Third Ideas
We live in a world in which ideas of what constitutes a good life are contested. Too often we see this being played out in destructive ways, with those with differing ideas attempted to silence and even destroy the other - and in the end, people are hurt more than served.
What if there was space for our contested ideas to form new ideas - third ideas? Is it possible to contest our ideas in love and discover that God may be doing a new thing beyond our current ideas? How can we form and sustain communities of love and trust that foster this creativity?
This Fall, Central is hosting a series of conversations, workshops, and lectures with leaders from our community who can illuminate paths forward in the arts, policy-making, and justice-seeking. For each of these speakers, join us for a conversation during the worship hour at 10:30 a.m., followed by further learning in the Fellowship Hall. No need to make special plans - just make sure to come to worship and stay after to learn.
Liliana Letran-Garcia, Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul
September 22nd
Liliana Letran-Garcia is the CEO of Interfaith Action and a leader in working at the intersection of public policy and faith communities to effect solutions for folks navigating immigration and the asylum system.
Peg Carlson-Hoffman & Chuck Hoffman, Genesis+Art
October 6th
Visual artists Peg Carlson-Hoffman and Chuck Hoffman have long careers that span from the corporate world to the wilderness of the Cascade Mountains. Their work investigates “edges, boundaries, and intersections” to find “places of potential that… allow something new to rise from struggle.”
Brian Ellison, Covenant Network of Presbyterians
Brian Ellison has served as Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians since 2012, preaching, teaching and providing overall strategic leadership in implementing the organization’s mission. Healso serves as Stated Clerk of the Synod of Mid-America, and has served previously as pastor of Parkville Presbyterian Church (near Kansas City, Missouri) and as stated clerk of Heartland Presbytery. His writing on matters of faith and theology have appeared in numerous church and independent publications.
Chris LaTondresse, Beacon Interfaith Housing
November 10th
Chris LaTondresse is the CEO of Beacon Interfaith Housing, and brings a background that includes the White House, Minnesota politics, and the national faith and justice movement.
Jim Bear Jacobs, MN Council of Churches
November 17th
Jim Bear Jacobs is the Director of Racial Justice for the MN Council of Churches, a skilled storyteller and faith leader, and a member of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohican Nation.