Fifth and Forgotten

12 months to ApostlesBK: MORE people to know & people I’d like to know MORE OF

Okay, so I’m starting to realize that not everyone in Brooklyn will be a part of this Apostles NYC church plant in September of 2013 so let’s dissect those I at least THINK will (or should) be.  Sorry if I’m forgetting anyone, but if I am, it’s probably because we need to hang out more — and I’ll gladly take the blame!  Let’s get right to the list, once again, in no particular order.

MEGAN D.:

MRS. D!!!! Can I say how intimidating I always thought she was until, you know, I actually tried making conversation with her ?  I am so glad that Derek has her in his life, and so glad they get to be a part of this journey, together, forever, that’s how it must be!  She really ought to be commended for the sacrifices she’s made (and will continue to make) especially since she has the most underrated role that there will ever be in ministry (and has been at Apostles legit from day one). And, oh yeah, don’t ever sleep on her quick jabs and humor either.

LOGAN & LAURA P.:

I sincerely believe these two are the cornerstone couple of our family, with encouragement and wisdom like none to few.  I remember Logan being ‘sent’ from Derek D.’s Pearl St. community group to his very home of Brooklyn (when I incorrectly thought he was a single, eligible bachelor), making him and his wife, LAURA P. the true pioneers of BK.   Logan really taught me some key things about manhood and I hear Laura does the same with the women (about womanhood, of course!).  Plus, she received on-site training at a non-profit company on Staten Island and makes a mean chili I have yet to try!!! (ummm, rooftop dinner, please??)

SHARLYN, ANISHA, PEKKY S.:

Tres amigos … err, hermanas.  Seriously, I’m sure they’re tired of being lumped together all the time, as they all have different qualities and characteristics, but this is my blog, SO TOUGH NOOGIES! And, um, they are originally from Brooklyn and Indian;  So do you really need to know any more? In my native opinion, Sharlyn is the brains, Anisha is the brawn, and Pekky is the rock star. 

STEVEN AND ELIZABETH N.:

Steven was one of the first guys I’ve ever met at Apostles NYC and was the first (and only) guy I ever tipped over in a canoe with.  It’s been so encouraging to watch him grow over the years and find an amazing woman like Liz! Any girl that not only laughs at my stupidity but joins in on the fun speaks volumes, and the two couldn’t be more complimentary for one another!

ANGELA G.:

What a treat this girl is! She has definitely helped me overcome my Xenophonic ways (and distaste for hipsters).  The thing I love about her most is her humility and subtle way with words.  If you ever need me to write a Match.com bio, just holla at your boy, and if you ever need a good photographer, let her know! Can’t wait to see this painting she is making me of the Verrazano-Narrows bridge (connecting the gap between Staten & BK!)

JESSICA F.:

Just returned to Brooklyn, originally lived in Brooklyn, and my easily annoyed co-worker and friend.  Just kidding, well not about me being annoying! Jess takes the time to actually listen to people, whether it’s the patients we work with or a friend in need, and the best part is that she doesn’t have to sugarcoat anything either.  As her mother would say, she’s “a great friend, great, great friend!”

JASON AND KAYLIE B.:

These guys belong on the show “Survivor.”  Fierce warriors yet the intelligence to match.  Running the “High-Rock” Challenge on Staten Island together made me so ecstatic and shows cohesive dedication! Kaylie personifies sweetness, and Jason is a PhD professor from Jersey (yuck!) but could play the part of a secret federal agent (::flexes::).

MICKEY M.:

Hey Mickey, you’re so fine, you blow my mind, hey Mickey! With the few times that we’ve hung out together, I really get a sense of who he is and there’s really no mask I have to remove.  I don’t know if it’s a Floridian thing, but his laid-back persona and sincerity really connects with people.  Plus, his film-work=amazing.

NORTHERN BROOKLYN:

Okay, I may joke a lot about the Williamsburg/Bushwick area, but the truth is, I’ve learned a lot from the culture and still believe some of it can be redeemed (I don’t know if that was another joke or not.)  Anyways, I hope Eric (musical genius!) & Whitney D. (sarcastic genius behind the genius!), Steven R. (Hispanic native I have foolishly yet to bond with!) Cash L. (dude carries a Rambo knife in the woods which I’m sure he uses to trim his facial hair) and Kevin & Whitney S. (with a beautiful new baby and life of the party attitude!), hear me out when I say that “Northern” Brooklyn is what makes Brooklyn “Brooklyn” and like the church itself, there’s one body with many different parts.  Surely, it’s easier for someone with access to an automobile that is used to long commutes preaching to the choir, but I do hope you guys are involved in some way, shape, or form, at least until Apostles BK 2.0 happens :) I’m also talking to you Melissa B., Yalixsa R., Aaron & Alex C., Conrad & Laura O., Chad L., and my new crew of the Garcias and the Carballos.  I know there’s more, I guess I’m just not HIP enough (I kid! I kid!) 

