June 2025 Gatherings: Christian’s Reflections

Let me start here: the June peer-to-peer cohort gatherings blew me away. I can’t wait for the gatherings next summer! The Spirit is alive in your visions, communities, and creative, big-hearted, generous selves. And that same Spirit is blowing through all of you, including those who are waiting for the next group of peer-to-peer gatherings

In Portland and Chicago, we did crafting projects so each community could introduce themselves to others. They were creative, delightful, and inspiring, too. We did creative exercises around collaborative interpretation of Scripture with our preaching consultant, Shauna Hannan (who is the new president at the Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago). We hosted affinity topic conversations, too, to share wisdom and stories with one another. Topics came up like: relationships with synods and the ELCA (that was a HOT conversation!), financial models for sustainability, community partnerships, creative ritual, and more. And of course, we ate well and laughed a lot. Next summer will be equally meaningful and fun.

As we closed with a blessing (Go in Pieces, by Pádraig Ó Tuama), one participant started in with a song we’d learned in the opening Dinner Church worship led by St. Lydia’s called What We Need Is Here. In that moment, I felt full, sure that at the most important level, what we needed was there. And as we build friendships and share ideas and resources across the cohort, it will continue to be true. Grateful for you all, those I’ve met and those I’ve not yet.