staying

I love helping people move. If it wasn't for my back, I'd do that all the time. Sheon, a graduate student that has been going to Eikon grew up in Korea. She recently finished school and had to decide whether to move away or not.

It was really encouraging to hear that she is staying in Edinburgh and is going to commute to Glasgow (1 hour away) so she can continue going to Eikon and helping out with student ministry. How cool is that?

When we wonder whether it's worth having a car in this city, getting a call from Sheon asking for help and being able to offer the car and my bulging muscles (don't laugh) makes it all worth it.

upcoming

Look forward to having our close friends Jay and Jill in this weekend. We'll also make our way up to Aveymore (the highlands!) for a Scottish AG conference. It should be a party, well, something like that.

We're meeting at The Forest tomorrow to discuss the use of the facility for Eikon. This has been sparked from an increase in rent at the hotel we use and the relationships built through various people with The Forest. Not to mention, it's actually a great space.

We could be changing locations as early as mid-september starting with a Party event on the 23rd of September.

We've been hammering out this next year in our leadership meetings. Really am excited for the direction we're taking Eikon.

I like to think it's an upgrade: Eikon 2.0

I'll post some notes from some of our meetings......I'm so pumped!

kids

Darrin and Rebecca are a great couple that have joined us at Eikon. They are a part of the YWAM here in Edinburgh that focuses it's mission on sending out musicians to reach the city. He's a really good singer and guitar player. Rebecca is an amazing artist.

They did a concert a few weeks ago for the festival and he played while she painted in the background, so cool.

Anyways, we took their 4 children this past saturday for a sleepover so they could go out and relax. They are adorable kids. It actually made me miss my nephews and niece, whom we never get to see.

We honestly can't think of anything more joyful than doing small things like that for people at Eikon. It made me think of this great picture of Kate.

Some of you have seen it, but it's the perfect toddler picture.

debut

Made my international debut tonight. Ha. Bruce is a professional trumpet player and Opera singer. I've spoken of him in the past. Mary, his wife, is a teacher and also an excellent oboeist. They played in an orchestra this evening and had a trumpet cancellation and asked if I'd play.

It was like walking down memory lane. I literally had chills while we rehearsed for the concert this evening. Music was a huge part of my life from 4th grade up until the end of my freshman year of college where I majored in music my first year. I basically stopped playing after that, so it's been almost 6 years since I've played in an orchestra.

I remember in high school I would go to jazz ensemble at 6:50am before school. Then would have wind ensemble for a period during the day, then play in the brass quintet during lunch, and have marching band following school (insert marching band joke here). I wouldn't get home 'till 5pm every evening. I don't know how the heck I did that for so long. Have I gotten lazier?

Did I play well? All I can say is it was fun:) Bruce and Mary are such an awesome couple in our church. I have such respect for them as people and their professions.

I'm hoping to ship out my trumpet and start playing again. I'd like to play for the University Orchestra. It'd be such a great way to meet new people and use a gift that has been dorment for years.

Digital Britain

Read an interesting article on BBC News today.

It's about the digital state of Britain. Beyond the obvious statement that Britains are using digital technology more than they were 5 years ago, some fascinating stats appeared:

*The average Briton now spends 50 hours per week on the phone, suing the net, watching TV or listening to the radio.

*More than 75% of 11 year olds have their own tv, games console and mobile phone!

*15% of 13-15 year olds and 7% of 10 year olds have their own web cam.

*Young people now spend as much time on their mobile phone as they do playing computer and console games.

*This report echoed this observation that Britons were getting increasingly sophisticated in their use of communications technologies.

*16% of people aged 65+ spend at least 42 hours/month online, higher than any other age group!

*TV viewing has dramatically declined. DVD sales has cut in half.

*"there is a need for greater mobility. People are increasingly using their mobile devices for a range of functions such as camera, downloading music or listening tot he radio."

promocast

We're putting together a "promocast" for eikon on itunes. It's been a blast learning how to podcast this past week. Kate is the guru at writing code, in fact she set most of it up for me, but the process has been more complicated than I anticipated.