PEOPLE I’D LIKE TO KNOW MORE OF:

I apologize for ever being lazy or selfish.  I feel like I know you guys at times, but really want to connect with you on a more deeper level within the next 12 months … not for the sake of another blog post, but because I want to … and need to.  Expect a lot of uncomfortable conversations and self-invites to your dinner tables and please, call me out on it if I don’t follow through.

LEIGH-ANNA R. - I feel like we are BFF’s that don’t hang out in real life! WELL, NOT, NO MORE.  I am pushing for more adventures in unchartered territory in Brooklyn and yes, Staten Island, so make a camping bag with that sheet I rolled myself in and let’s get it cracking! You’re so BK and you don’t even know it!

EMELLIA Z. -  Once again, another girl with charm.  Emellia seems to play no games and will kick you in the shins like those old-school NY women did in the 80s when they knocked out their muggers with huge pocketbooks.  YO, we are both Middle-Eastern —- I’m sure we can share tons of stories and recipes to kill (eek!) for.

JEREMY & KATIE T. - Congrats to the beautiful baby.  Although I am scared to hold such little children, I am not afraid to come over and eat the food in their fridge.  These two are the final piece to the puzzle as far as our Brooklyn leadership is concerned and I’m glad we are on the same team! Thankful for their diligence and care for the community.

JOHN & ELISE G. - John, what have a terrific smile…I hope Elise doesn’t mind me saying so.  I want to pick both their brains and know more about their story.  They really are a precious pair that seem to have really made an immense impact in BK in such a short amount of time.  Plus, I’m all about the Westcoast, baby!

NICOLE G. - Anyone who yells out “SHAOLIN!” at any given location, owns Staten Island gear, and opens their home to the best parties, hands down, Brooklyn has ever seen needs to be recognized, foo! As an original Brooklyn-ite, I get her swag, I really do, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds in her new hood!

AMBER B. - I feel like Johnny 5 after hanging out with her: NEED MORE INPUT! INPUT! INPUT! INPUT! Thankful for her letting me pick her brain about the wonders of women and for being a fierce prayer warrior.  Look forward to more time with her and THE STRYKER.

AMANDA S. - Listen, no may care about Google+ anymore, but I definitely do … NOT! Hope we get to hang when she’s not traveling across the galaxy.  I just love how she takes the time out to respond to my stupid tweets even if we haven’t spoke in a while.  Let’s make it happen more in real life.

MURPH H. - The game “Words with Friends” should feature her and JR going back and forth using wit alone.  No need to bake for me, just share life! :)

JACE G. - Dude is missing and I don’t like it.  I lost a brother, a friend, and a Christian speed dating companion…lucky I even put him on this list.

LUCY B. - She hosted my first ever rooftop party and for that I’m forever in debt.  I’m glad she’s back in Brooklyn where she belongs! More Thai food please! Less naked women! (long but funny story :)

ANGELINE L. - the friendliest, nicest person ever.  I stand in fear of the day someone makes her mad.  Thanks for putting me onto good eats and faithfully serving just about everywhere.  She’s a pioneer to Apostles NYC and for that, she has my vote.

GRANT & GRETCHEN W. - Gretchen is a beast with all things media and really spiced up a lot of the everyday Apostles visuals you get to see and Grant, from what I hear, is killer with the guitar! Took me a while to figure out these two were actually married (I’ve seen Grant around for the longest of times but Gretchen was living in TX for a while), but now it’s time for a double date with … errr … um … HELP PLEASE! :)  

ILYSE S. - Such a strong woman, and I mean woman, in every sense of the word.  Much respect for your work overseas in Indian.  Now, just to know your background and we’re all set, homegirl.  I can claim homegirl, right??

All in all, strive to love your community and be thankful for it.  Living on Staten Island can be such a drag at times, from the North Shore to the South, especially since it lacks authentic Christian community.  Remember, we are always here by your side and there’s plenty of work to get done, so let’s get to it!

—- NO SLEEP TILL … BROOKLYN!