lots of exciting happenings!

This is another one of those boring diary/journal type posts...one with more substance is upcoming, I promise!

So anyway, I had one of those weekends where you're up and about the whole time.  Saw several wonderful friends from college and seminary, including: Gabe Ford, Chris Burton, the UPS flag football team, and the Harrold sisters.

Friday, Gabe drove into town from Delaware and we walked to see The Walkmen at UPenn, who put on a HECK of a show.  It was in Irvine Auditorium, a gorgeous chapel with a huge organ.  Strangely, there was hardly anyone there!  We talked a lot of music, which I will post on later.

Saturday, Chris took a train to Philly and we drove out to Gettysburg, PA to watch Union Presbyterian Seminary dominate in the Luther Bowl, a flag football tournament held by Gettysburg Seminary.  It was great seeing seminary friends again and long for the days of playing sports on the quad!  We drove back that evening to catch "Rhythms of Transformation," an event at BSM, put on by Project Home.  There was an art show, mostly of art done by homeless people.  As Chris said, the pain of the artists really shone through in their art.  Music at this event was awesome, and culminated with Philly Blaco, a Brazillian drum troupe band that brought the house down!  After this, we trekked over to get my official first Philly steak since I've been here at PAT's steaks.

Sunday afternoon, downtown Philadelphia was graced by the presence of Glen Hansard (ONCE, The Frames), in town with his band "the Swell Season" to perform that evening!
 I apparently missed him at first when he was in Starbucks, however, caught a glance of him later that evening.  Apparently, he gave 2 free tickets to a member of the broad street community who was doing what he usually does - play his keyboard right outside the starbucks on the street.  I thought this was an awesome move by Glen, who had told our friend that he is always out looking to invite fellow musicians.  Our youth initiative minister, erika, was invited to join our friend for the concert, which featured backstage passes!  Go Glen!

Worship at Broad street was highlighted by the song "cathedrals" by Jump Little Children, performed by some of our amazing musicians.  The song was chillingly beautiful and filled the space and the moment beautifully!


Sunday evening, I joined my good friend from PC, Brittany, and her sister Adrian, for the EAGLES/COWBOYS game!  Even though they lost, I had a great time witnessing the ridiculousness of Eagles fans!  We made a good friend out of a very drunk man who was starting all of our cheers.  Unfortunately, he didn't make it to the 4th quarter thanks to faithfully defending our honor against an irate Cowboys fan.

Still on a high from the weekend.  It's always great to catch up with good friends and to keep doing things you love.  I've missed that lately!  Much love to my friends out there and I eagerly look for opportunities to share experiences with you all!

peace,
Mike