Friday, January 27, 2012

Urban Leacture Series February 24-25


For Immediate Release

January 23, 2012

Contact for general information: Jennifer Dean, jdean@urbangracetacoma.org, 253-272-2184 x101

Contact for interviews: Kris Rocke, krocke@ctmnet.org, 253-988-1934 or Steve Lantry, slantry@stleoparish.org, 509-995-7483

For the second installment in the Urban Lecture Series “The Space Between,” sponsors Center for Transforming Mission, Immanuel Presbyterian, Northwest Leadership Foundation, Pacific Lutheran University’s Center for Community Engagement and Service, St. Leo Parish and Urban Grace are proud to present author, Anne Lamott, for two lectures on Friday, February 24th, 7:30pm at Urban Grace (902 Market Street) and Saturday, February 25th, 7:30pm at St. Leo Parish (710 S. 13th). Both lectures are free, but tickets are required. Go to www.urbangracetacoma.org to get your e-tickets or pick up printed tickets at Immanuel Presbyterian (909 N. J Street, 9:30am-4pm, Monday-Friday).

The goal of the Urban Lecture Series is to model conversations that build bridges of understanding and redemptive action between faith communities and the public square.  We do this on behalf of those who are most vulnerable.  We recognize that our culture is organized to polarize and push us to the edges of important issues, leaving the center vacant.  Edges are softened when centers are occupied with grace.  This is our hope – to engage life’s most demanding questions and the people pushed to the edges, by finding centers that hold.

We deal with topics related to faith, ethics and public life.  Our presenters are people who have demonstrated the ability to speak to life’s most demanding questions with grace, humor and prophetic insight. 

Each lecture is unique in its structure based on the availability of the presenter(s), and the material.  However, each lecture is designed to be a moveable feast involving catholic, protestant and other faith venues in the city as well as hosts who stand between traditions.  The venues we select reflect our commitment to building bridges across the accidental and artificial divides the so easily separate us. 

Lecture Hosts:  The Urban Lecture Series is hosted by a small group of faith communities and local organizations that are committed to seek peace in Tacoma. 

·         Center for Transforming Mission:  Mobilizes people from all walks of life to love and serve the urban poor and make tangible Jesus’ vision in Luke 4:18-19 in ways that bring peace.



·         Immanuel Presbyterian: Immanuel Presbyterian Church (IPC) is a Christian community where all are welcome. IPC is committed to the life of our city and acts out that commitment as it works with the arts community and works on behalf of those who are vulnerable and in need. We are a diverse community that values relationship and nourishes the heart and mind through music, silence, hands on mission and thoughtful reflection.



·         Northwest Leadership Foundation:  Exists to encourage, strengthen and develop leadership for the spiritual and social renewal of the city.



·         PLU’s Center for Community Engagement and Service: Fosters a culture of community engagement among students, faculty and staff through reflective academic service learning, meaningful co-curricular service and mutually beneficial community partnerships.



·         St. Leo Parish:  A Jesuit parish in the Catholic tradition centered in the Eucharist, enriched by diversity, committed to Gospel values, seeking to be Christ’s servant presence in the world, wishing to welcome the gifts of all in our quest for peace, justice, and non-violence.



·         Urban Grace Church:  An ecumenical church in downtown Tacoma that serves the city and its people by proclaiming the Good News of God’s love, grace, and justice revealed in Jesus Christ.