vol. iii fall 2017 sacred conversations€¦ · duluth bruno groening circle of friends. 9:30am...

Pathways to Peace A ministry of Peace Church

Vol. III Fall 2017

SACRED CONVERSATIONS

A ministry of Peace UCC

1111 North 11th Avenue East Duluth, MN 55805 218‐724‐3637

Pathways to Peace�Reflecting on the holiness of the conversation

Pathways to Peace SACRED CONVERSATIONS

Pathways to Peace is a series of ongoing and special opportunities

designed with the adult in mind to inspire and challenge those on

or seeking the pathway to peace. . Through, reading, writing, art

and music participants will have chances to listen, share and

engage in conversations to build understanding and community.

Sacred Conversations is the third in the Pathways to Peace series

(preceeded by Sacred Landscapes in 2015 and Sacred Journeys in

2016).

Pathways to Peace A ministry of A ministry of A ministry of Peace Church

Pathways to Peace SACRED CONVERSATIONS VOLUME III

was created by Marilyn Mayry, Cindy McLean and Pastor Kathy

Nelson.

The cover artwork are used with the gracious permission of the

artist, .Amanda Hunter*.

This catalog could not have been possible without the extensive

help of Janell Kohls* and Nancy Nelson.*

A special thank you to the artists of Peace Church

who allowed us to use their work in the creation of

this catalog.

Steve Coll Amanda Hunter

Elsie Cook Nina Preheim�

Slyvie Deters Susan Ranfranz

Gail Blum Sarah Holst

Rolf Hagberg


*Designates that the speaker/facilitator is a part of the Peace Church community

How do we love and care for one another; how do we celebrate our differences and learn to create the world we long to inhabit? Love speaks in many languages, and we can hear and feel it if we choose to stop and listen. Are we willing to be present to hear the stories of our sisters and brothers? Can we find our connection to one another through each unique voice and amazing story? Can we be part of the healing in places that seem broken? Can we tell our stories and listen to one another in good faith as a means of caring and nourishing one another? Can we, in the words of educator and spiritual activist, Parker Palmer, welcome the soul while weaving community in a wounded world? Come and not only explore all of these questions with us, but be part of the conversation and commitment toward building understanding and community, one story, one song, one dance, one meal, one painting, one voice ‐ all together. ALL are invited. ALL are welcome. All are wanted as we hear each other in our many voices through Sacred Conversations.

One Spirit, Many Voices ... Vol. III Fall 2017

Pathways to Peace is a ministry of Peace United Church of Christ.

1111 North 11th Ave. East 218‐724‐3637 Duluth, MN 55805 www.peaceucc.org [email protected]

Steve Coll*

Pathways to Peace Events take place at Peace Church unless otherwise noted. Shaded boxes indicate the event is a Sunday Adult Forum.

Page 2 *Designates that the speaker/facilitator is a part of the Peace Church community

Conversations through Storytelling Page

Sept. 10 Adult Forum: Community Storytelling 9:30am Fireside Rm. 6

Sept. 17 Adult Forum: Our Immigration Stories 9:30am Fireside Rm. 6

Sept. 24 Adult Forum: Peace Church Immigration Stories 9:30am Fireside Rm. 6

Conversations with Nature

Sept. 14, 21, 28 Lessons from a Conversation with Nature 6:30pm‐8:30pm Fireside Rm.

7

Conversations in Diversity

Oct. 1 Adult Forum: The False Story of the Doctrine of Discovery 9:30am Fireside Rm. 8

Oct. 1 The Blanket Exercise –11:30 lunch Following lunch Fellowship Hall

8

Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 Nov. 2, 9

A Hidden Wholeness. The Journey Toward an Undivided Life 6:30pm‐8:30pm Fireside Rm.

