I'm trying to organize my thoughts, but they defy easy organization. So instead I'll say this: many years ago now, I went back to school, to study theology, because I was interested in story. Because these seemed, to me, to be the myths that told us who we are that have lasted and been carried along with us for so long. No one understood, at the time, my insistence that theology is story.
As I went back, I was also gifted a piece of advice by Rev. William Swing, Episcopal Bishop of California: don't go to school just to read and think. You have to put it in practice. Doing, not just reading. Surround yourself with a community of people putting the stories into action. And so I became baptized as an adult in the Episcopalian Church (Anglican - I'm revealing my American roots).
This offering feels like someone read my bones and is calling.
I would love to go to this one! but am land-locked on the Minnesota prairie. Rowan Williams has been a guiding star in the internet conversations that have I treasured since the beginning of the solitude of lock-down, giving a long context to the present moving of the Spirit. So much insight and encouragement, beginning with the YouTube recordings of his inspiring Gifford lecture series. I hope you will find a way for non-attendees to participate on line in some way.
Sounds wonderful! love this direction, Martin. Don't think I can manage 5 weekend trips from the Far West (Washington state)... a tad farther than even Maine :-)
Sounds like a lot of your Substack followers are outside the UK or Europe. I’m in New Zealand… too far away to come over every month for such a provocative gathering. I am very grateful that I am able to follow you and others on Substack but also wistful that in person gatherings are not open to me.
“I can’t be worrying about that. Some things we just have to do.”
This is the crux, what you have said right here. I mean, as to how to know that the work is the true work. For whatever reason, we are given things to carry that feel clumsy, awkward, the gift that is also burden. I think of Moses by the burning bush - forced to navigate straight through his reluctance. The fear and reluctance itself could then be a way to recognise the important work & the true direction.
What does happen when you fall in love with a bear??? This is so compelling. I’m also intrigued about all this Maine speak! I’m heading there for the first time this April to visit my newly relocated sister and witness the eclipse with her. Curious shifts afoot!!
I would sign up in a heartbeat if I lived closer (Portland, Oregon is a great place to live, though). I will be in England for 6 days starting July 3, however—is there any place I might encounter you then? I’d love to buy you a pint and raise a glass to Isaiah preaching naked for three years.
Dangling a juicy bite of perfectly rare Wagyu ribeye before our eyes during Lent may actually be a sin 🤣😭😭 Would it be right for me to quit my job and move to the UK for this course? 🤔
I find the location deeply problematic. Almost selfish. I would prefer Maine.My backyard makes the most sense to me. Dirty dog, flaunting this so.
I'm trying to organize my thoughts, but they defy easy organization. So instead I'll say this: many years ago now, I went back to school, to study theology, because I was interested in story. Because these seemed, to me, to be the myths that told us who we are that have lasted and been carried along with us for so long. No one understood, at the time, my insistence that theology is story.
As I went back, I was also gifted a piece of advice by Rev. William Swing, Episcopal Bishop of California: don't go to school just to read and think. You have to put it in practice. Doing, not just reading. Surround yourself with a community of people putting the stories into action. And so I became baptized as an adult in the Episcopalian Church (Anglican - I'm revealing my American roots).
This offering feels like someone read my bones and is calling.
I would love to go to this one! but am land-locked on the Minnesota prairie. Rowan Williams has been a guiding star in the internet conversations that have I treasured since the beginning of the solitude of lock-down, giving a long context to the present moving of the Spirit. So much insight and encouragement, beginning with the YouTube recordings of his inspiring Gifford lecture series. I hope you will find a way for non-attendees to participate on line in some way.
WOW! This is so thrilling!!! And what a star line up of guests ✨count me in!
Sounds wonderful! love this direction, Martin. Don't think I can manage 5 weekend trips from the Far West (Washington state)... a tad farther than even Maine :-)
Yes! Please bring this to Maine!!! We need this NURISHING ART over here too!
Sounds like a lot of your Substack followers are outside the UK or Europe. I’m in New Zealand… too far away to come over every month for such a provocative gathering. I am very grateful that I am able to follow you and others on Substack but also wistful that in person gatherings are not open to me.
“I can’t be worrying about that. Some things we just have to do.”
This is the crux, what you have said right here. I mean, as to how to know that the work is the true work. For whatever reason, we are given things to carry that feel clumsy, awkward, the gift that is also burden. I think of Moses by the burning bush - forced to navigate straight through his reluctance. The fear and reluctance itself could then be a way to recognise the important work & the true direction.
What does happen when you fall in love with a bear??? This is so compelling. I’m also intrigued about all this Maine speak! I’m heading there for the first time this April to visit my newly relocated sister and witness the eclipse with her. Curious shifts afoot!!
Excited about this new direction! Of course the chances of me making it there are pretty slim, but not impossible. Nothing is impossible with God.
I have no doubt that this is going to be a bold, vital and wondrous new direction for this program!
I would sign up in a heartbeat if I lived closer (Portland, Oregon is a great place to live, though). I will be in England for 6 days starting July 3, however—is there any place I might encounter you then? I’d love to buy you a pint and raise a glass to Isaiah preaching naked for three years.
Dangling a juicy bite of perfectly rare Wagyu ribeye before our eyes during Lent may actually be a sin 🤣😭😭 Would it be right for me to quit my job and move to the UK for this course? 🤔
Quick question, can a person participate in just one weekend?
Find this announcement oddly reassuring. Don't know what I was expecting! Not that.
THIS IS AMAZING!!! LOVE THIS NEW DIRECTION! 💕🙏God bless!