May 15th, 2007 — Posted in Media
This year at Cornerstone, the huge music festival set in a corn field in Illinois, there will be a formal “(re)marriage of worship and the arts.” Cornerstone is known for their music, yet it has always promoted visual arts. But this year, they are specifically focusing on their visual arts program, called Burning Brush. Part of this experience will include a Labyrinth featuring the Stations of the Cross, as well as a Pilgrimage, displaying art on the Names of God. Cornerstone also incorporates film into their 4-day celebration.
This integration of art and worship only seems natural. Created in God’s image, we have been given the amazing gift of creativity. It is something that we focus on at Merge, too, as we incorporate hands-on activities, visual arts, music and media into our daily activities. At Merge, you can also participate in walk-through experiences such as the Tabernacle and the Journey to the Cross.
In what other ways do you see a marriage of worship and the arts? How can we worship God through the arts?
Kelli
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May 11th, 2007 — Posted in Being Jesus, Miscellaneous
I came across this quote the other day that makes me think of one of the things we explore at Merge—how our love for others reflects our love for God… take a look at it and tell me what you think!
Our love to God is measured by our everyday fellowship with others and the love it displays.
~ Andrew Murray
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May 10th, 2007 — Posted in Announcements
The Merge Student Prep Guide is brand new for 2007, and it contains helpful info for students and adult volunteers who are planning to attend Merge!
Section 1: Schedule, A Student’s Role at Merge, What Merge is About, and more.
Section 2: Merge Guidelines, Recreation Options, and other important info.
Section 3: Pre-event Meeting Ideas and a Student Devotional.
Feel free to print this whole packet or just the pages that you need. Remember, some of this info will be very beneficial to parents as well! Click here to get ready for Merge now!
Kelli
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May 2nd, 2007 — Posted in Media
During my freshman year of high school, a book entitled, The Jesus I Never Knew, was awarded Christian book of the year. Over ten years later, I am just getting around to reading it. And, I wish that I hadn’t waited so long! Philip Yancey (who also wrote What’s So Amazing About Grace?) takes an honest look at the Jesus described in the Gospels. Yancey says, “The Jesus I got to know in writing this book is very different from the Jesus I learned about in Sunday School. In some ways he is more comforting; in some ways more terrifying.” This book is challenging some of my preconceptions and filling in some much needed context in the life of Jesus. It is also forcing me to wrestle with some difficult questions about who Jesus really is and what he expects of me.
The story of God is so fascinating, and I am learning a lot through my experience with Merge. During Merge, we invite you to get into God’s story and relate to the characters. What I am finding is that its central character is more complex than we often allow Him to be. We prefer the Jesus who gives answers, not the One who asks questions. If you haven’t already read this book yet, pick up a copy. You might be really surprised as you take a fresh look at our Saviour - Jesus of Nazareth.
Kelli
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