We find ourselves in ordinary time, a time in which we learn to pay attention to the good news in the particulars of that which is routine and regular. As a faith community, we continue to grow in the ease of sowing together. We’ll brunch together and pay attention to what is growing – in, among, and around us. We will practice receiving the good and beautiful in life, participating with God in our broader community. We will explore the topics of being supported when together (safety and courage), rooted in place together, following the Spirit together, being stretched to grow, absorbing toxins and weeding out.
WEEK BY WEEK:
* indicates weeks we are “off site” - not at COhatch
May 28: Memorial Day Weekend Brunch Gathering
June 4: Growing in Togetherness (Revelation 22:1-3)
June 11: Growth - Pride Brunch + Game Day
June 18: Weeding: the Garden (Matthew 13:24-30)
*June 25: Absorbing - Walk and Talk
July 2: Brunch Sunday
July 9: Rooted in the Polis
July 16: Following the Spirit Together
July 23: Rooted: Prayer + Peace Walk in Broad Ripple
*July 30: Supported - The Avenue Coffeehouse
*SATURDAY August 5 @ 9-11am: Weeding - Lawrence Community Garden (no Gathering Sunday, August 6th)
August 13: Absorbing - Community Food Box
Aug 20: Growth - Stretched to Grow (John 15:1-10)
*August 25-27: Retreat weekend
September 3: Labor Day Weekend Brunch Sunday
DISCUSSION PROMPTS:
-What is your favorite form of connecting with God? Carve out time to delight in God’s presence (this could be with or without companions).
-What have you been holding onto that needs weeded out, let go of? Share your stirrings with a trusted companion.
-Evaluate your regular practices and the rhythms of your week. Where might you build in margin to allow more attentiveness to those in your life - to be rooted, practice absorbing, and experiencing support?
-Where, or in what ways, is the Spirit prompting you/us to be more rooted?
-How has this week’s practice or experience during the Gathering challenged or encouraged you? Talk about it with someone else.
-Pay attention to where the Spirit is extending the invitation - with warmth and care - to trust that you/we are being led toward beauty and health. Meet this invitation with curiosity, imagination, and gratitude. Then, take the next faithful step.
RESOURCES:
Parent Cue:
Wopila: A Giveaway by Dovie Thomason
Holy Troublemakers and Unconventional Saints
Books:
-The Book of Hope by Jane Goodall
-Seasons of Wonder by Bonnie Smith Whitehouse
-Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
-The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry
-Anything you can find written by Mary Oliver
-All Along You Were Blooming: thoughts for boundless living by Morgan Harper Nichols
-Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
-Wopila: A Giveaway by Dovie Thomason
-The Complete Enneagram by Beatrice Chestnut
Music:
Unknown & Creating Space for Newness (playlist)
(photo credit: Edgar Castrejon)