March 9, 2010 Cohort Gathering at the Page!

Hey folks - sorry this is late! We will be meeting tomorrow night at the Front Page at 7:30pm - same topics as last time... open mic.



We have some exciting things coming up right here in DC!



April 30 - May 2 East Coast Emerging Gathering and the launch of transFORM. This event will take place at Wesley Theological Seminary. The event is free - housing available at the Sleep Inn Shady Grove. The deadline is past to get the group rate, but they may still have rooms, so give them a call. They are outside of DC proper, but have a shuttle to the subway train that will bring you down to Tenley town and then you can either hop on the AU shuttle which will bring you next door, or we may be running shuttles. Info available here and updated regularly.



May 3 - Social Media Bootcamp with Doug Pagitt. This event will be held at Wesley seminary as well. to register please go to http://www.jopaproductions.com/events/bootcamp Registration is limited to 50. Cost is $95 and includes lunch. Bring your laptop and learn all you need to know about using social media to promote your church or intentionall community activities.



July 26 - 29 Theology in an Emerging Culture: God, Atheism, and the Church A summer term course at Wesley taught by Peter Rollins. You may audit the course (or take it for credit if you are working on a masters or Dmin program). Folks wanting to audit should download the summer registration form and send it with the registration fee as instructed. Registration opens March 22 for the summer term. Summer course and registration info here.



Hope to see you at the page on Tuesday night! If you have any questions about the above information contact Sara Sheppard. 202-885-8688



Peace and Grace!

Sara and Jason

Cohort Cancelled Feb 9

Due to the weather we are canceling the cohort tonight. Stay safe everyone and be thankful we only receive record snow every ten or so years!

We will reconvene on March 9, 2010 surely the roads will be clear by then! :)

peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

Feb 9, 2010 Open Forum

Greetings Folks! We will gather Tuesday February 9, 2010 at 7:30pm the Front Page for an Open Forum. Bring anything that's on your minds, new iphone apps, etc to share.


There are upcoming events locally that we want to make you aware of.


East Coast Gathering April 30- May 2, 2010 at Wesley Theological Seminary in DC info and RSVP available at http://www.transformnetwork.com/ This is a FREE event , but we ask that you RSVP so we have an idea of how many are coming. Plenary speakers include Brian McLaren, Pete Rollins, Kathy Escobar and Anthony Smith.

Also...

Pete Rollins will teach a summer term course at Wesley Theological Seminary July 26 - 29, 2010. The course is entitled, " Theology in an Emerging Culture: God, Atheism and the Church". Registration will begin after March 22. More info to follow.

Hope to see you at the Page on Tuesday! Please drop me a note at ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu to let me know you are coming.

Peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

New Year! New Topic! Join us Tuesday January 12th

Happy New Year everyone! We are very happy to host Keelan Downton as he discusses Open Source Theology on Tuesday January 12th at 7:30pm at the Front Page. When I asked him, "What's that?" he replied;

As a metaphor, 'open source' has more to offer the practice of Christian faith than 'blogs for all' and company in the dimly-lit corners where coffeeshops hide the one public outlet. In a presentation last fall, I argued that approaching theological reflection as a collective process may be the best way to encourage engagement with ancient tradition but that it only works when tradition is understood to include significant room for experimentation. I'd like to have a conversation that playfully explores four challenges that arise when we press that metaphor further:

• a decompiler/hermeneutic challenge: do we have the tools to read the 'source' correctly and how could we verify that we have?
• a coordination/coherence challenge: how can diverse people be organized in a way that values the contributions of each person and also makes progress on a shared project?
• an assessment challange: how can we differentiate alpha theologies/practices from beta theologies/practices from theologies/practices that are mature enough to be 'release candidates'?
• a responsiveness challange: when feedback for faith formation is imprecise and slow, how can communities be responsive to those the theology affects 'in real time'?

Come and engage the four challanges that Keelan is presenting. Who knows we may be on to something!!

The Front Page is located at Dupont Circle right across from the metro stop. We gather at 7:30pm and are usually winding up around 9:30pm. Join us for conversation andfellowship. Dinner is on your own.

Please let me know if you are planning on attending so I can make a proper reservation. ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu

Peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

December 2009

Advent Blessings! We have a slight change to this month's gathering. We will get together Tuesday December 15th instead of the usual 2nd Tuesday of the month. We will resume the regular schedule January 12, 2010

Join Us!! December 15th at the Front Page Restaurant at Dupont Circle at 7:30pm. We will have an "open mic night" so bring your ideas, theological quandries and such to the table. We'd also love to hear how you are celebrating Advent and what the new year might have in store for your communities.

