Dedication of the Vine – we are now open for business!

We sat in a circle.  Mostly.  Some leaned against the freshly painted walls.  Others sat on the floor.  Friends old and new. It felt like a living room.  Warm, friendly.  You could feel the “good vibrations.”  Lots of love in the air. Lori hovered over the food and coffee table, making sure that everything was [...]

Praying Together for the Good of the Neighborhood

Our friends, Peter and Sandy, at Little Bethel Church in Hamilton, were inspired by the weeks of 24/7 prayer we have been running the last few years.  A couple of weeks ago they transformed their sanctuary into a prayer space for their east end neighborhood.  For three days, members of the church and the community [...]

Where am I going to be on Kony Day? Kampala, Uganda

Last night I was at the Freeway Church at a Kony Public Conversation event, and listened with interest as Ugandans shared their perspectives on the media storm and it’s actual impact and effectiveness on the complex issues around the abuse of power and the use of child soldiers in Africa.  I’ve been fascinated with the [...]

Writing on the Wall – Canvas Prayers from the Hamilton Week of 24/7

We put a ton of canvas down on the floor in our prayer room last week, and supplied people with fabric markers to draw or write their prayers.  So here is the end result!

“Seek Justice” Week of 24/7 Prayer

“In Dutch we have the word “gezellig”.  It can’t be translated into English directly, but basically it means a comfortable, friendly, peaceful atmosphere in a room and/or with a group of people.  This is what we have here”, said Conrad, gesturing around the room. My Dutch speaking friend and I were just sitting down for [...]

Warning and Disclaimer! This is a Dangerous Prayer! Pray at Your own Risk…

I’ve got a Lazy Boy chair.  I love it!  Nothing better than putting up my feet after a day’s work and settling into it’s comfy goodness. It’s a family tradition.  My dad has one too, and more often than not he can be found wrapped in it’s leathery embrace as he reads, meditates or watches [...]

Weber Newsletter – Blooming Where We are Planted

It has been a very busy season over the last six months, relocating the family and the ministry to Hamilton. God has opened door after door with favor and gracious provision.  We are enjoying living in and developing our Community House just a little west of downtown Hamilton. Right now there are just three of [...]

What does an Urban Monastery Look Like?

People have been asking. And we’re trying to sort it out ourselves.  GOHOP is morphing and in motion.  We’re not sure what the destination is going to look like but hey, the journey is the thing, right? Here’s a map of our Prayer Spaces what life at the UM looks like this week. Zoom it [...]

Day in the Life of an Urban Monastic – Take 2

6 am I wake.  Tossed and turned a fair bit in the night.  Sleep gets a bit out of whack when Kirk is on night watch… 7:30 am Waiting for a bus.  I’m learning to navigate the quirky Hamilton Transit System.  After a long wait I discover the Canon bus doesn’t run this early on [...]

Dangerous Prayers

About 14 years ago. I’m sitting in a pew. Alone. It’s Wednesday morning.  I’m happy.  Content.  Reflecting on the goodness of God.  I have been in an accelerated season of personal healing and restoration.  He has been pouring out His love and blessing in wonderful ways. “Could you keep doing it, Lord?  Keep pouring Yourself [...]