Conversations in the Commons
David R. Weiss – September 2, 2023
NOTE: This announces a local (St. Paul) in-person event, so it won’t be accessible to many of my readers. But I want you to know that it’s happening. As I’m able, I hope to offer similar opportunities in a Zoom format …
I am pleased to announce my FIRST “Conversations in the Commons” around my work “Writing into the Whirlwind” on September 12!
Through a creative collaboration with Zion Lutheran Church as part of their commitment to serving as a community commons in their neighborhood, I’ll be hosting these conversations every second Tuesday of the month from 7-8:30pm.
The dates for the rest of 2023 are: September 12, October 10, November 14, and December 12.
These evenings are an opportunity for me to share some of my recent work (or some of my favorite) and then open things up for conversation. I’ll typically identify the blog posts we’ll be discussing at least a week in advance so you can read them ahead of time and come ready to engage! My work has always been enriched by conversation, and that’s more important than ever today.
Here are the key details:
- Location: Zion Lutheran Church, 1697 LaFond Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104. No parking lot, but plenty of street parking right near the intersection. Unfortunately, Zion’s building is not accessible. I will work on exploring an accessible option, whether by Zoom or in another building.
- Entrance: Use the door along Aldine Street near the alley. Follow the staircase down to the basement; then follow the signs. We’ll meet in a room on the first floor, but the basement entrance is the only one open in the evening.
- If you plan to come, please RSVP by email (drw59mn@gmail.com) or on the FB event. This isn’t “required,” but will be helpful to make sure the room is set up appropriately.
- Each evening, I’ll offer a few opening reflections, and then invite conversation, which might simply be in response to my reflections and selected writings or in response to some posed questions.
- There is no cost to you. I will set out a donation basket if you feel moved to put a couple dollars to help offset the room cost. But all that I truly ask is your presence and participation!
For September 12 please read/review these two blog posts: “Giving up on Church for My Children,” 3/8/23, now my most read personal essay, and “Family Secrets – More than a Matter of Degree,” 7/8/23. Of course, you don’t need to read them in advance, but the conversation will be richer if you do! Bring your questions; I’ll bring mine.
Lastly, one extra special opportunity. The second Tuesday of each month Zion hosts a gluten-free, nut-free, vegan community meal prepared by Colin Anderson of Eureka Compass Vegan Foods. You’re welcome to come early for this pay as you can meal served in the church basement. Freewill donation benefits Zion Food Justice ministry. But you should RSVP separately by 8am Monday to Colin (eurekacompassveganfood@gmail.com) for this. See the full details below.
I really hope to see you on September 12th!
About the Second Tuesday community meal at Zion Lutheran Church:
These full meals are prepared by chef Colin Anderson of Eureka Compass Vegan Foods as part of his passion for food solidarity. Each Community Dinner at Zion Lutheran benefits their Food Justice programs and Thursday food shelf program. You can read more about them here: https://eurekacompassveganfood.com/community-dinner.
The community meal is served all day, from 11am to 7pm.
Here are the important details:
Make Colin’s life easier by preordering your Community Dinner meals
no later than 8am on Monday. That’s his shopping day.
Here’s the preordering instructions:
- Email eurekacompassveganfood@gmail.com
- Let us know a window of time for pick up and how many meals you need—and if you’re bringing your own takeout containers or plan to dine in. (If you’re coming for “Conversations in the Commons,” you’ll want to arrive between 6:15 & 6:30 and dine in. We WON’T be meeting in the dining area, so you’ll want to finish your meal there and then head to our conversation room at 7pm.)
- Cash contributions are accepted the day of the dinner.
- If you’d like to contribute with a card, let us know how much you wish to contribute when you email your pre-order. You’ll receive an invoice by email that you can pay electronically via a prompt on the invoice.
- Show up on the day of the dinner at your designated time, and we’ll have your meals ready for you! If you have any questions, just send us an email! We’re happy to connect!
Each meal is gluten free, nut free, and vegan to make it accessible to as many in the community as possible. Other allergens such as corn and soy are rarely used. These meals are always offered “Pay what you want/can.” No one is turned away for lack of funds. Each Community Dinner has a philanthropic partner; half of all contributions at Tuesday dinners benefit Zion Lutheran’s Food Justice programs and Thursday food shelf program.
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David Weiss is a theologian, writer, poet and hymnist, “writing into the whirlwind” of contemporary challenges, joys, and sorrows around climate crisis, sexuality, justice, peace, and family. Reach him at drw59mn@gmail.com. Read more at www.davidrweiss.com where he blogs under the theme, “Full Frontal Faith: Erring on the Edge of Honest.” Support him in Writing into the Whirlwind at www.patreon.com/fullfrontalfaith.