women’s convergence …

Emergent Village just announced a gathering organized by some good friends for whom I have great respect … Highly recommended!
It’s for you if …
If you are a woman who is drawn to or longs for:
* a way of leading that creates open space for all,
* sisters to journey and quest with,
* friends to stand in solidarity with,
If you are a woman who:
* lives in the tension and the beauty of embracing the ordinary as holy,
* values the redemptive power of story
* values learning from others, listening well, asking questions
Leadership in the Round
More after the jump, and links at emergentvillage.com.

Leadership in the Round
By Kelly Bean:
I have been shaped as a leader in my roles of pastor/cultivator to Third Saturday, the ever-evolving faith community I have led for nearly 21 years and, as co-coordinator of Convergence—women who lead others in following the way of Jesus.
A few years back, I gobbled up An Introduction to Ecclesiology: Ecumenical, Historical & Global Perspectives, a book by Veli-Matti Karkkainen, chock full of tasty samples of practical theology. Karkkainen’s book includes references to the work of the now late pastor and theologian Letty Russell. I was delighted to discover her theology of “church in the round” or “church ’round the table.” A gathering around a kitchen table served as Russell’s metaphor for a way of being church. This theology of hospitality and welcome confirmed what I already valued and what I practiced as a faith community leader.
Church ’round the table makes space for all of us. It is a “spirituality of connection” which does not admit divisions between the ordinary and the holy. It is a space that is created and held by leaders who know that they are made for people, not people for leaders.
Convergence draws women together to connect, encourage, and empower one another. Women who lead in a variety of ways, in a variety of settings, and from a variety of theological traditions come together to learn from one another, build friendships, and explore our experiences as women leaders in the church emerging together. Convergence provides space to gather round the table to share the great feast of “God’s hospitality.”
If you are a woman who is drawn to or longs for:
* a way of leading that creates open space for all,
* sisters to journey and quest with,
* friends to stand in solidarity with,
If you are a woman who:
* lives in the tension and the beauty of embracing the ordinary as holy,
* values the redemptive power of story
* values learning from others, listening well, asking questions
Along with Deborah Loyd, Karlene Clark, and Brittany Ouchida-Walsh, wise women pastors and good comrades, who join me in co-operation to form and guide Convergence …
I invite you to be part of Convergence 2009, this February 20-22 »
And to the men reading this: There are women in your churches and in your life who need this kind of encouragement. Seriously consider doing what you can to make it possible for them to be part of Convergence 2009. We are grateful for you, our brothers and co-laborers in the Kingdom and partners in Church ’round the table.
In the words of Letty Russell, together we are the church, “the community of Christ, bought at a price, where everyone is welcome.”
Kelly Bean is cultivator of Third Saturday, a faith community in Portland, Oregon. She is also one of the organizers of Convergence.