Louise Cummings

West kelowna, British Columbia

Canada

Profile Information:

How did you learn about Art of Hosting (please add the date and place) and what attracted you to it?
I met Chris Corrigan when he did some work as a consultant for the United Church of Canada in my region. I love the organic, positive approach to calling people together in releasing new life in the world.
Tell us about your experience with Art of Hosting as part of your life and work. What would you say your competence in it is? (new, starting practitioner, experienced practitioner, steward)
I am part of a group that began to practice hosting conversations in October 2009, I have participated in several Art of Hosting gatherings on Bowen Island in October 2010 and January 2012.
Now I am taking my learnings into work in the Okanagan region of British Columbia, as I begin ministry with a congregation facing into a time of major transition.
What is the primary field/topic/focus in your hosting work?
My hosting work is focussed in the United Church of Canada right now, helping congregations discover new ways to "be" church.
Where do you live/work?
West Kelowna, B.C., Canada

Comment Wall:

  • Amanda Fenton

    Louise - I thought of you when I read this excerpt from Calling the Circle:

     

    There is a church congregation I know of (the pastor participated in one of our Circle Practicums) where factions had developed and the pastor felt isolated, watching this fracturing from the pulpit, not able to help. One Sunday she announced, “The vision I think we share is that of a faith community. We aren’t fulfilling that vision particularly well, and I think my standing up here every week isn’t helping. So I’m coming down into the circle. I invite us to reconvene as the early Christians did, to believe that the Christ Light will work through each of us if we come into spiritual council.” That afternoon they held a circle of eighty parishioners, with one talking piece and the commitment to listen to every voice in the community. One of the women on the church board served as guardian, providing space for silence, prayer, and bathroom breaks. They were able to experience refuge, even in the midst of dissension and difficulty. The church is now doing fine.

     

    Hope you are well!

     

    Feb 8, 2011