Event
The Ability to Mourn: Becoming a New Creation, a Christian Spirituality Conference featuring Rev. Jim Wellman
The Ability to Mourn: Becoming a New Creation, a Christian Spirituality Conference featuring Rev. Jim Wellman will be held at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, Bainbridge Island, on Saturday, November 4th from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. A box lunch will be provided. Tickets are $50.
The ability to mourn is a phrase of Sigmund Freuds. What he meant is that individuals, who are well-adjusted to reality, understand and are aware of the need to mourn. Jesus said, pre-dating Freud by some 1900 years, Blessed are those who mourn. In many ways, it is a conundrum for most of us. Being encouraged to mourn, for Americans, is a little like being encouraged to go to the dentist, people feel its necessary but generally dont want do it!
The Rev. Jim Wellman is Professor and Chair of the Comparative Religion Program in the Jackson School of International Studies at the University of Washington and an ordained Presbyterian minister. His areas of expertise are in American religious culture, history and politics. Wellman was recently named to a five-year Term Professorship in Global Christianity. His most recent book, Rob Bell and a New American Christianity (Abingdon Press, 2012), explores one of the most well-known and controversial evangelical ministers in America.
During this conference we will explore what it is to mourn. Some of us are mourning because weve lost someone we love, or weve lost something in ourselves that we cherished. Because of the work required in mourning, the healing and awareness on the other side of that suffering can make us new again.
Mourning really is a bridge, as the poet Rilke said, to the golden room. That room is the space where all things are again possible. To mourn is to begin to look at where we have been, to see where we made our home, and to understand the ways in which we need to leave, to head off for a new land, to find a new way of being in the world. It is not easy, but it is exhilarating.
So, come and explore a tough subject and begin the process of being released into a new reality. As Jesus said, Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Paul promises that we can and will become new creations. We will explore these issues in a way that gives comfort and safety for all, through individual work, small groups and discussion. We will only share what we can. In the end, this all good news. The promise is that we can be renewed in ourselves, for ourselves and for others.
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LocationRolling Bay Presbyterian Church (View)
11042 Sunrise Dr
Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
United States
Categories
| Kid Friendly: No |
| Dog Friendly: No |
| Non-Smoking: Yes! |
| Wheelchair Accessible: Yes! |
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