Announcing . . .

The 2004 Annual Fall Gathering

of Voices for an Open Spirit in the Church of the Brethren

"Weaving Story    

          & Celebration"

Featuring Guest Speakers Nancy Faus and      Tom Mullen October 1-3, 2004 Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel Portland, Oregon

     A time to connect, to tell stories, to plan,
               to support one another, to pray, to laugh,
                          to learn, to think ahead, to be faithful to
                                   God’s spirit of openness and inclusion.

            With its third Fall Gathering in Portland, Oregon, VOS solidly establishes the tradition of a yearly meeting and meets for the first time in the West. Focusing on the theme “Weaving Story & Celebration,” this gathering will feature the team of Nancy Faus and Tom Mullen and promises to be the best yet.

            But in addition to bringing VOS people together to do the things they enjoy doing, the meeting will serve an important organizational purpose. Two years ago at the first VOS gathering at Camp Mack, a provisional structure was created, with the understanding that it would be reviewed in two years.  The participants at Portland will be asked to think about VOS and its accomplishments, make adjustments or changes if needed, and look into the future now that the movement is well established.

            That’s the work side of the gathering. There will also be creative worships, engaging presentations, discussions, work-shops, food, and that sense of community and inter-connection that lies at the heart of VOS. Anchoring it all will be the insight, humor, music, and creativity of Nancy and Tom.

            Nancy Faus is professor emerita of Bethany Theological Seminary and Tom Mullen is professor emeritus of Earlham School of Religion. Both being widowed, they came together and married in 2001.

            Held in the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel, the conference will run from 7 p.m. Friday, October 1, to noon Sunday, October 3. There is free shuttle service from the airport.

            The conference has concluded... a report will be posted soon!

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