Neither Rain nor Snow….

Last weekend we had a huge snow. Now, it might not be huge for folks in the north but for us southerners it was a biggie. We had anywhere from 6 to 10 inches in the Memphis area. With the snow came church cancellations scrolling across TV screens. But you did not see Hope listed there. We have an “always open” policy.  This commitment refects deeply into some of our core values.  We are open because:

• We are committed to positively outrageous service.
• We achieve the unexpected.
• We do whatever it takes.
• We sacrifice our wants for other’s needs.

Here is an excecerpt from an email to the staff from our senior management team:

“Do you know that even with the snow, and most churches closing, we had well over 2500 folks to chose to come to church.  That is huge! We had a full choir, all the worship team here, even when that means coming at 7. We had staff who stepped in and made coffee ( including our Sr. Pastor)  others who shoveled snow, and we made it all work.  Since it’s been some time, I have been asked to update you all, and let’s see if we can put together some action steps to make sure we are “super ready” for the next time.

· In case you don’t know, Hope doesn’t cancel worship services. We’ll have them even with 5 people, so if you ever wake up and  it’s snowy, or  such, WE ARE ON”

So, like our nation’s postal service, we deliver the love of Christ no matter what the weather!

City of Immigrants

My wife, Laurie, is the granddaughter of an Armenian immigrant who landed at Ellis Island as a 14 year old searching for a dream.  Laurie now touches the lives of the refugee and immigrant community in Memphis day in and day out. Tonight, we have one of her “kids” staying with us who is sick and lives in a somewhat dysfunctional family who were not able to care for her.  It is part of our ministry.  It is a normal part of our lifestyle.  We would not have it any other way.

Lately, we have read much about the plight of immigrants in our country and some perspectives on the U.S. response to the issue of illegal immigrants.  I ran across this video today where Steve Earle sings of New York — the city of Laurie’s grandfather’s landing — this city of immigrants.  It reminds us that “we are all immigrants’.

“Livin’ in a city of immigrants
I don’t need to go travelin’
Open my door and the world walks in
Livin’ in a city of immigrant”

These words from this song, “City of Immigrants” reminded me of the motto of Laurie’s ministry Multi-National Ministries ——- “Reaching out to the world… Right here in Memphis!”

Enjoy this video of Steve Earle on Letterman

Hope on the Radio

Back in the 80′s here in Memphis, a comforting voice hit the radio airwaves.  His name was Dr. Maxie Dunnam, then pastor of Christ United Methodist.  He pioneered a short radio spot called “Perceptions”.  This was not a heavy handed preaching point to get in the face of those fighting the morning drive.  Maxie gave a one minute word of encouragement usally based around a story.  His specific target?  The unchurched.

That brings us to 2008 in Memphis.  “Perceptions” has gone into syndication and is proving to be an effective outreach tool.  But we wanted to follow this tradition with our own “Hope Spin” on it.  The spots are called “There’s Always Hope”.  Craig is now on a couple of radio stations for the morning drive time.  He tells a good story, and we are hopeful that we will reach out to some new folks in our city.

Here is a sample spot:    The Cancer Year

Click on the above grafic for an itunes feed.

Goodbye to Black Moses

Those of us who are from Memphis and grew up in the ’60′s and ’70′s, have vivid images of this flamboyant, bigger than life figure who defined the essence of the Memphis Soul Music.  His name — Isaac Hayes.  From his signature song, “Theme from Shaft” which brought him both a Grammy and an Academy Award to his classic covers of “Walk on By” and “Never Can Say Goodbye”, Hayes set the standard for Soul and coolness in his career. 

Unfortunately, Hayes passed away earlier this week from a stroke at the age of 65.  He was a luminary.  He will be missed.  What a talent he was.  He could do it all — musician, producer, singer/songwriter, arranger, actor….  Inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2002, Hayes co-wrote the classic, “Soul Man” made famous by Sam & Dave and The Blues Brothers. 

Hope will have the unique opportunity to host a tribute to Isaac Hays on Monday, August 18th from 11 AM to 2 PM.  We are honored to be able to do this for the family and for the Memphis community.

But with this opportunity comes some controversy based on Mr. Hayes’ connection with the church of Scientology.  I hope this craziness dies down so we can completely focus on the preparations for the tribute. This article in the Commercial Appeal tells of the controversy.  

Here is my favorite Isaac Hays song.  Sit back and enjoy the smooth soul stylings of “Never Can Say Goodbye”.

Downtown in Memphis

What a great opportunity Laurie and I had this weekend. We were able to get away to downtown Memphis and play the tourist. It was a blast. We ate some delicious food — Sauces, The Majestic Grill, Cafe’ 61, Bluff City Bakery. We listened to some music on Beale — Beale Street on a Saturday night? We have NEVER done that. It was packed because of the Music Fest.

