Sunday, September 27, 2009
An Open Celebration
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(or, Another Reason Why I Love the Emergent Cohort)
This evening we had one of our monthly "Celebration of the Faithful" events. It was just like every other cohort meeting in that it was different from any other meeting we had ever had. Everyone brought some food to share, and we set the table and gathered together. It had been several weeks since we had seen each other, and so Zack thought it would be great to just listen to what everyone was going through in life right now.
As each person shared, we listened carefully, and maybe asked one or two questions. After they were done sharing, we responded as a group with a simple affirmation of their chosen-ness in Christ, their purpose and value in life and as a fellow human. It was simple, but it was beautiful.
At one point during the meeting, I looked at the table, strewn with have empty glasses, casserole dishes, wine bottles, chips & guacamole, and various desserts of all colors and designs, and I felt like our group was very rich. We had an immense value in that moment. All sitting across from each other at the table, only about twelve of us, but still feeling like a large group, with incredible value.
We shared for a couple of hours, taking breaks to get ice cream or to say goodbye to some members who had to leave early. But everyone was able to express honestly, slowly, and truthfully what was happening in their life right now.
That in itself - that sharing - was valuable and precious to me. And it was a sabbath moment. A moment of rest, of peace, and of joy.
---
Everyone is welcome to join these weekly and monthly meetings; they are not closed or selective. If you are interested in learning more about the central ohio emergent cohort, feel free to email me (schroeder.jesse@gmail.com) or to visit the website.
(or, Another Reason Why I Love the Emergent Cohort)
This evening we had one of our monthly "Celebration of the Faithful" events. It was just like every other cohort meeting in that it was different from any other meeting we had ever had. Everyone brought some food to share, and we set the table and gathered together. It had been several weeks since we had seen each other, and so Zack thought it would be great to just listen to what everyone was going through in life right now.
As each person shared, we listened carefully, and maybe asked one or two questions. After they were done sharing, we responded as a group with a simple affirmation of their chosen-ness in Christ, their purpose and value in life and as a fellow human. It was simple, but it was beautiful.
At one point during the meeting, I looked at the table, strewn with have empty glasses, casserole dishes, wine bottles, chips & guacamole, and various desserts of all colors and designs, and I felt like our group was very rich. We had an immense value in that moment. All sitting across from each other at the table, only about twelve of us, but still feeling like a large group, with incredible value.
We shared for a couple of hours, taking breaks to get ice cream or to say goodbye to some members who had to leave early. But everyone was able to express honestly, slowly, and truthfully what was happening in their life right now.
That in itself - that sharing - was valuable and precious to me. And it was a sabbath moment. A moment of rest, of peace, and of joy.
---
Everyone is welcome to join these weekly and monthly meetings; they are not closed or selective. If you are interested in learning more about the central ohio emergent cohort, feel free to email me (schroeder.jesse@gmail.com) or to visit the website.
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