Friday Five: RevGal Meet-Up

As confirmed by the link in the left column, I am a lay member of the RevGal blog list. Last summer, this group officially incorporated as a non-profit organization. One of the goals of this group was to organize and fund a large-scale "meet-up". In this spirit, Songbird requests responses to the following five questions:

1. What would the meeting be like?
   The model that immediately comes to mind is the “Nurturing Weekend” sponsored in my Diocese by our Christian Formation Commission. This event is intended as a retreat for people involved in Christian Ed/Formation throughout our Diocese (which encompasses the state).
      This event takes place over three nights and two days. It includes some of the elements mentioned by Songbird in her original question: slumber party, workshops, care and share, etc. For example, there is an on-site beauty consultant, a massage therapist, and craft opportunities. People also bring DVD's to share following dinner, in true slumber party fashion.
       In lieu of a key note speaker, there has been a chaplain who offers a number of meditations throughout the weekend on a central theme (more on this below).


2. When in 2008 might you be able to attend?
   July or August would be best for my work schedule.


3. Where would your dream meeting location be?
   Far from the madding crowd. New Mexico sounds appealing. Our Diocese (Oklahoma) just happens to have a pair of rural retreat centers that I can heartily recommend.....


4. Who would make a great keynote speaker?
   I join my voice with those who recommend Rev. Atkinson, aka Real Live Preacher. Other names that come to mind are Fr. Jake, and Mother Sarah Dylan. None of these people are, to my knowledge, members of the RevGal group; yet all of them are supportive of women in the ministry.
      In the chaplain model I mention above, the chaplain announces the theme the first evening, then gives a brief (20-30 minute) meditation on this theme. My memory is there are two mediations per day - one in the morning, and one in the evening.


5. Did I leave out something you want to suggest?
   Since our group is international in scope, and some may not be able to attend, I suggest we be intentional in including them in some fashion. A dedicated chatroom immediately comes to mind. We might have a space and computer/lap top dedicated to a chatroom where local participants could chat with those unable to attend due to distance or economy.
      Which raises the issue of scholarships. Are there currently funds available to assist those of limited means? If so, who will decide the disbursements of those scholarships?
      Finally, do not neglect times of corporate worship. Perhaps different orders have daily worship could be selected from each of our representative denominations.