Eric in England

Eric took a trip overseas last week and made a stop to talk to fellow postmodern worship guy, Jonny Baker.

Two theologians coming together from accross the world to discuss worship philosophy. Eric wrote in an email:

"We discovered that we are both into Marshall McLuhan. I guess I am not surprised…

Basically, he said that he has no formula for Alternative Worship. It is more important to have it develop out of the people who are involved. So I have no words of wisdom from him other than “just do it.”

We both agreed, however, that the internet is changing the world dramatically because it is essentially anti-hierarchical and it links people together around the world in diverse ways that would never have been possible even a few years ago. What would McLuhan have said about the internet? – Answer: The “medium is the message.”"

One more thing about last night...

We listened to my new favorite 'non-church song about God' - "When God Made Me" by Neil Young.

"When God Made Me"

Was he thinkin' about my country
Or the color of my skin?
Was he thinkin' 'bout my religion
And the way I worshipped him?
Did he create just me in his image
Or every living thing?

When God made me
When God made me

Was he planning only for believers
Or for those who just have faith?
Did he envision all the wars
That were fought in his name?
Did he say there was only one way
To be close to him?

When God made me
When God made me

Did he give me the gift of love
To say who I could choose?

When God made me
When God made me
When God made me
When God made me

Did he give me the gift of voice
So some could silence me?
Did he give me the gift of vision
Not knowing what I might see?
Did he give me the gift of compassion
To help my fellow man?

When God made me
When God made me
When God made me
When God made me

I have it on my computer if you would like a copy.

4.5.2006

Last night we had station that will help us get to Holy Week. I found these stations here. We ended with this prayer that I found on Mark Berry's site.

Do you need me? I am there.

You cannot see Me, yet I am the light you see by.
You cannot hear Me, yet I speak through your voice.
You cannot feel Me, yet I am the power at work in your hands.

I am at work, though you do not understand My ways.
I am at work, though you do not understand My works.
I am not strange visions. I am not mysteries.

Only in absolute stillness, beyond self, can you know Me
As I am, and then but as a feeling and a faith.

Yet I am there. Yet I hear. Yet I answer.
When you need Me, I am there.
Even if you deny Me, I am there.
Even when you feel most alone, I am there.
Even in your fears, I am there.
Even in your pain, I am there.

I am there when you pray and when you do not pray.
I am in you, and you are in Me.
Only in your mind can you feel separate from Me, for
Only in your mind are the mists of “yours” and “mine.”
Yet only with your mind can you know Me and experience Me.

Empty your heart of empty fear.
What you get yourself out of the way, I am there.
You can of yourself do nothing, but I can do all. And I am in all.

Though you may not see the good, good is there, for I am there.
I am there because I have to be, because I am.

Only in Me does the world have meaning;
Only out of Me does the world take form;
Only because of Me does the world go forward.
I am the law on which the movement of the stars and the growth of living cells are founded.

I am the love that is the law’s fulfilling.

I am assurance.

I am peace.

I am oneness.

I am the law you can live by.

I am the love that you can cling to.

I am your assurance.

I am your peace.

I am ONE with you.

I am.

Though you fail to find Me,
I do not fail you.
Though your faith in Me is unsure,
My faith in you never wavers,
Because I know you,
Because I love you.

Beloved, I AM there. Amen.