I think of our pioneering fathers and mothers in the United States who crossed the prairie, and built one room log cabins where the family of 12 would live, eat and play! We've moved to a "one room cabin" - but with only 2 people and one dog. So far, our dog's most familiar words to hear are, "Watch out Rudee ... you're in the way."

We've been moving boxes on board and celebrated when we found a place for all of our clothes/shoes/bathroom stuff!! Here, have a mini-celebration with us, "Woo-hoooooo!!!" Tomorrow, I'll tackle the galley and see what I need to re-think.

A guy in the parking lot, looking at one of our loads of boxes commented, "After we get her all stocked out (meaning the boat), we're lucky if she doesn't sink!"

If you didn't figure it out already, SPACE is the issue down below. Out under God's sky, there's plenty of space. But down inside the cabin, it's tight and cozy! Basically there's seating for 4, so that always leaves one seat open, if you count the dog. There's a shower, but I have yet to try it out! (Don't worry, I DO shower. The marina has public showers.)

We've been asked this a lot. I think partly it's difficult to answer because ... it's so different than the way we think of church currently! But also it's difficult to pinpoint because it is still evolving. As we start out, it will change and take left turns, right turns, or whatever other turns God wants us to explore.

So, first thing about what we'll be doing: We will be staying flexible and praying a lot! Innovation takes a lot of prayer - to make sure we're following Jesus, and not some whim.

Secondly, we'll be doing what's called "incarnational" ministry -- "Jesus with skin on" among people who aren't in church. Here's the way we picture that happening down at the marina . . .

Finding the costs and fees for starting up ... is hard to find anywhere! Here's what it's taken so far:

• books to understand the process ($50)
• State Incorporation: lawyer or online company (who are not lawyers by the way) ($450)
• State Filing Fees (Virginia, $75)
• Room for extra lawyer fees if multi-state
• Lawyer fees for filing Federal ($2500 minimum)
• Federal 501(3)c filing fees (for company income >$10,000 annually) ($850)
• Accounting software (Quick Books)
• Company Seal
• City Licenses (allow $100)
• Rental of Virtual Office ($50/month)
• Phone ($8/month)
• Website Design (variable)
• Logo Design (variable)
• Website Hosting ($8/month)
• Business Cards (approx. $42/500 cards)
• Liability & Business Insurance (still working on a price for that)
• Accountant Services (if you don't find a friend)

We are stunned. You won't believe our first half hour at the new marina where we'll be living!

Drum roll please! THANK YOU JOHN RHEA!!!

When starting a new ministry in this day and age, you need a face that says "Yes, this is us!" And John, with a very bumbling pastor in describing what I was looking for - HIT THE NAIL ON THE HEAD! (or went fishing in the right ocean!)

Please comment on the logo!

To be or not to be - That is the question!

In general, the United Methodist structure makes it difficult to start a new stream of opportunities for forming a new community. There's the "we want new ideas and ways to gather people" talk. And then, there's the "but you have to do X-Y-Z, and we need a "label" from our current structure." Don't you love the "we've never done it this way before!"