Thanks so much for reading this month‘s news from The Initiative, a community committed to “walking in deeper friendship with Jesus and his followers, so that the love of Christ might exceed all divisions.” We do this primarily through prayer, sharing of our lives, and proactive work for greater unity. This month I’m trying my hand at a video format for the monthly reflection (on friendship and disagreement) and reminding everyone to consider attending one of our regional gatherings if you are able.

Resource of the Month – Regional Gatherings

    A good place to grow in navigating that tension between friendship and disagreement is to join us for one of our regional gatherings. Imagine 30 hours of encountering Jesus and a wide variety of his followers through prayer, reflecting together on Scripture, worship, small groups and sharing over meals, and exploring the guiding principles of our community.
     The Midwest gathering, just outside Chicago, starts four weeks from today. Space is limited, but we’ve still got room for you to join us!
Go to the “Join Us” page on our website to sign up, or access the registration pages directly by clicking here. Please reply to this email if you have any questions or have difficulty with the registration system. And I hope I see you there in a couple of weeks.

The Northeast gathering is a month later, September 15-16 at Assumption University in Worcester, MA. Registration information for that weekend is also available at the “Join Us” page of our website.

 I am deeply grateful for the one who now calls me “friend” (John 15:15) and whose self-giving love on the cross overcame the stalemate of my stubborn and self-centered fixation on my own desires and interests. 
     I’m also so grateful for the gift of your friendship: as you read, pray, interact, and generously share your resources, I am reminded of the power of Jesus’ love that surpasses disagreement and even division.

Yours in Christ’s Love,
Scott Brill
Executive Director