Our Life Together Vol. 3, Nr. 36, September 9, 1975

Ken's article on Self-Sufficiency sets forth a truth that was really practiced at First Baptist Chula Vista in those days. Many of us were raised with the idea of being a "self made man" (or woman.) I had that idea which was further reinforced during my career in the Navy. If I don't take care of myself, no one else will. I think that this was one of the more difficult transitions I had to make in becoming a part of the community; realizing that I didn't have to do it all, I could trust others.

Ken then moves on to discuss this in relationship with our worship. Now, I certainly believe that we had wonderful worship. It was usually fresh, spontaneous and alive. It happened because of our dependence on the Holy Spirit. No one person had the whole picture; worship happened when a group of people, all depending upon the Holy Spirit, let the Spirit have the control. I guess that where I disagree with Ken is that he somewhat dismisses liturgical worship. Liturgy could become "just rote performance", but liturgy can also be alive. Liturgy didn't develop because of the lack of the need to rely on the Holy Spirit. Development of liturgy and its history is beyond the scope of this blog, but it is certainly more complex than that.

Ken moves on to apply this to almost all kinds of techniques that can be learned. We need to learn techniques. In fact, even during community, we would have been better off to learn better how some things can and should be done. Learning a technique for counseling, singing, leading in worship or any other area doesn't preclude the Holy Spirit from leading; it doesn't mean that we are self sufficient. Good technique enlivened and lead by the Holy Spirit can be truly awesome.

The note by Cathy Mower is touching. We really reached out and loved Cathy and she responded. One of the practices that I find quite troubling was that of taking people off of needed medications. In hind sight, I believe that Cathy was probably doing well because she had been on meds. She went down hill after that possibly because she was no longer taking them.

Art (Speedy) Alari was a first new elder. Art was a great leader in the church and in the community. I personally relied on him a lot. It is so good to know that he is still walking with the Lord. I enjoy hearing from him on Facebook. He is still local to Chula Vista.
This is another good example of the variety of art work from Abba Graphics.
Eleanor Burger writes a nice piece about our ministry to children. Eleanor is another of my friends on Facebook. It is good to see that the Lord is still working in her life.

Dot and Doris Wiseman were retired missionaries to Zaire (Congo). They were a wonderful addition to the community. Doris lived at Westby house along with me and my family. She was a godly woman -- and a lot of fun. We kept in touch for several years after they left community. They finally retired to Oregon. The last time I remember being with them was at the Charismatic Conference of 1987 in New Orleans. I suppose that they are gone by now. I value the memories of their friendship. By the way, this is the kind of quality people that came and experienced community with us.

The School of the Prophets was a great educational experience. Once again I am amazed at the people that we had as a part of the church and our community.