On forgiveness

Last winter I was able to hear N.T. Wright (Bishop of Durham, Church of England) speak at a conference. He has a big brain, but it very humble and gracious. Anyway... I came across this quote in my notes today. He was talking about the task of the Church in reconciliation. Profound, I say!

"Forgiveness takes sin (and evil) very seriously-- it names it and shames it, but it won't let it shape the reality of things."

Fakin' It

So this news story is in my inbox this morning about this pastor in Australia who has been faking his 2-year bout with cancer. What?! The guy has been on stage preaching and singing with an oxygen tube in his nose. I don't even know what to say. Apparently a song he wrote during this time made it onto the latest Hillsong CD. I saw the video of him performing it a few weeks ago.

Obviously this is a horrible violation of trust, leadership, the pastorate, ministry, etc. I can't imagine the confusion and damage he's caused people in his ministry. And, obviously, this man is indeed sick in some way... and he needs healing and grace.

But here's the boomerang thought that pops into my head about an hour later: sure, this guy was faking his illness but how many times do we fake health? Let's take a really big step back here. Isn't that damaging to the Body of Christ too? I know I fake health sometimes.

Any thoughts?

Parker Tornado

Here's a picture from the Chiappini's neighborhood last night...

Service Sunday

Yesterday was our second Service Sunday of the summer. I'd like to thank you all for jumping in and working hard for people you probably don't even know. And I want to thank the many project leaders and those who planned the day's (and night's) events--it was a great day!

Here are a few pictures... and I'd like to encourage everyone who participated to add your thoughts about the day in the comments.

Elders & Sabbaticals

We sent this update out in a newsletter a couple weeks ago, but it's always good to put things like this out there for any questions or comments:

Steve Fullmer, who is one of the elders at Hillside, and his wife, Holly, have been on sabbatical these past six months (Feb-Jul), enjoying some much-needed sabbatical rest from the responsibilities of their leadership role. They are back in August!
And with the Fullmers returning, it's Josh and Karen Brgoch's turn to take a sabbatical. Josh also has served as an elder at Hillside, and he and Karen have been working very hard these past few years. We're glad to be able to give them a break this fall--his elder sabbatical will be from September through December.
If you're not familiar with an elder-led church: being an elder at Hillside involves proactively shepherding the congregation, providing biblical church leadership, and caring for many of the spiritual needs that arise. The elders can be contacted here or at elders@hillsidechurchfamily.org .

Please comment here or email the elders if you have any questions about our church leadership structure. Encouraging words are always welcome too!

www.equip.org

Here's another good study resource. This is from the Christian Research Institute / Bible Answer Man:

www.equip.org