The Oak Tree

A Seminar Series

March 16, 2017

We at the Oak Tree believe in inclusive and constructive conversations that can help us see the world in a more discerning light.  We developed Engaging Conversations out of the longing of people of all beliefs, creeds, and values to openly discuss current local, national and world events in light of our fundamental values.  It is a time of reflection, creative thinking, open dialogue, and clarification.

​

Topics that we’ve discussed have varied widely.  We announce topics on our Facebook page during the week, based on current events. As a result, topics tend to have to do with social justice issues. We often find that the topic we’ve planned on discussing leads the group into all kinds of intriguing side trips.  We’ve discussed women’s rights, LGBTQ issues, economics, immigration, healthcare, social and political processes, and a host of others.

Whatever your beliefs or opinions, we welcome everyone interested in engaging these topics.  We come with a spirit of openness, friendliness and integrity. We are committed to maintaining this a safe place to explore views together. So we require the conversation to be respectful of everyone who participates.

Come and contribute your questions and your thoughts  as we work together for deeper understandings of how our values interact with public events!

​

This event occurs every Thursday night at 6:30 PM at Liberty Park UMC over the course of 4 weeks (March 16th-April 6th).  See our Facebook event for details...

Discussing our Views, Challening our Assumptions, and Clarifying our Beliefs

March 12, 2017

We at the Oak Tree believe in inclusive and constructive conversations that can help us see the world in a more discerning light.  We developed Engaging Conversations out of the longing of people of all beliefs, creeds, and values to openly discuss current local, national and world events in light of our fundamental values.  It is a time of reflection, creative thinking, open dialogue, and clarification.

​

Topics that we’ve discussed have varied widely.  We announce topics on our Facebook page during the week, based on current events. As a result, topics tend to have to do with social justice issues. We often find that the topic we’ve planned on discussing leads the group into all kinds of intriguing side trips.  We’ve discussed women’s rights, LGBTQ issues, economics, immigration, healthcare, social and political processes, and a host of others.

​

Whatever your beliefs or opinions, we welcome everyone interested in engaging these topics.  We come with a spirit of openness, friendliness and integrity. We are committed to maintaining this a safe place to explore views together. So we require the conversation to be respectful of everyone who participates.

Come and contribute your questions and your thoughts as we work together for deeper understandings of how our values interact with public events!

​

This event occurs every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at The Lantern Tap House in the Perry District of Spokane.  For more information related to time, place, and topic of this week, please visit our Facebook page below.

Sharing Our Stories to Relate to the Big Picture

April 02, 2017

The Oak Tree is reviving our tradition of gathering monthly for Story Sharing. We believe that story sharing is an effective counter to the current highly charged, divisive, political climate. Story Sharing is an often neglected art which has the ability to bring people together into a nurturing community. Our Story Sharing will have an intentional structure designed for this goal.

Through a strategic sharing of one person’s story each month, we will build community through stronger relationships. The Story Teller will share their personal story and reflect on how it intersects with our public story. Through this practice of strategic story sharing, we will learn how ‘big events out there’ – federal legislation, international treaties, political movements – have affected our personal lives. 

Once we understand the political significance of our stories, they become the foundation of realizing what needs to change, and motivating us to come together and work for those changes. As we share the personal events in our stories we come to know and understand one another and build stronger community.

Following sharing by the Story Teller, the group will explore how the themes shared impacted their own lives. We will be invited to think more deeply about the intersection of the private and the public/civic/political. 

Our time together will include a Potluck...so bring a dish, some fruit or veggies, or non-alcoholic beverage to share with the group if you'd like (not required). There will be stove, oven and outlets for crockpots for hot food if you need it.

Let's build a stronger community together through strategically sharing our stories!!

​

This event occurs on the first Sunday of every month at 6:30 PM.  It is located at Liberty Park United Methodist Church in the Perry District of Spokane. Visit our Facebook page for more information.

10:00AM - 4:00PM

April 22, 2017

This year’s Earth Day will be celebrated in Spokane’s Riverfront Park. The Earthday Spokane mission is to raise environmental awareness, celebrate our planet and its natural resources, and promote sustainable, healthy living for people of all walks of life. We invite you to have some food, listen to music, stop by our vendor table, make a mask to wear in the Procession of the Species and much more.  The Oak Tree will have a combined booth with The Grove Community.