9

Oct. 8 Adult Forum: Native American Stories 9:30am Fireside Rm. 8

Oct. 15 Adult Forum: Finding Our Way Together 9:30am Fireside Rm. 8

Conversations through Art, Word and Music

Sept. 17 Blue Window book release with Deb Cooper* 3:00pm Sanctuary 10

Sept. 24 Liturgical Dance 8:30am & 10:30am Worship Services

10

Oct. 15 “Rising” Workshop 12:00pm Fellowship Hall

11

Oct. 22, 29 Nov. 5, 12, 19

Adult Forum: The Artists of Peace Church 9:30am Fireside Rm.

10

Oct. 27 "Together" Concert with Sarah Greer, Mary Lou Williams 7:00pm Sanctuary 11

Ongoing Ploughshare Gallery (in the Narthex, near the staircase) 10

Conversations with God

4th Sunday Taizé Worship 8:30am Sanctuary 12

Last Sunday Healing Prayer 11:30am Sanctuary 12

Wednesdays Centering Prayer 5:00pm Chapel 12

Ongoing Prayer Chain 12

Conversations in Study Page

3rd Monday Lenox Women’s Spiritual Life Group 12:00pm Lenox Place

14

4th Wednesday Women’s Brown Bag Study Group 12:00pm Fireside Rm. 14

1st, 3rd Monday Monday Women’s Book Group 7:00pm Fireside Rm. 14

3rd Tuesday “On Being” with Krista Tippett 12:00pm Conference Rm.

14

Wednesdays Lectio Divina 6:00pm‐7:00pm Fireside Rm.

14

Dec. 7, 14, 21 Advent Bible Study 7:00pm‐8:00pm Fireside Rm.

14

Dec. 10, 17 Adult Forum: The Birth Stories as Subversive Text 9:30am Fireside Rm. 14

Conversations in Community

Alternating Thursdays

Men’s Breakfast 7:00am New London Cafe

15

Last Thursday Peace Adults Learning and Socializing (PALS) Various evening times and locations

15

Conversations of Support

Sept.17 Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path Duluth Bruno Groening Circle of Friends.

9:30am Conference Rm.

15

2nd Sunday Peace Grief Support Group 12:00pm Chapel 15

1st Sunday fall/winter

Advance Care Directive Workshops 11:45am Conference Rm.

15

Ongoing Spiritual Companions 15

Saturday, Nov. 11 Couple’s Retreat 9:00am‐3:00pm Fireside Room

15

Nina Preheim


Page 4 *Designates that the speaker/facilitator is a part of the Peace Church

September

10 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: Community Storytelling

14 Thursday 6:30pm‐8:30pm Fireside Room Lessons from a Conversation with Nature

17 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: Our Immigration Stories

17 Sunday 9:30am Conference Room Adult Forum: Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path

17 Sunday 3:00pm Sanctuary Blue Window Book release with Deb Cooper*


24 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: Peace Church Immigration Stories

24 Sunday 8:30 and 10:30 Worship Services Liturgical Dance


October

1 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: The False Story of the Doctrine of Discovery

1 Sunday Following lunch Fellowship Hall The Blanket Exercise

5 Thursday 6:30pm‐8:30pm Fireside Room A Hidden Wholeness. The Journey Toward an Undivided Life.

8 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: Native American Stories


15 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: Finding Our Way Together

15 Sunday 12:00pm Fellowship Hall “Rising” Workshop


22 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: The Artists of Peace Church


27 Friday 7:00pm Sanctuary Together Concert

29 Sunday 10:30am Sanctuary Singer, Sarah Greer


Quick Look

November





16 Thursday 6:30pm Fireside Room Being Mortal book discussion


December

7 Thursday 7:00pm‐8:00pm Fireside Room Advent Bible Study

10 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: The Birth Stories as Subversive Text


17 Sunday 9:30am Fireside Room Adult Forum: The Birth Stories as Subversive Text


Save the Date

January 21, 2018 Peace Church Artists in Worship

February 9‐11, 2018 Winter Camp—Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center near Finland MN

