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Gathering 2013 - July 11-13 - DePaul U. in Chicago
Practicing the Peace of Christ in Church, Neighborhood, and Country
At this year's Gathering, we will examine concrete ways to make peace in our churches, neighborhoods, country, and across the globe. For, as Bonhoeffer reminds us, the Peace of Christ must be practiced, or it is no peace at all.
Mike Budde and Stanley Hauerwas (co-founders of EP, as it were) will converse on "the abolition of war."
George Kalantzis, long-time endorser and professor at Wheaton College, has agreed to co-present on peace among nations. George regularly brings students to the summer Gathering. He has recently published Caesar and the Lamb: Early Christian Attitudes on War and Military Service.
Randy Cooper and Jana Bennett are confirmed as a co-presenters on peace in congregations. Randy has served on a CFI pastor-scholar team, wrote our pamphlet on singing together peaceably, and pastors Martin First United Methodist in Tennessee. Early in his ministry, Randy co-directed a retreat center for prayer and the witness of peace in the world. Jana serves on the Board of EP, teaches at the University of Dayton, and is the author of Aquinas on the Web, and Free to Leave, Free to Stay: Fruits of the Spirit and Church Choice.
Dates are confirmed, July 11-13.
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NEW ENDORSERS:
Again this month, we are listing the names of those who have endorsed The Ekklesia Project in the last month. If you don't know what endorsing signifies, read the Declaration and Invitation of EP, or its summary as a fourfold claim.
The new Endorsers are:
David White (Austin)
Gary Ginter (Chicago)
Rev. L. B. Thotobolo (South Africa)
Matt Dodrill (Durham, NC)
Johannes Steenbuch (Copenhagen)
Keith Church (Mississippi)
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New on bLOGOS:
Blessing and the Christian Life 
BY DANNY YENCICH
"These two sides of God's blessing, the centripetal and the centrifugal, have not always been held in concert throughout the Christian tradition. Indeed, the Christian church has a spotty record in holding these two forms of divine blessing together (yet so, too, did Israel of old; if nothing else, at least we are consistent). The contemporary church is no different: how often we focus our attentions solely inward, to the detriment (and at times ultimate demise) of our attention for outward giving, service, and blessing. As individual Christians, we have no shortage of idols and distractions, vying for our attention and redirecting us away from our calling to bless those around us. Must it be this way?" Read More
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MEET THE EP: JOLYNNE ASTERBAUM
My name is Jolynne Aszterbaum. I am married to Joey Aszterbaum (for 17 years yesterday!) We have four kids. Kyler 15, Josie 13, Ethan 10 and Ellie 7. We live in Hemet, CA. Which is in the desert. In a valley. Alllll by itself. :)
After much soul searching and lots of reading, my husband felt drawn to a more historical and liturgical church. But not me. I am usually happy anywhere my kids are happy, I was fine with the church of my youth, but wanting us all to be together on Sunday mornings, I went with him kicking and screaming ;)
And lo and behold, I found at our humble little Episcopal church, a collection of raw, authentic, lovely humans who were passionate about Jesus, care deeply for the poor and their community, and love each other closer than family. And I saw God in a new, fresh and much needed light. And I am so grateful.
I can safely say I am not like my husband who would know all the famous theologians to list as influences or heroes. But if I were to give you a list of people who I think "have it right," they would be; Wendy Batstone, Donna Baker, C.S. Lewis, Tony Tietz and Stephen Colbert. :) Each for different reasons, but across the board, I love authentic Christians who think and live outside the box.
I found out about the EP through Joey. Because of the journey he was on, through reading and friends on a similar journey, he found the EP, and then brought me along the next year. I am so grateful to be connected to such an amazing group of people. I have been so encouraged the last two years at the Gathering and being connected through the year with various EPers. |
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FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING
On February 9 and 10 the Church of the Servant King in Eugene, Oregon will host the EP board of directors for their bi-annual meeting. The board will also have an opportunity to worship at Wesley United Methodist, a CFI congregation. If you have concerns, questions, ideas, or suggestions that you'd like the board to consider, please let us know. And please keep us in your prayers. |
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