We shot our "welcome" video today. It was entirely extemporaneous, as you may be able to tell. Fun though.

Our promocast will be showing all the creative videos we've put together these past many months, including the many new ones we're planning to role out for our upcoming monthly events this fall. It'll be a good medium for broadcasting to those tech-saavy enough to use itunes, which is just about everyone in their 20s. Hopefully this could inspire those less inclined to get on their horses and learn to use this hugely popular and effective form of communication. We're definetely late to the party on this one.

I have at least thirty podcasts that I follow, ranging from sermons from various churches, to musical artist interview podcasts, to leadership development and loads of other topics.

The information age is in high speed and trying to avoid drowning in it is challenging enough.

Keep an eye on our promocast, should be fun developing it.

enchanting

There was a video about "sweet home chicago" just recently. Honestly, I can't get it out of my head. This blues player, who's quite good plays every single day at noon 15 feet below our window. It's like surround sound and he plays "sweet home chicago" several times/day.

Music is constant where we are, so it has simply become white noise for the both of us. People that hang out at our flat find it amusing that we have everything timed out now. The magician on the corner will show up in about 15 minutes and does a great act with a cigarette. The statue street performer does the same trick over and over and is getting ready for her act that will usually last at least an hour. The blues band is on at noon. The dualing bagpipers on opposite corners will battle it out around 7pm, and the ceilidh band plays very late, around 10pm and plays till midnight just below our flat.

My favorite, and I hope to get some video of it is this guy who plays the guitar just up the street. All he does is sing songs about people walking by him, sooo funny. Some inappropriate material, but some of the wittiest stuff I've ever heard. I remember him from last year.

There are acts just down the street and we have them pretty much memorized by this point.

The festival shines a light on how diverse humanity really is. I could sit at our table overlooking the atmosphere for hours. It's quite enchanting.

I tuned out of the white noise just now to overhear a bunch of tourists doing a call n' response with the blues player.....back to the same old song (blues player) sweet home chicago (european tourists).

So ironic.

Another Way?

Was happy for the opportunity to share this morning at Eikon. First, it gives Tony a much needed rest from the demands of speaking every week. It doesn't make sense to ask a pastor to preach week-in, and week-out. It only ends up hurting the body. Second, I do enjoying sharing what's been on my heart and mind.

Anywho, Mike shared this past sunday, did an excellent job speaking from Bonhoeffer's "Ethics". Had some great insights from the book. He gave a great example from Rob Bell about giving flowers to someone. It's not the act of flower giving, it's the symbol of the flowers, hopefully the heart. Likewise, we easily get sucked into doing Christian things without ever realizing why we do them other than that's just the way it is. We give the flowers, but don't offer our hearts to the Lord.

A few months ago I heard Bell share some thoughts that I posted about "turning the other cheek". It really captured me and I've spent the last few months enjoying a new perspective on Jesus. People aren't often attracted to Christianity anymore, but they certainly are fascinated with this poor Jewish Rabbi from Nazareth.

I spoke on our "fight or flight" mentality. We typically choose a more passive approach to conflict as Christians, or some choose to fight; return aggression with more aggression. Interestingly, this passivity has it's influence from early english translations of scripture. The writers didn't want to show the subversiveness of Christ's message, in fear of the powerful monarchy and uprising of the peasantry. This passive translation still has affect today.

I often find myself in a passive mode. I'm so sensitive to pushing my faith on others because it may appear too evangelistic. As a result, I'll back away more often than approach an opportunity to share or a conflict that arises. That's my own personal baggage that I carry with me, a challenge I often face.

I remember when I was in Fort Myers a few years back, and I'd be downtown at one of the local pubs. On a few occasions, I was approached by Christians that wanted to share their faith with me. I just remember thinking to myself, "is this what we look like when we talk about God?"

What happens in "turning the other cheek", or "walking the extra mile", or "giving your shirt as well?" Don't necessarily fight. Don't give in. Jesus says, "here's another way".

