intersections

Hating on the Purple Church

One of the occasional pastimes of people in Hollywood is hating on our church building. I've had plenty of people rave about how they love the unique "atomic" architecture of our church, but lately I've been running across blogger who have been posting these little drive-by screeds. Like John W. Smart, for example. I don't know who he is but today he writes a post about my church called, "Los Angeles eye sore of the day."

But it's okay. I can embrace this weakness for the sake of the work we're doing in the community. We're making good use the facility whether it's considered beautiful by everyone or not. I admit to hating the building when I first arrived, but I've really grown to appreciate it. Everything, that is, except the block walls and black iron fences that surround the place. Ah well...

Missional Church class at La Sierra University

I'm teaching a Masters level Professional Studies course at La Sierra this quarter entitled Missional Church. If you're curious about what we're doing, here's the syllabus.

I'm thinking of offering a version of this class by webinar in the Spring through the re-church network, so stay tuned for that.

Church Reaches Out on Foot and On Camera

There is a short story in the Pacific Union Recorder this month about some of the work our church is doing. I'm so proud of my friends who are using their talents and creativity to make a tangible difference in our community. In particular I want to give a shout out to Julia Alty, Dennis Hill and Nathan French who are mentioned and quoted in this article.

Incidentally, they are three of the four recipients of last year's Emerging Leader Award. The photo is by Leslie Foster, our fourth recipient. How curious!

Early in 2009 Dennis Hill, a member of the Hollywood church and a working actor, noticed a number of talented young adult artists attending the church with one thing in common: they were all struggling to develop film careers. "I saw their need," said Hill, "and I wanted to share - and learn as well. I began pulling together a group willing to volunteer and get involved, and I discovered, it's fun!"

Read the whole thing here.