Where we've been and where we're going

Last night some of the leaders of Spirit of Truth gathered to have a conversation about where we’ve been and where we’re going next. There was a lot of excitement and anticipation about what’s in front of us. As we begin our weekly celebrations, we want to be intentional that our community is always acting on this belief: That God is love, love is the center of creation, and justice is the community expression of God’s love.

Here’s what we came up with:

1. So far, Spirit of Truth has been in a period of discernment through relationship building. That means that through meeting with each other, sharing our stories and ideas, we’ve listened to God and learned about what Spirit of Truth should be. Read about our vision here.

2. Now it’s time to start trying out practices and activities that live into that belief. First up is our weekly gatherings. Starting this Sunday at 11am at St Matt’s (701 N Lexington Parkway, St Paul, MN 55104) we’re going to gather as a community to explore our faith in love and justice. This will not be our only practice, and this one will continue to change as grow as well. But we’re excited to get started, to have something tangible to gather around.

3. We also made a list of what we have and what need to live out this vision.
a. What we have: A group of committed leaders that have helped envision Spirit of Truth; a set of a few hundred relationships, many of them excited for this new phase to start; Facebook page, website, blog, all up and running; the support of the ELCA, members of St Matt’s and all sorts of allies; space in which to gather; and a clear vision for Spirit of Truth.
b. What we need: A program, and some structure around which to keep building, experiencing; more co-creationors, members interested in coming and creating what Spirit of Truth will be; a more diverse group, and practices that are intentionally invitational across cultural, racial, age and gender lines; evaluation tools and practices; and enough money to be sustainable.

4. Next steps:
a. Weekly gatherings where we try out celebration together
b. All of us to make invitations to Sundays
c. Next leadership meeting: Directly after celebration (around 12pm) on Sunday, October 3rd.

Join this Sunday, at 11am at St Matt's (701 N Lexington Parkway, St Paul 55104), and see what all this is about!

Pete Marincel