Finding Common Ground

I’m getting a massage this afternoon, and I am already thinking about what Disney Plus shows/movies I’ve watched recently because my massage therapist, Britney, LOVES Disney Plus. I have had a stronger relationship with her because we’ve compared notes of what we’ve watched recently.

The same concept applies when I visit Verve Hair Salon. While she trims my hair, Julie and I talk about what we’ve read lately, discussing good plot, character development, or even the drama that surrounds some book releases.

As I think about these experiences, what I’m really seeking (besides a good massage/haircut), and what I think Britney and Julie are looking for is a connection, some common ground. We’re finding a shared space to talk about something we have both experienced: reading the same book, watching the same documentary. And we find that our relationship strengthens when we talk about our shared experience, even if we don’t agree with each other about it (Britney LOVES Marvel movies and I haven’t quite caught her fervor. Yet.).

I think this concept of shared experience is what excites me the most about March 25^th and 26^th. Some of you know I work for The Carver Project (TCP), a nonprofit ministry based around Washington University with ties (faculty fellows, staff, board members) to Central. TCP’s mission is to empower Christian faculty and students to serve and connect university, church, and society. We build bridges across divides that are not ordinarily crossed, and March 25^th and 26^th will hopefully succeed in drawing a diverse audience together for a common experience.

On Friday night March 25^th, for our 4^th annual Carver Conversation, TCP welcomes Wheaton professor and public theologian Esau McCaulley, author/teacher/speaker Beth Moore, and artist/singer/author/ Andrew Peterson in conversation with TCP Executive Director and Washington University Professor of English Abram Van Engen around the theme of “Sojourners and Citizens.” We look forward to discussing themes of belonging, citizenship, community, patriotism, and what it means to live on earth in light of the Kingdom of God. TCP finds success in serving as a neutral convenor, and we know that this topic will surface many questions on which attendees will likely not agree. But we believe in the conversation, and that we will form stronger relationships for having the experience together.

If you know any of these guest panelists, you know each one could command their own event and fill a church. TCP’s hope is that putting several leaders together for an unscripted discussion will yield an intriguing conversation that any one of them individually could not generate. In the past, this event has drawn an audience from across churches in Saint Louis (and beyond), serving as a neutral convening space for Christians (and non-Christians, to be honest) to explore important issues and build deeper relationships. Please consider joining us -- the event will be held at Third Baptist Church across from the Fox Theater on Grand & Washington. Tickets are free, but registration is required and seating is limited.

This year, we are extending the spirit of The Carver Conversation by co-sponsoring Andrew Peterson in concert with Central Presbyterian Church on Saturday March 26^th. According to his website, for over 20 years, “Andrew Peterson has been about the business of quietly changing lives in four-minute increments.” His fans love his folk rock, blue grass, country gospel, blues-y music informed by his Christian faith, his love for the process of art making, and his deep respect for Rich Mullins. Many have enjoyed his Behold the Lamb Christmas concert and tour; in addition, Peterson has written several books (most recently, The God of The Garden), including the Wingfeather series for young adults. He is an incredible storyteller. 

TCP is thrilled to partner with Central to host this incredible show in our sanctuary.  Our choir has sung Peterson’s “Is He Worthy” several times, and his tour producers assure us that the song will be on his set list for March 26. Trust me – even if you’ve never heard of Andrew Peterson, you will want to be at this concert. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.

Central is my church home, and sometimes I find myself wishing for more points of connection here. Our goal for March 25 and 26 is to build deeper relationship among the Christian community here in Saint Louis, but also here at Central Presbyterian Church. Jesus is our common ground, and our prayer is that these events will draw you closer to Him, but also closer to each other. Won’t you come along? 

For more information about the concert, or to purchase tickets click here.

To register for The Carver Conversation, click here.