Emergent Village Cohort Blogs Mashup

Cohort Feeds

1. Reflection on EMC
   A lot of tough questions were thrown out during the conference. You can tell that Brian McLaren has wrestled with a lot of these questions before, and is still wrestling with them. During a morning session, I blurted out: "We don't need more churches, we need more Christians." Brian's response was something like this: "Let's really feel that tension...Let it sit for a minute...Do you feel that?"
   
   We all really wanted him to give us an answer to our questions, but he didn't.
   
   Later, Jane commented that as American Christians we are eager to solve problems as soon as possible. But right now, the most important thing we can do is to recognize the depth of the problem that is before us, to really sit with the tension, to rest in the darkness.
   
   God lives within this tension. He clearly sees the problems of the world, and of course he has the power to "solve" these problems if he chooses to do so. But instead, he allows us to experience uncertainty, questions, challenges and tensions. And it is out of the deep darkness, out of the struggles, that great faith is birthed and new visions for the future are obtained. Visions of faith that are not just cute names for a new churches, or new website designs, but new ways of living and believing.
   
   At the last session, Brian encouraged everyone that perhaps one of the best things to do right now is not to search for a solution, but instead to deepen the dream in our hearts and minds. Through prayers, meditations, songs, poems, artwork and conversations, we can explore the depths of our questions and understand the undercover reasons for our discontent. We can better articulate our disappointments with the currents expressions of Christianity that we see around us. We can formulate a more powerful and invigorating dream for the future. Brian referenced the story of Nelson Mandela living in prison, dreaming of a new South Africa that would be free from apartheid.
   
   I think my favorite section of the book "Everything Must Change" is Part 8: "A Revolution of Hope." On pg. 299, Brian writes this:

   "But new kinds of faith communities are emerging, and more will emerge - virile, courageous, nurturing communities that center their theology on Jesus' revolutionary message of the kingdom and that center their lives on living out that radical message. These are communities of profound spiritual formation leading to liberating social transformation, and their continuing emergence is one of the most important developments in our time."

   I believe that our Emergent Cohort is one of these "new kids of faith communities," not just another church. And I know that I want to follow in the revolutionary way of Jesus Christ, and not just be another Christian. I want to dream, to write, to listen, to love and to fight. I want to love the Lord with all of my heart, soul and mind.
   
   But first, I'm going to deepen the dream by waiting and exploring the tension....
2. Back from EMC
   Hey everyone! We've made it back safe and only a little damp from Goshen. It was a blessed weekend in many ways, with exciting opportunities opened up, challenging conversations, and new books to read. Most of all, I think the members of our cohort genuinely enjoyed spending time together, and we realized that we have something really special in Columbus! This includes all of you reading this right now, and I'd love to invite everyone (whether you came to the conference or not) into the conversation of how our cohort can continue to live out God's call for us in Columbus. For now, here are some pictures, and look for more blogs about the conference to come this week.
   
3. Emerging Church Discussion Group June Meeting
   

   Indie Allies Meetups > Emerging Church Discussion Group

   This, our May gathering, might be an interesting time to discuss politics with the North Carolina primary happening this week (on Tuesday, May 6). Anyone reading Jim Wallis' "God's Politics"? Shane Claiborne's "Jesus for President"? Any other books/articles you'd like to throw in the mix? Post your ideas/suggestions in the comments, and let's have a spirited (but always good-natured and loving) discussion about politics and faith. Should Christians even vote?

   Check out - "10 Reasons Why I'm Not Voting" by Mark Van Steenwyk
   and then - "10 Reasons to Vote: A Sympathetic Challenge to Mark's 10 Reasons NOT to Vote" by Casey Ochs
   also - "Chaplain to the Culture?" by Tony Jones
   and - "Emergent Politics"

   Come out and talk about what you've been reading/thinking/feeling, ask questions, engage in this dialogue and develop friendships. This is one of the few places of "refuge" where this conversation is happening in Charlotte. We hope you'll add your voice to the discussion -- online (on the message board) and in person!

