On the Verge

Beginning this Sunday, July 27 at 5:00 (and then August 3 and August 10 at the same time), we're starting an in-depth orientation of Infuse. We're inviting people who have some interest in what we're doing or would like to learn more.

The orientation will include some discussion about what "organic" and "missional" mean in relation to church, a look at discipleship and what it really means to follow Jesus, and some specifics about the vision and life of Infuse. We'll share our lessons learned, and hope we can all be challenged and encouraged by the process.

It's an open invitation, so if you want to know more, email me and I can get you more details.

Thankfully all the Starbucks stores that I frequent are safe, and they're not one of their 600 stores that will be closing soon.

To see their full list of store closures (just announced!), go here.

Also, see Wall Street Journal's article today about several "Save Our Starbucks" campaigns that are popping up throughout the country. Hopefully you don't have to be a part of one of those anytime soon....

It's summer and it's hot, which means you probably should be craving Jamba Juice. Take a friend and get buy one, get one free through July!

See the offer here.

An intriguing comparison of McCain and Roosevelt was in today's New York Times.

McCain’s Conservative Model? Roosevelt (Theodore, That Is)
By ADAM NAGOURNEY and MICHAEL COOPER
Published: July 13, 2008

Here's an excerpt of why McCain aligns with Roosevelt policy:

Asked to name a conservative model, he skipped over the suggestions of three names typically associated with the conservative movement — Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush and Barry Goldwater, the founder of the modern-day conservative movement who occupied the Senate seat Mr. McCain holds today — to settle on Theodore Roosevelt.

Mr. McCain has long admired Roosevelt, and in the interview he identified with him as a fellow reformer and environmentalist and also touched on his assertive foreign policy. The choice might to some extent be an indication of how Mr. McCain would like to position himself now that he has moved from the primary to the general election.

1. Walter Payton’s Roundhouse
205 N. Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505

Hands down the place you need to frequent if you’re an Auroran. Nice restaurant, comedy club, great outdoor concerts in the beer garden, a cognac/martini bar, and a micro-brewery all wrapped into one amazing building.

2. Bag & Brew
18 W. Downer
Aurora, IL 60506

A quaint coffeeshop with a great patio on the river. The coffee isn’t the best, but they have a full menu (and ice cream!) and often have live music.

3. Hollywood Casino
49 W. Galena
Aurora, IL 60506

Worth a trip to the boat to play the quarter slots. However, you’ll be surprised to know that the real secret at Hollywood is the amazing breakfast buffet. Try it out sometime!

4. Pancho’s Restaurant
700 E New York
Aurora, IL 60505

One of the best Mexican restaurants if you want authentic Mexican food and a really good margarita. Plus, if you’re lucky, you’ll be there one night when there are serenading cowboys.

5. The Paramount
23 East Galena
Aurora, IL 60505

This beautiful, recently restored and expanded theater was once a 1931 movie palace which now presents entertaining world-class performances and shows (and Cory’s movie debut).

A Cheaper Alternative: Riverfront Playhouse
11-13 South Water Street Mall
Aurora, IL 60505

This will be the smallest place you’ve ever seen a play, but that adds to its unique atmosphere. And the performances are actually entertaining—and affordable.

6. Aurora Public Library (main branch)
1 E. Benton
Aurora, IL 60505

7. McCarty Park
East New York Street and West Park Place

Recently renovated, it’s a nice place close to downtown for a restful picnic with a gazebo, gardens, benches, and tree-shaded grassy areas.

Another Park Alternative: Phillips Park
1001 Hill
Aurora, IL 60505

A large park near downtown with picnic facilities, a playground, waterfalls, sunken gardens, volleyball courts, horseshoes, bike trails, ice skating, hiking, fishing,18-hole golf course and driving range, a zoo, and aquatic center.

8. Club Bayou & Hookah Lounge
31 West New York
Aurora, IL 60505

I’ve not been there yet, but it’s a convenient place to try something different: hookah

Right next door: Bacci’s Pizza and The Martini Room
29 W. New York
Aurora, IL 60505

9. Vertical Reality
732 Prairie
Aurora, IL 60506

A big rock climbing space if you’re looking to try something adventurous—even though it’s indoors.

10. Tavern on the Fox
24 N Broadway
Aurora, IL 60505

If you’re looking for a more relaxed atmosphere than the Roundhouse for beer and darts, this is a good choice in the heart of downtown. It’s got a great riverside view, too.

Bonus Things To Do: Sci-Tech Hands-On Museum, Aurora Regional Fire Museum, Downtown Alive, Aurora Riverwalk

And coming soon: Wine shop, Potbelly, River’s Edge Park, River St. Bistro and Café Kona at River Street Plaza condos, Ballydoyle Irish Pub, Waubonsee Community College…

You should try one next time you go on vacation....

1. I am currently out of the office at a job interview and will reply to you if I fail to get the position. Please be prepared for my mood.

2. You are receiving this automatic notification because I am out of the office. If I was in, chances are you wouldn't have received anything at all.

3. Sorry to have missed you, but I'm at the doctor's having my brain and heart removed so I can be promoted to our management team.

4. I will be unable to delete all the e-mails you send me until I return from vacation. Please be patient, and your mail will be deleted in the order it was received.

5. Thank you for your e-mail. Your credit card has been charged $5.99 for the first 10 words and $1.99 for each additional word in your message.

6. The e-mail server is unable to verify your server connection. Your message has not been delivered. Please restart your computer and try sending again. (The beauty of this is that when you return, you can see who did this over and over and over....)

7. Thank you for your message, which has been added to a queuing system. You are currently in 352nd place, and can expect to receive a reply in approximately 19 weeks.

8. Hi, I'm thinking about what you've just sent me. Please wait by your PC for my response.

9. I've run away to join a different circus.

10. I will be out of the office for the next two weeks for medical reasons. When I return, please refer to me as Lucille instead of Steve.