L'abri

This Sunday will be a discussion held at Kristin's and Andrew's. 2017 North Fourth Street. The theme is L'abri which is an intentional community and Christian hospitality center where I spent 6 months a few years ago. Its name comes from French meaning "Shelter" It was a place where I encountered people of faith who were -non-defensive and immersed in reality. The staff extended hospitality to me without agenda and allowed me space to ask questions and explore my spirituality.

I not only wanted to share a taped lecture that made a big impact on me while I was there but also give you a little taste of what L'abri is like. L'abri has intersected the lives of people in the cohort --Chris and I have been to the English L'abri, Kristin and Andrew plan to go a few weeks this fall to Canadian L'abri and Rachel who joined us last week spent some time at Dutch L'abri.

So without further ado...Join us for the lecture at 3:00. Its entitled "Difficult Forgiveness" by Brett Gray and it explores the philosophy of forgiveness especially through the thinkers Derrida and Paul Ricour. Though this might sounds a little daunting, Gray is extremely engaging and breaks down the ideas to not only make the topic accessible but offers some profound insights on a subject which he says is "at the center of what it is to be a Christian and Christians may have nothing better to offer this difficult world"

But if the idea of listening to a hour-long taped lecture is a bit much..please feel free to just come to the dinner/discussion at 4:30. It will be a potluck with a twist. In the communal spirit of L'abri we will all be preparing the dinner together so bring the ingredients to your favorite side dish and assemble it there. Kristin and Andrew are making a stew. Let us know in the comment section what you would like to make.

The discussion around the meal will be based on the theme of forgiveness but not so specific to the lecture that those who haven't heard it can't join in. "What do you actually do when you forgive someone?, Do forgiveness and forgetting go together? What about the voices of those who have been oppressed? Does forgiveness silence their stories?"

I am also attaching the link to the lecture here for those who would like to listen to the lecture in their own time. (Its not as long as it looks as a large portion of the segment is the questions at the end which you don't have to listen to)

Kristin, Andrew, Chris and I have had fun planning for this and we are really looking forward to sharing this time with all of you!

~Julia Orban