http://www.flickr.com/photos/fusionokc/sets/72157623035667587/
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A part of this adaptation means we need to make further plans to share the effort. If you are interested in taking on more responsibility within this community effort - please email and request information on the PLANNING MEETING on November 16th 6:30p.
Mission: power manifested in the insignificant, dependent, the small. “In the degree that people and communities are rich, self-satisfied, and proud of their competence and power, and want to do things that they know they are capable of doing, then they can no longer be instruments of the life of God. They give what they have, which is their self-satisfaction.” - Jean Vanier
Check out this weeks pics:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/fusionokc/sets/72157622404218722/
PLEASE SIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER HERE…
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convergence:OKC’s THREADS (april2009) photoset
We are two weeks in on our conversation to explore the STORY OF RESTORATION in Scripture. Taking the Biblical Story in it’s entirety gives us this overall sense that life is more than an escape routine from potential damnation - but life is truly meant to recapture what we’ve been made for. What have we been made for? What has all of creation been made for? WHOLENESS. A connectedness to each other, the earth, and to God that isn’t jacked—that isn’t perpetuating a deep and devastating wreckage.
So, if our life is a story (and it is).
Do we or don’t we tie our life into a Grand Narrative? Why? or Why not?
If we believe in a Big Story that speaks to meaning, purpose, and existence - how is it not simply a way to manipulate power? How is it not simply a mocking our current world, in it’s tragedy, violence, sickness, poverty, and death? How is it not a perpetuation of ‘the american dream’? Can it exist in the realm of “real life” rather than “theory?”
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Sign up for the FALL AWARENESS RETREAT
Mark your calendars, OCTOBER 9, 10, 11 we are returning to the Monastery for the Fall Awareness Retreat is a community approach to silence and spiritual practices. It will be a casual atmosphere with the majority of the time given for you to spend alone in silence, reading, praying, imaging, and creating. While we will also engage in some group practices and our usual shared dialogue. Sign up & invite a friend!
FRIDAY 7-8PM - arrival
*gate closes soon after 8:00pm
FRIDAY 9PM - welcome/snacks
SATURDAY - retreat
SUNDAY 10:30AM - depart
Remember, this retreat is for anyone interested - feel free to invite and bring a friend.
fūd - an opensource community meal begins this friday. we like to think of this as a meal together, not a serving posture of one person and a getting served posture of another. we see this a an emerging opportunity for everyone to get fed AND get to know one another.
“If you can COOK, COOK . . . If you can EAT, EAT!”
So, come down to the sidewalk in front of Convergence between 7-9am and bring some extra breakfast for yourself and others. We’ll share what we bring and enjoy either a few quick minutes OR an hour together.
MAKING fūd gūd: *clean up what you bring, *return what you move, *bring “blissware” (plastic cup, bowl, plate, etc), *have fun!
Below is a list of the respective jobs with dates/times and everyone who signed up on Sunday to help out with SHOP GOOD this week. We will continue signups through Thursday. Please just comment on this post to signup. Btw, I was really excited about the response of people on Sunday night who want to be involved. Thanks!!
1. Thursday Evening (~5:30-9pm)
TRANSPORTING STORE MATERIALS
All of the stuff is stored at Heart of God (in Midwest City). Last month we loaded everything and assembled the entire store all during the day on Friday. It was a long day, with temps around 105F. So, since during traditional work hours it is hard to get helpers, I was thinking we could load up the stuff and haul it over to the space on Thursday evening. We need to try to leave the Space by 5:30pm, if possible.
What to Expect? Loading van/cars with lumber, bins, etc. Transport to the Convergence space. Unloading materials.
Who? Gary, Scott, one of the Wynns, Kevin/Andrea?
2. Friday Afternoon (~1-4pm)
BUILDING STORE
If we can get the materials over on Thursday night, then I think we can knock out building the booths/market in about 3hrs.
What to Expect? Assembling/screwing wood frames. Draping and stapling fabric. Decorating booth spaces. Labeling, pricing, and displaying merch.
Who? Gary, Kara, and Marcus
3. Friday Late Night (~10:30pm-1:00am)
STORE TEARDOWN
With a big crew, we can probably finish a little sooner!
What to Expect? Basically the same as #2, except disassembly. Cleanup the space and get ready for Saturday event rental.
Who? Gary, Aaron, Fleximaniac, Scott, Kevin
SHOP GOOD is Friday night from 7-11pm. Come hang out, meet people, and buy some really cool stuff for some really good causes.
support the Plaza District & ConvergenceOKC tonight! Great art by Stephanie Jackson up for viewing, lots of prints available!
This may seem obvious, but I just wanted to remind everyone coming out to the retreat this wekend to bring your Bible and a journal. In addition, please feel the freedom to bring those things that you know will help you listen to God. For some that might mean bringing materials for drawing or painting, for others it might mean bringing some current books you are reading.
