At the Movies

I’ll be honest, I don’t feel like writing this week. So this may be short and it may go up later than usual. But a blog theme has been thrown down, and that theme is … movies.

I’m caught up more in the movie that is my life than actual movies.

I have cut back on cough drop usage, but I haven’t gone cold turkey. And I’m doing public speaking in a couple of days. Hot tea, honey, lemon, repeat.

What was that about my superhero cloak of invisibility?

I probably need to mainline some chicken soup.

But I digress in my whining. While I find the prospect of curling up with a blanket and marveling at the wonders of breathing highly interesting, it doesn’t make for the best storyline.

I’m at about an hour and twenty-four minutes into a Hallmark movie. Well maybe an hour and thirty-seven. And I’ve been there like I’m Bill Murray in “Groundhog Day”. Which I keep meaning to rewatch. Truly. No pun intended.

Fear not, friends. This too shall pass and we will progress to the happily ever after or as close as it gets or, as I like to call it, an hour and fifty-seven. Happily ever after versus content. Now there’s a discussion we could have. Content. Pronounced all staccato-like. Not cahhhhntent.

I’m thinking about writing a book on contentment.

But our subject this week is movies. Maybe it’ll get made into a movie. Hmmm.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock or my cloak of invisibility has been particularly on fleek, you are aware I’ve been involved with making and promoting the movie “Brennan”. For those in the central Ohio area, details and tickets for this weekend’s screening are here. Cash at the door works, too. Snackage and beverages to benefit the youth group, plus hot and cold drinks from Ragamuffins Coffee House (so named after Brennan Manning’s “The Ragamuffin Gospel”) will be available. Our awesome friends from Final Flight Radio will be on site as well.

There has been a lot of prepping like Martha so we can sit down and enjoy the film like Mary when we cue the previews.

In discussions with friends lately it seems like everything in the world is happening this Saturday. If your weekend is highly scheduled but you can peel yourself away to join us, please just come as you are. For those not in central Ohio or who just can’t make it … check the tour dates here and/or reach out to me to get your church, college, or other venue on the list.

Besides the fact that I’m in this movie for about five seconds and I’m handling Q&A afterward, why should you make an effort to see this movie?

Because Jesus.

J

I’ve been involved in using the arts in ministry since I was a child, busting out the latest Bach or Beethoven or whatever I’d been working on during the offering at Rocky Fork Church of Christ. Technology and worship styles have changed dramatically since then, but the point is still the same. Worship. Lead people in worship. Point people to God.

It’s what I do.

People have a wide variety of experiences with church, what they think it is, what they think it should be. I say whatever biblically sound and complete approach works for you, have at it. And if the creative arts is what reaches you … well … make a joyful noise unto the Lord.

Anyone connected to “Brennan” or to “Ragamuffin”, the first movie from Color Green Films, will tell you we are all kind of in awe at the impact these two efforts have had on people’s spiritual lives. Depending on the wishes of the host venue, often an invitation is offered after each screening. And people are responding.

Because of a movie about the love of God.

A movie.

A movie about people who aren’t perfect because who is.

A movie.

If you’re not perfect, I highly suggest you see this movie.

I feel your pain, Feather. I feel your pain.

Pretty pretty pollen.

Keep looking up.

For more thoughts on Movies from my writing partners, see Sue Bowles at bebold7.wordpress.com and Leisa Herren at life4inga.blogspot.com.

There’s a river

That restores my soul

There’s a grace

There’s an endless flow

Though the earth trembles under my feet

There’s a gladness deep in me

I’ll sing it loud

I’ll sing it high

My God my savior

You’re my stronghold

You’re my shelter

I’m not without hope

You died and you rose

I am yours and you are mine forever after

There’s a river

That renews my soul

There’s a stillness

There’s a steady flow

Though the mountains crumble into the sea

There’s a peace that sets me free

I’ll sing it loud

I’ll sing it high

My God my savior

You’re my stronghold you’re my shelter

I’m not without hope

You died and you rose

I am yours and you are mine forever after

There’s a river

That someday I’ll know

Through pearly gates

Through streets of gold

When I cross the narrow sea

Oh the glory that day shall be

I’ll sing it loud

I’ll sing it high

My God my savior

You’re my stronghold you’re my shelter

I’m not without hope

You died and you rose

I am yours and you are mine forever after

~ Erik Neider’s “There’s a River”