the greenroom's mission:
To be a creative force for the Creator God.
Be honest.
Do you ever get the feeling that Jesus would never choose to hang out in the places we’ve built for him? Do you ever feel like Jesus’ message of radical love, mercy and forgiveness has been drowned out by the voices of judgment, condemnation, and stagnant ritualistic religion? Do you ever get the sense that the church was never meant to be about helping itself, but about helping the world? Do you ever get the nagging feeling that Jesus never intended the church to be comfortable and controlled, but instead an untamable movement that challenges the way things have always been done? Have you ever longed to be a part of a community that isn’t afraid to experience God in new and creative ways? (Yeah, us too.)
Do you ever get the feeling that Jesus would never choose to hang out in the places we’ve built for him? Do you ever feel like Jesus’ message of radical love, mercy and forgiveness has been drowned out by the voices of judgment, condemnation, and stagnant ritualistic religion? Do you ever get the sense that the church was never meant to be about helping itself, but about helping the world? Do you ever get the nagging feeling that Jesus never intended the church to be comfortable and controlled, but instead an untamable movement that challenges the way things have always been done? Have you ever longed to be a part of a community that isn’t afraid to experience God in new and creative ways? (Yeah, us too.)
Monday, December 28, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
12
I know it’s been a while since I’ve blogged, but let’s just say it’s been busy few months.
As you may know, the greenroom doesn’t officially launch until the fall of 2010, but God has been supernaturally shaping and directing this movement in ways that, honestly, sometimes makes it hard to keep up. So in honor of the “12 days of Christmas” I wanted to fill you in on 12 exciting things that have been happening behind the scenes regarding the greenroom.
1. We’ve already had two strategic “greenroom gatherings” consisting of a small group of leaders dedicated to using there abilities and influence for this new kind of Jesus movement.
2. We’ve established a gathering place; “Studio 4” which is a night club located in downtown Ann Arbor (more about this unconventional gathering place in the days to come).
3. We’ve been in high level meetings regarding partnership and sponsorship with churches, companies and individuals.
4. We’ve had highly productive conversations with church and civic leaders from in and around Ann Arbor on how we can work together to find ways of combining our gifts and resources for a greater impact.
5. We are currently in the process of putting together a recording for a “prayer walk” scheduled for the Easter season.
6. We are in the process of designing a website that will be creative, easy to navigate and communicates God’s mission and vision for the greenroom.
7. The Greenroom has already put into motion some creative ways to attract and utilize some of the most gifted artists in the country.
8. We’re developing the creation of 5 video teasers illustrating and promoting the greenroom's vision and mission.
9. We’ve had many generous individuals donating their time and resources, including computers, graphic designs, meeting spaces, etc.
10. We’ve started the process of obtaining a 501c3 (non profit status).
11. In the very near future, those who feel led to give monetarily to the greenroom and its mission will have the opportunity through the River Community Church website. (therivercc.net)
12. We’ve been invited to be a guest on an internet radio program on January 15th highlighting the unique and revolutionary way that God is choosing to reach the artist community in Ann Arbor. Check out this site for more information. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alexmcmanus/2010/01/15/imn-central--scott-denise-crownovers--church-plant
Have a wonderful Christmas, and an incredible New Year!
As you may know, the greenroom doesn’t officially launch until the fall of 2010, but God has been supernaturally shaping and directing this movement in ways that, honestly, sometimes makes it hard to keep up. So in honor of the “12 days of Christmas” I wanted to fill you in on 12 exciting things that have been happening behind the scenes regarding the greenroom.
1. We’ve already had two strategic “greenroom gatherings” consisting of a small group of leaders dedicated to using there abilities and influence for this new kind of Jesus movement.
2. We’ve established a gathering place; “Studio 4” which is a night club located in downtown Ann Arbor (more about this unconventional gathering place in the days to come).
3. We’ve been in high level meetings regarding partnership and sponsorship with churches, companies and individuals.
4. We’ve had highly productive conversations with church and civic leaders from in and around Ann Arbor on how we can work together to find ways of combining our gifts and resources for a greater impact.