In each case, the oppressor is given two options: recognize the other as an equal, and thus restoring their humanity. Or, go on oppressing and risk being deeply shamed and humiliated in society. Either way, you're giving another the chance to reconcile themselves to their own morality, their own understanding of what it means to be human. You are giving yourself and another the opportunity to restore peace, or rightness with one another as it was always intended to by God.

This has deep conviction about how, we as seekers and followers of Christ should approach social inequality and gross human rights violations throughout the world and in our own backyards.

I love those "whoa" moments when reading scripture. Suddenly a layer is lifted from your eyes and you know you'll not see things the same way again. Matthew 5:38-41 has done that for me.

I'll not bore you anymore:)

Pandora.com!!!

Dave just introduced me to Pandora a few days ago and I've been using it non-stop ever since!

It is essentially an online radio tool that creates playlists according to your preferences...no commercials, no replaying old playlists, loads of new artists and songs that play seamlessly...this is SO nice for people like me that work online multiple hours a day!

Check it out: Pandora.com

makeover

Gave Schmidgalls.com a makerover. Kate did an awesome job integrating the Blog with the rest of the site.

The Support page is super user-friendly. We'll use the Blog as the main up-dated page, as we've provided over 220 posts, roughly 4 posts/week.

Also, sign up for our new E-Newsletter. That will provide monthly updates as well.

My wife is amazing, isn't she:)

reflecting

Kate and I have been in reflective mode the past few weeks. We've been here a year, and Eikon is about to embark on another level of its journey as a Church-plant.

We're spending time this week in prayer and fasting and then will meet friday for a very long, much-anticipated time for the core-team to evaluate this past year and plan for the coming year.

One thing everyone can be praying about: the Hotel we meet at is now under new management and they are raising costs for the use of their facility on sundays. Finances are very tight and we want to trust in the Lord for what's next. Some possibilities are on the horizon for other locations, so be praying for that.

We'll be getting small-groups, campus ministry, community action, podcasting, and a lot more major events planned for this coming fall.

where are we

was doing some reading when I heard a familiar tune outside our window.

mmmmm, sweet home chicago.

last night

Home sweet home

Dave and I returned home to Edinburgh yesterday and have been adjusting to the sea of people outside our flat. The Edinburgh Festival is now officially underway and it is non-stop, day and night madness. Yesterday we had competing bagpipers beneath our window, today was an electric guitarist and an opera group.

Our time at CTS was VERY refreshing, but it is good to be home...we really do love Edinburgh...even though it's chilly and rainy even in August.

Monthly Supporters

Some people were inquiring whether you have to fill out more support papers if you plan to continue to support us monthly:

You do not have to fill out additional forms if you plan to continue support, it will automatically continue.

You don't fully appreciate everything until you get the monthly disbursement and see where it specifically goes every month: every single penny matters for us, and we couldn't be more blessed to be supported by you. Whether it goes towards monthly rent, groceries, taking someone out for coffe (that's a frequent), purchasing supplies for the church, or any number of needs to allow us to function and serve the church and the city, it really is humbling.


If there are any questions concerning support, let us know anytime,

again,

dave@eikonedinburgh.com

Love you guys.

layover

Had to leave the conference a few days early, and the only option was an early morning flight, so we spent the day in London before taking off.

Not sure if it was from coming from brussels, or living in a gorgeous city like Edinburgh, or growing up near Chicago, but I wasn't all that amazed with London. We were both really exausted, but did the tourist stuff.

I must say, the tube is pretty sweet though. The best public transportation system I've ever seen.

Really looking forward to getting back to Edinburgh.

virtual efficiency

If you don't use your bookmark toolbar, I would strongly suggest getting into that.

Mine consists of BBC news, NY Times, The Economist, email links, 8 separate blogs I follow avidly, forums, facebook and myspace.

Along with personal reading, I basically go down the line in the mornings, an easy way to keep up with everything.

Go for it, click bookmark and scroll to "bookmark this page". Choose to put our blog on your bookmark toolbar.

Just another way of staying efficient with the information-overload-four-hundred and twenty-three blogs everyone follows:)

our best, their worst

Had a change of pace in the evening service. The Goulds are a couple reaching out to the student Muslim community in Bangladesh, a nation nestled east of India, about the size of Wisconsin and a population larger than a nation with 13 time zones (Russia).

