wrote an *amazing* post last night, trying to get in a few more tidbits while my eyes were propped open with toothpicks... and then closed the window without saving it! so it is lost.... will try to recreate it in some form...
each time i had a few moments to reflect on the *wows* of the ec05, i would realized i forgot something, so i will write another *wow* post and couch the fact that i am writing a third one in some trinitarian metaphor ;D (which will give it the illusion of intentionality;)
these are a few words/phrases, people and events that struck me as blog-worthy in my state of utter weariness...
intentionality: one of my favorite words and one that permeated the ec05 dialog. What does it mean to live, love, serve, practice hospitality with intentionality? This is far more interesting and expansive than 'doing church,' WWJD, lighting candles, reconfiguring, reforming, re-everything... (which is gaining prominence as a phrase, similar to post-everything).
new monasticism: an order of living or rules for communal life after the order of old monastic orders that risk the wild adventure of living in community with intentionality and hospitality among the margins. their website is a great entree into understanding this idea (i am reading a book on this so more later, but the idea of living with others committed to the same set of principles and practices, without legalism, but with kindred hearts and minds intrigues and draws me).
integrated experiential worship: hands on experiential artistic expressions that complement and deepen the worship experience. lilly lewin set up stations that enable us to 'do art' regardless of artistic ability, with prayer stations that invited engagement with and in the worship experience. this is an integrated means of worship and far more engaging than simply listening to lesons taught (see her posts on the WALP conference).
learning communities: this manner of teaching, learning listening, integrates old and new. We were invited to both listen to and learn from the expert's but form each other as well, rather than assuming that only the expert's had something of value to say. This format invited people to speak, teach and ask questions that facilitated learning as well as provides some concrete scholarship and practial applications tried in the crucible of real life. far more effective than talking head seminars.
embracing/expansive church: jay vorhees, tony peterson, glandion carney and brian mclaren held a critical concerns course on Tues. 5/17, and it was great! First it was a gathering of people from a variety of faith traditions, ages, and thoughts. The idea of Church being expansive and embracing is dear to my heart, it resonates with my own story and is an area that must be addressed for the church to grow, but even moreso, for our own hearts to become expansive and embracing, thus yeilding a lifestyle that follows... there is more, much more... i loved listening and learning from those who have really lived out the way of Christ in and with those in the margins...
ikon: the worship service on tennebrae (holy saturday) was remarkable, inexpressible and profound. this was punctuated by a 4 hour long conversation with dj, will and pete rollins of ikon, on friday, that trumped all of the seminars i had hoped to attend. i bought the discs so i hope to catch the great stuff and wisdom shared;) ikon is a group intent on becoming christian in belfast and not only engaging culture, but being among and a part as it seeks to walk in the way of jesus.
bloggers forum: what a treat to see almost 40 bloggers figuring out who was who, regarding to URL, being known more by blog name or URL than given name. The oh/ah's that accompanied the spontaneous applause as claudia was identified as ragamuffin diva was delightful! Thanks to will, dj and american bible society for the lunch, tshirts and books! Check out the list of emergent bloggers! that monged on yummy food and conversation. Another favorite moment was shane mullin's "wow, really!" response when i introduced myself and said, "i read your blog."
meeting and sharing stories with adele from existential punk and ikon, giving adam a hard time, beginning at the luncheon and continuing through the week, coupled with really enjoying his complex thought, humor and obvious smitten-ness with sarah. getting pointers from dj, and just thoroughly enjoying wes.
wes robert: i'll end with wes because my ec05 eperience began with wes...who picked me up from the airport, watched over me as a father/brother, was willing to teach me as well as learn from me, even as, or maybe especially as he is one of my mentors, and watching him care for, integrate with and engage in conversation with other ec participants was refreshing and insightful his white hair and twinkling blue eyes, had many wondering if he was in the right place, (not being with the NC) but it was those same things, coupled with his huge heart and vision that made it clear he must be part of this fledgling emergent conversation that needs the wisdom of years, that is humble and helpful simultaneously... so if you were one of those who got a few minutes, you will understand what i just wrote, but if not then know that he is a blessing to leaders and to the church universal as well!
there is much more to write, but it will wait... three was a humors the variety of interesting t-shirts made me rue not bringing a camera... everything from, "i'm blogging this," to "god does not have a penis." check abround blogsophere, there are bound to be photos.
check back and there wll be more! ;D
Just so you have my stuff. Talk to ya soon. It was a great time.
Posted by: Andrew Seely | May 23, 2005 at 03:41 AM
i love susie albert miller.... she is one of my new "faves"....
Posted by: Shane | May 23, 2005 at 11:08 AM
"intentionality" that was a big word. i'd add "hemeneutic" to the mix. our spiritual lives are done in the context of our narrative, i seemed to hear that a few times.
the best t-shirt i saw was on a little infant boy, it was a camo shirt and said "pee all you can pee" a throw back to the army.. i almost pee'd myself it was so funny.
Posted by: gavin | May 23, 2005 at 12:43 PM
Sounds great. Thanks for the link on new monasticism, us old monastics are happy to encourage those moving things forward, though we feel very much alive ourselves!
Posted by: ellina rosen | May 24, 2005 at 12:41 AM
...thank you...bless you...get well! So many good memories make me eager for more...solme day.
Posted by: Wes Roberts | May 24, 2005 at 02:28 PM
It was so AWESOME to meet you! Look forward to staying in touch and encouraging one another along the journey of becoming Christians! Adele
Posted by: Existential Punk | May 24, 2005 at 11:13 PM