All blogspot dwellers,

If you haven't by now noticed, we've moved to another location in this massive, tangled web of data we often call "the internet." If you haven't already, make your way over there, and camp out for a while.

Below are some really simple ways you can become involved. Get in your two twenty cents [if you will].

» Visit the blog.

No pressure, no pressure.

» Comment the blog.

You know you have something good to say.

» Subscribe to the blog.

Like you would a newspaper, but quicker, and of course: less of an environmental footprint.

» Subscribe to the comments.

Keep up with all that's being said among our community and the real ways we are being changed, and how we're able to effect change as a result.

» Gather with us on Sunday nights at 7 pm. [Editor's Note: Tonight is one of those times. -A.S.]

[MAP IT]

Our existence doesn't stop with internet use. We are real people who come together with/for/in/by a common Purpose.

Posted by thispresentsojourn at 9:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Along with the news Rob announced about the change in Merge's gathering time from Tuesdays at 8 pm to Sundays at 7 pm, we've decided to launch a new blog that reflects the exciting changes we're experiencing as a community. You can find it by clicking here or on the image below:


If we really believe community is the context for all of life, what would ever give us the idea that the technology of the internet should not be considered a gift with a purpose: to build up one another in love, to experience transformation and renewal as community, and to share the Good News with the world?

Now, now. Some of you may be confused as to how in the heck you are supposed to interact on a blog. Here are some ways to get started:


1. Go to the site. Look around. Be suspicious. Click on stuff.

2. Save it to your bookmarks.

3. Subscribe via RSS. Literally, RSS means "Really Simple Syndication." Using the RSS feed allows you to subscribe to something on the internet, much like how you'd subscribe to the Sunday newspaper.

How to Subscribe

• Use your browser or a feed reader. Basically, click on the little orange button right under the Merge logo (or here) and your browser will most likely "pick up" the Merge feed. If it doesn't, try using a feed reader like Google Reader (especially handy if you're a Gmail user) or Shrook (if you use Mac). Both are completely free and work great.

• Subscribe via email. If you don't want to bother with readers and all that, you can type in your email address in the space provided in the "subscribe" section. This automatically downloads the blog post straight to your email address. Pretty easy, nay?

4. Okay, I'm subscribed. What do I do now? Read the blog, but don't just read the blog. Interact. Subscribe to comments on the blog. Ask each other questions. Discuss scripture. Arrange meetings. Share stories of Spiritual transformation. Discuss how, as a community, we can practically function as the missional being Jesus has called us to be. Let's help each other grow, together, into the image of Christ. Let's be the church - even on the internet.

5. Spread the Word. We are called by Jesus as God's community to share His good news with all people. Why shouldn't the blog be another way we can work towards this goal? Let's provide an opportunity for those who are nervous about just showing up to Merge an opportunity to "window-shop." Our hope is that when they peer through the proverbial glass, they will see real people experiencing life-change together. And that when they see the Truth of Jesus Christ acted out, they will want a piece of the participatory pie.

6. We need your help! Please let me know any difficulties you experience with the new site, and feel free to share any suggestions that you think would help it better facilitate the goal we have to be community (on)(as) mission.

Posted by thispresentsojourn at 8:48 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)