Summer Trip - Day 2

This site is called koinonia. In case you're wondering what it means, here's an excellent summary:

"The Greek word koinonia describes relationships where people know each other well. From koinonia (often translated "fellowship") we get our English words common, community, and commmunion. Koinonia describes relationships of great depth where people mutually share their lives with one another. They share their time, thoughts, feelings, burdens, insecurities, joys, brokenness, and sometimes even their possessions. I deeply desire human relationships of this kind. However, the greatest and most complete koinonia relationship possible is with God's Son, Jesus, and you are called to a koinonia relationship with him (1 Cor. 1:9)

-- "Custom Designed: A Life Worthy of the Call" Wendy A.W. Berthelsen

Wendy is the aunt of one of the youth on our trip. Oddly enough, her niece was reading Wendy's soon-to-be-published book and came across this quote about koinonia...and, as irony would have it, she shared this quote with me while sharing a smoothie at the Koinonia Coffee Shop in Jackson, MS. The coffee shop was a condemned building located next to an abandoned church. Five years ago, a group from Windsor Heights Lutheran began work on transforming that house.

The inside of the house before it was Koinonia

Exterior of the same house

Today, the abandoned church has been transformed into the central headquarters of Voice of Calvary. The condemned house has been restored - the bottom level is the coffee shop, and the second level is where the owner and her husband live. It's an amazing change; one that has brought life into an economically depressed area of town.

The Koinonia Coffee Shop

The 2009 Summer Trip group outside of Koinonia

I reminded of the koinonia that is being created within our group of 23. I also reflect on the koinonia we have shared with Voice of Calvary Ministries. Over 75 sets of hands from our congregation have worked near this place in the past 8 years. In our attempt to be a blessing to the people of Jackson, WE are the ones who have been inspired and blessed by the ministry of our partners at Voice of Calvary. God is truly present in a special way in this neighborhood...and we are fortunate to be a part of the koinonia that this partnership brings.

Birthday

April 5 is a day that the Ullestad household celebrates two birthdays...

Allison turns 30 and my endeavor into blogging turns 1.

The video I posted a couple of weeks ago tells you all you need to know about my dear wife. She is a beautiful combination of serious and silly; a duality that I grow more fond of every day. And, since most readers get annoyed with bloggers who brag about how awesome their spouses are...a few things about the blog.

If you would have told me a year ago that a goofy little blog that I started would have over 16,000 hits in 22 countries, I would have laughed. My foray into blogging was mainly a selfish attempt to explore some ideas and see what the blogosphere subculture was all about. I've continued because I enjoy the intellectual and philosophical give-and-take with folks...and because it's a more productive way to kill time than playing Tetris.

In case you're new to the godsnowhere / koinonia party, here are a few of my faves from the old site in the past year:

Confirmation Epiphany - a lengthy treatise on confirmation ministry

Be John - a theological exploration

Our Local Network - introduction to the Unholy Half-Dozen

Christmas Songs - a great way to spend time between Christmas Eve services

The Dark Knight Live Blog - most popular post; most fun to write

The Solas - a rant about the three / five solas

Stein Auf - an homage to my favorite band

The Votes Are In - my voting criteria for the '08 Presidential election

Apples - recap of one of my favorite days of the year

Home Improvement - the redecorating of our basement

Godsnowhere? - one of many unsuccessful attempts at explaining the old blog title

Congregational Identity - took the most time to write (the week after Carlson left)

Confirmation Conversation - this one received the most comments

Mexico By The Numbers - a recap of my favorite guest speakers in Mexico City

Now the Feast and Celebration - enjoying the day Chipotle opened in WDM


In all seriousness, a happy 30th birthday to my beautiful wife...the kids and I love you like crazy. You're amazing!