So... until then - Feliz Navidad! See you next week at the Page.

Blessings,

Sara and Jason

C21 - Come hear about it November 10!

Hello again - the DC cohort will gather next on November 10 at 7:30pm the Front Page Restaurant at Dupont Circle. The topic will be C21 - we have several from our group who attended and will give us the low down on the goings on there. From what I've heard it was an awe-inspiring event so you don't want to miss this!

Also, I want to let you know about the launch of a new network; transFORM : a missional community formation network. Check out the website - this network is hopeing to inspire and support folks who are / have planted new communities. The network will launch officially with an event at Wesley Theological Seminary April 30-May 1 at the East Coast Regional Gathering. Details on that event coming soon.

Hope we will see you at the Page on Tuesday - 7:30pm (NOTE NEW TIME)

peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

Next Cohort Gathering Tuesday October 13, 2009:: So much to talk about!

Fall greetings! We have had quite a few weeks and it ain't over yet. Several of us journeyed to the Chicago area to sit at the feet of Jurgen Moltmann, author of many great books on systematic theology and brillant theologian. The Emerging Conversation was wonderful and we (speaking for myself) came back renewed and full. In two weeks another group of us will pilgrimage to Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis, MN to experience Christianity 21. If you can go and haven't made plans yet, you should try to do this.

Our gathering on the 13th will be a debrief of these two events. I hope you can join us. Please drop me an e-mail so I'll be able to get the proper size table. ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu

The Front Page Restaurant
DuPont Circle
7pm

Peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

DC Cohort gathering Tuesday August 11, 2009 at the Page

Summer Greetings!! We will meet in August on the 11th at the Front Page in Dupont Circle. Come share the fellowship and bring whatever is on your heart and we will address, question, deconstruct and reconstruct those thoughts, issues, or doctrines.

ALSO:

There are several gatherings coming up that we want you to know about.

Ideacamp - August 28-29, 2009

Mt. Olivet UMC, Arlington ,VA www.theideacamp.com

Focus for this event in issue of compassion and justice.

Emergant Conversation with Jurgen Moltmann - September 9-11, 2009

Chicago, IL Contact jopaproductions.com to register and for more information.

(Several of us from the DC Cohort wil be there - join us!)

Christianity 21 - 21 voices, 21 ideas, 21 minutes each

Good Samaritan UMC, Edina, MN http://www.good.com/

Contact jopa productions to register and for more information.

If you will be able to join us on Tuesday the 11th at the Front Page, please drop me a line.

ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu

Thanks!

Sara and Jason

The Parables of Peter Rollins - Join Us Tuesday July 14

Have you heard?? Pete Rollin's book of parables is out - finally!! The Orthodox Heretic: And Other Impossible Tales. This night we will be led by Mike Stavlund in a discussion of several of the parables -he and Jason will select them and copies of the selected ones will be provided - or feel free to bring the book with you.

Join us Tuesday July 14th at 7pm at the Front page to read, discuss and respond to these "new impossible tales" from Pete Rollins.

Let us know if you have any questions. Hope to see you there!

The Front Page is across the street from the Dupont Circle Metro station (and the Krispy Creme store... yummmmm).

blessings,

Sara and Jason

Re-Imaging Re-Duex : Join Us June 9th at the Front Page

Greetings one and all. Hope you had as glorious a Pentecost Sunday as I did.

We will gather this coming Tuesday June 9th at the Front Page for a debreif on the re-imagining meeting for Emergent that happen here in DC the last week of April. Mike Stavlund will lead us on this journey.

So meet us at the Front Page at 7pm on Tuesday June 9th for burgers and beer and some good conversation (and a pretty neat community I might add).

The Front Page is located directly across from the Dupont Circle metro stop.

Kindly drop me a line and let me know you are coming so I can get a big enough table. ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu

Thanks muchly.

peace,

Sara and Jason

As the Village Turns... or something like that - Tuesday May 12

As many of you know, Emergent Village has been in a place of discernment over the last 6 or so months. A group of emerging leaders met here in DC a couple weeks ago to discuss, discern, dream and try to make sense out things. Our own Mike Stavlund was among the organizers.

On Tuesday May 12 we will gather at the Front Page in Dupont Circle to continue the current conversation and to hear about the conversation that took place a few weeks ago. This is a dynamic time in the life and times of the Emergent Village and like a village, each of us as a part to play in its future.

Amy Moffitt will be with us to debrief on the gathering that took place in April. You can read more about Emergent Village here.

Please join us!

Tuesday May 12 at 7pm at the Front Page in Dupont Circle.