March 2‐4, 2018 Men’s Retreat—Turning Point Retreat Center near Floodwood, MN

April 27‐28, 2018 Women’s Retreat—Clearwater Forest near Deerwood, MN

July 22‐28, 2018 Work Camp

11 Saturday 9:00am‐3:00pm Fireside Room Couple’s Retreat

Amanda Hunter*

Pathways to Peace


Community Storytelling Sept. 10 9:30am Fireside Rm. When we come together to tell our stories, we have the capacity to create a space to hear and witness one another, as different and divergent as our beliefs and ideas may be. Carl Crawford will discuss a new initiative in Duluth to help build community through telling and listening to the stories of our neighbors. Carl Crawford is the Human Rights Officer for the City of Duluth and an accomplished storyteller. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Our Immigration Stories Sept. 17 9:30am Fireside Rm. Can you trace your family tree back to its origins in this land? Do you have an idea of your ethnic heritage? Many of our family histories involve immigration (voluntary or forced) or migration to what we now call the United States and Minnesota. We invite you to place your family’s immigration story of migration or origination into the context of U.S. immigration policy and patterns. Doug Bowen‐Bailey*, a Sign Language Interpreter, has long been involved in justice and diversity issues in the Duluth area. Kevin Skwira‐Brown*, a teacher at UMD and UWS, conducts diversity training with the goal of helping white people see the system of privilege and understand how to resist this system.

_________________________________________________________________________

Peace Church Immigration Stories Sept. 24 9:30am Fireside Rm. Members of the Peace Church history team will share stories of our beginnings as a congregation. We began in 1872 as St. Paul's Evangelical Church established by a group of German immigrants. Services were held in German until the 1930s. Our first bell came from Prussia and originally was a cannon. Come and learn more of our stories from Bill Kehtel* (7 generations in Peace Church), Bill Kolhts*, Sharon Crosby* and others.

_________________________________________________________________________

Gail Blum* Triptych

Conversations through Storytelling Storytelling is the essential human activity. The harder the situation the more essential it is. ~Tim O’Brien

Lessons from a Conversation with Nature Thursdays September 14, 21, and 28 6:30‐8:30pm Fireside Room

In his Chased by the Light project, nature photographer Jim Brandenburg engaged Nature in a 90‐day intimate conversation. The encounter led him to his own inner wilderness and Divine Inner Teacher. Educator Parker Palmer had an extended conversation with Brandenburg about that experience. Over three sessions, facilitator Cindy Spillers will explore with participants three of the many themes that emerged in Brandenburg’s personal encounter

with Nature and in the joint conversation between these two men, reclaiming passion, paying attention, and encountering the other. Each session will include time for self‐reflection and conversation. Cindy Spillers is a retired UMD faculty member and a spiritual director. She is a garden junkie and fashion flunky, on a quest for meaning, truth, and beauty.

We become a story from the day that we are born. From that point on, we are a part of every story we hear and experience; this is our invisible web of connection. In various traditions, through word, music and dance, art and listening, we seek meaning and understanding of our own place in the grand mystery of life. Stories unite us on our journey together, and they are most significant when someone cares to listen. Join us in the sharing of stories.

~Marilyn Mayry*

Conversations with Nature Listening is being, when we can, as completely present to whatever is before us with all of who we are.

~Mark Nepo

Nina Preheim

Pathways to Peace


The False Story of Doctrine of Discovery Oct. 1 9:30am Fireside Rm. In our fall series about origin stories and the stories of our people, we'll be looking at the history of white settlement on indigenous land here in the US. We'll view pieces of the film, “The Doctrine of Discovery”, which invites us to look at the larger story. Nathan Holst*, Faith Formation Minister for Peace Church, will lead this exercise. __________________________________________ The Blanket Exercise Oct. 1 11:30pm Fellowship Hall Come gather, eat lunch together, and then experience The Blanket Exercise, a powerful, interactive exercise that traces the impact of white settlement on indigenous land in the U.S and brings a deeper understanding of this impact allowing us to grapple with our painful history as a community. Nathan Holst* Faith Formation Minister for Peace Church, will lead this exercise. _________________________________________ Native American Stories Oct. 8 9:30am Fireside Rm. What are the Native American Stories of our area that we need to hear ? Lyz Jokalla is a musician, storyteller and educator, and an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. She teaches music education and American Indian studies at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. Tadd Johnson*, professor and chair of the Department of American Indian Studies at UMD, has served as a tribal administrator, attorney and judge and has taught numerous courses on Federal Indian Law and American Indian History. Tadd is co‐producer and co‐host of the PBS program “Native Report.” _____________________________________________________________________________________

