September 2010
SHAHEENUPDATE com∙mu∙ni∙ty ‐ [kuh‐myoo‐ni‐tee] a group sharing common This update is for you who, we have found, really care for us. Some of you we may have met once, others, we have known our entire lifetime. We understand that we could just as easily use facebook, twitter, or email to write you individually. However, we want to offer a more personal touch in updating you about how our lives together, by the will of God, are
characteris0cs or interests and perceived or perceiving itself as dis0nct in some respect from the larger society within which it exists. 2) a joint possession that is enjoyable.
by Amanda Shaheen
progressing.
Community. And no, for those of you wondering if I am talking about the new NBC Sitcom. But I will say that NBC must know what it is doing because all of its greatest shows have revolved around this concept of community. With all the fall television season premiers in the last few weeks...I’ve got tv shows on the brain, but for good reason. Let’s look at two of NBC’s biggest hits. To start, The Biggest Loser isn’t just about one person losing a bunch of weight, but a community of people banding together for a common goal, to get fit and healthy. There wouldn’t be as much pull towards watching the show if it just tracked the life of one person. We get drawn in to watching how the teams come together, for a common purpose and goal. No longer are they contestants but a community. Take a step away from reality television, and look at one of NBC’s greatest dramas, ER. (Perhaps one of the greatest shows of all time in my books!) What did we like most about the
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show. I doubt it was the blood or medical jargon that came with each episode. It was the group of doctors and nurses that made up County General. We felt apart of their community each Thursday night when the ER came alive. Television shows aside, the concept of community has become ever so prevalent in Jiryis and I’s life over the last month. September has been such a blessing to us, as we have watched our community grow all around us. Summer was crazy and hectic as we transitioned into life here in St. Charles. As I got to thinking about the term “community” I figured that I should probably see how Mr. Webster himself defined this word. I was fascinated to see how it is described, and fell in love with the two definitions listed above. I believe they truly exemplify the heart of our community. We share a joint possession. As Christians in the body of Christ, I find this resonates. We share God’s gift of forgiveness and grace. We are a community of believers all over the
world. I found this to be ever more real to me this past month, as I was able to baptize a friend of mine, Tuya. She was visiting America, from her home in East Mongolia, and God captivated her heart. She wanted to be baptized before returning home to Mongolia. We shared much laughter and memories during her time here, but now we share something even greater within the body of Christ!
September 2010
our Sunday afternoons...
Spaghetti Sundays A little over a month ago Jiryis and I began talking about how we often feel like we walk out of church with this great energy and joy from being at church. This is often followed by a great let down when you realize that the fellowship suddenly ends the minute your friends and family leave the church grounds. So we asked ourselves, “Who says it has to end there?” We began the same conversation with a dear friend of ours, whom we call Mr. Z.,and found that we weren’t alone in this thought. And so, over conversation, the idea of Spaghetti Sundays was created. Every Sunday afternoon, a big pot of spaghetti is on the stove, and our front door is always open. Jiryis and I rotate bi-weekly as host home to our community event, sharing the duties with Mr.Z. I must admit, I thought the idea was great, but I had one doubt. Would people actually show up on our first Sunday, let alone every Sunday thereafter? The answer is yes! Each week I find myself in awe of the caravan of
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cars that follow Jiryis to the dinner table. As the last few weeks have progressed, we are no longer just people that happen to eat together each Sunday, but a little community that looks forward to seeing each other each week! Our home becomes alive with fellowship, laughter, and growing friendships. There is no time limit to when Spaghetti Sunday ends...just as there is no limit to community. The last few weeks we have spent the afternoon playing Yahtzee, watching football games, napping (our friend Matt made himself right at home in the picture above!), knitting, talking about what God is teaching us and enjoying each other’s company. One of our biggest prayers for Spaghetti Sunday is that it becomes so routine, and so comfortable for people, that it feels like they are home with family on a Sunday afternoon. We also pray that our community continues to grow. If you are ever in the area, join us at 1p.m. on Sundays!
September 2010
This month Jiryis and I also started our LIFE Group. We have had so much fun getting to know our group, and growing with them. The first week we met we did a scavenger hunt in downtown St. Charles. This past week, we enjoyed a great time of study and fellowship around a huge bonfire. God blessed us with a perfect night. Jiryis has been leading our teaching and discussion, and has been doing a fabulous job! God has been speaking through him as he brings truth to the group, and teaches us about PHOS (which is the Greek word for LIGHT). This is just another example of how Jiryis and I have been finding community around us. Please be praying for group, and those who will join us in the future! CONGRATULATIONS! Our family, which is just another way we engage community, is growing too! My brother, David, proposed to his girlfriend Sarah this month! They are planning a wedding next June. Jiryis and I have never had a sister, and are so looking forward to welcoming her into the family!
What’s to come...
‐ October 4th‐ We’re heading to Lincoln! If you are around, we’d love to say hello.
Prayer Requests..
- Please pray for Jiryis as he has just submiWed
his applica0on and references with the State of Missouri Department of Mental Health. He’s been ‐October 16th‐ Fun Day at the Zumbehl building connec0ons there, and is hoping for a Farm! Hanging out with our friends Nick posi0on in their offices here in St. Peters! Jiryis to and Mary, and their en0re family‐‐a great find a job upon comple0ng LCU. way to celebrate the Harvest season. - Jiryis’ parents as they travel on a missions trip during the month of October. Pray for safety, and ‐ October 23rd‐ We’re heading to Peoria to visit effec0ve ministry. Amanda’s family, and to make our annual visit - Our LIFE GROUP! A growing rela0onship and to Tanner’s Apple Orchard! bond between all of us. - Spaghe_ Sundays! ‐ October 30th‐ Jiryis and Amanda run the 10k‐ Eye Run for Hai0‐ in O’Fallon, MO.
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Don’t forget to check out Jiryis’ website: www.worldaccordingto.tumblr.com