teaching, sharing and singing in minneapolis

Hola, all.

My name is Seth, and you can call me “assistant to the regional manager.”  I’m working my way up to “assistant regional manager.”

I’m writing here for the first time (at least under my actual name ; ) ) to share a bit from the opportunity Tracy and I both had this past week in Minneapolis.

For several years now, The Restoration Project has enjoyed an annual presence at the Source community – leading worship, sharing songs, participating in ArtFest and in general being privileged to hang out and connect with the community at ‘The Fallout’ in a poorer part of south Minneapolis.

This year, they gifted me with the opportunity to come along and lead some teaching at the start of their Urban Ministry Training week to help establish a theological and spiritual foundation for all of the exciting challenges and events ahead this summer.  I spoke on the ‘restoration oracles’ of later Isaiah, unpacking some of how the LORD intends for city’s to be restored to shalom, and what our communal response should organically be to this salvific work.  That’s the very short version, haha, though if you’re interested in hearing some of it, I believe a an mp3 podcast will be made available in the near future – stay tuned to the blog!

Other highlights involved getting to explore the amazing array of local coffee shops, eateries, thrift stores and walkability of this very cool city (my first time visiting), that reminded me in many ways of my “adopted home” of Austin, TX.  “Kamp,” a former homeless man now in transitional housing came for some of the teaching and events and shared extensively with us his experience and own songs based on Isaiah!  (pictured below)

Of course, for me, the biggest highlights were the start-of-the-day times for song, prayer and reflection, led by Tracy.  Participants were encouraged (and obliged) to respond in prayer, song, reading of Psalms and dance!

Tracy also shared her gift while singing for turning people’s Psalms and prayers into improvised songs and verse.

All in all, a very special and unique 5 days, and we are both very humbled and grateful for the above-and-beyond hospitality of the community and participants.  We are blessed and thankful for your receptivity to our offerings and your own of prayers and well-wishes as we gear up for Restoration Village’s trip to Africa in June…i.e. tomorrow!!!