Also - it would be great if you could let me know if you plan on coming so I can make sure to have a big enough table. Many thanks! ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu

peace and grace,

Sara

Post Emergent gathering Sunday lunch

Most of you likely know about the Emergent gathering that is happening this Saturday to determine the future greatness of Emergent. But maybe you don't know about the post-gathering-fiesta at Guapos in Bethesda on Sunday (4/26) at 1pm. Many folks from the gathering will be there to connect, relax, and let us know what strategy Emergent has decided for taking over the world! We wouldn't want the DC Cohort to miss out on that so consider yourself invited!

RSVP to jason, jason@collegeparkchurchplant.com.

grace,
j

April 14th Gathering being led by Kate Murray

So what exactly happened on the cross? What happened on Good Friday? On Easter Sunday?
Some say Jesus took our place, paid the price, and redeemed us in the eyes of an angry God. Others say he cured humanity of a great illness, the sickness of sin. Still others aren't sure.

Join us April 14th at the Front Page at 7pm as we discuss one of the most debated and discussed topics in Christianity - what happened on the cross and the various atonement theories. What’s helpful for understanding Jesus’ death and resurrection and what isn’t so helpful, possibly even detrimental to our faith.

Thanks to Kate Murray for leading the discussion this month. If you have a topic, book idea, burning question or even something slightly heretical that you'd like to take the lead on, let us know.

The Front Page
at Dupont Circle metro
7pm

See you there!

Jason and Sara

March 10 - Creeds; What are they good for?

Ever wonder why we have creeds, what purpose they play and why they haven't been updated in a while?? Join the DC Cohort Tuesday March 10 at the Front Page in Dupont Circle as we look at the internal and external meanings of the creeds and if they still have use in today's church. Are there other dogmas or tools out there we could use instead? Ryan Page will lead us in the discussion.

The Front Page Restuarant

at Dupont Circle

7pm

Tuesday March 10

See you there!

Sara and Jason

Next Gathering February 10

Hey gang - two things : 1) We will gather Tuesday Feb 10 at 7pm at the Front Page. 2) The suggestion was made last time that we find some space to do other things as a community than just have dinner once a month and talk to each other. We are planning a joint Ash Wednesday Service (location TBD) and hopefully this will be discussed along with the topic below on the 10th. Also we kicked around serving at a homeless shelter, or other equally wonderful ways to help those who have less. If you have suggestions on ways to do this, please send them my way ssheppard@wesleyseminary.edu and I'll compile them and send them on to Todd. We are also thinking about a picnic this summer in Rock Creek Park - maybe something that could include everyone from Restless Church??

So for Tuesday : The buzz on the cohort leader email has been about the tension between staying connected to a “traditional” church while also experimenting with Emergent. We are wondering how you all would respond to this question. To that point, I am including one of the latest posts for your reflection:

"Everyone's points have been helpful and very contextual (I've been burned before too)!

I'd say two interpenetrating principles lead me on this one:
A. Invention requires an artificial sense of objectivity- so to leave a community, self-differentiate, and then to focus on an alternative shaped community is crucial to any new vision being born.
B. But to love the greater whole requires an artificial sense of subjectivity- to belong to the church's destined transformation: In this case we are better for seeing ourselves as part of a larger whole, and not "othering" all the other/prior/disproven forms.

So as a presbyterian I'm better for to (B) acknowledging that we're part of larger arch of history, bigger than the "protestant reformation- with our solas, points, or marks of the true church". And as an emergent (B) I'm better for acknowledging that the $30k that is coming into our budget from the PC(USA) this year is material connection to all those old ladies in the presbyterian pews-- proof that we are more connected than I'd often assume. Yet as an emergent (A) I have to let go of Presbyterian forms and cliques long enought to be open to embracing what is taking shape organically in my neighborhood. And as a presbyterian (A) my healthiest posture includes calling all of my practices/confessions into question toward what they are being re-formed into.

At the edge/end of certitude lies this challenge: "hold to forms/particularities loosely without letting go of the poetics of the particular".

(You might also note that I use "artificial sense"- I think that the subjective/objective divide is a construct, but unavoidable. So it befits the church to use these categories in a more intentional, imagaintive, de/constructive way, instead of a place of pride/martyrdom/vigilantyism. The "remnant" language, the "protestant reformation" language, the "true church" language- they all require objective or subjective certainty- and they all fade in the face of new-creation-repentance-spirit-death-birth...)


All that said, I think... too many people stay at a particular church because of a narrow view of kingdom loyalty, and too many leave because of a shallow view of participation. Leave, stay, go start, quit... but do it all as a step into kingdom imagination, into deep practice. Anything you run from will end up sneaking into your next place on the coattails of your ideals."

