Getting Licensed

Hopefully most of you will be attending the Global Outreach seminar tomorrow morning on "Contextualizing Hope." I and four elders will be attending presbytery and observing Jonny McGreevy being examined for licensure. Normally I would not be worried, but presbytery has a moderator (Brian "Iron Fist" Esterly) who strikes fear into the hearts of young men called to stand before presbytery.

Food Collection

“Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you something to drink?... I tell you the truth , whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matt 25:37,40

Please join me this year as we once again collect food for the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission. This organization has an outreach to the homeless and poor of Philadelphia. They supply 3 meals a day 7 days a week to the homeless and provide food items to the poor. This year collection bag distribution will take place on Sunday November 14 with the full bag collection date scheduled for Sunday November 21. Food bags can be dropped off at Reception Hall. (During coffee hour please leave bags at 2 West.) A list of suggested food items is printed on the bags, but if you did not get a bag, all items are welcome, except for those that are perishable or in glass containers.

Laura Leyh

Welcome, Alexander!

Aaron and Shaun Snethen are pleased to announce the birth of Alexander Mark on November 7, 7lbs 13oz, 21 inches.

New Community Center

I received a tour of the new (two weeks old) community center in Nicetown section of the city at 4200 Wissahickon Avenue (just below Roosevelt Blvd). It is NICE! It is the kind of building you would expect to see on the Ben Franklin Parkway. I doubt there is a better aquatics facility in the city. Nice exercise facility. If you live in the area such as East Falls, definitely check it out. It is run by the Salvation Army in partnership with the Ray and Joan Kroc foundation which supplied the major funds. Here is the website, which unfortunately only has architectural drawings. Fantastic children's pool if you are looking for a pool party. Monthly and year memberships.

Generation Life Reception

"Born for You a Savior, Who is Christ the Lord" Christmas Reception with Bebo Norman, speaker Gianna Jessen at the Merion Tribute House, Starting at 7 pm on Saturday December 11th, 2010 Fundraiser for Generation Life. Click here for more info.

House for Rent or Sale

Lovely Federal Style Colonial Home in Lansdowne available for rent or purchase: 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, gourmet state-of-the-art kitchen. If interested, please contact Rose by email or call at 610.585.0900.

Hope in any context

This Saturday, from 9-12 pm, the Global Outreach Commission is hosting a mini-conference entitled "Contextualizing Hope." Learn more about how the hope of the gospel is being conveyed in various cultural contexts. Consider how you can lovingly share hope with those around you.

The mini-conference is free, but preregistration is requested. To register click here and follow the directions. If you read this post late on Friday, just come! We will warmly welcome all walk-ins.

Sufjan Stevens and I

So that the younger members of the congregation will know just how cool an Executive Minister you have, I will be attending the Sufjan Stevens concert tonight. For you older folks, here is a taste of him performing "The Transfiguration." I will include the lyrics. And yes, he has wings attached to his back.
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Here is another video capturing the Hallelujah Chorus at Philadelphia's Macy's.

Today in Ghana

The next session of the Prostitute Rehabilitation Program commences and twenty ladies begin to learn new ways of making a living. Pray that they embrace the new life offered in Christ. Pray that by God's grace they can overcome abuse and shame.

Michael Oh

Michael Oh will be preaching next Sunday for the close of the Global Outreach Conference. He will also be speaking Saturday morning for the Contextualizing Hope seminar (9:30-12:00). To get a taste of Michael speaking, here is a 12 minute video from his speaking at Urbana.

Apartment for Rent

2BD/1BA, approx. 900 sq. ft. Rent is $850. Second floor apartment (duplex), Carpet floors, plenty of closet space. Use of full size washer and dryer. Garage parking available. Tenant is responsible for utilities - gas heat and electricity. Apartment is located in the quiet neighborhood of Wynnefield Heights. Access to public transportation is located conveniently on the block and goes to Center City. I-76 easily accessible from City Line. Within walking distance to City Line Ave, Target shopping center, banks, 24 hr supermarket. The address is: 4006 Balwynne Park Ave, Philadelphia PA 19131.

Please contact Mei-Lin Walter: 267 815-5159 or email.

The Great Divorce

A stage adaptation of C. S. Lewis' The Great Divorce will be performed at Penn Friday night, November 12, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free. Click here for more information.

Studio Apartment Available

Spacious Studio Apartment in Art Museum Area.

$1000/month + electric.  

Hardwood floors.  Large walk-in closet.  Full kitchen and bath.  Lots of natural light.  Located in excellent building with center city shuttle, gym, and internet access. Flexible availability.  Furnished or un-furnished.  Please call or email Alisa for further information - (703)606-0769