Finding Our Way Together Oct. 15 9:30am Fireside Rm. A discussion of sacred conversations and where we go from here.

Conversations in Diversity The widest possibilities for spiritual growth lie in the give‐and‐take of everyday relationships. ~Eknath Easwaran

Sarah Holst*

A Hidden Wholeness. The Journey Toward an Undivided Life.

Welcoming the Soul and Weaving Community in a Wounded World. Thursdays October 5, 12, 19, 26 November 2 and 9 6:30‐8:30pm Fireside Room

Based on Parker Palmer’s A Hidden Wholeness, and in response to the need for many of us to engage in deeper conversations, “where we can take in solitude, and in the company of others”, a group called a circle of trust is being offered. Circle members will be asked to commit to all six

gatherings. The circle is open to a maximum of 10 people. It will be helpful to have read A Hidden Wholeness, but is not essential. Marilyn Mayry* taught writing at Lake Superior College until retirement. She is a spiritual director, counselor, and creator/producer of an artists' performance collaborative. Marilyn is also a spiritual companion at Peace. Liz Liebenstein* has been a chaplain for thirty years, serving in hospitals, federal prisons, and currently at the Benedictine Living Community where she works with people on the transitional care unit and those living with dementia. Liz is also a spiritual companion at Peace.

Elsie Cook* Gooseberry Falls

Pathways to Peace


Liturgical Dance Sept. 24 8:30am and 10:30am Worship Service Liturgical dance has been a form of worship since ancient times. The dance in worship is offered as a unique way of expressing the message of the service. Susan Ranfranz * is an art teacher at the Laura MacArthur Elementary School in Duluth and a founding member of the Blue Water Dance Cooperative. Annette Strom* is a Middle School Science Teacher, an environmental activist, and avid dancer.

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Blue Window book release and poetry reading with Deb Cooper* Sept. 17 3:00pm Sanctuary Deb Cooper* was Duluth’s Poet Laureate from 21012 to 2014. Blue Window is her sixth volume of poetry. Come for an afternoon of poetry, music and refreshments. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Ploughshare Gallery ongoing In the image of God, who created us, we are made and so in turn we create. Our creativity inextricably links us to the Divine. The Ploughshare Gallery is located in the Narthex next to the staircase and took its name from the antique ploughshare located in the window garden in the stairwell. Steven Coll* serves as gallery curator and technician. A variety of work is shown from artists and collectors in the

Conversations through Art, Word and Music

Art is a personal act of courage, something one human does that creates change in another ~Seth Godin

Rolf Hagberg*

Adult Forums: The Artists of Peace Church Oct. 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19 9:30am Fireside Room

As a follow‐up to the spring discussion with Peace Church writers, this October and November we will be honoring and celebrating the artists of Peace Church. We have found that these forums are excellent ways for members of our community to get to know each other. At each of five Adult Forums, speakers will discuss the creative process, inspiration, and where creation, spirit and faith intersect. Explore the questions: what is art? and are we not all artists? Come with your own inspirations and questions.

“Rising” Workshop Sunday, October 15 12:00pm Peace Church Fellowship Hall

The “Rising” is a three‐hour workshop combining story, dance, song, video, and community conversation around the intersectionality of justice. We will gather at noon for lunch prior to the workshop. Regina M. Laroche is shaped by her life of small‐scale farming, family and community on the edge of Lake Superior. Her work is inspired by her multi‐cultural heritage, Afro‐Caribbean dance, and the creative dance and story. The cost of the workshop is $20.00 with scholarships available.

