Saturday, September 12, 2009 Game Night: International Style!

For the next few Tuesdays, we're taking a break from the usual Encounter Discussion at the Ox. This Tuesday, September 15 at 6:30pm, we're going international! We invite you to join us!

It'll be an opportunity to meet new people, get to know each other, and get some "game on" with friendly competitions of your favorite board/card games (i.e. Killer Bunnies, Ticket to Ride, Apples to Apples, etc.).

BRING A FOOD DISH OR SNACK

Bring an international food dish or snack from sushi, to spaghetti, to nachos (if this a stretch, bring something American).

BRING YOUR FAVORITE GAME

We're gonna play some board and card games, so bring your favorite game(s). As an added twist, you could bring your favorite "international" game like Parcheesi.

BRING A FRIEND

Yep, this is a great week to invite a friend to hang out. The fun of the night will be meeting new people and getting to know each other better, so definitely invite some friends for those "party games" you'll be bringing. If you've wanted to check us out, this is your opportunity to come and just have some fun.

WHAT: International Game Night
WHO: Everyone Welcome (games for all ages)
WHEN: Tuesday, September 15 @ 6:30pm
WHERE: Powell Home [map/directions]

Check out and/or RSVP for the Facebook event here.
Read more about Fun & Game Nights here.

Thursday, September 3, 2009 36 Parables Discussion on September 9: Gnobody's Gnome

Our Encounter Discussions are about getting out into public spaces and creating a dialogue. They are an intentional way to meet new friends, build relationship, and engage our community in a casual environment. More than that, you'll have some great conversation about life and faith.

ABOUT 36 PARABLES

This discussion series is based on a selection of 36 short films depicting Jesus' parables in real life and modern settings. Considering that Jesus told these stories so that we could relate them to our everyday lives, we believe that Jesus reveals himself through such common experiences, and we can encounter Him in the most unlikely places.

We challenge you to step beyond safe and routine faith and discover for yourself the deep spiritual truths of these often ordinary stories.

THIS WEEK: GNOBODY'S GNOME

What 'debts' are most difficult for you to forgive? Can you see others' needs over yours?

This week we're examining the short film "Gnobody's Gnome" based on the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant in Matthew 18:15-35. Don't miss this week's discussion at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, September 8 @ 6:30pm.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND

Each of the five discussions in this series stands on it's own. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the 36 Parables Discussion introduction here.
Check out the Facebook event here.

Sunday, August 30, 2009 36 Parables Discussion on September 1: The Music Box

Our Encounter Discussions are about getting out into public spaces and creating a dialogue. They are an intentional way to meet new friends, build relationship, and engage our community in a casual environment. More than that, you'll have some great conversation about life and faith.

ABOUT 36 PARABLES

This discussion series is based on a selection of 36 short films depicting Jesus' parables in real life and modern settings. Considering that Jesus told these stories so that we could relate them to our everyday lives, we believe that Jesus reveals himself through such common experiences, and we can encounter Him in the most unlikely places.

We challenge you to step beyond safe and routine faith and discover for yourself the deep spiritual truths of these often ordinary stories.

THIS WEEK: THE MUSIC BOX

Have you ever stumbled upon a great "treasure"? What would you be willing to pay or do to obtain this "treasure"? What is more valuable to you than your money or comfort?

This week we're examining the short film "The Music Box" based on the Parable of the Hidden Treasure in Matthew 13:44. Don't miss this week's discussion at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, September 1 @ 6:30pm.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND

Each of the five discussions in this series stands on it's own. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the 36 Parables Discussion introduction here.
Check out the Facebook event here.

Friday, August 21, 2009 36 Parables Discussion on August 25: Beyond Beautiful

Our Encounter Discussions are about getting out into public spaces and creating a dialogue — a forum of honest communication. They are an intentional way to meet new friends, build relationship, and engage our community in a casual environment. More than that, you'll have some great conversation about life and faith.