The Goulds operate an internet cafe that offers computer training, a full cafe, and english courses. It's highly relational and the fruit of their creativity is paying off. The internet cafe scene is exploding because people are too poor to own computers yet young people are becoming increasingly pc savvy.

Bangladesh, though 99% muslim are considered moderate muslims which is the residue of a fundamentalist sponsored war between a neighboring country that was an immense failure (among other complexities).

We had a contextualized service similar to a muslim gathering. The women covered their heads and sat behind the men, while the Goulds led us through liturtical call and responses followed by a insightful message.

One thought that stuck in my mind was: "how you view muslims is how you view 1 out of 4 people in the world."

It's easy in western society to match our best against their worst.

We had the opportunity to do some construction work on a mosque in Edinburgh several months ago that had been vandalized post-9/11. We were hoping a missions team from the states would be able to help. Unfortunately, a few didn't feel comfortable with the situation so we were unable to offer help.

That's a situation that may draw a degree of tension or discomfort at first, but the more you think about it, there could not have been a better opportunity to non-verbally show the love of Christ. It really felt like a failed opportunity to serve the muslim community. Hope to learn from some of those experiences and learn to stretch ourselves outside our boxes.

Powerful service though.

Aaron Strumpel

Aaron Strumpel has led creative worship workshops all week as well as worship in evening services.
He's one of the better worship leaders I've heard in a while. He writes all his own songs, and is part of the Enter the Worship Circle family out in Boulder.

He'll be opening for Charlie Hall later in the month and finished an album with Brian McLaren, yes McLaren is a talented lyricist apparently.

Have had the opportunity to spend time with him and just love his heart, his raw, honest lyrics, and his voice.

This is down the road, but throwing in a little dream of having him come to Edinburgh and lead a creative workshop for us.

Check out his myspace, he could be big soon.

can't really explain

Can you explain the face figure in the back. We can't. A girl shot this last night while we were all out hanging out. Thing was, there wasn't anyone behind this girl.

I did

Told the story earlier, but will tell it again now that I got a picture of it. I was in Brussels 6 years ago with a few people several months into dating Kate. There was this cozy walk-way with countless italian restaurants and I swore I'd take her there.

I did. Point for Dave.

railway

Captured this while waiting for the train in Belgium.

waffles

Had a day off today and shot into the city for the day. Spent most of the day with a couple, Brett and Courtney who are starting a campus ministry in norway. Awesome couple!

I've been there before, so we made a b-line to the best waffle cafe in town. These aren't ego waffles, these are dessert. It literally melts in your mouth.

Don't get me started on the belgium chocolate. It's been a good, sweet day.

web ministry

Kate had the opportunity to lead a session on "web ministry". I popped in and got a quick shot, but basically made it into a "what do you want to know" hour. It's a hot topic and in desperate need of being used more effectively in reaching students on campus.

There are leaders from all over Europe here: Belgium, Germany, Scotland, England, Ireland, Slovenia, Greece, Bangladesh (not Europe), France, Austria, and Finland to name a few. Great to here of some stories of others, either pioneering or in a well-established setting in need of a fresh approach.

Gotta confess, miss Edinburgh.

Grand Platz

After a delayed train from edinburgh to london, we barely, I mean barely made our flight out to Brussels. Typical syle, kate and I sprinting through the terminal. Of course our gate was the furthest you could possibly be, doesn't it always seem that way?

Met a backpacker named Robb on the plane and randomly connected with Michael McNamee's interns as well. Mac picked us up gave us a tour of the city and gave us a killer meal.

Will upload some pics of Brussels, but it was fantanstic.

6 years ago, when I was in Brussels I remember walking through this area in the city center that had all these cozy italian restaurants and I swore I would take Kate there someday. Check that off the list, had an awesome meal and then went to the Grand Platz for a musical light show. Unbelievable, we tried our best to soak it up. An amazing square late in the evening with cobblestone streets, hundreds of people, beautiful classical music and doing it all with my wife. Life can't get much better:)