I’ve been reflecting a bit lately on how “story shapes” often seem to have aspects in common, even across cultures and over long periods of time. I believe that saying “It’s all the same story” is an idea that comes with all kinds of problems, not the least of which is painting other peoples stories with our own brush – layering our biases onto other narratives. However, I also believe that we have enough in common as humans to use story shapes as a useful way of examining the narratives that matter to us personally. Our own stories, our own history if you will, are often near the top of that list. And often as not, our spiritual stories are a very important part of our personal narrative. These stories often work together to provide a lens through which we view the world; a story that we reference to try to make sense or meaning of what we are experiencing.

This Sunday morning we’re going to consider one relatively well known story shape and then use that shape to open a dialogue about our own stories. As is always the case at The Table, no one will be compelled to share anything, but the opportunity to do so will be part of our time time together. I’m looking forward to our conversation.

We’ll be gathering at Creative Manitoba, and the Kids Table crew will be back in their usual space.

A couple of “community calendar” reminders as well:

Sunday, December 2nd we’ll be gathering at the University of Winnipeg (in the castle). It’ll be like old times…

Sunday, December 23rd we won’t have a morning gathering because we’ll be gathering at Creative Manitoba in the evening for a potluck and Christmas celebration. Whoop! Put a party emoji in your phone and plan to be there.

I’ll see you on Sunday.

Peace,