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Snapshots from the 2007 Gathering

Posted Oct 8, 08:39 AM | 3 comments | by Editor | Link

Paul Soupiset has posted some cellphone snaps from The Gathering held last week in New Mexico. He also shared some thoughts: “I laughed until I cried on Wednesday night — and last night, walking back to my room in the rain, I cried. And cried. I think I was lamenting something I lost. But, then, I also found much. Common ground with other parents, Christ-followers, authors, artists, photographers and musicians — and we examined differences as well. ...

“I’m reminded I’m blessed to have such friends. We shared our wounds, our dreams, our fears and questions. I was reminded of faith-things to which I want to cling more tightly, and other faith-things I might need to shed. I was reminded to stop apologizing so often. In any case my heart is full.

“These people are my tribe.”

Paul’s other thoughts “about the extensibility of the Gathering conversation” have apparently been lost to the ages.

Meanwhile, Mike Clawson has posted post-Gathering thoughts on the question: “What is the future of Emergent Village?” He writes, “Should Emergent Village remain a connection point for newcomers to the emerging church conversation — a place for them to deconstruct, to be in process, to learn and to grow into these new ways of thinking — or should it become a network of leaders who are pushing the envelope and engaging in ever deeper conversations about theology, spirituality and ministry. Or is it somehow possible to do and be both?”

Read Mike’s thoughts on the subject and then post your thoughts in the comments.

P.S. Despite what some may think, this is not what happened at the Gathering. At least, I don’t think so … (I wasn’t there.) [HT: Eliacin]

UPDATE 10/8/2007: No offense to Paul and his valiant cellphone snaps, but these images from the Gathering by Daley Hake are stunning. [HT: Paul]

UPDATE 10/9/2007: Dave Fisher writes, “I have encountered a people here that are passionate about the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I have engaged with people who with great desperation want to see the Kingdom of God realized here on earth. ... Raw, flawed, and beautiful. Passionate, desperate, and humble. Gracious, giving, and hope-filled. These are the people of Emergent and I identify with them.”

Kevin Anderson writes, “The conference gave me some ideas and some motivation but most of all it reminded me of the way that friendships are so crucial to the pursuit of living in the way of Jesus.”

Heather Kirk-Davidoff reflects on Georgia O’Keeffe and writes, “We’ll never step out on our own if we need to get permission from the whole world first, but in the end, we aren’t ever really brave on our own.”

Mike Stavlund writes, “After four years, I think I’m finally beginning to understand the genius of the Fall Gathering at Glorieta: it is relationship. ... I’m learning all of this the hard way, I guess, as I realize how much I’ve been given over these years, and as I endeavor to give something back.” He’s got a great set of photos as well.

Anybody else have images? thoughts? reflections? Post a comment and let us know! Thanks.

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