Upcoming Events
"GREAT DOUBT: GREAT ENLIGHTENMENT"
(A Beer & Theology Gathering)
Thursday, October 22, 7pm
@ True Vine Brewing - Tyler, TX
Faith is often described as believing or trusting in what we do not know, or even in what seems to contradict what we know. But is faith simply a matter of blind trust? There is an old Chinese adage that states "great doubt: great enlightenment." What if this insight can be applied it to our notion of faith. That is, how might we view faith in light of having great doubt? What if faith is not a problem to be solved but rather a mystery to be penetrated, a mystery that has no solution? Join Open Table Faith and special guest Josh Packwood (Professor of Philosophy at University of Arkansas - Ft. Smith) to explore these questions together.
We'll meet up at True Vine Brewing in Tyler, TX.
Here are a few other important details…
MEETING AREA: We will be meeting inside the brewery, in the room where the vats are. In case you’ve never been there, go in the front entrance and go to the right of the bar. We’ll have folks there to show you the way, or you can just ask one of the bartenders. Grab a drink on the way in or just come straight back to the meeting room.
FORMAT: The first part of the event will be a presentation by Josh Packwood. Then we'll have plenty of time for questions and conversation.
SEATING: There will be metal folding chairs available, but if you prefer a more comfortable chair, feel free to bring your own camp chair or lawn chair!
QUEER THEOLOGY
A 5-Week Exploration of Faith, Scripture & Belonging
Thursdays, 12pm
October 22 - November 19
St. Clare’s Episcopal Church
What does queer theology have to teach us about God, Scripture, and the Church? In this five-week series, we'll explore how LGBTQ+ perspectives can deepen our understanding of Christian faith, challenge traditional assumptions, and invite us into a more expansive vision of God's love.
Rooted in Scripture and tradition, this series examines the intersection of faith, gender, sexuality, identity, and belonging. Together, we'll discover how queer theology offers valuable insights that can enrich our spiritual journeys, broaden our perspectives, and deepen our understanding of ourselves, one another, and the divine. All are welcome. All are beloved. All belong.
This study series is a collaboration with St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, and will be led by Father Rob Jerger, vicar at St. Clare’s. It’s a great opportunity to learn, ask questions, and hear different perspectives. The five sessions include:
10/22: What Is Queer Theology? — Exploring its origins, historical roots, and influential voices.
10/29: Reading the Bible Through a Queer Lens — Discovering how reading Scripture from the margins can reveal new insights.
11/5: Queering Our Image of God — Exploring gender, biblical imagery, and a God who transcends human categories.
11/12: Jesus, Bodies & Belonging — Examining Scripture, sexuality, relationships, and the sacredness of human bodies.
11/19: Living Queer Theology — Moving beyond welcome toward genuine belonging, justice, and a transformed Church.
Join friends and neighbors from a variety of faiths and perspectives for Open Table Faith’s third annual PEACE MEAL! Come to the table for an evening of food, music, poetry and prayers for peace!
ABOUT THE PEACE MEAL:
For 10 years, an organization called Art of Peace Tyler celebrated the United Nations International Day of Peace (September 21) by hosted a variety of events to promote a spirit of creativity, compassion and community through partnerships, fellowship, dialogue, social action, music, poetry and art. This included an annual "PEACE MEAL" where folks from different faiths, perspectives and walks of life could gather around the table for a shared meal.
Although Art of Peace no longer exists formally as an organization, Open Table Faith is working together with several community-minded folks to continue the interfaith PEACE MEAL. We believe that now, in a time of deep division and polarization, it is more important than ever for us to cross the difference divide to fellowship together as neighbors and friends.
We'll all come to the table together on Thursday, November 19 at 6pm at First Christian Church in Tyler, TX for our third annual PEACE MEAL. It's a great chance to gather with friends old and new in the spirit of peace, love and mutual understanding.
The meal will be catered by a local Tyler restaurant. The cost is $10 per person, but if cost is prohibitive and you want to attend, please let us know.
REGISTER AT THE FOLLOWING LINK: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/peace-meal-an-interfaith-gathering-tickets-2003168778741?aff=oddtdtcreator