Musical conversations ... “Together” Friday, October 27 7:00pm Peace Church Sanctuary

Music is a universal language. Always, but especially in these times, it is important to find a way to be together in love, understanding and healing. Come join us at Peace Church with singers Sarah Greer and Mary Lou Williams as we sing out together in an evening of song, celebration and togetherness. ALL are welcome and ALL are invited! Sarah M. Greer is a jazz and improv singer in the Twin Cities who has

invented vocal music on local and international stages. She performs with numerous Twin Cities jazz musicians. (Sarah will also be singing at the October 29 worship service at 10:30.) Mary Lou Williams has been sharing her music and voice for years (including 22 years with the Celtic group Willowgreen) and decades of jazz performances. Accompanied by Dave Winchester* on piano and other musical guests. A $10.00 free will offering is recommended for this performance. However, no one will be turned away.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Pathways to Peace


Taizé Worship 4th Sunday worship at 8:30am This service is modeled after those held at the Taizé Community in France, home to a community of Catholic and Protestant Brothers. It is a worship experience wholly dedicated to prayer and to hearing God’s word, using chanted prayers and meditative singing, scripture, and silent meditation. Communion is served; there is no preaching. About the music: All of the music was composed for and by the Taizé Community. Each song is sung several times to allow meditation on the words, so that each song may become a prayer. About the silence: Following the scripture readings there is a period of silent meditation lasting approximately seven minutes. The silence is a time to still your hearts and minds, letting the word of God touch you wherever you are.

_____________________________________________________________________________________ Healing Prayer Last Sunday 11:30am Sanctuary Healing Prayer offers the opportunity to share a prayer of concern with a caring person. A blessing will be offered by your prayer companion. “For where two or three are gathered together unto My name, there am I in their midst.” Matthew. 18:20 _____________________________________________________________________________________ Prayer Chain ongoing Intercessory prayer for members of our community and those they love is a gift that honors God and brings hope and encouragement to those for whom we pray. Prayer requests and requests to participate in the prayer chain may be left with the church staff (218‐724‐3637) or given to Bob and Kay Stevens (218‐724‐4865). Participants in the prayer chain are called, texted, or e‐mailed with a request. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Centering Prayer Each Wednesday 5:00pm Chapel Centering Prayer is a modern Christian contemplative prayer practice, or a method of meditation. Like all methods of meditation the goal of Centering Prayer is to free us from what the Buddhists call “monkey mind” or the compulsive internal chatter of our minds. Through this regular time of silence, Centering Prayer is simultaneously a relationship with God and a discipline to continually foster that relationship. Its purpose is to learn to open ourselves to God’s extraordinary love in ordinary, daily life. Its intension is to act as a grounding force in our sometimes chaotic and always changing world.

Conversations with God God is still speaking ~United Church of Christ

Sylvie Deters*

In the beginning was the Conversation…….

Erasmus, the sixteenth century humanist and theologian, translated the original Greek “logos” in John I not as the generally used “Word” but as “Conversation.” And so John 1:1 reads:

In the beginning was the Conversation And the Conversation was with God And the Conversation was God

This seems like an alarming and profound change to what most of us are accustomed to reading in the John text. I find myself mulling over this change as I go about my day. Sometimes, I imagine humankind standing by God and voicing opinions, as we humans are apt to do, about the creation of the world. Sometimes, I think about the UCC message, “God is still speaking”. And sometimes I think about “And the Conversation was God”.

In conversation, the space between us becomes filled with energy. There is something there that I feel as God. Understanding, laughter, shared sorrow and kind words fill that God space with the connection, but too the opposite may occur. We have a choice whether the connection is one of love or hate.

