CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY in the 21st CENTURY
Join us at this year's 5th annual Progressive Christian Forum--an interactive weekend featuring two of the Bay Area's most dynamic Christian voices and congregational leaders. This year's theme is "CHRISTIAN SPIRITUALITY IN THE 21st CENTURY: CONNECTION & ENGAGEMENT." Karen Oliveto and Bruce Reyes-Chow will offer presentations on Christian spirituality in thriving churches. And they'll invite participants to explore new ways of worshipping, serving and extending the church's mission far into the community.
The seminar begins with a Friday night presentation on February 6, 7:30 to 9:00 pm, at Peace United Church in Santa Cruz. It then continues on Saturday, February 7, from 9 am to 3 pm. Along the way, we'll worship and sing together, hear of new intiatives and possibilities in congregational development, and explore the growing edge of progressive Christianity.
Again, this year, the planning team is encouraging congregations to send "leadership teams" to the seminar. There'll be opportunity for these teams to be in conversation around issues raised by presenters and opportunities for expansion and creativity in church programming and ministry. Bring a team! And let's grow together! While the price for individual registrants is $60, teams can register for four or more at $50 per registrant.
THE REV. KAREN OLIVETO is Pastor at Glide Memorial United Methodist Church in San Francisco. She holds a Ph.D. in Religion and Society from Drew University, and recently served as the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Pacific School of Religion where she continues as adjunct professor of United Methodist Studies. She is also an adjunct professor at Drew University’s Doctor of Ministry program. Karen continues GLIDE’s commitment to unconditional love and unconditional acceptance. “If you want to see what the beloved community looks like, come to GLIDE.” She enjoys working with diverse communities to create a more just world. She encourages the GLIDE community to connect with one another, to engage more deeply with spiritual traditions, and be empowered to be change agents at GLIDE and in the world.
THE REV. BRUCE REYES-CHOW is Pastor of the 7th Avenue Presbyterian Church also in San Francisco. Bruce is a consultant and coach with the Center for Progressive Renewal and also writes and blogs on social issues, spirituality and parenting. You'll find Bruce's work, often, on the website, "Huffington Post."