ABOUT 36 PARABLES

This discussion series is based on a selection of 36 short films depicting Jesus' parables in real life and modern settings. Considering that Jesus told these stories so that we could relate them to our everyday lives, we believe that Jesus reveals himself through such common experiences, and we can encounter Him in the most unlikely places.

We challenge you to step beyond safe and routine faith and discover for yourself the deep spiritual truths of these often ordinary stories.

THIS WEEK: BEYOND BEAUTIFUL

Have you ever been on a blind date? How could going on a blind date be an exercise of faith and obedience? How common is it that people claim faith, but fail to live it out?

This week we're examining the short film "Beyond Beautiful" based on the Parable of the Two Sons in Matthew 21:28-32. Don't miss this week's discussion at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, August 25 @ 6:30pm.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND

Each of the five discussions in this series stands on it's own. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the 36 Parables Discussion introduction here.
Check out the Facebook event here.

Sunday, August 16, 2009 36 Parables Discussion on August 18: New Wine in Old Wineskins

Our Encounter Discussions are about getting out into public spaces and creating a dialogue — a forum of honest communication. It is an intentional way to meet new friends, build relationship, and engage our community in a casual environment. More than that, you'll have some great conversation about life and faith.

ABOUT 36 PARABLES

This discussion series is based on a selection of 36 short films depicting Jesus' parables in real life and modern settings. Considering that Jesus told these stories so that we could relate them to our everyday lives, we believe that Jesus reveals himself through such common experiences, and we can encounter Him in the most unlikely places.

We challenge you to step beyond safe and routine faith and discover for yourselve the deep spiritual truths of these often ordinary stories.

THIS WEEK: SPILT MILK

What things do we hang onto in our lives today? In our churches? How do we distinguish the wine from its wineskin?

This week we're watching the short film "Spilt Milk" and then discussing the illustration of putting new wine into old wineskins from Luke 5:36-39. Don't miss this week's discussion at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, August 18 @ 6:30pm.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND

Each of the five discussions in this series stands on it's own. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the 36 Parables Discussion introduction here.
Check out the Facebook event here.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 New Discussion Series: Introducing '36 Parables' on August 11

Our Encounter Discussions are about getting out into public spaces and creating a dialogue. The weekly discussion is an intentional way to meet new friends, build relationship, and engage our community. More than that, you'll have some great conversation about life and faith.

ABOUT THE NEW SERIES: 36 PARABLES
Parables make us think. They cause us to engage and ask questions. We can look at these stories and determine how we ourselves are changed by them.

Of the 36 parables that Jesus told, we will examine and discuss five of these which have been adapted into short films depicting real life in a modern setting. Consider that Jesus told these stories so that we could relate them to our everyday lives. Jesus reveals himself through such common experiences, and we can encounter Him in the most unlikely places.

So join us. Step beyond safe and routine faith. And discover for yourself the deep spiritual truths in these often ordinary stories.

THE FIRST WEEK: FOUND
Have you ever lost something that, perhaps had little value to others, but had great value to you? What things do we value and why? We'll look at the distinction between intrinsic and extrinsic value and why it matters.

Our first week, we will start with the short film "Found" which is an adaptation of the Parable of the Lost Coin in Luke 15:8-10. Don't miss this week's discussion at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, August 11 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly short film and discussion response — a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
Each week's discussion stands on it's own. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the 36 Parables short film series here.
Check out the Facebook event here.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 Fun Night at Sleeping Giant Lanes Everyone Welcome!

Yep! That's right people. We're having an Encounter Fun Night on Tuesday, August 4 instead of our usual Encounter Discussion at the Ox. Our motto for the night, as seen in the dandy graphic, is "Have Fun!" And it should be a lot of fun for all ages!

Just show up at Sleeping Giant Lanes about 6:30pm so we can get everyone organized on lanes, and bring $7.50 for shoes and 2 games of bowling. If there are no open lanes available, we'll look at mini-golf. Either way, it will be a lot of fun! Kids are welcome to come and always have a blast.

Oh yeah, we'll also be announcing our next Encounter Discussion series topic and location which is going to be awesome! So if you're hesitating whether to come or not, just come on. Everyone is welcome. It's just a casual get-together and a great opportunity to get to know some peeps.

