In the fall of 2011, at the urging of young adults, a dozen or so people gathered in Northern Indiana to reflect, discuss and discern a way forward following the events of the 2011 Annual Conference in Grand Rapids. The Spirit filled the room and a vision, now called Open Table Cooperative, began to take shape. Six years later, we are still discerning, discussing, and reflecting a way forward as we seek to continue the work of Jesus with a spirit of bold, visionary and inclusive love. At times, it feels that a lot has changed since that difficult conference, but in many ways, little seems to have changed. While we knew even then that an organization wasn’t going to be the key to solving our divisions, we hoped that it might provide an avenue for leadership, visioning, and creating change. Open Table has called forth the gifts young leaders and helped to foster their ministry within the progressive community and beyond. Open Table, BMC, and Womaen’s Caucus, collectively work to cast a vision for this particular manifestation of the beloved community and invite all of us to embody who we know we can be as a denomination. We have been unwavering in our vision and dream for our denomination as we live into the vibrancy and vitality that is present. As the Church of the Brethren moves forward with the compelling vision process, we reaffirm that Progressive Brethren already live a compelling vision!
As we look towards 2018 Annual Conference, we are eager to continue to live that vibrant vision together, beginning with the Open Table Mix & Mingle on Wednesday, July 4th at 5 pm. The Mix and Mingle, attended by over 300 people last year, has become a centering event of Annual Conference, setting the tone as we move into worship and business. Together, we snack on light appetizers, sip iced tea or lemonade, and raise our glasses, and say a prayer! We’ve been able to offer this no-ticket-required gathering to conference goers for “free,” thanks to the generous support of our donors. Will you sponsor this vibrant event so that we can continue to welcome everyone to the Open Table? Your name will appear on a card on a table, saying
“<Your Name> Supports an Open Table for All.”
It is a great way to be present at Annual Conference, even if you can’t make the trip this year. We need 15 sponsors at $300 each to cover the expense of the Mix & Mingle. You can make your tax-deductible donation online through PayPal (www.opentablecoop.org/donate) or by mailing a check, (PO Box 783, Olympia, WA 98507).
In addition to the Mix & Mingle this year we will be offering two insight sessions, the first in collaboration with On Earth Peace on Friday, July 6, at 9 pm: Listening, Witnessing: for Living Parables of Justice & Peace, Matthew 22:1-10. The second is with the support of the Pacific Northwest District, on Saturday at 12:30, where we will share the results and insight from a visioning survey that Open Table conducted last summer. Both of these sessions promise engaging conversations and we invite you to join. Lastly, we will once again be facilitating on-the-ground communications during conference, particularly during business sessions. This allows us to communicate quickly and broadly within our Progressive Brethren network. Instructions to sign up to receive these messages will be available at Annual Conference. If you are not able to attend this year, we encourage you to follow along on Twitter (@OpenTableCoop).
Our Annual Conference presence would not be successful without our board volunteers. They make the commitment to attend Annual Conference and support the work of Open Table in person. Will you consider supporting our volunteers by helping Open Table cover their travel expenses? We need 10 sponsors at $200 each to cover travel and lodging. (www.opentablecoop.org/donate) None of the work of Open Table would be successful without you, our donors and supporters. Together, we are living into the vision of the beloved kin-dom, with a spirit of bold, visionary, and inclusive love.
With gratitude, blessings, and hope,
The Open Table Cooperative Board
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