be tomorrow, Tuesday night at 101. 7PM.
Please feel free to join us, lend your voice, and help to shape this community.
If you have any questions or would like clarification on the conversation, decisions, or Canvas finances, please reply with all questions to this email.
Peace
///Canvas Weekly :: Mark and the Arch
Hey Misfits,
We had an amazing experience last Sunday reading the gospel of Mark together from beginning to end. Thanks to the readers and hearers for the time and conversation together.
This week, having let the story wash over us, say what it had to say, and hopefully change us, we'll dive into our study of Mark's gospel. We'll ask some important questions about how we ought to read and understand, what Mark's intent was, why he laid out his narrative arch the way he did, and we'll warp up with a brief paraphrase/ highlight reel of Mark, and begin to explore the implications. If there were particular things that stood out in the reading, or if you missed the reading and undertook a reading of Mark on your own, please bring those questions, perspectives, and thoughts to the group for conversation.
Congrats to the Misfits on a solid win and tough loss on Monday night, and plan to come out again this coming Monday to support!
We had a great meeting on Tuesday night to talk and dream through the possible vision and future, as well as organization and logistics of Canvas. We'll have a brief report of our conversation and decisions this Sunday, and invite you all in advance, to join us again this coming Tuesday at 7pm for round two of our conversation.
Hope the week is finishing well for all of us! Inhale the good and beautiful and true. Exhale the negative and frustrating and broken.
You are loved, even now, just as you are...
Grace an Peace
///Canvas Strategic Planning Meeting
Hey Misfits,
For those who are interested in joining us, a group of us will be meeting tonight at 7:30 at 101 Hookah Lounge- 101 W Rich Ave. to discuss the future of Canvas, our goals and objectives, finances, this ongoing season of transition, etc.
Feel free to join us. All are welcome to weigh in. If that's not your thing, feel free to sit it out. Know that we value your voice as much as you're willing to be heard.
The regular weekly will come out later in the week about the gathering this Sunday.
Grace and Peace,
Ben
Canvas Weekly :: The First Gospel
Hey Misfits,
Thanks to everyone for a great Easter together! Among the best in recent memory for sure. Huge special thanks to Chuck and Mary Beth for opening their home to us.
We'll be back at One-o-One Hooka Lounge for our gathering this week, and it'll be one you won't want to miss, unlike anything you've ever experienced.
We'll be at the lounge starting at 4:45. We'll have live music with Brooks and some incarnation of the Gypsy House Band. We'll have snacks, spend some time chatting, catching up, enjoying one another's company... like we do. Then, right at 5:15, we'll begin the reading of the Gospel of Mark- the first gospel. We'll read it all the way through (it takes about an hour and 15 minutes), so plan to be riveted from 5:15 to 6:30.
In the church, especially in this age and culture, we're accustomed to picking apart the accounts of Jesus life. We tend to take a story, a chapter, or a verse (often out of context). We study the words, the grammar, the language. We create a sermon, derive our theology, or make our points based on interpretation of a segment of the text. But, what if we understood that the gospel of Mark is Mark's sermon, his theology, his point. It makes his points in the way he wanted to make them. It tells the story in the fashion and with the language he chose. What if we don't break it up and read into it? what if we read and take in the story in its entirety? Well, in a word, we'll never hear or read the gospels in the same way again.
Please join us for a very unique gathering, and an opportunity to experience the story as it was originally written, and intended to be heard- read out loud to a small faith community.
If you'd like to be a reader, we're still looking for a couple. It entails a chunk of about three chapters. Please reply to this email to participate as a reader.
Grace and Peace,
Cool video
http://sermoncentral.sermonspice.com/product/38691/3-days
Thought provoking for this week.
Thought provoking for this week.
///Canvas HOLY Weekly
Hey Misfits,
First installment of the HOLY Weekly. Yep. It's holy Week, leading up to Easter.
Just wanted to get the word out early about our Easter plans so you can make plans, lock it in, and get scheduled for the weekend.
We'll meet at Chuck and Mary Beth's house- 1034 Torchwood Dr.- around 10:45, so we can begin our brief Easter service at 11. We'll sing, reflect, pray, hear some fresh words of resurrection, If someone is so moved by the gathering that they must be baptized, then we'll make it happen right then and there in the pool. Then we'll brunch together and swim- bring a suit!
So, bring yourself, loved ones, etc. Bring a pot luck brunch dish and beverage to share with the community. Bring a suit for the pool or hot tub. If you feel like mimosas or bloody mary's feel free to bring the elements.
It's Easter, as far as we know the tomb is empty. let's celebrate!
///Canvas Weekly :: Fresh Breath . Fresh Venue
Hey Misfits,
Our sincere prayer is, in all of the business, and with plenty of reason for stress and anxiety, that this week has provided space for a sense of harmony, accomplishment, and genuine meaning. If it hasn't yet, stop for a moment, take a breath, and remind yourself that you're human. Remind yourself that it's Saturday. Remind yourself that you're loved and valued beyond what you produce and achieve, do or don't do.
Last week we had a turning-point meeting of the misfit minds. We collected our composure, made an honest assessment of who we are and why we're doing this thing called Canvas, and unanimously decided to continue and take the next step. What we're doing is far too unique, valuable, and important for us and the yet discovered misfits for us to shrug the responsibility when the going gets less than comfortable. So, in this transitional season, we embrace change, adapt, and continue to pursue this Jesus and and the misfit community created, as well as we know how. We're so glad you all are a part of this with us! You all can feel free to be as involved and active and invested in this transition and next step as you'd like (more details available Sunday night), or as passive a participant as is comfortable for you right now. The bottom line is that you belong, and we're glad you're among us.
This week, we'll gather to share life, sing, celebrate, pray, learn and have dialogue- to which we've become accustomed. We often reference Jesus' summary of faith, "Love God and love your neighbor." And, if pressed to boil down the faith of Canvas, this seems to fit pretty well. But, we often forget that Jesus' concluded this summary with, "As yourself"... "Love your neighbor as your self." Which begs all sorts of questions about if, and how we love ourselves... Which begs all sorts of questions about how differently we seem to love our neighbors than ourselves.
Apparently Jesus summary of faith is actually, "Love God, Love your neighbor, Love yourself!" It's worth some attention.
See you all Sunday night in our new space- One-o-One Hooka Lounge, 101Rich Ave. (West Side). 5PM.
Grace and Peace
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