5. We are currently in the process of putting together a recording for a “prayer walk” scheduled for the Easter season.
6. We are in the process of designing a website that will be creative, easy to navigate and communicates God’s mission and vision for the greenroom.
7. The Greenroom has already put into motion some creative ways to attract and utilize some of the most gifted artists in the country.
8. We’re developing the creation of 5 video teasers illustrating and promoting the greenroom's vision and mission.
9. We’ve had many generous individuals donating their time and resources, including computers, graphic designs, meeting spaces, etc.
10. We’ve started the process of obtaining a 501c3 (non profit status).
11. In the very near future, those who feel led to give monetarily to the greenroom and its mission will have the opportunity through the River Community Church website. (therivercc.net)
12. We’ve been invited to be a guest on an internet radio program on January 15th highlighting the unique and revolutionary way that God is choosing to reach the artist community in Ann Arbor. Check out this site for more information. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/alexmcmanus/2010/01/15/imn-central--scott-denise-crownovers--church-plant
Have a wonderful Christmas, and an incredible New Year!
Monday, May 18, 2009
announcement
On May 3rd Denise and I announced to the River Community Church that we will soon be embarking on a brand-new adventure; to create a vibrant, unconventional church geared at reaching the artistic community in and around Ann Arbor. It will be called The Greenroom.
This fresh, imaginative, and compelling new movement will be a place where all those seeking to grow closer to the Creator will have the freedom to use all forms of artistic expression to encourage, challenge, and inspire one another to become everything that God has created us to be.
Though many details have yet to be determined, (our launch date is scheduled for the fall of 2010) we envision a growing and compelling movement that positively impacts the city of Ann Arbor and beyond by serving the world, loving one another and experiencing God in new and imaginative ways, while also challenging each other to “walk as Jesus walked.”
(1 John 2:6)
This fresh, imaginative, and compelling new movement will be a place where all those seeking to grow closer to the Creator will have the freedom to use all forms of artistic expression to encourage, challenge, and inspire one another to become everything that God has created us to be.
Though many details have yet to be determined, (our launch date is scheduled for the fall of 2010) we envision a growing and compelling movement that positively impacts the city of Ann Arbor and beyond by serving the world, loving one another and experiencing God in new and imaginative ways, while also challenging each other to “walk as Jesus walked.”
(1 John 2:6)
Stay tuned for more Greenroom updates.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
love
Just recently came across this really cool group. Their name is the Micheal Gungor Band. This is their first music video. It's simple and to the point - and I'm pretty sure that's why I like it. (being simple minded and all...)
Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love, does not know God -
for GOD IS LOVE.
1 John 4:7-8
Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is born of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love, does not know God -
for GOD IS LOVE.
1 John 4:7-8
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
dynamite
"You Christians look after a document containing enough dynamite to blow all civilization to pieces, turn the world upside down, and bring peace to a battle-torn planet. But you treat it as though it is nothing more than a piece of good literature."
-Gandhi
-Gandhi
Friday, February 27, 2009
sign

Came across this letter the other day. I think most of us have some kind of an opinion on this. Let me know what you think. After reading it, ask yourself, "How did Jesus communicate his message to people? What method(s) did he use?" Would love to hear from both Christians and non-Christians on this.
An Open Letter to all Church Sign Maintainers... by Drew Moser
To all the maintainers of church signs--
Stop it...please. I'm pleading with you. Stop the silly, ridiculous 'bad theology in a nutshell' sayings on your church signs. I can't tell you how often I drive by your churches and cringe. As a pastor, I'm embarrassed that my colleagues would spew such trash on the one thing that you want everyone to see. "The messages make you think," you'll no doubt say in defense. My reply: "Yeah, they make you think...they make you think about why people don't go to church."
