New Blog

I'm in the process of moving over to a new blog service. All future postings will be on that site. You can get there by going to http://standrew.squarespace.com/

We'll get the direct link from the church website fixed this week.

Thanks

Pastor Jim Hazelwood

Highlights from Honduras

Well, these photos posted in the opposite order I wanted. The one at the top shows the finishing of the pouring of the cement of the second story floor of the church building, where as the work on wiring the rebar from the beginning of the week is at the bottom.Below Jessica speaks with Honduran girls as they work in the Sewing clinic.


A proud student with her finished bag from the sewing class.
Angie
Our group photo
Emily
Lisa and Shauna
Me and mini-me or is it maxi-me?
Pastor Dave Rinas reads to Angie early in the morning
Randi, Ingrid & Barbara cut wire

I shot a lot of video in Honduras so I hope to make a short movie to show after I get it edited.

Salem Lutheran, Glendale, CA

I know, I know - I owe you some Honduras photos. But, first, a little bit about our visit to Glendale Lutheran in Glendale, CA, basically nice section of Los Angeles. Our friend Kurt Christenson is the Pastor here. A Church about the size of St. Andrew with a K-6 school of about 200 students. Kurt has brought new life to this church through his leadership.

Here is my main take away - Churches need to be in the school business. No, not because of those hysterical right wing arguments about teaching prayer in school, though I'm actually in favor of teaching of religion in High Schools. The reason we should be in the school business is because, we can do it on a small scale. 200 students in a k-6 setting. We can personalize education, make it whole household oriented, be creative, and focus on building the next generation of leaders.

In Honduras, I saw the power of education in young people's lives - then I got back to the states and watched a program about failed schools in Pakistan. Now I'm reading a book about the poorest of the poor in the World, and I'm really scared. Scared that if we don't educate the next generation and make the hard choices that both the left and the right don't want to make - we will be in big trouble.

Running a school is a big responsibility, but then again so is being a Christian.

Honduras pics and words soon.

Honduras

We are in the Humuya Inn in Tegucigalpa, Honduras after a most amazing and wonderful week in Yuscaran. We had no internet in Yuscaran, so I will post something more extensive along with photos and video later this week.

It has been great to be with St. Andrew people.

When you see them next ask the following

So, Gayle how did you like the pick up ride
Joyce would you like to lead a sewing clinic here next sunday
Jessica Gonzalez how is your tan coming
Shauna and Samantha have seen Pastor Jim on the Montserret trail yet
Emily can you translate this for me

New Song Church, Irvine, CA

Quickly now - because we are leaving any minute to catch the plane to Honduras. (I'll post from there if I have access to the internet. If not, we'll fill you in after the 22nd.

This morning we went to New Song church (www.newsong.net) The photos above are from my cell phone camera, so not as good as usual. Fascinating church. 15 different races represented in this church. Worship today was very nice, it had a gentle feel to it. They worship in the round, with the stage/altar in the center. All acoustic set of music. This was the first church that really made a conscious effort to include both men and women in the worship leadership roles. Sermon was three different brief talks by members of New Song testifying as to how God through New Song had changed their lives. It was well done, not too preachy... and quite genuine. One of the talks was from a woman in Bangkok, Thailand, which was connected via Skype and projected onto the center screen. Communion was included as well. The practice of communion is clearly spreading in the church as a whole. Artwork on the walls, plus a monthly gathering of artists.

New Song has three sites in Southern California, plus churches around the world. This is a global church largely because of its international business connections through its members, as well as its truly multi-cultural membership.

They have quite an elaborate website, which is worship looking at www.newsong.net

Be well.

.

Crazy Heart

Last night, Lisa and I took a break and went to see the film Crazy Heart. A nice short review in the Christian Century can be found at the link below. Although the film takes you over a rather predictable story line of an aging musician whose life has gotten out of control, aka the VH-1 Stars of the 60's series - it is a great story of flawed people, redemption and even, new life. Yet, it's done in such an honest and genuine manner that you believe it. Jeff Bridges is marvelous as the main character. I highly recommend it.

http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=8201

We made it!

Well, we have arrived in California and we are staying with my mother until this Sunday afternoon, when we catch a plane to meet the Mission Team headed to Honduras. I'll write more about Honduras when we return - and maybe while we are there, provided that internet cafe is still operating. If not, well, I'll post when I get back.

But before we go, Lisa and I plan to attend New Song church on Sunday morning. This is an interesting church with 15 different cultures and races represented in its membership. I'll let you know what its like.

Oh, have you seen the DVD we made? We sent it to the church. Call or email the office to find out which Sunday they will show it. We also made one for the preschoolers.

We miss you all. Peace!