Author: Wick

So after checking a little bit, I learned something about running for a Congressional Rep. in the state of Illinois. A few days ago, I posted that you could write me in for the 17th District, because Phil Hare was running unopposed.

I live in the 18th District, right across the street from the 17th. (the green area is 17th)

So if I was actually desiring to run for Congressional Rep., I’d have to run against Colleen Callahan, Aaron Schock and Sheldon Schafer. I think that boat already has enough people in it to sink.

But thanks to a little site called “Run For Office“, if I ever want to run for something again, I’ll know exactly how to go about it. hehe. Go ahead and click it…see what offices YOU could be running for.

In the past few months, there have been more than one organization or publication or story that I grabbed onto, and gave my 2 cents worth. 2 Cents that if someone from that group read it, would probably rather have me keep to myself. I wanted to remind my reader that as much as I am not a fan of some organizations, or some “things”, I’m still very much a fan of the humans that are a part of them. I should also probably add, that I’m human…and totally imperfect.

I received a comment yesterday on my post about a Christian Video Game fundraiser. I immediately felt kinda bad, because it seems his company’s efforts to produce family friendly educational opportunities that use today’s media – got attached to someone else’s attempts to turn a buck. After a short dialogue with Mr. Dotson, I gotta give the mouse a lil’ love. And him kudos for even caring what my 3 readers thought of his stuff.

Let me clear it up – Charlie Church Mouse is from a pretty decent organization, LifeLine Studios, that looks like its purpose IS actually to partner with teachers and parents to education children. To educate them in a way that doesn’t have to sell out to one worldly advertiser or another.

Unfortunately, they can’t just “expect” for the general public to know about and purchase their product, so they have to use another company for that. In this case, Inspired Media. Who is trying also to push their “Left Behind” type games/theology on the younger generations…and offer churches the ability to fund raise while supporting it all.

So just to re-cap, LifeLine Studios = Good. Inspired Media = Bad, or at least just plain silly.

Here’s where we can make it up to them, and maybe even help them get the ability to separate themselves from the nuts over at Inspired Media. GO CHECK OUT CHARLIE CHURCH MOUSE on Lifeline Studios website. THIS LINK is to a few free demos they have available to let your kids mess with.

(okay so it’s still a little creepy, but so is Barney, Foofa, and Brobee; and kids love them)

This past week or so, a new publication has launched in the Macon County area. It’s called “Living Christian Magazine“. I heard about it last week from a friend, but hadn’t seen it until I saw a giant stack of free copies sittin’ on our ushers’ stand on Sunday.

I gotta be honest, when I first heard about it, I was kinda excited. Any local publication is kinda cool to see happen; not sure why. And then I saw a copy. I’m still not 100% sure what I think about it, but here are my first thoughts…

First, the cover price = $5.95 Seriously? For 28 pages of mostly businesses advertising to the entire County that they associate themselves with Christianity? (seriously, counting the back cover there’s 11 full pages of advertising) You can subscribe NOW for “only” $3 an issue….but it doesn’t seem worth it.

Second, the fact that it feels like a giant, expensively printed, church newsletter for the entire County. A “church profile” here (given to an audience that already attends somewhere, anyone smell church shopping?). An interview with a “senior saint” there. A witty “Christian” forward your grandma probably sent you (complete with recipes and church bloopers), and some pictures of quaint church signs from local churches.

Third, “Christian“? The word is in the title, and looking at the articles for the next issue (Christmas Traditions, Starting a Christian Band, Christian Funerals, Investing like a Christian)…is there an echo? I hope they find a Christian way to use the Christian word Christian a little less in the Christian future.

I can see it becoming a stumbling block to churches and pastors across our community who want their events, or their ministries to get a special feature in this high quality publication. They seem like nice guys, and my opinion is probably way off base and cynical, and the magazine does meet the goal they state on their website…

Like I said…I’m probably just cynical. I probably just embarrassed myself, and if they find my blog, I’ll never be invited to talk about how cool my church is. Dang it.

I am a fan of community things. And if this publication ends up being a way for the body of Christ in our local area to actually “be” the body of Christ, and do Kingdom work across denominational, economic, social, political, and racial boundaries…..then awesome. But if it ends up being a Christian advertising magazine, to tell us how Christian certain Christians are, and how cool the new facilities are over at that other Christian Church….then no thanks.