Problems are for Solving

I haven’t posted in a week, so if you haven’t read all the posts on spiritual warfare, do so now here. I’ll get the next post out, which is mostly done, soon.

My parents visited last week and that was really nice. I don’t get to see them very often, so when we do we try to enjoy it. We may see them a little more often now that Allegiant Air has a non-stop from Phoenix to Peoria.

While mom & dad were here, Margary begin walking some. She’s up to 10-15 steps at a time now, and soon will be walking a lot and we’ll find all the stuff we thought we put where she couldn’t get into it.

Theresa took three children to the eye doctor today. Peter, much to his delight, does not need glasses. Elsie’s two broken pair are handled now (yes, she broke both pairs in quick succession–praise God for warranties) and Moriah will be the newest in the house to get the specs on. Like her papa, she is very far-sighted.

No news yet on the major decision, but since I’ve been asked by at least one of the four faithful readers: no, Theresa isn’t expecting (at least as far as we know). More about this when we can talk about it.

Our church switched meeting locations. You can find out more on the church web site. Outgrowing our space is a nice problem to have.

I had my first 30 minute 300+ calorie workout this week. It ought to be regular soon, but I’m glad to finally be feeling like I can handle a decent workout. Haven’t lost much weight–but we’re getting into better habits.

That’s the news from Orange St.

(This post may get me in more trouble with some friends than my recent post on adult beverages.)

Yesterday, in answer to many years of prayers by their grandfather Mutton, four of my five children were allowed to sit and partake at the Lord’s Table.

That’s right. I’m out of the closet. Many of my closest friends have yet to know this but about two years ago I became convinced of covenant communion. I believe that all baptized persons, as a part of the Church of Jesus Christ, should be admitted to the Lord’s Table and partake of that holy meal. I believe the Bible teaches this.

It is a disputed matter, though, and for the past two years I have kept silent on my change of beliefs out of respect for the elders of my church. I have seen this doctrine handled in an ungodly way in other communities in the past. Since the part of the point of covenant communion is that Christ’s entire Body is united in communion at His Table to be divisive in my pursuit of it seemed inappropriate. And so outside of a select group of friends I only spoke with my elders about this change of beliefs and honestly asked them to convince me that the teaching of the church was correct and I was wrong.

Last Sunday evening the elders at Redeemer Presbyterian Church approved the transfer of my family to Providence Church, a local church that shares this belief and as of today I am no longer a non-practicing adherent to covenant communion. The Church catholic, of which both of these local communions are a part, remains undivided and my family has moved from submitting to elders who are being faithful to their vows in the PCA to submitting to elders who are being faithful to their vows in the Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Both churches remain as local links in my sidebar because of this catholic (or universal) nature of the Church. And while there are distinct beliefs and practices that separate us here on earth, we are joined in our Communion in Christ and will be united in an even more special way on the Last Day.

I wrote earlier about last month’s game night. We had it later in the month last month because the normal Friday (3^rd Friday) was my anniversary.

Game night for May is tomorrow–May 19^th. It’s at 6:00 PM at my house and supper is provided and children are welcome. My home is in the University East neighborhood. If you’re interested in coming (it’ll be fun!) you can contact the game night organizer here.

We do this every month (and I’ll post stories about it so you can get a glimpse of it) on the third Friday–so even if you can’t make it in May, let us know and we’ll make room for you another month. See you at the gaming tables!

People, “non-people� and “family� all congregate at Ebenezer House (my home) one Friday every month for game night.

We used to meet at our church’s building but thought that the homey feel of being in the neighborhood was nicer. Plus we’re hoping this becomes as much of a neighborhood event as it is one our church enjoys.

Game night is something that we enjoy and is different each month. Many different people come and we play different games* each month. We start with a meal, thinking that this is important that eating together breeds the right kind of fellowship for the competition of games later.

This month we had the Ben-Ezras and Lansberrys as usual, and we were joined by Pastor Ben-Ezra (Seth’s dad), two adult singles and a family from our church and a new family who found out about the event from a local homeschool e-group.

Seth taught a group of people Tikal and then settled in to play Tigris and Euphrates with another group of us. The kids love Fireball Island and I know a game of Inegenious broke out in the kitchen.

We broke up late this month (we start at 6 with dinner and usually get done about 9 or 9:30) but everyone had a great time. Part of community is doing things together and game night is just one more way we’re building relationships and being with one another in a way that challenges us to pursue love and good works together.

* There are specific types of games we play. We go for something that is at least three players, as many as six or eight, and that is easily taught. (Easily taught is no the same thing as easily mastered, btw.) We look for imaginative games. Most of the games we play are not produced by Parker Brothers but by European game designers (the Germans are well known for games like Carcassonne). You can find all of the games we’ve played (and many more) at Just For Fun here in Peoria.