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At today's Midweek Eucharist and Study, we noted that November 12th on the Anglican Calendar commemorates Charles Simeon (1759-1836), a famous Anglican Chaplain at Cambridge who, for over fifty years, mentored students at Cambridge in the 18th and 19th centuries.  His chosen "mode of operation" was something he called "conversation parties" during which students were invited to consider the renewing life of Christ over tea, biscuits and serious discussion. 

What a beautiful, yet simple, structure!  Thankfully, this sort of thing happens quite frequently at St. Philip.  This fall, in response to our book study "The Way of St. Benedict" (Rowan Williams), several of the members of the study suggested we "test-drive" community meals as an opportunity for us to get to know one another better and develop our communication skills around important topics.  Our first such meal is this coming Sunday.  I want to thank those involved in making this possible and thank you to all who will come and participate.

This month's version will feature some simple "ice-breaker questions"; we will be encouraging all who come to sit, not with regular acquaintances, but with some people you don't know as well.  We hope in the months ahead to include conversation "starters" around our developing sense of mission and vision (see parts 1-III of this blog set), as well as how we see ourselves being challenged by/encouraged by our common ministry and the decisions that are needed in the months ahead.

A discerned mission and hoped-for outcome (vision) becomes real and vibrant in a community through conversation (sometimes difficult) and shared actions and commitments.  I look forward to the dialogue ahead; I look forward to getting to know some of you better than I have till this point, and I'm looking forward to seeing Christ alive in you and in the people who join this wonderful community in the months and years ahead!

-  Fr. Allen

PART 1  |  PART 2  |  PART 3  | PART 4

 

Photo by Sylvain Brison on Unsplash