ECMN Innovation Retreat

Twenty participants from twelve ECMN faith communities attended the Innovation Retreat last Saturday at The Blessing House in Victoria, Minnesota. Participants included five members of Emmaus, a new church plant in Shakopee led by Fr. Moses Tebui, an Anglican priest from Kenya.
 

At the retreat Jen Asp, the Missioner for Innovation, led participants in Dwelling in Matthew 26:36-46, Jesus’ experience in the Garden of Gethsemane. The passage opened the group up in a powerful way, as we contemplated the ways God meets us at the most difficult moments in life, and wondered if we, like the disciples, might be asleep spiritually. 
 

Each person then shared six sentences beginning “I grew up,” and six beginning “I am growing up.” The diversity of backgrounds and experiences in the room was powerful – a taste of God’s Reign. We continued with spiritual practices involving listening and sharing. We shared a story of a time we felt spiritually alive, and reflected on the places and moments in our lives where we experienced the difference Jesus makes, as well as what’s at stake for us personally in the Good news of Jesus as embodied in Chrisitan community (our “why” for church). We  prayer walked together through a neighborhood waiting, looking, and listening for how God might direct our attention. We prayed for neighbors and for Victoria, Minnesota.
 

We talked about the fact that many people who are spiritually curious won’t be coming to our churches; we need to learn how to meet them where they live, work, and play. The group spoke about the importance of listening and relationships. We can’t learn what God’s Holy Spirit is up to in our neighbors’ lives until we are fully present to and can listen to them. How might we have more bandwidth to be present to others? What would help us feel comfortable sharing the hope that is in us when asked?
 

Henry Gould, the Senior Warden of Holy Trinity, St. Paul wrote the following about the retreat: “I found it personally quite moving, and helpful for my work at Holy Trinity St. Paul. . . I was struck by the variety of people and backgrounds who attended.  I really learned something from the interaction of these different voices and backgrounds. . . I started to sense the link between three things: silent, personal prayer, the bond of fellowship, and healing – something very powerful.
 

Throughout the year Jen Asp will be offering opportunities for individuals and church teams to learn how to connect with God and what God is up to in the lives of their neighbors (church neighbors, residential neighbors, and networked neighbors). The Innovation Summit will take place on Saturday, November 7 from 10 am to 2 pm at St. Mark’s Cathedral. If you want a brainstorming partner as your church wonders how to connect with spiritually curious neighbors, or want to learn more about future ECMN Innovation offerings, please contact Jen at jen.a@episcopalmn.org.