Mark Scandrette

“What is the deal with ReIMAGINE’s crappy website?” is a question we often have to face from caring friends. My answer: “We are working on it!” We always put relationships first and in the grand scheme the website has been a lessor priority. Alas! A new shell has been designed and is awaiting build out– and the content has all been reworked and made current. Check out our slow remodel at www.reimagine.org

My friend Spencer Burke, founder of the ooze.com, could be described as the Kalle Lasn (founder of Adbusters) of the emerging church. Spencer is famous for throwing audacious learning parties. I helped create art experiences for several of his SOULARIZE parties (in Seattle & Minneapolis). Above all else Spencer is a dreamer and an optimist. “What if we do an intimate learning party with, say, N.T. Wright, Richard Rohr, Rita Brock and Brennan Manning– in the Bahamas AND swim with sharks.” Spencer thinks these things and then goes to work to make them happen– most often at his own expense and through the sacrifices of his friends. Spencer is not afraid to ruffle feathers and does so with a big smile and generous spirit.
I remember the first SOULARIZE I went to in Seattle and how it changed my life. I had never been around so many creative dedicated people in such a real world setting– and I left inspired to live a life of faith more fully submerged in the context of society and culture. SOULARIZE is not so much an event as it is an unpredictable adventure that is sure to spark new friendships and imagination.

Last fall I took a roadtrip with Spencer from Santa Fe to L.A. with greasy spoon stops along the old route 66– and he invited me into the planning for this event. You should consider going to this unconventional gathering in an exotic locale. Be prepared for the chaos of chance encounters on this adventure. Register ASAP to take advantage of discounts and cheap flights.

We’ve been involved with Page Street Center, a very unique community center for many years. Please consider coming to their benefit and silent auction.

Soul in the City
A Buffet Brunch & Silent Auction

Hosted by page street center
10:00 a.m. - 1:00pm Saturday September 1, 2007

Enjoy fabulous food, open mic entertainment, an inclusive silent auction, and opportunities to meet our Page Street team. Proceeds from the auction, plus ticket sales ($15/person) will support our Center.

For more information, visit our event website:

www.soulinthecitysf.com

To purchase tickets, make an auction donation,  or volunteer, call  Eric Bergquist at (415) 939-2377, or email us at sfpagestreet@yahoo.com   This event will be held at First Baptist Church, 22 Waller Street, SF

Page Street Center has served the needy of our community for almost 40 years. We provide groceries that feed approximately 400 people each week, serves at least three meals each week, hosts a drop-in center for as many as 60 mostly homeless youth weekly, gives away socks, clothing, personal hygiene items and more.

On Monday our flight from Minneapolis to San Francisco was delayed so we stayed overnight with our friends Doug and Shelley Pagitt and went with them to see the independent film, Once– a delightful small film with an intimate and convincing portrayal of unrequieted but tender love.

When the family was away
The cat gave birth
And in the loneliness of the empty house
Ate her babies
Leaving their severed limbs and skulls
Scattered across the floor

When we arrived the next day
to change the litter box
and fill the trays with water and food
We found the chewed heads
and tiny paws
strewn about the house

With a sour look on her face
and wearing rubber gloves
I watched My mother collect the kitten pieces
Placing them in an old milk carton
She would throw into the garbage
as the cat looked on inquisitively.

The family also had an iguana
Kept in a cage under a heat lamp
and we fed it dandelions
gathered from the field across the road

I went outside, through the tall grass to the rusty swing set
And swayed back and forth
With pictures of dead baby kittens
dancing in my head

I thought of the time at this same house
When I ran out onto the busy street
to fetch the yellow Frisbee
Cars screeching to avoid hitting me
My older sister telling
My parents yelling with worry
Shaming me with their words
The Frisbee never went where I wanted it to go.

I bring the bunch of dandelions I have picked
Back through the tall scratchy grass up to the house
As the sun sets in the humid august evening
of my fourth year on earth.

The smell of cat fur or a little box
Still reminds me that life is cruel
That parents sometimes eat their young
Or spank them for their innocent childish mistakes
When they are lonely, stressed or anxious.

What kind of world do we live in?
Where mothers eat their young
Or weigh them down with their own insecurities?
I am still wondering
But I have learned to walk through tall grass without being scratched
And the Frisbee usually goes where I want it.

Last night we arrived in Minneapolis where we will spend a week and then head to Lisa’s family reunion. I’m going to be connecting with people at a couple of events in Minneapolis over the next couple of days:

Thursday August 9, 12 P.M.: Twin Cities Emergent Cohort at Arcadia Cafe.

Thursday August 9, 7 P.M. SOUL GRAFFITI reading with Missio Dei at The Home of Mark and Amy Van Steenwyk 3312 31st Ave S. Minneapolis.

Sunday August 12. Speaking at Solomon’s Porch.

If you live in the Twin Cities, it would be fun to connect with you at one of these happenings.