AND...THIS JUST IN....PRAY

Here is the press release

Spread it EVERYWHERE!

PRESS RELEASE

On Tuesday, August 28, 2007, Connections, a coalition of progressive Omaha congregations, has reissued an invitation to Anne Lamott to come to Omaha to speak on Wednesday, September 19 at 7:00 pm at the Holland Center.

Anne Lamott has graciously accepted this invitation.

The invitation was issued after Creighton University withdrew their invitation to Ms. Lamott on Monday.

The event will take place at the Holland Center, 1200 Douglas Street at 7:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6 pm. There will be no charge for this event and all seating is open. Seats will be strictly first come, first served. No saving of seats will be allowed. Previous registrations for the Lamott lecture do not apply for this venue but the Holland Center’s 2000-seat capacity is twice as large as the previously scheduled venue.

The title of the lecture is Faith and Writing and Whatever: A Night with Anne Lamott. Ms. Lamott will sign books following the lecture.

Anne Lamott writes and speaks about subjects that begin with capital letters: Alcoholism, Motherhood, Jesus. But armed with self-effacing humor – she is laugh out-loud funny – and ruthless honesty, Lamott converts her subjects into enchantment. She doesn’t try to sugar-coat life’s sadness, frustration and disappointment, but tells her stories with honesty, compassion and a pureness of voice. She says, “I have a lot of hope and a lot of faith and I struggle to communicate that.” Anne Lamott does communicate her faith; in her books and in person, she lifts, comforts, and inspires, all the while keeping us laughing.

Anne Lamott is the author of six novels as well as five bestselling books of nonfiction. She has been honored with a Guggenheim Fellowship, and has taught at UC Davis, as well as at writing conferences across the country. Lamott’s biweekly Salon Magazine “online diary,” Word by Word, was voted The Best of the Web by TIME magazine. Anne Lamott’s latest essay collection is entitled Grace (Eventually): Thoughts on Faith (March 2007).

The night of the lecture, cash or check donations will be received for two Omaha service agencies chosen by Ms. Lamott: the Samaritan Counseling Center and Girls, Inc. None of the sponsoring congregations will receive any money from this offering. Ms. Lamott’s books will also be available for sale at the Holland Center.

Ms. Lamott accepted the invitation of Connections, a coalition of progressive Christian congregations. Connections congregations, together and separately

* Reclaim thoughtful dialogue
* Reject divisive dogmatism
* Renew spiritual vitality
* Respond with justice and mercy
* Rejoice in inclusive community

Connection’s vision is to provide opportunities for education, dialogue, community action, fun, spiritual practice and outreach to the members of our congregations and those who have dropped out of traditional Christian congregations and lost hope that there is vital and thoughtful Christian community.

The six member congregations of Connections are Augustana Lutheran Church (ELCA), Countryside Community Church UCC, First Central Congregational UCC, First United Methodist Church, North Side Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), and St. Luke United Methodist Church. (Places to steer clear of, and NOT to attend I'd say.)

The public is invited to attend.

Anyone wishing to make a donation towards the travel/housing expenses for Anne Lamott and/or the rental of the venue, may send donations to:

' Connections' in care of Northside Christian Church, 5555 Larimore Ave., Omaha, NE 68104

***Please indicate whether or not you wish to have your name listed in the program as a donor.

Thank you!

For more information contact:

Rev. Nancy Brink, Pastor

North Side Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)

5555 Larimore Avenue

Omaha, NE 68104

402.451.1933 church

402.312.0409 cell

Rev. Nancy E. Brink, Pastor of North Side Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Omaha, NE

Romans 12:17-18 "Repay no one evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends upon you, live peaceably with all."

Cathy Weiss Pedersen, M.Pastoral Ministry

Marriage Preparation Coordinator

Creighton University/Campus Ministry

St. John's Church/Room 201

Omaha, NE 68178

(402) 280-2205

PROGRESSIVE according to susie, owner of this blog, is another way to spell BULLSHITE. A better "P" word, is Prophetic...as in speaking the TRUTH, not cultural, feel good nonsense that would sooner have you in hell than heaven, cuz it's not too progressive to mention hell...is it?