WHAT: Encounter Fun Night
WHEN: Tuesday, August 4 @ 6:30pm
WHERE: Sleeping Giant Lanes [map/directions]
WHO: Everyone - All Ages
MORE: Bring $7.50 each

If possible, RSVP on Facebook here or contact us here — it's not required, but it helps us to know how many to expect.

Friday, July 24, 2009 Crazy Love' Discussion on July 28: The Crux of the Matter

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: THE CRUX OF THE MATTER
Annie Dillard once said, "How we live our days is... how we live our lives." How then will you live this day? What tangible, concrete expression of God’s crazy love are you going to share with a friend, family member, stranger?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "The Crux of the Matter" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 28 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Monday, July 20, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on July 21: Who Really Lives That Way?

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: WHO REALLY LIVES THAT WAY?
What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind? What do you want to be known for? What is it that you believe God created you to do here on this earth?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "Who Really Lives That Way?" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 21 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response — a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Friday, July 10, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on July 14: Profile of the Obsessed

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: PROFILE OF THE OBSESSED
The idea of holding back doesn't come from God. Are you obsessed with following Jesus? To what lengths are you willing to go?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "Profile of the Obsessed" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 14 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Saturday, July 4, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on July 7: Faith - Your Best Life...Later

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: FAITH — YOUR BEST LIFE...LATER
What are you doing in your life right now that requires faith? How are you trusting God so completely that you would completely and utterly fail if He did not pull through?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "When You're In Love" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, July 7 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Thursday, June 25, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on June 30: When You're In Love (Love or Obligation?)

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: WHEN YOU'RE IN LOVE
Why do so few people genuinely find joy and pleasure in their relationship with God? Why do most people feel they have to either pay God back for all He's done (buy His love)? Or somehow keep making up for all their inadequacies and failures (prove their love)?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "When You're In Love" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, June 30 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Friday, June 19, 2009 'Crazy' Game Night on June 23: Meet at the Ox

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: CRAZY GAME NIGHT AT THE OX
We're taking a break from the usual discussion this week. We're letting our hair down, getting jiggy with it, and having a "crazy" game night social.

This time it'll be right where we've been meeting at the Staggering Ox on Tuesday, June 23 @ 6:30pm.

It'll be an opportunity to meet new people, get to know each other, and get some "game on" with friendly competitions of your favorite board/card games (i.e. Killer Bunnies, Apples to Apples, etc.). If you've been coming, it's a great week to invite a friend.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
If you've wanted to check us out, this is your opportunity to come and just have some fun and interaction. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction

Thursday, June 11, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on June 16: Serving Leftovers To A Holy God

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: SERVING LEFTOVERS TO A HOLY GOD
Is the idea of a non-fruit-bearing Christian something that we have concocted in order to make Christianity "easier"? Following Christ isn't something we can do halfheartedly – it must be central to everything that we are. Our greatest fear should not be of failure, but of succeeding at the wrong things.

Don't miss this week's topic titled "Serving Leftovers to a Holy God" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, June 16 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Friday, June 5, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on June 9: Profile Of The Lukewarm

This current Encounter Discussions series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

THIS WEEK: PROFILE OF THE LUKEWARM
Has your relationship with God actually changed the way you live? Do you see evidence of God's kingdom in your life? Or are you satisfied with being "godly enough" to get yourself to heaven?

Don't miss this week's topic titled "Profile of the Lukewarm" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, June 9 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here or the Eventbrite event here.
Read more about Crazy Love here from the series introduction.

Friday, May 29, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on June 2: Are We In Love With God or Just His Stuff?

Creating a dialogue in public spaces is an intentional way to build relationships and engage our community. We've been doing this on Tuesdays at the Staggering Ox through our Encounter Discussions.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
Do we really understand the extent of God's love for us? Are we in love with God or just His stuff? Don't miss this week's topic simply titled "Crazy Love" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, June 2 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here. No Facebook? Click here.

