Friends in Connecticut and New York City area
I don't get to the Big Apple area nearly as often as I'd like, which is why I'm especially glad to have a chance to connect with folks this weekend. On Sunday morning I'll be speaking at Christ Church in Greenwich, CT. Then on Sunday afternoon (1:30 - 4:30), I'll be leading a workshop on the Bible.
How do we read the Bible in today's world? We've seen the Bible (ab)used to justify slavery, racism, violence, oppression of women, harsh treatment of gay people, anti-semitism, ecological irresponsibility, etc. What can we learn from those mistakes? How can we let the Bible's message shape and empower us constructively and hopefully? What assumptions do we bring to the Bible that we need to question - and what questions should we bring to the Bible each time we open it?
I'll be giving some short introductory talks, but the bulk of the three-hour afternoon workshop will be experiential. I'll guide you through some reflections and interactions with the Bible, digging deep into several fascinating passages. If you've never cracked open a Bible, if you've feel you've kind of OD'ed on the Bible and it's all become familiar and "same-old same-old," if you love and enjoy the Bible but are aware that there are new approaches being explored, or if you are suspicious of the Bible and maybe even bothered by it, I think you'll find this an inspirational and educational way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
You can get more information and download the flyer here. I hope I'll see you this weekend!
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Do you live in the Houston TX area?
I'll be speaking (via skype) to the Advocacy Camp on October 24. You can download info below. Looking forward to a great day talking about how churches can make a difference in their communities ...
Download file
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Q & R: Key issues in the emergent conversation …
Here's the question:
I am XXXX, and I am a pastor of a new church near XXX. Back in 200X, I wrote my Senior Project at XXXX University on the Emerging Church in the United States. Interestingly, I used Cedar Ridge, in part, as a case study to highlight ecclesial shifts happening among evangelical churches even then.
Now XXX years later, I am exploring thoughts on a doctoral project at XXX Seminary in Atlanta. My question for you, to use a tennis analogy, is more like a “lob shot.” My question is: Currently, what do you think most needs to be explored and examined in the Emergent Church conversation that could most benefit the Church? Put another way, if you were thinking of writing a 35 page journal article about some aspect of the Emergent Church, what would your focus be?
Thanks for any time and response you can offer to this general question. I am grateful for the vital ministry you are carrying out in these days. As you probably well know by now, you are a strength to many of us young clergy who are living in this liminal time in Christian history.
Reply after the jump ...
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I just learned that …
... yet another Christian friend has joined Muslim friends and neighbors in the Ramadan fast. Australian Dave Andrews (whose books I highly recommend - from Christianarchy to Not Religion, But Love to Plan Be to Compassionate Community Work) shares some important insights on fasting, integrity, and resistance to empire here. Well worth reading - especially for those of us who live under constant temptation to sell out to empire.
Thanks, Dave!
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