The third in our Commencing Series looks at "place" in our faith communities. As we open to people who are somehow different than those who have been there in the past - what are we offering them? Just space? Or a place? Placemaking involves design [or re-design] processes for transforming public spaces into community places, places that belong to the people, the heart of the community. How can placemaking help our faith communities intentionally open outward, give grit and gravitas to our welcoming, embody our best vision of inclusion and generosity.
And so to help us open, we'll draw on insights from architecture/design, cultural geography, U.S white supremacists [yep, that is not a typo....] and a song by The Many called "All Belong Here" ['Come and remember who you are here...'].
Like our last episode, this one might seem at first to be a bit technical - but knowing what we are really offering newcomers to our communities is essential if we are to build lasting, strong relationships. Jesus told his companions 'I'm going to prepare a place for you...' - so are we doing something similar?
Our Commencing series focuses on issues and concerns that impact communities and individuals who no longer are simply wondering about this path, and have moved beyond intention, into the often confusing process of living as a community that is intentionally and truly open.