Using Erasmus’s translation of logos, John 1:14 (NIrV) goes on to read: The Conversation became a human being.

He made his home with us.

We have seen his glory.

It is the glory of the One and Only, who came from God.

And the Conversation was full of grace and truth.

~Cindy McLean*

Susan Ranfranz*

Pathways to Peace


Lectio Divina Wednesdays 6:00pm Fireside Rm. This study asks us to reflect on what is happening in our lives and world as we read the coming Sunday’s Gospel lesson three times, pausing between each reading to share what touches each of our hearts. No prior Biblical knowledge is needed. We close with prayer, each praying for the person on his or her right. Join us as we practice this ancient and yet very relevant method of Bible study with Pastor Kathy* and Rev. Bob Stevens*. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Lenox Women’s Spiritual Life Group 3rd Monday 12:00 noon Lenox Place All women are invited. Loni Cran‐Hovis* prepares a delicious lunch and participants share and reflect on life issues of grief, forgiveness, change, and transitions. Lenox Place, 701 W. Superior St. Apt. 710, is across from the Duluth Library. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Women’s Brown Bag Study Group 4th Monday 12:00pm Fireside Rm. Bring your own lunch and share conversation and devotions. All women are welcome. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Monday Women’s Book Group 1st and 3rd Mondays (fall/winter) 7:00pm Fireside Rm. The books focus on faith and spirituality and are selected by the participants in the group. All women are invited to join the discussion. For further information contact Penny Cragun* (218‐727‐2972, [email protected]). _____________________________________________________________________________________ “On Being” with Krista Tippett 3rd Tuesday (fall/winter) 12:00pm Conference Rm. Bring your lunch and join us as we listen to an interesting and often inspirational On Being‐The Big Questions of Meaning. Discussion follows. All are welcome. Coffee/tea provided. Facilitated by Nancy Carlson*. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Advent Bible Study Dec. 7, 14, 21 7:00pm Fireside Rm. Join us for a 3‐week Bible study series during this waiting time of Advent. Nathan Holst*, Faith Formation Minister for Peace Church _____________________________________________________________________________________ The Birth Stories as Subversive Text Adult Forum Dec. 10, 17 9:30am Fireside Rm. The birth of Jesus probably conjures sentimental feelings for most people but the deceptively simple tale of the birth of Jesus is subversive. It's a provocation. Pastor Kathy*, Pastor Peace Church.

Conversations in Study Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company ~Mary Lou Kownacki

Men’s Breakfast Alternating Thursdays 7:00am New London Cafe Informal time for fellowship. All are welcome. _____________________________________________________________________________________ PALS (Peace Adults Learning and Socializing) Last Thursday of the month Various evening times and locations. A time for fellowship with other Peace Church adults while learning , serving and just having fun. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Couple’s Retreat Saturday, Nov. 11 9:00am‐3:00pm Fireside Rm. What is your vision for a fulfilling partnership? At this year’s retreat we will be using the Mountain 10 workshop, co‐created by our own Gary Boelhower*. Mountain 10 is a process based on the ancient pattern of the labyrinth that will help you get in touch with your own deep wisdom which we hope will lead you to deepen your relationship with your partner. After lunch we will go for an afternoon hike. Organized by Veronica Gaidelis‐Langer* and Nathan Holst*; Mountain 10 facilitated by Sarah and Nathan Holst*.

