The Open Table Cooperative Board is preparing for Annual Conference in Tampa Bay, Florida, from July 11- 15, 2015. Conference organizers have put together what looks like a fun and spirit-filled gathering. While the Open Table community extends well beyond Annual Conference, it is always a great opportunity to build community, foster relationships, and reach out to the larger church.
We will again kick-off our time together with an Open Table Mix-n-Mingle. This will be a casual, no-ticket-required, opportunity to gather and greet each other while we prepare for the work ahead. We will share appetizers, raise a glass, and say a prayer for an open table for all!
We are seeking individuals or congregations who are interested in sponsoring a table. Your contribution of $250 will help ensure we can provide an enjoyable and free gathering for all. (Co-sponsor half a table at $125.) Each table will have a sign “ Supports an Open Table For All.” This is a great way to be present in spirit even if you can’t join us in body. Each year, Annual Conference events increase in cost and even our simple gathering costs over $4,000. Your gifts of support help us host an event open to all.
Open Table has the pleasure of collaborating with several organizations to present two Insight Sessions this year. During the lunch session on Tuesday, together with Brethren Mennonite Council for LGBTQ Interests, will be talking about how we can be allies, this Insight Session is sponsored by On Earth Peace. Also on Tuesday in the evening session we will be having a conversation with Gimbiya Kettering and the Plains to Pacific Round-Table on their work to move us towards a Church that is multi-voice, diverse, inclusive, and equitable, this Insight Session is sponsored by the Pacific Northwest District. I am really excited for these conversations!
If you plan to attend Conference this year we hope you will join us for the Mix-n-Mingle, Insight Sessions, and stop by the booth! We also need people to spend time at our booth, sharing information about Open Table and why you support an open table for all. Last year some of the most important conversations at Annual Conference happened at our booth and I hope you can be a part of them this year. Please let me know if you can volunteer to staff the booth, and stop by to see us in Tampa Bay.
Beyond Annual Conference I am excited to be representing Open Table at National Older Adult Conference in September. I will be leading a workshop on how we share and listen to stories as a way to bridge divisions and build relationships. I look forward to gathering in worship on the banks of Lake Junaluska, and meeting up with many of you there.
Your contributions to Open Table allow us to travel to these many gatherings, to speak from our experience and be an advocate for who have been silenced. It is through building relationships that we can create change. Your donations allow us to foster relationships and equip our Progressive Community to speak truth to power and lead us into the community of Christian faith we envision. Thank you for being part of these important conversations and for bringing your stories to the table, as we work to make our church truly open to all.
Can you donate $125, $250, $500, $1,000 to help welcome all people to the Open Table? Thank you for your support of Open Table Cooperative.
Blessings!
Elizabeth Swenson (Ullery)
and The Open Table Board
Ken Kline Smeltzer, Audrey Zunkel-deCoursey,
& Kimberly Koczan Flory
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