Do you live in the American South?
Christianity in the American South has a history, a history that has been largely denied, minimized, or whitewashed. As a wise Proverb says (Proverbs 28:13), the only way to deal with a troubled past is to face it squarely and turn from it decisively. If we take that path of deep rethinking and reorientation, Christianity in the American South can have a better future, one that brings benefit to everyone. That's our goal for Southern Lights.
For the last seventeen years, hundreds of forward-leaning Christians have been gathering in South Georgia each January to learn, grow, build relationships, and build momentum toward a more just and generous Christian faith. We hope you'll join us in 2022 for Southern Lights. You don't have to be from the South to join us - we welcome you to bring your light from wherever you live. But knowing how much the American South can do to harm or heal the soul of the nation and the world, we especially hope that Christians in the American South will join us at this critical moment in our history.
When: January 14-16, 2022
Where: St. Simons Island, GA
Who: Join Kaitlin Curtice, Anthea Butler, Ken Medema, Odessa Settles, Solveig Leithaug, Diana Butler Bass, Jim Chafee, Brian McLaren, and several hundred fellow spiritual seekers.
How to Register: You'll find everything you need to register here.
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A reader writes: Crying on the porch …
I am praying that this message finds you and your family well, safe, and as inspired as I am by your work!I am sitting on my porch, finishing "Faith After Doubt" (we are doing a book group beginning next week) - openly weeping as I receive your Afterword and your own beautiful experience of moving from belief to faith. I have been so excited by the whole of it, as I have personally and professionally connected to it all - chapter by chapter and step by step. But the closing invitation cracked open an even deeper call to be a part of the transformation of which you write; and offered the inspiration to keep on the path. Thank you.I am always deeply moved by your work, your writing, your insights, your investment in the world. But this... it... whew... indescribable.I just needed to tell you - Yes. Bless. Thank you! God is surely so so happy for your presence in it. I sure am. Dude, you are the bomb!
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How about going to Ireland for nine days in 2022?
Grace and I loved our first trip to Ireland with Gareth Higgins so much that we’re joining him again in 2022.
The pace of travel is perfect. The combination of rest, renewal, and learning is ideal. The settings, of course, are magical. Your fellow travelers will be fascinating. And the chance to learn from Gareth and his friends in Ireland about the challenging work of peacemaking will inspire us for our work back home.
I hope you’ll consider joining us! This year, Gareth and I will speak about a theme we’ve collaborated on for several years: A Better Story for a Better World. We'll engage with the material we've written about in our 7th Story writings, which you can learn more about here: https://www.theseventhstory.com/
You'll find details about how you can be part of the 2022 Ireland retreat here: https://www.irelandretreats.com/2022-retreats
Space is limited, and these retreats tend to fill up fast, so it's a good idea to plan ahead now. (This might be a great Christmas present for you and someone you love!)
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Southern Lights, January 13-16, 2022
Brian McLaren will join Diana Butler Bass and Jim Chaffee to host this important event especially for forward-leaning Christians across the South. There's an amazing lineup of speakers and musicians, including Anthea Butler, Kaitlin Curtice, Ken Medema, Odessa Settles, and Solveig Leithaug.
There's still a little room - consider joining us on the beautiful Georgia coast! Information here: https://southernlightsconference.com/
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