Peter Rollins

Hello all,

I received the email copied below not too long ago. Basically, Pete Rollins is coming to Columbus to hang out with our neighbor cohort to the south (insert sarcastic, self-effacing comment here about how “fancy” they apparently are). They were good enough to invite everyone in the region, and I wanted to let you know about it. It’s a great opportunity, and I’m a big fan of road trips; so I think we should go. I already replied and let them know that at least some of us would likely be coming. So if you’re interested, let me know by our next cohort meeting (Friday, January 16th) and I’ll confirm things with them.

Also, by the end of the week I’ll try to post a brief recap of our lively, if poorly attended, last cohort meeting and info regarding our next one on 1/16. Hope you all are having a great end of ‘08 and I look forward to seeing you soon!

Seasons Greetings,
 
My name is Jane Johnson and I am a member of the Central Ohio Emergent Cohort, which meets in Columbus, and we are hosting Peter Rollins on the afternoon of Feb. 1st.  First, we wanted to invite cohorts in the region to the event, and second, we were wondering if there is any interest from any of the cohorts in coming to Columbus on Saturday, Jan. 31st for a relaxed time of fellowship.  We apologize for the rather short notice of this announcement, but we just learned of Rollins’s plans only recently.  At this time we haven’t planned a particular topic of discussion, but I’m sure that Rollins will speak about the ideas he presents in his books.  If you could sometime during this busy time of year, please write me back and let me know if some in your cohort might be interested in attending, to help us better gauge the size and make-up of our projected audience, and if there is any further interest in a cohort meet-up on the Saturday before.
 

September Cohort Meeting Follow-up

For anyone who missed it, at our cohort meeting this month we discussed the time, location, and format of our meetings in an effort to chart our course for the next little while. We agreed as a group that the 2nd Friday of each month at 7pm worked, and our TGI Friday’s experience (off Arlington Road at 1039 Interstate Parkway, Akron, OH 44312)  this month was good enough that we said we would keep meeting there. With those details out of the way, we talked for a bit about possible future discussion topics. Among them were:

• What does it mean to participate in the Emergent conversation in rural/non-urban areas?
• What does it mean to participate in the Emergent conversation in more conservative (i.e. “Bible-belt”) areas?
• Related to the above, someone suggested- if I understood correctly- that much of what often comes up in the Emergent conversation has to do with what might be considered “urban” issues. I might quibble with this point because it could be taken to suggest that issues like philosophy, theology, justice, etc.- particularly as they come in to play in the postmodern context- are only relevant in the city. Maybe the person who brought it up didn’t mean to suggest this, but in any case it might be worth discussing.
• What’s emerging in terms of the contemplative life? How do we participate in the contemplative life in a postmodern context?
• I know the issue of “reclaiming Paul” has come up in the larger Emergent conversation, and someone brought up that too.

That’s everything I got. For those who were there, did I miss anything? Also, if anyone would like to add or suggest topics for discussion for upcoming meetings, please do so in the comments. Thanks!

Emerging in Northeast Ohio? Perhaps, but not too much, thank you.

Several folks have asked me what’s going on in terms of the Emergent conversation in Northeast Ohio, and especially if there are any local congregations that Emergent folks might be interested in. Here is what I’ve said in the past:

• There are a handful of congregations whose style, communication, values, etc. seem very much in line with Emergent, save for what from my perspective is a major, major concern- namely an anachronistic view on gender issues. Those congregations are Catalyst  and, I believe, Sevenoseven (though I’ve inquired with one of their leaders whom I happen to admire personally about whether or not this is fully the case). I’d probably be really interersted in being a part of either congregation if not for that major concern. Another congregation would fall into this group- though it is “all the way” over in Youngstown: Youngstown Metro Church. 
• There are some other groups that are less savvy in terms of the face they present to the world but who seem to have at least some sense that “business as usual” in the American church isn’t working so well. They include Xenos Christian Fellowship as well as The Center, and you could probably lump South Street Ministries into that group as well. I have some personal knowledge of South Street as my family and I have been a part of South Street for a while and have a real affinity for their approach to being the church, especially as this has been impacted by the principles of Christian Community Development. However, because of our situation as foster parents now (or at least until very recently), we are largely unable to attend their sunday service. 
• There are other congregations in the area who advertise themselves as being “emergent” or “relevant,” etc.- but few that I’ve come across who are actually doing something new/different.

That’s about all that I’m aware of. If you know about a congregation or community not in this list, please let us know in the comments.