This used to be a community blog, now we just use it for a podcast feed for our weekly worship gatherings (but we left the old stuff here in case you want to browse).
Email us if you want to know more, come for a visit, invite us your way, or just gab. Our website has a lot of information and some pictures of the people, places and things that make up the VC tribe
Our sometimes-updated podcast feed for Weekly Worship Gatherings:
Archives
Tuesday
The Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis
This morning at breakfast, which was especially rich in KingdomTalk, Kevin mentioned that St. E's was founded(?) as a Third Order Franciscan parish. That was a new one for me, so naturally I googled. Very interesting.... Seems God has a way of "recycling" themes and communities. And while I would be the first to say that there is nothing sacred about St. Elizabeth's the building, it is wonderfully redemptive how the contents and threads of people I have never met continue to be lived out in this place.
As Catherine de Hueck Doherty and St. Elizabeth of Hungary are so similar, I find Vineyard Central and The Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis strikingly concurrent.
For instance:
The Three Aims of the Third Order are:
To make our Lord known and loved everywhere.
By word and example, Tertiaries witness to Christ in their daily lives. By prayer and sacrifice, we help forward God's work wherever He has called us.
To spread the spirit of fellowship.
By working happily with people of different race, color, creed, education and opportunity, Tertiaries seek to break down the divisions in the world. We try to live in the spirit of of St. Francis' prayer: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."
To live simply.
Acknowledging that everything belongs to God, we seek to use His gifts wisely and to be good stewards of this fragile earth, never destryoing or wasting what God has made. We provide the things necessary for ourselves and our families without demanding luxuries. We seek never to forget the needs of others.
How very like VC and our Community Vows!
And here's another link along the same lines: Order of Ecumenical Franciscans.
Probably some stuff we can learn from these folks....
--------------------------------
As Catherine de Hueck Doherty and St. Elizabeth of Hungary are so similar, I find Vineyard Central and The Third Order of the Society of Saint Francis strikingly concurrent.
For instance:
The Three Aims of the Third Order are:
To make our Lord known and loved everywhere.
By word and example, Tertiaries witness to Christ in their daily lives. By prayer and sacrifice, we help forward God's work wherever He has called us.
To spread the spirit of fellowship.
By working happily with people of different race, color, creed, education and opportunity, Tertiaries seek to break down the divisions in the world. We try to live in the spirit of of St. Francis' prayer: "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace."
To live simply.
Acknowledging that everything belongs to God, we seek to use His gifts wisely and to be good stewards of this fragile earth, never destryoing or wasting what God has made. We provide the things necessary for ourselves and our families without demanding luxuries. We seek never to forget the needs of others.
How very like VC and our Community Vows!
And here's another link along the same lines: Order of Ecumenical Franciscans.
Probably some stuff we can learn from these folks....
--------------------------------