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This year’s Bishop’s Symposium will focus on the need to develop our capacity for intercultural communication as we experience the possibilities of interfaith relationships. Through a variety of opportunities, we will glean from the wisdom of others to learn what can be gained, and dream a little about what we might ourselves do.
United Methodist clergy and lay persons across the Greater Northwest Area are invited to participate in this year’s Bishop’s Symposium in one of the ways outlined below. Individuals are invited to cross conference boundaries to attend the option that best fits their schedule.
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No Joke: When People Like Each Other the Rules Change is a documentary about the friendship and advocacy work of Rabbi Daniel Bogard, Imam Kamil Mufti, and Pastor Jim Powell from Peoria, Illinois. Their mission is to stop the troubling increase in anti-Muslim attitudes and, more broadly, the otherization of minority groups in America. On November 4th at Seattle First UMC, these three will join Aneelah Afzali of the Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS), noted Christian author and public theologian Brian McLaren, and a rabbi yet to be determined to present Three Practices for Crossing the Difference Divide.
Cost is $32. This will be a public event and tickets will be limited, but tickets are available today through October 12th to UM clergy and lay persons prior to being open to the public. You can buy tickets here.
Option 2: March 7, 2018 - Boise, Brian McLaren and No Joke Live as an add on to Northwest Leadership Institute
Brian McLaren, nationally renowned pastor, activist and author, will be the keynote speaker at the 2018 Northwest Leadership Institute (NLI) hosted by the Cathedral of the Rockies (aka Boise First UMC) on March 8-9, 2018. While details are still being worked out, we are negotiating an additional day with Brian McLaren and/or the No Joke Project for United Methodists on March 7. Mark your calendar and watch for registration information.
Option 3: Watch the No Joke Documentary on your own or with a local group
Available soon to borrow from the Regional Media Center, or directly for purchase from the No Joke Project website, your church, a cluster of churches, or a district group can host a viewing of the film, and create a learning event around it.
You might even consider making it a public event, inviting local leaders from other faith traditions to participate with you. A small group study guide for the film is being created.
Inter-Cultural Training Workshop
An Inter-Cultural Training Workshop will be offered at Woodburn UMC, 700 N. Cascade Drive, Woodburn on Saturday, November 18th from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This workshop offers practical tools for church leaders to build self-awareness, support and develop good communication and relationships for ministry in multi-cultural settings. This workshop is inter-active, with skits and role plays.
Clergy are encouraged to receive this training, and lay leadership of local churches are also welcome. While this training is located to be especially accessible to persons from the western half of the Columbia and Cascadia Districts, persons from across the conference are invited.
Lunch will be provided by Woodburn UMC. You may bring snacks to share. Coffee and water will also be available. If you have questions about the location, contact Kalina Malua-Katoa at 503-381-5142.
Please register by contacting June Fothergill by e-mail at juneafothergill@gmail.com or by phone at 541-603-8706.
This training is offered by The Oregon-Idaho Conference Commission of Religion and Race. The workshop use materials from the Kaleidoscope Institute and the Pacific Northwest Annual Conference. ?
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