I'm up in beautiful Minnesota for the EmergentVillage national coordinators meeting.
Solomon's Porch is very graciously hosting us in their lovely new space. Being a part of church start that is actively looking for space - I'm quite jealous of the old Methodist church that SP is now leasing. They've taken out all of the pews and replaced them with their trademark sofas, coffee tables, and astounding art. I've been to Solomon's Porch many times and always enjoy being in their worship gatherings. Last night was a wonderful experience which included community creedal statements, a child dedication/baptism filled with prophetic metaphor, engaging personal story, and an opportunity for the Emergent leadership community to interface with a local missional community. Many thanks to the Porchers for opening their doors to us.
Emergent Village is nearing the release of a new website that will empower our community at the grass roots level. We're also working very diligently on justice/compassion initiatives - EmergentVillage in the future will forge its identity in active, missional Christianity.
After many years in Emergent's leadership, I watched this story develop from the days over a decade ago when very few noticed us to this present season when we have a "brand" (like it or not) and are part of conversation that has been commodified to some level as methodology of ecclesiology. EmergentVillage may never be able to escape its misrepresentations - but our narrative does continue on. I remain excited and committed to this very organic community that is far more a missional friendship than any doctrinal or methodological generalization.
Our future will be filled with the continuation of many initatives - publishing, events, etc. But many new initiatives are also being explored. As written eariler, but it bears repeating, EmergentVillage has reached a point in its narrative when the embodiment of the heart of Christ as his kingdom through paths of compassion, justice, and creativity moves even more to the center of this friendship.