Please know that even though we have an “agenda” for the weekend, there is complete openness and freedom to use the time this weekend in the way that will best bring you rest and prayerfulness.
On a different note, if you have a blow up bed, sleeping bag or cot, please bring it. I was unable to find our blow up bed tonight so my guess is that we will need some extras.
Call me tomorrow with any questions.
Daran
http://www.clearcreekmonks.org/directionsS.htm
Sleeping Arrangements:
1. Your own bedding (sheets, pillow, blankets etc.)
2. Your own towel
3. If you have a blow up bed please plan to bring it.
* The house has 11 beds so some of us will need to sleep on blow up beds. If you have one please respond and let us know so we can ensure we have enough “extra” beds.
Bathrooms:
There are plenty of bathrooms in the house so no need to worry Kara…you can take your shower:)
We will have to share, but I think there are around 6-7 bathrooms total.
Food
Remember, the cost of food is included in the 35.00 fee you are paying for the weekend, so no need to worry about bringing any kind of food/drink. It is taken care of! On that note, a big thanks to Jeannie who is preparing all of our food for us!
Other Essentials:
Journals: Please plan to bring a journal and writing utinsils with you. A booklet will be included for you, but I would encourage you to bring your own journal as well.
Board Games: If you have a fovorite board game, please bring it. We will have some extra time in the evening to hang out and play games for those who want to.
Directions:
Directions will be posted later in the week. Keep in mind that this place is fairly remote, so if you plan to come in after dark be prepared to be driving down some winding dirt roads! If you can leave in time to arrive before sunset I would encourage doing so. Rest assured though, the directions are really detailed, so if you do need to arrive late you will find it:).
If I think of anything else I will post it this week. Any questions feel free to reply. I will check the posts daily. You can also call or email me with any questions.
Later,
Daran
Heather made me aware of an avenue for action for our Creative World Justice group next week. Next Wed morning, they are trying to get as many people as possible to show up at the Oklahoma Capital Building in RED SHIRTS to show support for some of the issues on women and violence that they will be talking to the legislature about that day. Below is a schedule for the morning.
Since the beginning of the practice of Lent, there have been a few common elements that have played prominent roles throughout. Almsgiving and fasting are two that remain. The giving of alms involves sacrifice of the product of one’s work, but fasting is a different kind of sacrifice altogether. Fasting hurts, physically hurts. Taken to extremes, it can even do damage to the body. Fasting is one spiritual practice that confirms the connection between soul and body. It is one of the most misunderstood, misused, and often completely missed practices in the Church today.
Scot McKnight defines fasting as, “the natural, inevitable response of a person to a grievous sacred moment in life.” In his book on fasting, he emphasizes that the kind of fasting we see in Scripture and throughout the early church was rarely, if ever, a means to an end, as it has become today. In other words, fasting was not used as a tool of spiritual discipline nor as an add-on to make one’s prayers more effective. Instead, it was a natural, physical reaction to moments of genuine grief or sincerity. It was done both individually and communally. Throughout much of early history, the church fasted the entire forty days of lent.
This year, we have chosen to designate the day leading up to our Good Friday Vigil to fast as a community. Traditionally, fasts started at sundown one evening and were broken after sundown the following evening. So, we are encouraging everyone who is able to fast from food from Maunday Thursday night until our vigil on Friday evening. If you feel you are not physically or spiritually prepared to fast for an entire day, please consider fasting either breakfast or lunch on Good Friday.
Just as Israel was called to an annual “Day of Atonement,” which included self-denial or literally “affliction of one’s throat,” we can culminate our forty days with a physical response to the spiritual and emotional gravity of the repentance to which God has been calling us, with a Good Friday fast.
For more info, read “Fasting” by Scot McKnight.
We invite you to prayerfully engage in the following passage from the Story of God (Scripture) by using the practices described earlier (in this blog) as “Imaginative Meditation” . . .
Online: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John%2013:21-30;&version=65;
PDF (pages 20ff): http://www.fusionokc.com/resources/livetheforty2009.pdf

<this sunday> we’ll get you to sign up at the available homes. IF you want to open your house or apartment - comment here, or email gary@fusionokc.com.
RECIPE IDEAS (add your own in the comments!)
(not a red-velvet)
The Scrivner Family (mine growing up) always commemorated some spiritual maturing “markers” in our life with this cake. The symbolism of RED - with WHITE icing spoke to the cleansing work of Christ’s sacrifice. Not only is it symbolic - it’s a freaking great cake!
CAKE
1/2 c. Crisco
1 1/2 c. sugar
1 egg
4 Tb. cocoa
1 tsp. red food coloring
2 Tb. hot coffee
2 c. flour
1 c. buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. soda
ICING
1/2 stick butter, softened
2 c. powdered sugar
3 Tb. half-and-half cream
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream sugar and butter; add egg. Mix cocoa, coloring and coffee to smooth paste. Add to creamed mixture. Sift dry ingredients and add alternately with milk. Stir in vanilla. Pour into 9×13 greased and floured pan and bake at 350F for 30-35mins. Frost with Powdered Sugar Icing.
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(great Kid’s Recipe)
Crescent Rolls (1 Tube)
Large Marshmallows
Tb. Cinnamon
Tb. Sugar
Separate rolls into pre-cut triangles. Give each child a triangle and marshmallow. Mix Cinnamon and Suger in a shallow bowl. Place marshmallow on triangle. Sprinkle a pinch of spices over the marshmallow. Wrap dough around marshmallow and seal all edge/openings completely shut. Bake according to package directions or until golden brown.
Symbolism: (Matthew 27:57-61) - This is symbolically intended to represent the preparation of Christ’s body for the tomb. The dough represents the cave/tomb - the spices represent the spices that prepared bodies of the dead. The marshmallow represents Christ’s sacrificed body. Read on in the story about the Resurrection, Christ was not in the tomb! Our Easter refrain is, HE IS RISEN! Once the “tombs” are golden brown - pull them out of the oven, and ask the kiddos in the house (once they’ve cooled) to open up the “tombs” and see where Jesus is— The rolls will be EMPTY. A great reminder of the essence of our Easter celebration . . . “HE IS NOT HERE, HE IS RISEN!”
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Hot Cross Buns |
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| Servings: | 24 |
| Author Notes: | A traditional favorite on Good Friday in England, Hot Cross Buns are a spicy currant or raisin studded yeast bun, topped with a “Cross” of lemon flavored icing. While Christians have adopted the cake and the symbolism of the cross, it wasn’t always so. To Pagans, then as now, the cross was/is representative of the sun wheel, which symbolizes perfect balance at the time of the Spring Equinox.Hot Cross Buns were probably originally used in ceremonies and rituals and the Christian Church attempted to ban the buns, although they proved too popular. Left with no alternative but defeat, the church did the next best thing and “Christianized” the bread with Queen Elizabeth I passing a law which limited the bun’s consumption to proper religious ceremonies, such as Christmas, Easter or funerals. |
| Ingredients: | 1 cup milk 2 tablespoons yeast 1/2 cup sugar 2 teaspoons salt 1/3 cup butter, melted and cooled 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoons nutmeg 4 eggs 5 cups flour 1 1/3 cups currants or raisins 1 egg white Glaze |
| Instructions: | In a small saucepan, heat milk to very warm, but not hot (110°F if using a candy thermometer). Fit an electric mixer with a dough hook. Pour warm milk in the bowl of mixer and sprinkle yeast over. Mix to dissolve and let sit for 5 minutes.With mixer running at low speed, add sugar, salt, butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and eggs. Gradually add flour, dough will be wet and sticky, and continue kneading with dough hook until smooth, about 5 minutes. Detach bowl, cover with plastic wrap and let the dough “rest” for 30-45 minutes.
Return bowl to mixer and knead until smooth and elastic, for about 3 more minutes. Addcurrants or raisins and knead until well mixed. At this point, dough will still be fairly wet and sticky. Shape dough in a ball, place in a buttered dish, cover with plastic wrap and let rise overnight in the refrigerator (see note at right if you’re in a hurry). Excess moisture will be absorbed by the morning. Let dough sit at room temperature for about a half-hour. Line a large baking pan (or pans) with parchment paper (you could also lightly grease a baking pan, but parchment works better). Divide dough into 24 equal pieces (in half, half again, etc., etc.). Shape each portion into a ball and place on baking sheet, about 1/2 inch apart. Cover with a clean kitchen towel and let rise in a warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 1/2 hours.
In the meantime, pre-heat oven to 400° F.When buns have risen, take a sharp or serrated knife and carefully slash buns with a cross.Brush them with egg white and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350° F, then Bake until golden brown, about 15 minutes more. Transfer to a wire rack.Whisk together glaze ingredients, and spoon over buns in a cross pattern. Serve warm, if possible.
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HAPPY BAKING!!!!!
Fusion’s first spiritual retreat is quickly approaching. This retreat is designed as a weekend where people can get away and spend some time listening to God. It will be a time spent together while also making time to be alone in silence.
The weekend will be centered around the theme of “Awaken.” We worship a God who is present in all things, constantly speaking and revelaing himself to us. As we carve out time for contemplative prayer, our eyes are awakened to the reality that God is present. The weekend will be a time where, both collectively and individually, we engage in specific forms of contemplative prayer.
We have chosen to spend the weekend inside the monastic walls of the “Clear Creek Monastery” http://www.clearcreekmonks.org/in Hulbert, OK. This is a beautiful setting and the perfect opportunity to be surrounded by nature and others who have committed thier lives to contemplative prayer.
This weekend is not just for “us” at Fusion. Anyone is invited to come. As we have prayed and prepared for this weekend, we have come to recognize that we live in a society where we are surrounded by people who are spiritually thirsty, longing to connect with the living God. So please consider inviting those inside your workplace or network of friends who you sense might want to come.
The dates for the weekend are April 24-26. The cost is only 35.00 per person. The cost includes lodging, food, and a booklet. It is about a 2 1/2 hour drive to the monastery. People will need to arrive sometime Friday evening. Therefore we would encourage those who can, to drive up together. We will be returning after breakfast on Sunday morning. Unfortuatley children will not be able to attend this time around.
We will update the blog in the coming weeks with details of anything additional you might need to bring with you. In the meantime, if you know for sure you plan to come, please go ahead and sign up on the blog by going to the Awaken Sign Up page, so we can begin to get an idea of how many people will be attending. If you would be willing to be a driver please state that in your post.
I know that spending a weekend within a monastic setting is very different. I remember the first time I did this myself. The idea of spending a chunk of time alone and in silence was unsettling and scrary for me. Looking back I can honestly say my life was changed by the experience, and more specifically by the time spent listening to my Creator. The main thing I learned is this: As we take time to be alone with God we are somehow infused with the ability to be present for others. One of the most amazing things about prayer is what it does for those around us.
Please plan on joining us for this amazing weekend together.
Daran
* you can COMMENT HERE to coordinate Carpooling Arrangements!
How does this image connect with your experience of the FORTY?
Just a reminder that this is the “third thursday.” That is our designated day each month to fast and pray for Bruce and his B-land team.
CREATIVE WORLD JUSTICE MEETING
Creative World Justice meets TONIGHT at 6:30pm at The Convergence Collective. Join our revolution of courage, justice, and kindness for those least offered it. Below is a tentative agenda for this month’s meeting. Hope to see you there!!
Article on Civil Disobedience: “When silence is betrayal”
If you haven’t yet, please read through the article attached below. Be prepared to share your thoughts and feelings.
Country Focus: The Congo
Aaron will report on some research she has been doing on rape in the Congo.
Saint Patrick: A Life of Justice
We will celebrate and discuss the life of Saint Patrick, who was a revolutionary in his condemnation of slavery and the mistreatment of women.
Followup on Issues of Injustice
Hopefully, you’ve had some time to do a little research about some of the issues of injustice that were brought up in our first brainstorming session.
Spread the Word
We’ll finish by talking about ways to get the word out to other people in our city who might want to be involved.
Consider the image this week - reminding us that the process of repentance, while grueling, leads to life.
*iPhone wallpaper of the Image of the Week: “Hemorrhage”
*iPhone wallpaper of the Image of the Week: “Listen”
Tonight, we’re talking about RESISTANCE to the metanoia (repentance) called for in Lent. I just watched this video - that images Jesus’ time of 40 days of fasting in the wilderness. It’s not a place i want to go - but it’s a place we are all called to depart for . . . a self emptying. honestly, i resist.
The initial question is: “What is the purpose of faith?” (When I use the word “purpose” I mean goal or objective but if you see it differently feel free to address the question in your own way.)
I would ask you to consider your initial reaction to the question and then potentially any futher pondering thoughts you might have about the question.
I started reading Debbie Blue’s book “From Stone to Living Word” today. She speaks of her experience growing up in church as a place that loved “the rock rhetoric.” She says, “It was in the hymnbooks and promotional materials and every sermon. The pastor praised God that we did not have to suffer the shifting sands, children sang about the solid rock on which they stood, teenagers prayed that there would be no waves to knock them off. We were rock people…we had an absolute, rock hard, unchanging and perfectly coherent foundation. They also talked a lot about needing to have a relationship with Jesus, but though they said ‘relationship’ plenty, this seemed to actually involve strapping our feet to a boulder more than actually living in a relationship with a God who was truly alive.”
I think what I am discovering (really what we are discovering together) about my journey with God is quite different. Faith in God is following a very alive God who is completely unknowable and unpredicatble. He is also incredibly present, intimately joining us as we wander through our spiritual journey. Blue defines faith as “thoroughly dependent on the existence of an Other who is profoundly alive and always a little outside the sphere of what we know, dependent on something that is not in our control, something definetly beyond our grasp…Faith is more about depending on things unseen, things incomprehensible…”
What I am discovering is that to be in a faith relationship with God is not entirely about being in a relationship with someone predictable and stable - like a rock. It is to be in relationship with someone ultimatley unknowable and who’s agenda is primarily not about making our lives here more comfortable.
Thoughts?