About

From May 24-26,2010 a unique gathering of people will come together outside of Washington D.C. at Meadowkirk Retreat Center.  It will be a group of individuals who love Christ and desire to follow him in the context of the post-modern world.  Whether it is for rest, retreat, a desire for change, or surrounding oneself with people who have a new vision for the community of Christ, we invite you to join us.

During these days following Pentecost, The UnConference participants will invite the Holy Spirit to move so that we can celebrate collective and individual gifts, and envision tomorrow’s church.  We hope to fully embrace those who have felt on the borders and edges of the church, together with those who work within it, so that we can allow the Spirit to move. Together, we will ask, “What is our vision for what the church will look like for the future?”

What’s on the UnAgenda?

Monday

12:00 p.m. God Complex Radio/HCX on location.

Carol Howard Merritt (GCR) and Ryan Kemp-Pappan (HCX) will be at Meadowkirk, recording for their podcasts.

2:15 p.m.  Arrival and Chili Preparation

If you are interested in being a part of the chili cook-off, then you can put together a big steamy, batch of beans for us. We will have ingredients so that you can prepare your own chili. Just let us know if you want something out of the ordinary.

5:00 p.m. Gathering Time

This will be a chance to meet those blog and twitter friends IRL.

We’ll also introduce the Graffiti board where you can answer, “What is our vision for what the church will look like for the future?” You can add to the board throughout our time together.

This will also be a chance for you to tell us what you’ve brought for the conference. If you can paint, then you can teach us how to paint. If you can collage, you can show the rest of us. If you write beautiful liturgy, you can share your techniques. Whatever your gift might be, you can contribute it to the rest of the body.

During the conference, there will be a chance for you to meet with a Spiritual Director. You can sign up at the Gathering.

6:00 p.m. Chili Cook Off

We will get a sample of each batch of chili, and a chance to crown the Chili King or Queen of the UnConference. We will also have a chance to sample beer and wine, made by participants. Can you craft a great beverage? Be sure to bring a case with you.

8:00 p.m. Bonfire

We are breaking out the marsh mellows. And I don’t care what you say, we are singing “Kum Bay Yah.” Bring your drums, your guitar, and whatever else.

Midnight Movie (or earlier, if we want)

Tuesday

10:00 a.m. Breakfast (food available earlier for children and early risers)

11:00  a.m. Prayers

11:30 a.m.  Getting down with the G-O-D

Interactive stations will be available, which you may set up (just let us know in advance what sort of materials you might need, if you can’t bring them along with you). Or, you can enjoy participating in other stations. Some things that are in the works:

•Painting

•Poetry

•Liturgical writing

•Contemplative practices

•Mask-making

•Collage

12:00 p.m. Lunch

1:15 pm  Getting Down with G-O-D Stations

3:00 pm Trip to D.C. (optional)

There’s no telling when they will bloom, but Cherry Blossom ought to be beautiful. We will take you to the metro, and let you tour the city. Other options in the area:

•Winery

•Hiking

•Preparing soup for Dinner

•Planning Wednesday Worship

6:00 p.m. Dinner

7:30 p.m. Bonfire and Concert

Wednesday

10:00 a.m. Breakfast

11:00 a.m. Prayers and Communion

Bring what you’ve created to worship

12:00 Go in Peace