The Ooze.TV has a great interview with Jesse Rice, author of The Church of Facebook (watch it here).

While the conversation never specifically mentions it, the video is a great explanation of the ambient intimacy that G.T. explains to Jimmy in the book.

Jesse sees Facebook (and other virtual communication) as a great way to begin a conversation with someone. Let’s face it, he says, it’s not always easy to connect with other people—to have and maintain a relationship. Online tools like Facebook are a very simple way to make a connection. At the same time, he acknowledges it can feel like a disembodied tool, and ultimately, we need our conversations to be embodied, enfleshed.

The Church needs to think harder about how to embrace virtual communication tools. We can have a genuine, loving concern for another person—even if it is through a digital connection with them. So rather than fearing digital connections, we (the Church) should be learning how to be human, and how to be the church in the virtual environment.

Facebook and Twitter have often become a sanctuary and space of grace for me what about you? How have you seen these tools become a virtual sanctuary for people?

Or are you uncomfortable viewing online/virtual realms as a sanctuary?

Where do you go to find peace, comfort, grace?

Maybe its a church building. Maybe its a favorite chair in your bedroom. Maybe its a bar, pub or your local coffee house.

Wherever it is, I’d like to know where and why.

Join the St. Peter’s Brewery Flickr group and share pictures of your favorite sanctuary/sanctuaries with the group and tell us why it’s become your space of grace.

I can’t wait to see what you share!

There’s a sign that hangs over Pete’s place that says, “A Sanctuary for All.” In our tribe we often refer to this as “A Space of Grace.” A place where grace is extended to all and all can come and find solace, rest and comfort.

Have you ever experienced a place like this?

Do you think a place like this could truly exist?

What would “A Sanctuary for All” look like in your community?

(HT cuppini for the photo)

Welcome to the new site for St. Peter’s Brewery.

I’m hoping to have the book ready for release by mid-December, if not before.

One of the ideas behind Pete’s place is “a sanctuary for all.” Hopefully the book inspires you to create your own “sanctuaries for all” or “spaces of grace.”

And I hope this site becomes a “sanctuary for all” as well. A place where folks feel they can discuss their hurts, frustrations and pain — and find encouragement, life and community through it all.

Thanks for joining me on this journey.

• Jonathan Blundell