   Charlotte, NC 28206 - USA

   Thursday, June 12 at 7:00 PM

   Attending: 0

   Details: http://indieallies.meetup.com/27/calendar/7902160/

4. SE Wisconsin Cohort Kick-off
   After a little initial confusion on my part, we are now ready to kick off the first meeting of the new SE Wisconsin/NE Illinois Emergent Cohort. The first meeting of Emerging:SeWi will be Thursday, May 15th, at the Harborside Common Grounds, 5159 6th Avenue in Kenosha, Wisconsin at 7pm. This cohort is especially for anyone in Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth counties in Wisconsin, Northern Lake and McHenry counties in Illinois, or anyone else in that area who wants to join the conversation. If you're up that way, I hope you can make it, or spread the word if you know anyone in the area.
   
   For more info email the coordinator, Glenn Hager at sewi@emergingconversation.com and also be sure to join the Facebook group.
   
   -Mike Clawson
   up/rooted co-coordinator
5. Cohort This Thursday
   
   This Thursday the cohort welcomes Fritz Gutwien. Fritz is from the National Council of Churches Eco-Justice Program takes through a conversation regarding Christian environmentalism and how our 'advocacy' for creation care is a spiritual discipline. He's also a friend of Sam Davidson, but we won't hold that against him;)
   
   Here's his Fritz's Bio:
   

   Fritz Gutwein is currently Field Coordinator of the Climate and Energy Campaign at the National Council of Churches, Washington, DC. Prior to joining the NCC, Fritz was the Farm Bill Reform Organizer for the Presbyterian Hunger Program (USA) and Director of Crossroads Ministry of St. William Catholic Church in Louisville, Kentucky. An ordained Baptist minister and Presbyterian elder, Fritz is educated in international and religious studies from the University of South Florida and theology and ethics from Southern Seminary. His travels to Latin America and Africa as well as his experience as a therapeutic foster parent have opened Fritz's eyes to the needs of people living in poverty and have helped to make the spiritual practice of doing justice his life's passion.

   
   Check him out: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/5/123/9B8
   
   
   As usual we will meet in the pool room at the Flying Saucer from 11:30-1:00.
   Call in your lunch orders to 259-3039 by 10:30am if you're able.
   
   See you there,
   Dixon
6. Hungry for Justice - Part 2
   The daily readings have been seriously challenging to me. I just wanted to share a few quotes that stuck out to me and that I have been mulling over throughout the day, and then ask for responses of others. What ideas, concepts, Scripture passages, quotes have been significant to you? How do you see our community being shaped, "converted," brought into God's kingdom and being an agent that brings about God's kingdom?
   
   Quotes:
   

   
   "No longer preoccupied with out private lives, we are engaged in a vocation for the world."
   "Conversion is ultimately dying to self and becoming part of something that is larger than any of us."
   "Through it all, the most profound change is finally the most simple: discovering the meaning of love."

   I have noticed a distinct difference between how I have always conceived of "church" - joining an organization with which I agree in order to receive the spiritual services I crave - to a new understanding of joining God's kingdom. As Jim Wallis says, "the beginning of active solidarity with the purposes of the kingdom of God in the world..." I can no longer be concerned with my needs above all, but have to always ask the question, what is God doing in the world? How can I join alongside?
   
   I think those are powerful questions for our cohort to explore, attempt to answer, and try to fulfill in our lives and our community.
7. Global Gallery International Dinner
   
8. Is anyone else tired of 'Narnia?'
   
   Please forgive me for this blog-complaint. I try not to be one who takes out my petty frustrations on my keyboard. But with the upcoming release of "Prince Caspian," I have been overloaded with Narnia advertising. First, the full-length preview before the movie "Ironman" (which, by the way, was more than tolerable). Then, ABC is replaying the "The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe" complete with interviews with the characters, clips from the upcoming movie, and way too many commercials (I think the broadcast went for 3 hours). Today, as I peruse the blogosphere, I run into at least three separate websites that have Narnia video clip advertisements.
   
