One of the things I struggle with the most are endings. Whether it is writing endings, envisioning the ending of a project, or saying goodbye. I struggle with exit strategies. I have no problem getting started. I love a good opening story. A hearty laugh or a compelling metaphor. I set goals like a maniac. But whenContinue reading “Writing the Ending Is Always Hard”
Monthly Archives: January 2015
Convergent Friends: A Handbook Part 2 – Starting Your Own Convergent Friends Worship Group
Three years ago we started a monthly convergent Friends worship gathering in the Camas/Portland Metro area. The goal of the meeting was to bring those Friends who desire to worship together, build relationships and create an open and flexible worship liturgy that can be adapted according to those who host it. Each month we rotateContinue reading “Convergent Friends: A Handbook Part 2 – Starting Your Own Convergent Friends Worship Group”
Convergent Friends: A Handbook – An Introduction to Convergence (Pt. 1)
In this online handbook you will find a variety of articles written by convergent Friends. This is by no means an exhaustive collection of writings but rather it is meant to function as an introduction to the concept of convergent Friends and part two of the handbook is meant to help people think about what itContinue reading “Convergent Friends: A Handbook – An Introduction to Convergence (Pt. 1)”
Holding Tension in Community
There are many “tensions” or differences that we run into when building and existing within community. A faith community is no different. I think Camas Friends Church excels at doing this kind of work together. Here are some of the things I have learned from the way this meeting does community with each other.
The Plush Silence of Heaven (Psalm 82)
This is the message I gave this past Sunday based on Psalm 82. God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah Give justice to the weak and the orphan; maintain the rightContinue reading “The Plush Silence of Heaven (Psalm 82)”
Endorsements for my Upcoming Book
Here are some endorsements from fine folks in the academic and Quaker world who have had an opportunity to read my book, A Convergent Model of Renewal: Remixing the Quaker Tradition in a Participatory Culture (2015). This is what they are saying about it: Dr. Ryan K. Bolger, PHD. Associate Professor of Church in ContemporaryContinue reading “Endorsements for my Upcoming Book”
Books I Loved Reading In 2014
I love books and I love to read. This past year I started keeping a little better track of the books I read using a simple reading log at the back of one of my notebooks. This makes it a lot easier to not only remember the books I read, but what I actually readContinue reading “Books I Loved Reading In 2014”
Building a Participatory Pedagogy
Given my love for teaching, and my forced time off this winter semester, a time I would typically be teaching, and the various teaching opportunities I have with Camas Friends, I have been reflecting a lot on what it means for me to be an educator. I want to share some of the key building blocks I amContinue reading “Building a Participatory Pedagogy”
A “Convergent Model” Book is Coming
One of the editors from Pickwick Publications sent me the uncorrected proofs of my soon-to-be published book, “A Convergent Model of Renewal: Remixing the Quaker Tradition in a Participatory Culture.” It is amazing how much work goes into making this happen, from the research, writing and countless hours editing, I will be glad to seeContinue reading “A “Convergent Model” Book is Coming”
Portraits of Failure, Communion of Love
Portraits of Failure A man named Asaph is believed to be the author of the Psalm. It is about his wrestling with his own failure and the near miss of being sucked into the illusion of measuring life in relation to successes and failures. “No doubt about it! God is good— good to good people,Continue reading “Portraits of Failure, Communion of Love”
Gathering in Light 