ABOUT CRAZY LOVE
This current discussion series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

It's crazy that the extent of faith has become simply going to church, singing some songs, and trying not to cuss. The truth is that we long to break free of the status quo.

Life is much more than a religious set of do's and don'ts. Find out more and experience this crazy love and you will never be the same!

Read more here from the series introduction.
Or explore the Crazy Love website here.

Friday, May 22, 2009 'Crazy Love' Discussion on May 26: You Might Not Finish This Discussion

Creating a dialogue in public spaces is an intentional way to build relationships and engage our community. We've been doing this on Tuesdays at the Staggering Ox through our Encounter Discussions.

ABOUT CRAZY LOVE
This current discussion series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

It's crazy that the extent of faith has become simply going to church, singing some songs, and trying not to cuss. The truth is that we long to break free of the status quo.

Life is much more than a religious set of do's and don'ts. Find out more and experience this crazy love and you will never be the same!

Read more here from the series introduction.
Or explore the Crazy Love website here.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
Don't miss this week's topic "You Might Not Finish This Discussion" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, May 26 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response – a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here.
No Facebook? Click here.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009 New Discussion on May 19: Crazy Love!

Getting out into public spaces and creating a dialogue — a forum of open and honest communication – is an intentional way to build relationships and engage our community. We've been doing this for over ten weeks now on Tuesdays at the Staggering Ox through our Encounter Discussions.

Our recent They Like Jesus But Not The Church discussions were both enlightening and impactful. We had some really honest and open dialogue about the common misperceptions emerging generations have about the church and Christians. Our new discussion series from Francis Chan's book Crazy Love takes the next step. It tackles what Jesus really meant about being the church, both as individuals and as a community of faith.

ABOUT CRAZY LOVE
There is a lot of craziness going around. As Chan puts it, the God of the universe created "nitrogen and pine needles, galaxies and E-minor" and yet He loves us with a "radical, unconditional, self-sacrificing love." And what is the extent of our response? We simply go to church, sing some songs, and "try not to cuss." We know deep inside that there has to be more.

The truth is that we long to break free of the status quo. We're too comfortable and we're hungry for more. God's crazy love for us is meant to translate into our crazy love for the world and the people He created. And as we do so, we find that life is much more than a religious set of do's and don'ts. Experience this crazy love and you will never be the same!

Explore the Crazy Love website here.

JOIN US AND BRING A FRIEND
Don't miss our first discussion "Stop Praying" at the Staggering Ox this Tuesday, May 19 @ 6:30pm. You're invited to join us for a weekly DVD clip and discussion response — a forum of honest interaction and exploration.

You don't have to attend every session to get something out of the discussion. So even if you're just curious, drop by and bring a friend. Arrive early at 6:00pm and grab a sandwich with us.

Check out the Facebook event here.
No Facebook? Click here.

Saturday, May 9, 2009 'Crazy' Meet & Greet Mixer at the Red Atlas

Want to meet some new people in a fun and casual environment?

Come join us Tuesday evening, May 12 for an opportunity to get to know some great people over food, conversation, and music. We'll meet at 6:30pm at the Red Atlas (in the Staggering Ox).

While the focus will be on casual conversation, we'll take a couple of minutes to introduce our next 'crazy' series of Encounter Discussions that will be starting on May 19.

One hint: It'll be crazy!

View at the Facebook event here

Thursday, April 30, 2009 All Are Invited to a Game Night Social!

ABOUT THE GAME NIGHT
Everyone is invited this Tuesday, May 5 @ 6:45pm to a social gathering and game night (i.e. Killer Bunnies, Apples to Apples, etc.) Bring a game and a friend, as well as some pop or snacks to share.

It doesn't matter if you have attended the discussions or not, you and your friends are invited. We'll be meeting at the Powell Home on Tuesday, May 5 @ 6:45pm. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or comments or visit the Facebook event listing here.

ABOUT THE DISCUSSION
We capped off the They Like Jesus But Not The Church discussion nights last week, so no discussion this week. We're already planning a new series of discussions so stay tuned for more info.