COMING: Tuesday, January 9, 2024 @6:30-8pm
Conversations in the Commons with David Weiss

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 … if you’d be excited for a Zoom option in the future, please comment or message me.

I am pleased to announce my FIFTH “Conversations in the Commons” around my work “Writing into the Whirlwind” coming up on Tuesday, January 9, 6:30-8pm

HEATED: The Climate of Politics in a Collapsing World

In my recent blog post, “Slippery When Wet,” I reflect upon my unexpected tears in response to my Nicaraguan son-in-law’s U.S. citizenship ceremony. They were NOT tears of joy but rather profound anguish over the tenuous politics of his new country. Divisions in our nation run deep these days and the rhetoric (especially on the Right) is fringed with fear and barely hidden hate. We’re far from the only country rocked by a resurgent Right, but this is our country, and it’s impossible to not feel a personal sense of anguish and threat in such an uncertain moment. Still, understanding some of the tectonic plates that shake the ground beneath our feet might also ground us as we meet this moment as best we can. I believe the climate crisis and the prospect of societal collapse are clear (though largely unrecognized) drivers of the current political climate. In this month’s Second Tuesday conversation we’ll ask what it means for our politics to be so … HEATED.

Please read “Slippery When Wet” in advance of Tuesday’s conversation. And look for one more new blog (which will be titled, “HEATED”) that I hope to post in the next couple of days. Of course, you don’t need to read the essays in advance, but the conversation will be richer if you do! Bring your comments and questions; I’ll bring mine.

If you plan to come, please RSVP by email (drw59mn@gmail.com) or on the FB event. This isn’t “required,” but it helps me make sure the room is set up appropriately.

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 (yet) accessible; an elevator is coming in the next year!
• Entrance: You can now use the courtyard entrance at the right/east end of the building on Lafond. It’s the most direct way to the Conference Room. Or you can still use the door along Aldine Street near the alley (especially if you come early for the meal). Plenty of signs (maybe even a smiling person) will guide you to the Conference Room.
• These evenings are no cost to you. I set out a donation basket if you feel moved to put a couple dollars to benefit some aspect of Zion’s ministry or a cause dear to me. But all that I truly ask is your presence and participation!
• The second Tuesday of each month Zion hosts a gluten-free, nut-free, vegan community meal. You’re welcome to come early for this pay-as-you-can meal served in the church basement. But you do need to RSVP separately by 8am Monday for this. Find important details about the meal below.

I hope you can join me for “HEATED: The Climate of Politics in a Collapsing World” on January 9!

ABOUT these Conversations in the Commons: In a creative collaboration with Zion Lutheran Church and their commitment to serve as a “community commons” in their neighborhood, I host “Conversations in the Commons” around my “Writing into the Whirlwind” every Second Tuesday—from 6:30-8pm. These evenings are a chance for me to share some of my recent work (or some of my favorite writing) and then open things up for conversation. I’ll typically identify the blog post(s) we’ll be discussing at least a week in advance so you can read them ahead of time and come ready to engage! Each evening, I’ll offer a few opening reflections, and then invite you into conversation. My work has always been enriched by conversation, and that’s more important than ever today.

OUR next conversation is on Tuesday, February 13, 2023. Topic to be announced closer to that date. (I had announced one topic for January; then illness, holidays, and other events conspired to change those plans. From now on, because “the Whirlwind” can easily shift, I’ll be announcing next topics closer to the actual dates.)

The 2nd TUESDAY COMMUNITY MEAL AT ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH

These full meals (served all day, from 11am to 7pm) are prepared by chef Colin Anderson of Eureka Compass Vegan Foods as part of his passion for food solidarity. Each Community Dinner at Zion benefits their Food Justice programs and Thursday food shelf program. You can read more about them here: https://eurekacompassveganfood.com/community-dinner.

Here are the important details:

Make Colin’s life easier by pre-ordering your Community Dinner meals no later than 8am on Monday. That’s his shopping day. Here are the preordering instructions:

1. Email eurekacompassveganfood@gmail.com to let Colin know HOW MANY meals you need and WHEN you’re coming. (If you’re coming for my 6:30p “Conversations in the Commons,” you’ll want to arrive 5:45-6p 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 the Conference Room at 6:25p.)
2. NO PAYMENT IS NECESSARY, but cash contributions are accepted the day of the dinner. If you’d like to contribute with a credit card, indicate 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.
3. 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 and half of all contributions at Tuesday dinners benefit Zion Lutheran’s Food Justice programs and Thursday food shelf program.