The Gathering: Bloom Where You're Planted
The Gathering is an annual event for church leaders and pastors seeking to refresh and build lifelong friendships for resilient pastoral ministry. As a non-conference conference, we focus on encounters over information-exchange. Through worship, prayer, teaching, dialogue, sharing food, and recreation, we will grow our pastoral imagination. Come and refresh with us in the beautiful surroundings of Vancouver, BC.
In 2024, our theme is to “Bloom Where You’re Planted.” We will explore what it looks like for a church to truly belong to its neighborhood. We will ask: what would it look like for a church to recognize that Christ has placed it in the neighborhood, to bless and be blessed in his name?
We will explore these questions over the course of two days. Come, join other church leaders (both pastors and laity) from a variety of denominational traditions to:
- Learn from Ray Aldred, Director of the Indigenous Studies Program at VST, on how we relate to land and place
- Hear lived stories from Dannae Pierre, Co-director of City to City North America, on how we can engage with our neighbourhood
- Explore how to nourish local witness in our churches and communities through dialogue and mutual learning
- Spend time in prayer, with others or alone
- Choose from a variety of roundtable workshops and activities to attend to your soul
- Fellowship and build lasting connections
- Play at the beach!
The ticket price covers two plenary sessions, three workshop sessions, and three meals (Thursday lunch, dinner, Friday lunch) and coffee, tea & pastries.
WORKSHOP TOPICS: Sign up for the workshop in registration
WORKSHOP SESSION #1
From Nazareth to Vancouver: A Palestinian Christian Account of Navigating Displacements in a New Place, with Shadia Qubti The Israeli-Palestinian context, to some, is about exclusive access to place. After years working in faith-based peacemaking, my investment in dialogue groups was reconsidered. From my studies in the Canadian-Indigenous theological context, I share my process of unveiling the complexities of my dual positionality of being displaced due to one settler colonial context and of being placed in another settler colonial context. And how the unprecedented ongoing devastation in Gaza and the local and global responses have been expressed in my own community of faith here.
Seeking the Shalom of the City: Pursuing Right-Relationship with Indigenous Neighbours, with Jodi Spargur Flourishing cannot happen in the presence of gaping wounds. Through story and interactive case study engagement, this workshop seeks to suggest pathways and postures for churches in addressing the historical wounds of colonization and the liberating gospel of repentance and repair.
Who Are My Neighbours? Becoming Earthkeeping Communities Where All God's Creatures Flourish, Both the Human and the More-than-Human Ones, with Rick Faw Caring for creation is a basic component of discipleship. But how does earthkeeping work out in practice in the midst of parish ministry? How might it dovetail with other aspects of local church mission? This workshop will outline an approach to caring for creation as part of church life. Examples of projects will be described and attendees will be encouraged to imagine what the Spirit is inviting them to do in their own settings.
WORKSHOP SESSION #2
Building and Leading Multi-Ethnic Teams, with Dennae Pierre Building healthy multi-ethnic teams requires intentionality, creativity, communication, and flexibility. In this workshop we will learn what it takes to both build and sustain healthy teams in a variety of contexts and circumstances.
Tending To: Art-Making as Listening Prayer, with Katrina Grabner Join art therapist Katrina for an hour of tuning into body, mind, soul, and spirit, through an eco-somatic approach to art-making—or, rather art-exploring. No art-making experience is required, just a sense of curiosity, openness, and willingness to play. Through simple art materials we will explore, listen, and practice what it means to tend to, nurture, and be with what is growing in and around us.
Navigating Conflict: A Primer for Church Leaders, with Malcolm McKinlay When churches are drawn towards change, don't be surprised when conflict comes to the surface. This session explores disagreement and conflict, considers the impact of change, and lays down root principles that support conflict's transformation.
WORKSHOP SESSION #3
Renewed Appreciation: Neighbourhood Mapping, with Kim Boldt & Amy Wilson-Roberts This workshop is designed to reignite a sense of connection with the places you serve and the opportunities present both within and beyond the walls of your church. Through a blend of interactive exercises, reflective practices, and group discussions, you'll learn to employ practical tools and methodologies to visually map out key elements of your neighborhood. You'll also cultivate a deeper appreciation for the art of attentive listening to the stories, needs, and aspirations of the members of your community.
Sacred Pause: Listening to the Still Small Voice, with Joy Banks This workshop is designed as a micro-retreat for a moment of reflection and deeper listening before you return to the rush of ministry. Using the theme and artwork from The Gathering, you will be guided through an individual and community prayer-listening process involving Visio Divina, writing, and joint creation. (After collectively experiencing the micro-retreat process, you will also be given the template to lead a similar creative reflection process in your community.)
Navigating Conflict: A Primer for Church Leaders, with Malcolm McKinlay When churches are drawn towards change, don't be surprised when conflict comes to the surface. This session explores disagreement and conflict, considers the impact of change, and lays down root principles that support conflict's transformation.