Check out some of our pics.

Riding the Tolley Down South Main —- Beale Street Music Festival – Note Mighty Mississippi River

W.C. Handy Statue on Beale —- E & H – Great Burger — Top Floor=Former Brothel – Walls Can’t Talk Thank God!

National Civil Rights Museum Saturday Night on Beale Street

Ted & Matt – Hope Musicians – Playing in Beale

Cool Trolley Shot by Laurie Downtown Memphis Reflection

Atop the Residents Inn

Very Special Arts Festival

                 

I wish I had a video of this, but if you listen to the beautiful version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by the late Hawaiian artist Israel “Iz” Kamakawiwoʻole, you will experience some of the sweetness of watching these special kids perform a hula dance this morning at Hope. 

We have the great privilege of hosting the annual Very Special Arts Festival put on the Memphis City Schools.   There will be over 1000 special needs kids who come through our doors to experience the music, the fun and the arts and crafts.  What a great opportunity for us to serve these children and the dedicated educators who love them every day. 

We are completely committed to serving our community with the facility that God has given us.  Later this spring we will be hosting the AP exams for Cordova High School, will have five high school graduations in our sanctuary and we will host the Memphis City School’s Principals Academy.

With all the bad press that the school system gets, I hope someone is out here reporting on this great event for these exceptional students.

Tigers Fall in National Final

Driving home tonight past the University of Memphis, what should have been a long line of cars honking and celebrating a Tiger national championship was like a funeral procession. People slowly passing by the campus in mourning over the loss.

I know someone has to lose.

And in the grand scheme of things this was just a basketball game. And the Tigers had a wonderful year — the best year of Memphis basketball ever. And they provided much joy and a tremendous amount of unity for a fractured city. And CDR was fantistic all year and gained first team All-America status. And Derrek Rose is the most phenominal athelete to put on a Tiger uniform. And Joey Dorsy was such a beast all year. And Calaperi has done a wonderful job leading these young men.

But when you invest your heart into something, you risk the pain. I have not invested as much heart energy toward a team since —- ever. The only thing that rivals it was watching my step-son who was a passionate and phenomenally skilled wrestler. I have never expended as much heart wrenching love as when he was battling it out on the mat in a close match.

Love is like that. It is a dangerous endeavor. That takes me to a favorite C. S. Lewis quote,

“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements; lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket- safe, dark, motionless, airless–it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.”

I love my step-son dearly — that is why his struggle on the mat impacted me so much. And yes, I love this Tiger team and with that love comes the pain of loss at their loss.

I guess I better end this cathartic post.  I do feel a little better getting this off my chest.

I am grateful for a great Tiger season and look forward to next year.

GO TIGERS!!!!

Go Tigers!!!!!

JUST ONE MORE WIN!!!!!

Wow!!! Tigers Win Big Over Texas in Texas

(Photo by AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki )

Yes, this picture looks like Tiger coach John Calipari is praying for a miracle. My take is that he is giving thanks to God for the man standing next to him —Derrick Rose. Rose was voted MVP of the south regional in the NCAA tournament after his Tigers dominated against number 2 seed Texas 85-67. What a big win for Calipari and his talented squad.

Many of The pundits have shown no respect for Memphis. (Exception is Digger Phelps)

Here is an example posted by ESPN on March 27th —- ALL of the experts picked Memphis to lose:

Will Memphis be tripped up sooner or later (or not at all)?

Bilas: Memphis (will lose), to Michigan State in Sweet 16

Davis: Memphis (will lose), to Texas in the Elite Eight

Fraschilla: Memphis (will lose), to Texas in the Elite Eight

Gottlieb: Memphis (will lose), to Texas in the Elite Eight

Rankin: Memphis (will lose), to Michigan State in the Sweet 16

Vitale: Memphis (will lose), to Michigan State in the Sweet 16

Well, well, well, look what has happened. The truth of the Tiger’s talent surfacing to the top.

It is great to be heading to San Antonio.

Tigers — What a Game — What a Half

In what was the most impressive half of basketball that I have seen in a while —– like EVER, the Tigers took it to Michigan State to earn a spot in the Elite Eight.

“That first half of basketball was one of the best I’ve been involved in as a coach.  I loved our discipline, I loved our execution of the offense, loved how unselfish they were and more importantly, I loved how they guarded. We really, really guarded. We played (nine) guys and all (nine) players in that half really helped their team. I was proud to be a part of it.”  — John Calipari

My prediction of a win came true.  My prediction of a Michigan State score of 74 was correct.  But I missed the Tiger total by 11 on the positive side.  And how ’bout those free throws?  74%!!! May that number continue.

GO TIGERS!!!