   To be honest, I'm not exactly sure why this turns me off so much. Perhaps it is my deranged need to always be "different" or not following the crowd. Ever since high school, if something was popular, I hated it. And I'll admit, my disdain could be just that juvenile. But I get the sense that there is something more...
   
   It seems to me that the Christian pop-culture dollar is very easy for Hollywood to lure and attain. Certainly not the first, but perhaps the most infamous, "The Passion of the Christ" showed us that Christians will spend millions on a movie they fully endorse - including booking entire theatres for their congregations to be ensured a seat. I still still movie posters for Mel Gibson's interpretation in pastor's offices and youth rooms. What will happen after six installments of Narnia?
   
   I was a little young, but I certainly remember the day when Disney was labeled "evil" by the Christian community. The cartoons had subliminal messages; the corporation supported the gay-rights movement and Pocahantas worshiped trees and "mother earth" instead of Jesus. But now, with Narnia, the Christians are back on board without a second thought! I see more advertisements on "Christian" webpages (Sojourners, BeliefNet) than anywhere else. Obviously, the Christian dollar has power in the media market.
   
   And I think that is what bothers me. The blatant targeting of my money sends an implicit message that, as a Christian, I will only buy Christian books, DVD's and movie tickets. It tells me that I'm too dumb to know the difference between a good movie, and a movie that should never have been made (I'm pretty sure C.S. Lewis would have more than a few issues with his books being mass-marketed like this). The saddest part of all is that the media market implicitly tells Christians this message through extensive and blatantly targeted advertising, and we confirm that message by making the movies multi-billion dollar successes.
   
   So bring on the cereal boxes and the action figures. Jesus loves Narnia. Because we all know - C.S. Lewis was a Christian, right? And whoever who wrote "The Golden Compass" hates Christians (doesn't she?), so we better be sure that Narnia makes way more money to prove to the world that God always wins!! And thank God that evil Harry Potter mess is behind us - all of that "magic" talk is straight from the gates of hell.....
9. The Austin Emergent Church Cohort Group June Meeting
   

   Emergent Christianity Meetups > The Austin Emergent Church Cohort Group

   1. What's an interesting issue we'll discuss?

   We're discussing a chapter at a time from the book "A New Kind Of Christian" by Brian McLaren. This week's topic is Chapter 11: "Getting Beyond Righteousness". Come join the discussion, even if you haven't read the book!

   For more information, see http://emergentchrist...

   2. Who should come? Are newcomers welcome?

   Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us!

   3. Do attendees need to participate or can they just listen?

   You can just listen if you like, but we encourage all to participate in the discussion!

   4. How will members find you when they get there?

   We're usually outside at a table on the patio, unless the weather is cold or bad. Then, we'll meet at a table inside the cafe. Look for the "Meetup" table sign on our table.

   Austin, TX 78756 - USA

   Saturday, June 7 at 10:00 AM

   Attending: 0

   Fee: Donations Accepted: USD 1.00 per person

   Details: http://emergentchristian.meetup.com/1/calendar/7864750/

10. Next Gathering Tuesday May 13 - something different
    
    
    Greetings! We (Jason, Todd and 2mikes) have been talking and have decided to do something a little different this time. Yes we will still meet at Dupont Circle and Yes still at 7pm. BUT... This time we will do something for the environment instead of talking, talking, talking...
    
    
    
    
    Meet us (those of us with bags picking up trash) in the middle of Dupont Circle and pick-up trash for a while and then head off to get a bite to eat, coffee, whatever. Word?? Let's help make DC a little cleaner. BYOB (bring your own Bag, please)
    
    
    
    
    Questions??
    
    
    
    
    Let me know!
    
    
    
    
    Sara
    
    
    ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu