For some reason I feel guilty when I don't blog on a regular basis--maybe because I picture the hundreds of disappointed friends who found I had nothing to say this week. This is definitely a neurotic fantasy that needs correction. Anyway, for you real people out there, here is an update.
Anne and I are both increasingly involved in the ministry of Trinity Chapel in Knoxville, and since we are both still working, our time gets spread thin. Trinity has been a safe place for us over the last ten years, a place of growth and healing, a place to readjust, and more than anything, a place to see the fulfillment of the vision for church that has evolved in us during our years in the ecclesiastical jungle. Trinity is establishing a sound doctrinal base in Reformation theology while continuing to adhere to its charismatic roots. (Can you believe a group of charismatics coming together to study Grudem's Systematics?) Trinity also has past roots in the inner city, and is taking a renewed look at what it means to be a community, and its responsibility to the city at large. Any of you who know me realize that being part of this combination is like throwing a pig in the mud!
I also need to mention that Trinity Chapel has been attracting old and beat up ex-ministry somethings during the past years. I've never seen a group of Christians with as much experience and gifting under one roof, coupled with a leadership that has the vision to revitalize them.
Anne has been teaching a women's study on Thursday mornings, using the inductive approach she learned in Inter-Varsity. It's good to see her productive and working change in others' lives.
I've done some teaching at our Wednesday night services, and am about to begin a Sunday AM class on the life qualities listed in 2 Peter 1:5-7. It's been good to get on the floor with my books, whom I consider to be old friends, dust and all. I love exegesis. (I have some videos on the church's website: http://www.trinitydownloads.com/262.php.) We've also begun leading a house church, with our friends the Marleys, in north Knoxville. Right now we're building a core group and getting used to each other.
It seems odd that, though we live (and I work) in Sevier County and enjoy the entertainment and beauty here, we've never had a deeply rooted ministry here. I don't know whether that's for spiritual, psychological, or cultural reasons. At any rate, most of our friends, church relationships, shopping, and Anne's work, are in Knox County. I'm glad we bought a house near I-40!
We're heading to Hilton Head next weekend to celebrate Anne's mother's 100th birthday. She's had some physical set-backs lately, but is still mentally sharp, and definitely the most positive, optimistic person I know. We're expecting @50 family members, plus her friends at the Seabrook. Beth is coming down from Charlotte, and David is flying in from Los Angeles (traveling is hard on Channon's health--we'll miss her).
We're working on a late spring vacation on the Island, and thinking about a trip to California in the fall. Otherwise, life goes on. Blessings, everybody!