Peace Grief Support Group 2nd Sunday 12:00pm Chapel A support group for individuals dealing with the death of a loved one or other life changing losses meets at noon. All are most welcome. Facilitators: Chaplains Deborah Cooper* and Gudrun Witrak*. Questions? Call Deborah (218‐728‐2097). _____________________________________________________________________________________ Spiritual Companions ongoing A spiritual companion will listen and offer companionship for just one conversation or several conversations in an atmosphere of trust and holiness. All spiritual companions are trained in some aspect of ministry and are available to all. If you would like to meet with a spiritual companion, you may contact Pastor Kathy* or call the church office to make arrangements (218‐724‐3637). _____________________________________________________________________________________ Advance Care Directive Workshops 1st Sunday (fall/winter) 11:45am Conference Rm. The workshop is not held each month, please call the church office to assure the workshop is occurring (218‐724‐3637). An Advance Care Directive names the person we would like to have make our health care decisions if we are unable to do so. The Health and Wellness Team provides an opportunity to consider one’s personal values with caring and supportive people from Peace Church who are skilled at providing information and support. _____________________________________________________________________________________ Help and Healing on the Spiritual Path September 17 9:30am Conference Rm. Bruno Groening Circle of Friends. Answers to questions about spiritual healing and information on the free October 2. to be held at Clyde Iron Works. Facilitated by Joan Hatlestad* and Heidi Labore Smith.

Conversations in Community We need people in our lives with whom we can be as open as possible. To have real conversations with people

may seem like such a simple, obvious suggestion, but it involves courage and risk. ~Thomas Moore

Conversations of Support Holy listening—to ‘listen’ another’s being into life, may be almost the greatest service that any human being ever performs for another ~Douglas V. Steere


On September 24, Peace Church will take a congregational vote on the issue of offering Sanctuary to

immigrants. We will have a “Listening Session” at 11:30am, Sunday September 17, in the Fireside Room. Come share your questions, concerns and ideas with members of the Sanctuary Team.

Welcoming Immigrants, Offering Sanctuary I was amazed at the number of people who have been interested in helping Peace welcome immigrants and explore the possibility of becoming a sanctuary church. Within the first month of our work, we had an email list of 35 interested persons. At the sanctuary dinner on August 19, we had 43 volunteers who helped in one way or another. Why do we do this? In addition to our Biblical mandate and spiritual tradition of hospitality, a lot of us have our own personal reasons for engaging in this work. As I’ve listened to conversations here’s what I’ve heard: for some, offering hospitality is part of an internal moral compass; for some, creating a world where everyone is welcomed is part of a larger vision; for some, the memory of being welcomed in a strange land is more than enough reason to reach out. Here are a few quotes from folks who have been around the sanctuary table this summer:

Paul Hlina*: Life is too precious to spend it on hate. Peace allows us every day to focus on love, family and community. Sanctuary is the right thing to do!

Charlotte Frantz*: I grew up in a family where resettling refugees and welcoming immigrants was simply

part of our family’s life—not only in my nuclear family, but among my extended family as well. It’s just what we did, so I guess it seems natural to still be doing it.

Kevin Skwira‐Brown*: As a parent, I don’t believe anyone should be taken from their children or

separated from the community they’ve become part of. I want to insure that families in our community can stay together.

Jo Johnson*: Feed, clothe and shelter my brothers and sisters in need. That is what my God tells me and

that is what I believe I must do. Carl Huber*: I believe all people have a right to a safe place, ‐our own personal Sanctuary, and to provide

it to those who are being oppressed by hostility and hate is what Jesus is calling me and the larger community to do ‐ open our doors and welcome the stranger as friend.

Cameron Hubley*: I had the chance to spend time in Finland when I was a junior in high school. Then I

went to Norway when I was in college. Now that I have a home and family, I wanted to involve them in an international experience. So I called up UMD’s office for international students and asked what I could do. They gave me the name of a student and I met him when he got off the plane. He stayed with us until we could find a place for him to live. It was a totally amazing experience and now we

count him as one of our friends. This fall we will have several opportunities to think about how we can welcome and support immigrants and strangers among us. Two adult forums will help us look at our own immigration stories. Sanctuary conversations help us clarify our congregation’s commitments. I am looking forward to September.

Charlotte Frantz*, Peace Sanctuary Exploration Team member Amanda Hunter*

Pathways to Peace A ministry of A ministry of A ministry of Peace Church

Sarah Holst*

vol. iii fall 2017 sacred conversations€¦ · duluth bruno groening circle of friends. 9:30am...

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