Written by Bill Tipping

27 of us gathered in the Art Gallery last Saturday morning.

We did 4 things.

We participated in a group devotional thinking about how we pray, and how we might consider the freedom to pray differently.

We broke out into small groups of 3-4 and offered each other our stories about our own spiritual practices, learning from others as we sat.

The groups reported back to the larger group and shared learnings.

We broke out into small groups of 3-4 and talked about what it means to be a man in this season of culture that surrounds us.

The groups reported back to the larger group and shared these learnings.

We closed by singing a Welsh hymn together, accompanied by Kent Peterson on the piano.

In answer to some of your questions, I think that there was a hunger for an opportunity to explore the possible supports and insights that might be available though a sharing group of men. It’s been a good 15 years or more since Hennepin had done something like this. I was struck by the enthusiasm for the conversations and how they seemed to flow freely – always with much more to say beyond the artificial time limits imposed. I think the greatest value, at least for this initial meeting, was the opportunity to put the ideas of masculinity and faith up for discussion. Everyone got a good start. The space was lovely, as it always is. Thor had some music playing in the background as we gathered, and the coffee was plentiful and good. The microphone was also helpful on occasion. There seemed to be a commitment to doing it again, which we will do, armed with group suggestions of further activities and topics.

I would and will tell anybody that there is great value in being intentional about setting aside time and inviting space to gather.