Open Tables June 2022 Cohort 3

Open Tables, a program launched in the summer of 2019, aims to build substantive relationships among our diverse congregations through fellowship and food.

We are so pleased you'll be joining us on Thursday, June 16, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Christ Episcopal Church.

Your cohort is made up of members of Christ Church (Episcopal), Myers Park Baptist and Temple Beth El.  (We are also actively recruiting a fourth congregation.) We expect this to be a rich community!

Please review the conversation guidelines below before you come. Other than that, all you need to do is show up ready to be authentic and curious.

• Be curious and listen to understand. Conversation is as much about listening as it is about talking. You might enjoy exploring how others’ experiences have shaped their values and perspectives.
• Show respect and suspend judgment. People tend to judge one another. Setting judgement aside opens you up to learning from others and makes them feel respected and appreciated. Try to truly listen, without interruption or crosstalk.
• Note any common ground as well as any differences. Look for areas of agreement or shared values that may arise and take an interest in the differing beliefs and opinions of others.
• Be authentic and welcome that from others. Share what’s important to you. Speak from your experience. Be considerate of others who are doing the same.
• Be purposeful and to the point. Do your best to keep your comments concise and relevant to the question you are answering. Be conscious of sharing airtime with other participants.
• Own and guide the conversation. Take responsibility for the quality of your participation and the conversation as a whole. Be proactive in getting yourself and others back on track if needed. Use an agreed upon signal like the “time out” sign if you feel the agreements are not being honored.

Want to some more help understanding the “why” behind each agreement?  Click here to unpack the Conversation Agreements.