It's not that communicating via sign is wrong. Just do it the right way. Don't put cheesy sayings on them. Stop replacing phrases that including or talk about the 'sun' with 'son'. It's lame and played out. Stop replacing 'sold' with 'souled'. Our being is not a transaction. Stop condemning people to hell via sign message. It's cowardly and spiteful. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Stop telling me that "God is my copilot." I don't have a plane, and I don't know how to fly one. All you're doing is fueling the fire for antagonists to mock us, and you're building a wall instead of a bridge of thoughtful reflection and dialogue. Instead of the word junk, put something on there that truly makes people think. You could use a difficult passage of Scripture, a quote from great theologian, a thought from a member of your congregation. Mother Teresa alone has enough quotes worth posting to cover your sign for months. Or maybe you could use a quote from a recent movie, or a pithy sentence fro m a classic fiction novel, or a lyric from a song. Don't pander down to the same book that you all own that gives you second rate stuff. Seek excellence in all you do, including your signage.
Maybe if we spent more time exploring the deep mystery and wonder of humanity, created by God, in His image, we'd have a better idea of how to reach one another with love and truth. Maybe, just maybe we'd have a better idea of how to use our signs to probe deeper into the human soul.
Unfortunately, our signs are a reflection of the state of theological formulation in way too many church congregations: simplistic, watered-down, and oozing with cheese. If the church is truly a mission outpost to the world, let's stop reducing the mysteries and wonder of God to painful puns and poor plays on words. Let our signs communicate something deeper; something more. Let's allow our signs to represent Christ and His church as he has called it to be. Hold the cheese and people might not want to vomit all over your sign when they drive by it.
So, my challenge to you, Mr. or Mrs. Church Sign Maintenance Person...take more time and consideration into what you communicate. People read those signs and respond. They just might not respond in the way we hoped.
An Open Letter to all Church Sign Maintainers... by Drew Moser
To all the maintainers of church signs--
Stop it...please. I'm pleading with you. Stop the silly, ridiculous 'bad theology in a nutshell' sayings on your church signs. I can't tell you how often I drive by your churches and cringe. As a pastor, I'm embarrassed that my colleagues would spew such trash on the one thing that you want everyone to see. "The messages make you think," you'll no doubt say in defense. My reply: "Yeah, they make you think...they make you think about why people don't go to church."
It's not that communicating via sign is wrong. Just do it the right way. Don't put cheesy sayings on them. Stop replacing phrases that including or talk about the 'sun' with 'son'. It's lame and played out. Stop replacing 'sold' with 'souled'. Our being is not a transaction. Stop condemning people to hell via sign message. It's cowardly and spiteful. Oh yeah, I almost forgot. Stop telling me that "God is my copilot." I don't have a plane, and I don't know how to fly one. All you're doing is fueling the fire for antagonists to mock us, and you're building a wall instead of a bridge of thoughtful reflection and dialogue. Instead of the word junk, put something on there that truly makes people think. You could use a difficult passage of Scripture, a quote from great theologian, a thought from a member of your congregation. Mother Teresa alone has enough quotes worth posting to cover your sign for months. Or maybe you could use a quote from a recent movie, or a pithy sentence fro m a classic fiction novel, or a lyric from a song. Don't pander down to the same book that you all own that gives you second rate stuff. Seek excellence in all you do, including your signage.
Maybe if we spent more time exploring the deep mystery and wonder of humanity, created by God, in His image, we'd have a better idea of how to reach one another with love and truth. Maybe, just maybe we'd have a better idea of how to use our signs to probe deeper into the human soul.
Unfortunately, our signs are a reflection of the state of theological formulation in way too many church congregations: simplistic, watered-down, and oozing with cheese. If the church is truly a mission outpost to the world, let's stop reducing the mysteries and wonder of God to painful puns and poor plays on words. Let our signs communicate something deeper; something more. Let's allow our signs to represent Christ and His church as he has called it to be. Hold the cheese and people might not want to vomit all over your sign when they drive by it.
So, my challenge to you, Mr. or Mrs. Church Sign Maintenance Person...take more time and consideration into what you communicate. People read those signs and respond. They just might not respond in the way we hoped.
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