Funky Presbyter to Attend Funk-Free Presbytery Meeting

One of the things I appreciate most about my church's denomination is it's government. Presbyterian government is based on shared leadership. I enjoy seeing and speaking with other pastors and church leaders from throughout the region. We are able to pray for each other and encourage one another while we are together. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these presbytery meetings are 100% funk-free. So this weekend I must travel a great distance in order to conduct the business of being the church, and my funk is not much of an asset in these instances. While I will not be leaving my funk at home, I will be leaving it in the car during the meetings. I'll be sure to leave a window cracked. You know, so the funk can breathe.

What's Rocking the Reverend?

trouble
Originally uploaded by Greg Blosser.

Here's a new weekly feature for you all entitled, "What's Rocking the Reverend". Feel free to let the rest of us know what's rocking you this week? We'd like to know.

Ray LaMontagne's recent release entitled "Trouble" has been rocking my world this week. He's got a scruffy, smokey voice that is eerily familiar, and yet I can not place it. All of these songs sound instantly like old favorites. This album could have been written 40 years ago, or yesterday and it wouldn't matter. It is a solid, soulful, well crafted album occupying that place between country and soul, blues and folk. Nothing groundbreaking here. It's not pushing any envelope or experimenting with some new technology. LaMontagne reminds me of the first time I heard Norah Jones in that it made me think, "here is a talented artist with nothing to prove, writing songs without pretension". Refreshing. Look for this guy's name come Grammy time next year.

Interview with Derek Webb

Derek Webb
Originally uploaded by Greg Blosser.

I know some of you are Derek Webb fans. Here is a link to a recent interview. The more I hear this guy talk, the more I like him. He's a trouble maker.

Click the link above to read an interview and then copy and paste the link below to listen to Derek speak about these and similar issues. You know, on second thought you probably shouldn't listen to him speak. Your head might explode.

http://www.tucollegelife.com/audio/derekaudio.html

The Church Needs Bob Dylan

Dylan
Originally uploaded by Greg Blosser.

Here is an excellent article about Bob Dylan's great cultural influence and the Church's great need to listen and learn with humility. Read this if you are a Dylan fan. Read it twice if you aren't.

Mad at God?

Here's a relatively good article for those angry with God. It doesn't so much provide answers, it's not a polemic, it's just one guy's story of dealing with his anger at God and God's patience with his children. It's worth the 7 minutes. Click on the link above.

Time running out to be that guy

Time is running out to submit your entry for the Be This Guy competition of this week. Two more days and then the management at Funky Prebyterian will choose a winner. You could be the envy of all your friends. Scroll down and get to work. : )