Nine RSVP’d.
I made copies of notes for 12.
And 18 people showed up (in the middle of July) in a hard-to-find watering hole and eatery in the middle of Watter’s Creek Village in Allen!
Thus began an energizing one and a half hours of “Drinks and Discussion” around the question, “What is your starting point for discussing significant issues of the day?” Where do you turn? Who do you turn to? What are the resources you use?
People were eager to talk and more importantly, eager to hear what others had to say. “Curious” and “humble” were the words most used to describe what people brought to the discussion. I found that very encouraging. As I said to the very varied group of members, “If we cannot learn to have civil discussion over important matters within the Body of Christ, who else will teach and practice this?”
It is my hope and our leadership’s design that we create many more opportunities and forums – in person and virtual – in which we can connect this fall learning to trust again as we share our thoughts and beliefs with curiosity and humility. This learning and practice will occur within the context of worship, new classes, small groups, and hospitality by all of us. The last three years have made us wary, awkward and distant from one another. It’s time to close that gap in the name of love.
Make plans to attend the next “Drinks and Discussion” on Thursday Aug. 4, where Mark Lucke will lead the discussions at the Filmore Pub in downtown Plano. We will have a host of offerings for more Christian conversations that matter this fall. Let the conversations begin. Cheers!
Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,