So give this some thought. See you on the 10th!

Sara and Jason

January 13: Emerging Church 101

Ever wonder what this thing called The Emerging Church is?? Who's doing it and what they are doing?? Join us on Tuesday night January 13 at 7pm to hear more. Jason Mack will give a basic description of the emerging church movement and then we'll entertain any questions and try to debunk the myths.

We meet at the Front Page resturant at Dupont Circle directly across from the metro.

so - - see you at 7pm at the Front Page Tuesday January 13th.


(The weather peeps are calling for some "wintery weather " Tuesday so check back here before you come. If we need to postpone I'll post it here)

Peace and Grace,

Sara and Jason

December gathering - The Great Emergence

For December we will gather at the Front Page to discuss Phyliss Tickle's fab new book, The Great Emergence. Seems appropriate for Advent, don't you think?? Jason will lead the discussion and we'd love to hear from anyone lucky enough to get to Memphis the weekend before for the conference.

DETAILS:

December 9, 2008
7:00pm
The Front Page at Dupont Circle

Also:

Call to the River Retreat January 8 -10, 2009

Join us for a retreat to explore call; where you began and where God is calling you now. Marjory Bankson, formerly of Faith at Work and Rev. Rod Miller with lead us through the river and into transformational community.

We will gather at Manidokan Reteat Center near Harpers Ferry, WV beginning at 5pm Thursday until 12 noon Saturday for a retreat of reflection and sharing. Cost is $150.00 for meals and lodging. Some scholarships re available. For more information and to register click here.


Hope everyone's holiday is safe.

peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

November 11 - Pete Rollins lowdown

Hey - We will meet at 7pm at the Front Page Resturant on Dupont Circle in Tuesday November 11 to get the low down on the Emergent Mid Atlantic gather that took place over the weekend in Philly. Yours truly was not able to go, but I'm hoping that those of you who did (hint, hint) would be willing to give us and update of what happened, what was said, etc.

There are other activities of interest happening over the coming months. The first is an Advent reflection happening at Wesley Theological Seminary by Lauren Winner, author of Girl Meets God and Mudhouse Sabbath. Lauren is professor of Christian Spirituality at Duke Divinity School. The event will take place Friday December 5th from 10am - 3pm and is free of charge. We only ask that you RSVP with Sara Sheppard to reserve a spot. Please include your name, phone number, church affiliation and mailing address. This event is underwritten by the Lilly Endowment.

Join us Thursday January 8 -Saturday Janaury 10, 2009 for an exploration of call. Call to the River is a time for reflection and for looking forward; toward your call. What did it look/feel like in the beginning and what or where is it now? How has it changed and where has it led you??

We will gather at Manidoken Retreat Center near Harpers Ferry, WV. Cost is $150.00 for room and board. Register by going to http://www.calltotheriver.blogspot.com/ This event is co-sponsored by the Baltimore-Washington Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, Faith at Work, Wesley Theological Seminary and Sacred Fire Coaching.

Hope to see you soon and one or all of these events.

peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

October 14, 2008; DC Cohort gathering: Are you ready for the election??

The DC Cohort will meet TOMORROW Tuesday October 14th at 7pm at the Front Page. Jason Mack will lead us in a discussion about the politial times and the church. Seeing as the election for our next President: Commander and Chief is around the perverbial corner, we thought it would be good to flesh out what everyone is thinking about the state of things as it relates to the church.

Our next gathering will take place after the election so at that time we will really be able to take stock and talk about what the future might hold.
We hope to see each of you at the Page at 7pm TOMORROW night, Oct 14th.

(The Front Page is across the street from the Dupont Circle Metro. We are the motley crew with the large table in the corner)

peace and grace,

Sara and Jason

September 9 - Church Leadership and Governmental structures: How can we become more post-modern??

Hey All!! We will gather next on Tuesday September 9 at the Front Page in Dupont Circle. We'll have a free-wheeling discussion of church leadership and government structures. Denominations? Hierarchies? Boards of elders? Pastors? To what extent are these cultural constructs, and how might these structures change as our culture becomes more and more postmodern? What forms might leadership take in tomorrow's emerging church?

Thanks to Crog for suggesting the topic! Write in if you have thoughts that you want to be included in the discussion.

Also coming this fall is Pete Rollins - speaker at the Emergent Mid-Atlantic gathering

November 7-8 in Philadelphia, PA

Registration and info at http://www.emergentmidatlantic.com/

See you 9/9 at 7pm at the Front Page!

peace and grace,

Sara 'n Jason