Welcome

The current installment of the COEC began meeting in 2007.

We are currently on a "break," for no particular reason, and many little reasons - mostly pertaining to life circumstances. If anyone is interested in calling a meeting, feel free to post on the blog, join the google group (see link below) and send an email, or contact either Nancy (nancykj10@yahoo.com) or Jesse (schroeder.jesse@gmail.com) for more information.

To receive cohort emails, join our Google group.

1.08.2008

The Recapitulation

Well thanks for the great discussion on Sunday.  It was good to see everyone again.  Because we ran out of time, Jesse suggested reposting the last five questions, which we were unable to discuss:
  1. What does it look like to be an emergent cohort in Columbus, Ohio?
  2. By what method(s) will we work toward becoming incarnational, missional, Christ-honoring, evolving, and welcoming?
  3. What will our Celebration of the Faithful be known for?
  4. Where should we put our money?
  5. How do we integrate the explorations of our Cohort with those of our individual churches?
Feel free to add other questions as well.

Additionally, some of us have considered attending Brian McLaren's tour in Goshen, Indiana on May 9-10.  By registering early and by virtue of being a part of an emergent cohort, we are all subject to a significant discount off the registration price.  You can read about the tour here.

And finally, for those unable to attend the last meeting, Jesse made us aware of twoshirts.org, which encourages mutual giving of everyday items.

4 comments:

Greg said...

1. What does it look like to be an emergent cohort in Columbus, Ohio?

Columbus is known for many things, but one that strikes me in particular is a focus on the arts. Just next month, for example, OSU is opening the brand new 10,000 square foot Urban Arts Space in the center of downtown. With all this art around us, what might we collectively bring to the table both inwardly and outwardly as a manifestation of our love for Christ and others?

3. What will our Celebration of the Faithful be known for?

When I thought of this question, I had several people in mind. I tried to imagine what impressions they would take with them after attending a COTF. Initially, my thought was that any visitor should always feel comfortable; however, one point that came up in our last discussion revolved around the aspect of tension. For this reason, perhaps it would be a helpful thing to somehow make room for uncomfortability as well in our services. This acknowledgment would reinforce our mutual desire to demonstrate "we don't have it all figured out." (Feel free to disagree...)

4. Where should we put our money?

Those who attend IKON, Rollins's 'church' in Belfast, put money in a bucket. If someone needs the money, then it is distributed immediately. This radical idea seemed strange to me for about the first five seconds; then, I absolutely loved it. :)

Nick Johnson said...

Greg, I think you're point about the arts is a great one, and I didn't know about that exhibition space, we'll have to go see it. I'm trying to think of a way we might incorporate the arts more but I'm having trouble. Maybe as part of our next Ceremony of the Faithful (in Feb.), or perhaps an upcoming discussion night we can create some sort of artwork together? That might be tough but we're creative people. I could probably get some tech equipment from work and we could make a video or something. I don't know, just throwing stuff out there. We could also form a punk band.

As far as how do we integrate, I would love to have a group where we visit churches around Columbus on Sundays. I had a dream about such a group a little over a year ago that I wanted to call Project Unity. I think it might be a good way to expose ourselves to different things and hopefully meet some new people.

Also, about the tour, who all is thinking about going? Jane and I are batting the idea around pretty strongly.

Greg said...

I think a video is a GREAT idea, Nick.

I am definitely also in favor of visiting various churches together. What I actually meant by this question was this: as we explore emergent ideas together, how should we go about integrating those ideas with our other Christian communities, particularly the ones that are fearful or resistant to the Emergent church? I do not think there is an easy answer; but I do think it is worth exploring.

Jesse said...

Awesome ideas guys. I think getting involved in the arts in Columbus has multi-faceted potential b/c of the nature of the arts - it involves self-reflection, bold statements, community reflection, inviting "the other", etc. As far as the idea regarding a video, I would definitely be on board. I have a good amount of resources when it comes to video editing (Final Cut Pro, etc.) and it could be really cool to conceive a video together, make it, and then have a viewing night in which we could invite lots of people and have discussion afterward.