What is JADE?
JADE is a ministry of presence, working primarily with those outside the walls of the church. It is a “fresh expression” of church, an emergent ecclesial experiment in the radical truth of the gospel. Rather than being parish-based, JADE orients itself primarily toward the Rainbow Tribe: spiritual seekers, radical activists, the lgbtt community, young people in search of meaning and love, artists, oppressed minorities, greenspiritualists, and those many varieties of beautiful people who have felt shut out of traditional Christianity for a myriad of different reasons. JADE proceeds on the assumption that the Spirit of God is alive and well, and moving in surprising and powerful ways among this unique constellation of communities.
What does JADE do?
- monthly Sacred Circles … gatherings in churches and other venues for experiments in worship, reflection, spiritual practice, music, art, community, and justice-making-
- Ministry of Presence … spiritual companionship, solidarity, and pastoral and ritual care among the Rainbow Tribe
- Incubation of Sacred Arts … creation of original music, imagery, poetry, craft, liturgy, spoken word, film, podcasting, street art, sacred theatre … in tandem with the revitalization of ancient forms of spiritual practice such as prayer, meditation, fasting, beads, incense, labyrinths, chanting … anything to help our people go deeper into relationship with Spirit, self, neighbour, and Earth
Who is JADE?
The core ministers in JADE are Emily Carr and Shawn Sanford Beck. But as a ministry collective, JADE is open to collaboration with other priests, pastors, and lay leaders (young and old), and seeks to cultivate partnerships with parishes in the diocese, ecumenical companions, and other organizations in the community.
When will JADE begin?
JADE begins now, with the planting of the seed and the blessing of the bishop. We want to spend the next 9 months incubating this idea, watering the seed, experimenting with several projects and gatherings, praying, refining our strategy, building support and anticipation. Then, come Pentecost 2012, we will launch the project officially.
