Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Thinking of the big picture...

Wow, last week in Crossroads was incredible. To hear so many of you share what God has done in you and through you in 2006 was very moving, and a tremendous reminder that we have much to be thankful for. Through many conversations this week, I am reminded of how blessed we are to have each other, and what an influence we can have for God when we work together. So whether things for you are going great, so-so, or not so good, take time to think up, and see the big picture of how God loves and leads us.

Tonight, our church family will meet together in the Sanctuary at 7 pm for a special one hour Thanksgiving service, where we’ll be looking at Psalms 117, and the example of gratitude. Make plans to be there, and to eat afterwards!

Next week in Crossroads is “The Net”, where will discuss how to use the internet for our good and the good of others. Plus real vs. virtual relationships! And save the date: The Crossroads Christmas Party is December 16!

Friday, November 17, 2006

This Monday, November 20th you're invited to Stephanie and Rachel's apartment on the east side to hang out. Come on over anytime after 7:30, and bring something to eat. You'll watch a movie, look at jewelry, and do other girl stuff. If you have questions, you can contact Steph at mu_ricangirl@hotmail.com. Steph and Rachel live at 2508 E. Belleview Place, #33, in Milwaukee.

Tuesday, November 14, 2006

Boundless Magazine has a great article on the decision whether to have alcohol served at a wedding. You can read the article here. I agree with his conclusion that the question to be asked is "how can we honor God in this wedding?" Your thoughts?

Friday, November 10, 2006

Nate Turner has posted some great pictures from the 'Sunday After Dark' worship night on October 29. The pictures are in the gallery on the church website, and you can view them here. I would be interested to hear what you thought of this event. I want to express thanks to the many in Crossroads that worked so hard to make this an incredible night.

Wednesday, November 08, 2006

Mike, Rachel, Hillary, Justin & I returned with our group from Israel this morning, and we can't wait to share some details of this incredible place with you tonight. We'll show some beautiful pictures, give away flutes from Bethlehem, and we'll pass around a an artifact that is 2,000 years old: a widow's mite. Come see why Jesus made such a big deal out of this small coin. Plus, Tonto, a missionary to Mexico will give us an update of what's happening south of the border. See you tonight at 7!

Friday, November 03, 2006

Should you vote November 7th?

Mike Ganiere came across this article today at our kibbutz in Israel:

If you're stupid, don't vote
By DAN KENITZ
Posted: Nov. 2, 2006
Aside from what they actually vote for, what many people disagree on is whether or not it's the responsibility of eligible citizens to vote. Since you technically don't have to vote but might be wondering if it's right for you, I've assembled this list to help you discern whether or not you ought to vote.

• If you believe that it's everyone's responsibility to vote, you're stupid. Don't vote.
• If you're disillusioned with the entire democratic process because you don't like President Bush, voted against him twice yet he still got elected, you're stupid. Don't vote.
• If you understand the depth and nature of the American military's sacrifice from Bunker Hill to Baghdad and its continued importance to our survival as a nation and as a collective soul, you're smart. Vote.
• If you want to re-elect Gov. Jim Doyle because you saw a TV ad that says Rep. Mark Green gives kickbacks to Big Oil, you're stupid. Don't vote.
• If you want to vote for Green because you saw a TV ad that says Doyle gives kickbacks to everyone else, well, I think you're right but that doesn't necessarily make you smart. Don't vote.
• If you think Milwaukee Republicans got carried away about Democratic voter fraud in recent years while supporting voter ID requirements that make sure votes are being cast by actual people, join the Democratic Party, change your name to John Doe and vote 1,700 times.
• If you've already moved to China because it has bought up a majority of our debt and is moving closer to a democracy, you're smart - and disloyal. Send an absentee ballot.
• If you support the space program, vote twice.
• If you think "Barack Obama bin Laden" is the country's greatest threat since "Albert Hitler," congratulations on graduating from the U.S. public education system. But don't vote.
• If your primary motivation for voting is that someone offered you a pack of cigarettes if you vote for Candidate X, you're an honorary Democrat. Don't vote.
• If you view freedom not as something that you automatically should be entitled to just by existing but should be regularly and proactively exercised, you're smart. Vote.
• If you believe that Wisconsin needs to be more like Illinois, and therefore should have more tollways, move to Illinois and vote there.
• If you were asked who Chester A. Arthur was and you responded, "Did he start a sandwich franchise?" no points will be deducted - it was a good guess. You can vote.
• If you feel that your financial well-being is the responsibility of the government, the upper class, the middle class, your kids or anyone who's not you, you're stupid. Don't vote.
• If you get emotionally upset because a columnist called you stupid, don't vote. You're easily excitable and shouldn't have any say over who gets access to The Button.
Now, total up your score: Add a point for "vote"; subtract a point for "don't vote." If your score is zero or above, feel free to vote. If you got a negative number, steer clear from voting booths and longer words in general.
By the way, if you really use this list to figure out whether or not you should vote, you're stupid. Don't vote.
Dan Kenitz of Hartford is a writer who runs a political Web site, BipolarNation.com. His e-mail address is dan@bipolarnation.com
From the Nov. 3, 2006 editions of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel