First Retreat!
January 30, 2008
Well, our first retreat was a major success. We had powerful worship, intimate conversations, fun times, and came out of the weekend with a renewed vision of what we want Transmission to be.
Some of my favorite moments:
Walking the Labyrinth. I didn’t take pictures because watching a bunch of twentysomethings walk a labyrinth by candlelight is too stereotypical for the emerging church, but I found it to be really moving, nonetheless. I loved the moment when I finished introducing the ritual, and half of us immediately began doing things that had nothing to do with the instructions; we take liturgical improvisation to a whole new level.
Purchasing lots of healthy food (fruits, vegetables, dumplings, etc) with Sarah, only to arrive at the church and be sent out by the group to make a chips and soda run. Sigh.
Picking everyone up at their apartments, a luxury rarely afforded in NYC. We know we’re a real church now that we have a minivan.
The amazing ritual that the group planned on Saturday afternoon which involved singing, sharing, and flicking water in each other’s faces. Although it only took thirty minutes to plan, it was amazing and several of us were choked up by the end of it.
Many thanks to everyone who participated, and especially to St Mark’s Church in Teaneck for graciously opening their church to us.
And, for those who are interested, here are the things we discussed for the future:What do we want from Transmission?
worship - especially flexible worship
community
healthy dialogue about the Bible
support for alternative lifestyle / being a Jesus hippie
a safe space - a place of unconditional love and support
journey through adulthood
radical hospitality
ideas for the future:
having a justice coordinator - someone to facilitate activism
justice resume - a place where we keep each accountable
make the website more structured, especially the About Us page
forming an intentional community in Washington Heights
planning our rituals a few months ahead