I’ve always wanted to have a barn raising. I love the idea of a community coming together to build something as an expression of care for one of their own, something physical and lasting, something symbolic and pragmatic. I live in the middle of Los Angeles, no barns in my neighborhood. Most people would say I live in a communityless community. I don’t believe that. While different from other parts of the world, we are connected.
This week I find myself working on a postmodern, LA version of a barn raising. A good friend of mine has been accepted to a program and I’ve taken to the electronic streets to invite some of our shared community into the process of paying for it. I started with email then I turned to my neglected blog to write something I can share on Facebook and Twitter. Someone mentioned Kickstarter, I thought about IndieGogo. I remember a much simpler time when we handed someone an envelope with a check or some cash. I marvel that as the world has changed and barns aren’t in as much demand, we’ve remained faithful to creating ways to help. There’s something in that for me, a faith in humanity, in community. It’d be great for my barn raising to meet it’s financial goal. What’s more important though is what it represents. That’s what matters. That’s where the love is.
If you’re interested in helping a great guy have an experience he will relish and honor and use to improve his community, you can read my email below…
Hello! As many of you know, our dear friend, Quinton has been selected to attend the Renovare Institute for Christian Spiritual Formation. Dallas Willard and Richard Foster lead the program, to name just two of the amazing faculty. The mission of the Institute “is to make disciples of Jesus, immersing them into Trinitarian life in the kingdom of God, and teaching them actually to do what Jesus says is best.” Sounds perfect for Quinton, right? I know so many of us have had the privilege of sharing Quinton’s discipleship journey these past several years. From homework assignments at Thad’s to classes, small groups and one-on-one spiritual direction, Quinton’s love and leadership have richly blessed our community. Today is our chance to spread a little love and make a big difference for him. Renovare isn’t cheap. The tuition and expenses will cost about $8000 for the two years of the program. The first full payment of $3800 is due on July 1st.
Have you heard the expression “many hands make light work”? I’m hoping that we, as Q’s community, can create a little lightness around the financial obligation of the program. This is an invitation for those who feel called to help – there’s no guilt or manipulation or score keeping involved because that’s not how Quinton rolls. If you can give in any shape or size, that’s awesome. If you can’t, that’s awesome, too. I’m hoping we can all lend some prayer to the effort and encouraging words are always welcome. If you’re able to provide financial support, there are three options:
- I’ve set up a PayPal account called Renovare Support for Quinton. Go into your PayPal account and the second tab at the top says “Send Money.” All you have to do is enter qpeeples at me dot com an amount and then pick the personal screen and gift. Hit send and voila, done.
- If you’re not a PayPal user, feel free to write a check to Quinton Peeples. You can mail those to my office – Jill Murphy 9415 Culver Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232 or give them to Quinton directly.
- If you want to be anonymous, you can write a check to Thad’s. In the memo line, in a really emphatic way, please write Peeples-Renovare. This will help the Thad’s crew out immensely. Because these are discretionary gifts, they are not tax deductible. Thanks to Jimmy and the great Thad’s team for your support.
While this opportunity is Quinton’s, it really is a gift for our whole community to celebrate. Please feel free to forward this on to others who would appreciate being part of this process, the more the merrier. Thanks for your love and support of Quinton and the whole Peeples’ family. If you have any questions or want more information, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Grace and peace to you. jk
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