Well, after many turns, I find myself off in a new direction.

Being Roman Catholic, then denouncing the church, finding an 'Earth Based Religion', then wondering where the rituals came from, then learning about early Christianity, Essenes, Gnostics, and now I've headed back in this direction.

I heard a term used by one of my members of the Spiral Cafe Gnostic forum. He called himself a 'metaphorical Christian'. In many ways that describes me. I believe in the bible as myths and stories, told to be contemplated, deciphered, reflected upon and internalized.

WORLD AIDS DAY, December 1 2009 @ 19H

Please join us for an amazing event held at St. James United Church, 463 Ste. Catherine West (corner Ste, Alexandre) in Montreal. THIS EVENT IS A COMMUNITY EVENT, AND NOT A RELIGIOUS SERVICE. ALL ARE WELCOME, GENERAL ADMITTANCE!

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL, VIP GUEST SPEAKERS, LIVE PERFORMANCES & COMMUNITY GATHERING!

WE WILL BE COLLECTING NON-PERISHABLE FOOD FOR FONDATION D'AIDE DIRECTE!

This is in global issues because I can't think where else to put it.

When I lived in Montreal, there seemed to be discussion groups and community action group everywhere. It was normal that I would asked to speak or to lead a discussion at better than once a week for the full year. There was a current events group tof some 200 people that I spoke to once a month for some 15 years. There were retired groups, book clubs, sports clubs, service groups.And I certainly was not the only person covering the circuit.

I trust that Thanksgiving was a blessed time for you and yours, as it certainly was for me. I’m grateful for all of your posted insights about kinship with creation—a theme that seems most poignant at the height of our liturgical Season of Creation.

Hi, I used to be around WC back in the beginning days but certainly not for awhile. I'm doing my masters in Community Development and online groups have been big in discussions as to whether they do qualify as 'communities' or just social networks. I'm curious to hear what you as members have to say about your involvement and how you would classify this particular online group. Thx. 

"The Gospels and Letters of John were written in the midst of theological debate. One's place within the community was defined by one's confession of Jesus as the Messiah. At first, believing Jews distinguished themselves from others in the synagogue by their confession that Jesus was the Messiah. Then, when the community of believers separated from the synagogue, their confession defined them over against the pagan, Greco-roman world."

-- Alan R. Culpepper, The Gospel and Letters of John Interpreting Biblical Texts (Nashville: Abingdon P, 1998) 16.

Okay, I admit it; I'm often coming back to community as a theme. In fact, were I to be completely honest, I would say that it is central to my own longing that lies at the centre of my faith. And, if I continue on this trajectory, I guess it is also why I am so invested in the necessity for healthy and effective leadership. The promise of a healthy community depends on the leadership that models it.

The quote from Alan Culpepper, I believe, offers a pretty interesting way in which to read the Sacred Stories about the Community of John, and generally the Gospels and the New Testament. If you're looking for something to read this summer ... use this lens for the New Testament: the text should be read in the context of communities that are in conflict - both internally and externally - in their understanding of who Jesus was and what it means to be community. Read this way, suddenly they feel very real ... especially in their comfort to claim who is right and who is wrong ... orthodoxy is a pretty old temptation!

 Not really sure which forum this post should belong to, but here goes...

I moved to Ottawa, Canada last December, and haven't yet found a church/spiritual group.  I got burned out on mainstream church about 3 or so years ago, after I realized that I was only going to church because I had to (I was the audio technician) and that I was getting more out of the books I was reading during the sermons than I was actually getting out of going to church.

I'm a little dissapointed and pretty emotional. Over the past month or so, I've seen too many practicle conversations turn into pointless tossing around of hurtful and often hate inspired comments. I've witnessed beautiful, itteligent and spiritually mature people threaten to leave and depart entirely because of the things that have been said here. I don't know if it's appropriate to start a thread about this, but I'm seeing a split in the community here, and I'm not cool with it at all.

Hi Everyone

Seeler & her husband will be staying at Five Oaks in Paris, ON the weekend of July 10.

I would love to have a bbq on Saturday July 11th with wondercafe folks at Five Oaks.  I am thinking that for a minimal cost, we could chip in & book the summer centre.

For those who would be interested in making a weekend of it, accomodations are available at Five Oaks.

There is lots to do, it is suitable for families...maybe we could have a campfire.