Sojourner's Service

Last Sunday was one of the most emotional Crossings services I have been to. It was done like a baptism service, with many stories and readings with songs in between. Many people were there -- Kali and Greg, Don and Heidi, Jen and Nathan... It was a recognition of Crossings as a crossroads. It is a place that people journey through. A community shaped by the traveler and a community that shapes the traveler as they pass through.

We read of Noah, Abraham, Moses, Ruth, Jonah... all on journeys. All discovering God's purpose in their lives. We sang the blues and "This Road" and many other songs that highlight the ups and downs along the way. We prayed for each other and all the sojourners who have spent time with us.

The last story was the road to Emmaus. In this text, Jesus, recently risen from the dead, joins some disciples on the road to Emmaus. The disciples don't recognize him. On the way, he explains the mysteries of the scriptures. Touched, they ask him to join them for dinner. He does. And as he breaks bread, they recognize him. Immediately, he disappears.

This is Jeff's favorite Gospel. Jesus appears. Joins us at the table. then leaves mysteriously and we are left around the table talking about it. His message to Corey and Nancy and for all of us is, as we travel, Jesus is with us and the body, the community of the church is with us. And when we sit at the table and break bread, we are all there together. God bless you, all who are out there on the journey, in spirit you are with us.

Rockin' Spirit Jam

On Friday, July 11, we relaunched our "Spirit Jams" we were able to connect up with some musicians from the Davis Music Coop. It is so exciting to see musicians in Davis getting together. We had a great time.

Musically, we were all over the place. Joey sang "Satisfaction" and "My generation." We also groved with some experimental jazz, and more accoustic tunes like "Black magic woman" and "Into the Mystic."

We played for about 6 hours and finally left around 2:30 in the morning.

My generation

The Gospel this week came from Matthew.

"How can I account for this generation? The people have been like spoiled children whining to their parents, 'We wanted to skip rope, and you were always too tired; we wanted to talk, but you were always too busy.' John came fasting and they called him crazy. I came feasting and they called me a lush, a friend of the riffraff. Opinion polls don't count for much, do they? The proof of the pudding is in the eating."

Joey helped us explore this text musically through an blaring interpretation of "My generation"

The Gospel continues with...

"Abruptly Jesus broke into prayer: "Thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth. You've concealed your ways from sophisticates and know-it-alls, but spelled them out clearly to ordinary people. Yes, Father, that's the way you like to work...Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you'll recover your life. I'll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won't lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly."

Naomi shared a touching story from her recent trip to Mexico where she helped build a house for a family. In the beginning, the work was hard for her. The boxes and bags heavy. But as time passed, she felt the burden lighten and was reminded of this verse. Coincidentally, it happened to be the Gospel this week.