- Singing - I'm guessing a quarter of the group time was spent singing- this was so awesome. The musicians ( from the Bridge Church, Portland) have a wonderfully unique sound- lament is the word that kept coming to my mind. The drums were so loud that the hotel made us quiet down. And these women sing- like from their toes. It was beautiful- praise without the cheesey songs.
- No Speakers- This was awesome. It was not a head experience, rather a catalyst for connection with self and others. The conference respected everyone as equals, therefore no need for any talking heads. The sessions were self selected and people signed up on the spot to lead the discussions.
- Sharing Stories- The initial activity was sharing stories in a group of 4-5 - no cross talk, comments, advice. I was struck by how many of the women had felt a call to ministry since childhood and had been forced to substitute that for something else. There was a raw honesty and confidence in the women I met. Within the whole conference there was not a great deal of anger- more determination and confidence.
- Gracious Leadership Modeled- From the pick up at the airport to the drop off on the final day, there was an air of welcoming, spaciousness, love. The schedule did not run the event. The event was the people and the leaders created a lovely space where we could gather and unfold and share our gifts.
On a more personal note, I have felt a calling to minister to others probably since I was about 5 years old. I remember feeling God calling me to be with people from my earliest memories. I have lived this out calling out in many ways working around the limitations within church structures. My formal work has occurred within community organizations that are more friendly to women. My roles in the church have been numerous, but those early formative years stayed with me knowing that being female was a limitation. As I saw the early pioneer female priests in my tradition, I was turned off by their anger and jagged edges. I never saw myself as a part of that group. Now that I am older, I have a greater appreciation for their struggles and sacrifices- and I too share some of their anger.
Recently, this call has been nagging at me in a more present way. I'm not at all sure what that looks like or how or if that will show up in my life. Convergence was a great example of women being women and living into their power. Many of the women were ministers of emerging communities- others worked in church planting or the community. The common thread that I saw was a gentle confidence in one's call without needing all the details. Many of the women had started on one path and like life, it had moved or shifted. A strong "knowing" was evident that held faith more sacred than plan.
The even greater beauty was seeing the collective beauty and power of all these women's voices gathered together. Much like the music- it was loud , raw- full of lament, rhythmic- like the cycles of nature. As I participated in this revival of sorts- my spirit gained courage to step through the door with confidence knowing that God and my fellow travelers are right there walking and singing next to me.
1 comment:
Beautiful. I loved this and I too loved the music. I couldn't share what it was like, but your words say it well. Thanks so much, Judy B
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