“You who created and formed us, who carries and calls us, who brings to us
and sings to us the song of life, give us the courage to breathe deeply,
take in and offer out your music as Jesus did.
Call us to get our eyes off the page, our heads out of the book,
to stand up, sing with abandon and offer freely the
love song of our lives, no matter what the cost.”
– Expert from Saturday Morning Worship
The 2014 Annual Conference in Columbus Ohio kicked off with our Open Table Mix and Mingle. Over 200 people gathered for appetizers as we raised a glass of lemonade and said a prayer for our time together. This opportunity to greet one another and laugh as we played Brethren Mad-Libs set the tone for a time of building relationships new and old.
The casual Mix and Mingle was a wild success, named by many as a highlight of conference, it was only made possible by the generosity of the many people and congregations who sponsored the event.
For the first time the Progressive Brethren organizations, Womaen’s Caucus, Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Concerns, and Open Table, hosted a join booth space in the exhibit hall. In keeping with the conference theme, Called as Courageous Disciples, we designed the booth space around the theme Courage Rising: Conversations of Challenge, Risk & Solidarity. During the week we each hosted conversations of courage in the booth. These conversations covered a variety of topics: Queer Young Adults sharing from their experience in the church, a conversation around the use of inclusive language, and a conversation on shrinking congregations as opportunities for radical rebirth or dying with grace, among many others. All of the conversations where wonderful chances to engage in meaningful sharing of our own experiences and learning from each other as we demonstrated how to have challenging conversations as courageous disciples. It was refreshing to see many people from all generations and geographies open to listening and learning through honest and spirit led conversations.
BMC’s worship service was meaningful, and as always, a highlight of conference. It was wonderful to join with many others in celebrating the spirit’s presents as we worship as the church we know ourselves to be. Womaen’s Caucus luncheon was also a time of good conversations and fellowship. We have a rich and deep community with many prophetic voices speaking the radical love of Jesus.
My greatest pride in Annual Conference is the Progressive Community that has grown not only in numbers, but in brave leadership and strong faith as we set out to be the church we know we are. I do not see a dying church afraid to take on the challenges facing the world today, I see courageous people willing to embrace the vulnerability of listening and sharing so that we might together find the path we are called by Christ to follow. I witnessed hearts being mended, relationships blossoming, and courage rising in each and every person I engaged with. I am empowered and encouraged by the future laying ahead demonstrated in conversations I witnessed within the Progressive Brethren community.
I, or any of the Open Table board members, would be happy to have further conversation with anyone or congregation interested. Feel free to get in touch.
Blessings,
Elizabeth Ullery &
The Open Table Board
Ken Kline Smeltzer, Audrey deCoursey,
Josih Hostetler, Kimberly Koczan Flory
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