"Slow Church" Gathering Builds Fast Friendships
Our meeting space was packed to capacity as we gathered to worship, learn, laugh and share fellowship among friends.
Thursday afternoon's Opening Worship was led by Church of the Sojourners with Debbie Gish preaching (podcast available here).
Our first plenary session featured a wise and thoughtful presentation titled "Are We There Yet?" by Jonathan Wilson.
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Open Mic a Successful Innovation
 The traditional evening pizza party was followed by our first-ever "Open Mic Night." Hosted by John McFadden, it began with his rousing ukelele ballad recounting the history of EP. Overall, fifteen participants sang songs, shared poems or told stories to a delighted audience of EP friends. Afterwards, many folks adjourned to lounges in the dorm to continue conversations over (we are told) adult beverages.
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Friday's Schedule Was Rich
On Friday morning Chris Smith led us in Lecto Divina to begin the day, after which  Kyle Childress and Stanley Hauerwas shared in a conversation about Slow Church. Listening to two wise (and funny) long-time friends share in an unscripted conversation was in itself an experience of the essence of Slow Church.
Morning and afternoon workshop presentations offered rich content and  lively conversation. Phil Kennenson was the speaker for the third and final plenary, "Practicing Ecclesial Patience: Patient Practice Makes Perfect."
The day concluded with our cherished tradition of the Evening Prayer and Footwashing Service, which also incorporated a time of remembrance and thanksgiving for the life of our cherished friend, Nancy Bullock, along with others we have surrendered to God's eternal love in the past year. |
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Conclusion and Farewell for Another Year
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From The Center for Parish Development
The Subversive Act of Missional Worship
Missional Church Convocation, July 26-28, Chicago
Keynote Speaker: Debra Dean Murphy
 What is desperately needed in today's world is not new worship, but a rediscovery of the rich meaning and formative power of Christian worship. The Christian fellowship of praise and thanksgiving has the potential to shape faith communities in ways that are life-giving and transformative -- in redemptive contrast to the culture around us.
Come and experience a dynamic resource for spiritual formation and congregational renewal: corporate worship; reflection on the Psalms; rich conversation; times of quiet; and Debra's keynote lectures. You will make connections that can be sustaining for your life and ministry. Sponsored by EP friends at the Center for Parish Development.
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