What lies behind us and what lies before us are small matters compared
to what lies within Us
Kairos Gathering 2009 - lots to get active about!
The Kairos Gathering at University of Waterloo has now taken place. Kairos is a group of Canadian churches who focus work on social justice issues. A four day hub of justice and peace-focused worship, work, play, workshops, music, conversation, learning and networking, the Kairos Gathering also included a pre-event for youth. Lutherans Connect was there and new blogger/contributor Rebekah's amazing personal account of the gathering is on the blog page - see below for an excerpt:
"The success of integrating an intentional young adult program that smudges the borders of intergenerational divide was also revitalizing. The urgency of young voices perceiving the chaos of the world they are being asked to capitalistically succeed in, and the patience of wiser voices that have seen the transition from segregation to an African American president brought needed dialogue and hope, I believe, to both parties. Having established these accomplishments I have several continuing thoughts as I reflect on this broadening and life giving week." - Rebekah Read more!
Top Issues among our bloggers this summer:
Excerpts: (Click on the name to go to the post itself):
"We would like to imagine that all these people want is a fair, Western-style election, but it simply isn't true. Remember: this is good thing! The bravery of Iran's people should be seen rightfully as an inspiration across the globe, not because of their defiance to a regime perceived as corrupt, but because of their desires (expressed in both concrete and abstract terms) to build a more just society in its place."
Damien has added some important notes in his comment - check them out!
"While the doom and gloom stories about the death of print abound and how its purported successor, the Internet will change our democracy, we need to understand that the print revolution is up to us: the consumers. Are we going to permit the revolution by continuing to pick up the palpable editions and give in to the print industry’s gimmicks? Or will we continue to feast insatiably in the free realm of online? In the end, one thing is for sure: This article will be exclusively online. I guess it’s just telling of the times."
Scott on finding a faith journey at Camp:
"If I have questions or do not believe everything in the Bible or do not do everything the commandments declare of me, does that make me a bad Christian? For a few years I wrestled with this idea in my head. And after calming down and not putting everything into black-or-white scenarios (and also after hearing a few great sermons from my youth pastor) I realised that God loves me. Even with my questions and doubts. Over the past two years, I've really realised this connection, and His love for me, and I've become very confident in myself and my morals. So confident that here I am willing to show my relationship with God and my morals to hundreds of children maybe going through similar experiences or thoughts."
Marsha on the 'Summer of Love':
"I find myself wondering what happened to all of that youthful enthusiasm, to the counter-culture that turned into the drug culture of Haight-Ashbury. To all of those young people who, on the surface at least, believed that that attitude could change the world…Who has picked up from the long-dead voice of John Lennon, who taught us that “love is all you need”?"
And much more.....
Is Prayer All That's Left....?
A woman artist in Europe starts her own campaign
A cool site called The Wooster Collective gathers street art from around the world and showcases it. They are committed to showcasing public art which is radical, provocative and beautiful. Recently, they followed French artist Alsacherie, in her billboard campaign to reconsider the possibilities of prayer. Though the artist herself is not religious, she found herself wondering if in this crazy world, prayer is all we have left. Read about it and see the other pix!
Lutheran World Youth!
A great site we have been following for a while, looks to the global mission among Lutheran youth.
Check out LWF Youth Blog!
