News & Views

So excited to be back to West Hill this week after seven, count them, seven week of study and vacation. The focus of my time away has been the writing of my second book, this one on the topic of prayer.  It has been a rich time and I've been influenced by so many great minds -- some having written centuries ago, some just a few weeks back.

The book is due out at Easter next year.  Between now and then, we'll have lots to talk about as the ideas and understandings that have percolated in my brain and that I've encountered as I've studied begin to percolate in the community as well.  

I am SOOOOO fortunate to be doing this work together with you and I can't tell  you how delighted I am that we are forging a way to the future that promises it will shine with all the beauty we can possibly offer it.

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An interesting article about a church that is trying to be more inclusive.

www.mlive.com/news/muskegon/index.ssf/2010/06/spring_lakes_christ_community.html

 

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Daniel Gullotta is a theological student and candidate in the process toward ordination in the Episcopal Church in Australia.  He attended the Common Dreams conference in Melbourne and introduced himself by saying "Hey! We're friends on Facebook!" Which, of course, earned him an instant hug and instant camaraderie!  Daniel's review of my book, With or Without God, was posted on website of The Center for Progressive Christianity in the States.  Here, Daniel reflects on the closing service at the Common Dreams conference.

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" Seeking a healthy balance between self-care and care for others, we share time, energy, talents, wisdom, knowledge, skills, material goods, and our presence with one another in order that we may inspire, encourage, delight, comfort, and help one another."

In this section, we talk specifically of the balance between self-care and care for others. Where does that line get drawn for you and are you comfortable with where it is? Is there somewhere that it might be more healthy for you or helpful for others? If so, are there things you would consider doing in order to move the line closer to where you'd like it to be. 

 

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"We choose love as our supreme value." 

 What's  your definition of love?

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 The word "transcendent" has often been used to convey something beyond us which we cannot attain, maybe because we belong to the natural order and, since it was considered spiritual, we could never grasp it wholly.  If we believe the things we don't understand now, were we to come to understand them, would be found to be natural, too, what does "transcendent" mean? Can we attain it individually? As a community?

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There was some good initial discussion yesterday around unpacking the statement "Everything happens for a reason" and its implications.  Anything to add?  What does that statement mean to you?  Is it positive? Does it give you hope? Or does it infuriate you?

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Beginning June 6th and running for six weeks, we'll be examining the VisionWorks (2009) document that was embraced by the congregation a year ago. Exploring how we interact with ourselves, each other, and the world and how our relationships can be supported, challenged, and enriched by the principles in our VisionWorks (2009) document, we'll engage in conversation here, on our Facebook page, and in person.  Join us as we  wrestle with our ideals and discern how to apply them as a community and as individuals.  Questions will be posted here regularly throughout the next few weeks!

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While in Brisbane, I was honoured to give the homily and preside at the Eucharist at St. Mary's in Exile with rebel priest, Peter Kennedy.  Here, Peter Kirkwood of Eureka Street, posts his interview with Kennedy and a reflection on his first year outside the embrace of the Catholic church.

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Peter Kirkwood interviewed me while at the Common Dreams II conference and has posted his article and video here on Eureka Street, a Catholic On-line news forum.  Enjoy!

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