Coming Tuesday, June 11, 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 it’s happening. I’m hoping by the end of the summer, to be able to offer a Zoom option … if you’d be excited for a Zoom option, please comment or message me.
I’m pleased to announce my EIGHTH “Conversations in the Commons” around my work “Writing into the Whirlwind” coming up on Tuesday, June 11, 6:30-8pm.
Speaking of Collapse – Out Loud … In Real Time
It’s been two months since I’ve hosted a Conversation in the Commons. Not that I’ve kept my mouth shut. I had conflicts on the last two Second Tuesdays, but I’ve kept writing and talking in other places. In fact, I made two pretty significant presentations, and I’d like to use this next Second Tuesday to talk about these pieces.
In early April (the Sunday after Easter) I gave an extended adult forum presentation at Incarnation Lutheran Church in Shoreview. As I indicated at the time, I expect “Easter and Creation Care for a Wounded Planet” will be my last presentation grounded in Christian theology. But it was a good one—a “swan song,” I called it. Eloquent, aching, evocative.
Then in mid-May I offered the message at my own congregation, (newly renamed) Merging Waters Unitarian Universalist in Fridley. “Imperiled Together: Toward a Planetary Pluralism via Mindful Interdependence, Authentic Curiosity, and Courageous Love” was both a mouthful and a heartful. Also eloquent, aching, evocative. (Video here.)
Some of you may have already read (or heard) one piece or the other; if not please try to read them (the Merging Waters talk is also available as a video). Come Tuesday, let’s talk. I’ll highlight a few of the guiding themes in each presentation, then I’ll invite your reactions, questions, and insights. Although I’ve addressed collapse on my blog before, these are the first public presentations in which I’ve spoken of collapse—out loud … in real time. I’ll be grateful for to engage you in conversation around this move.
ESPECIALLY AFTER A 2-MONTH BREAK, if you plan to come, please RSVP by email (drw59mn@gmail.com). 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. Zion’s building is not (yet) accessible; an elevator is coming in the next year!
- Entrance: Unless you’re coming for supper, use the courtyard entrance at the right/east end of the building on Lafond. It’s the most direct way to the Conference Room. You should still use the door along Aldine Street near the alley if you come early for the meal. Plenty of signs 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!
- Every Tuesday now 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. Find important details about the meal below.
Conversations in the Commons is a creative collaboration with Zion Lutheran Church and their commitment to serve as a “community commons” in their neighborhood. I host these Conversations around my “Writing into the Whirlwind” on Second Tuesdays—from 6:30-8pm as 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 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.
ABOUT THE 2nd TUES. COMMUNITY MEAL AT ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH
These full meals (served 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. More here: https://eurekacompassveganfood.com/community-dinner.
Preordering instructions:
- You can make Colin’s life a bit easier by pre-ordering your Tuesday meals no later than 8am on Monday. (That’s his shopping day.) Simply email eurekacompassveganfood@gmail.com and indicate how many meals you need and when you’re coming. If you’re coming for my 6:30p presentation, tell Colin you’ll arrive 5:45-6p and dine in. We don’t meet in the dining area, so you’ll want to finish your meal there and head upstairs to the Conference Room at 6:25p.
- 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.
- Show up on the day of the dinner at your designated time, and your meals will be ready for you! If you have any questions, just send Colin an email! He’s 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.
I hope you can join me for “Speaking of Collapse – Out Loud … In Real Time” on June 11!