New Free Drop-in Discussion Series with
Root Quarterly and Gloria Dei, Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church
Tuesdays 2/20 - 3/26
7:00 - 8:30 p.m.
927 S. Water Street
Philadelphia, PA 19147
Join us for a free conversation series led by leadership at RQ and Old Swedes’ Episcopal Church to discuss the content of the magazine and related readings (and listenings!) on grief, solace, non-violence, conscientious objection, and more.
Light dinner will be available.
Drop in or RSVP for any session to
editor@rootquarterly.com
TUESDAYS 7 - 8:30 PM
2/20 - 3/26
TOPICS & QUESTIONS (FAQ’s BELOW!)
2/20
Series Welcome and Intro to ‘Societal Grief’
Experiencing mourning via music: The history ‘Requiem’ form with Old Swedes’ musical director Paul Fjeko and opening discussion. What is ‘social grief?’
2/27
Delving Deeper Into Grief
What is grief, how to we bear it, and how do we support those who are grieving?
3/5
Forgiveness
What is the relationship between forgiveness and memory? Are there limits on forgiveness? What is the science of forgiveness, and how can we learn to forgive?
3/12
Hope in Dark Places
How should we think about conscientious objection?
What are the limits of pacifism? How is vulnerability involved with hope?
3/19
Sabbath
We all need rest and reflection, but do we make time for it? Is there hope amid the relentless demands of the gig economy? What is sustainability or true self-care as a foundation for doing good work? Where do we find our sense of value and purpose? How do we think of time?
*Possible Musical Guest TBD*
3/26
Personal and Community Reflections
Writing Prompts & Closing Discussion
Who and what is the SOS series for?
Anyone who wants to join together to discuss what connects us rather than what divides us, be we artists, engineers, teachers, moms, shop owners, neighbors, or elders. Too often in this politically-polarized time, deeper conversations seem impossible and common ground seems unreachable. And yet, paradoxically, shared grief over the seemingly hopeless state of our country or larger world may provide a basis for conversation. In this discussion series, we will be coming together to talk about grief and some of the related big questions that every human being has to wrestle with at some point in their lives. It is our hope that these conversations can bring together people from a range of perspectives in the shared work of making sense of this world and our purposes in it.
What will we talk about?
In addition the general topics, we’ll be using music, poetry, philosophy, sacred texts, academic works and other material to locate us in a conversational territory.
How will it work?
We will provide any readings or resources you’ll need. In each session, we’ll introduce ideas and readings for full-group conversations, and may also do break out groups if there are enough people. We will also be using music as part of how we ground ourselves in conversation. (Come early for a 6-7 music meditation in the church sanctuary.) Some of the readings will come from content in Root Quarterly magazine, and authors or subjects of articles may at times join us. There will be optional readings in-between sessions.
Who is producing it?
This series is an organic collaboration between Root Quarterly and Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church, which both have an interest in how art, beauty, community, love, and deep conversation can help us have a better life together. Each partner has a group of people who have been involved in conversation to set the series up, and we’ll collaboratively facilitate the conversations. We will welcome group input and feedback to help us adjust as we go.
Do I have to be a subscribe or be a church member?
Not at all, and it’s free to come. Both secular and religious perspectives are welcome and encouraged, as are varied political viewpoints. While we may touch on politics, it’s our hope that we would orient ourselves in discussion together toward higher-level frames.
May I just listen?
You’re welcome to participate in whatever way you feel comfortable.
What’s it like there and what time again?
Old Swedes’ Church is located in the beautiful Queen Village neighborhood of South Philadelphia. Parking is available via the entrance to the church on Christian Street between Delaware and Front. There are beautiful grounds to walk, owned by the National Parks Service. The discussion series will take place from 7 - 8:30 in the side hall of Old Swedes’ church, and light refreshments will be available (this it he room we’ve held RQ events in before).
May I come early at 6 to walk around or join the music meditation group?
Yes! Directly before the discussion series, you are welcome to join people in the church sanctuary for a 6 - 7 musical meditation. The grounds are also open.
Do I have to come to all six sessions?
No. You may come whichever sessions feel most compelling to you.
May I bring others?
Yes! We hope you will. This is in part about building community. All are welcome.
COME ALL YE FAITHFUL!
We’re celebrating another great year with people who care about building community.
Join Root Quarterly staff, subscribers, contributors, and neighbors for a low-key August hangout at Philly PACK on August 6 to celebrate our summer issue “Higher Ground.” Limited beer and wine will be available by donation, and you can also BYOB. No agenda, just a low-key hang for the evening. We’ll definitely have a Stevie Wonder soundtrack, which means there may be random spurts of dancing.
Note: if you registered for this event and did not receive the link, please email ayarde@redpenarts.com for assistance. Registrants will receive the Zoom meeting link 24 hours prior to the event.
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Join RQ for a virtual discussion on Thursday, February 25th at 8:00 PM EST. This event will be a conversation between event moderator Conrad Benner and RQ featured artists Nile Livingston and Carole Loeffler (featured in the Winter 2020 issue, Apocalypse). The focus of this conversation is street art, particularly in Philadelphia, but will feature pieces and discussion from each artist and an opportunity for audience questions. Attendees will be emailed a Zoom meeting link 24 hours prior to event.
This event is free to all. Register here.
Note: if you registered for this event and did not receive the link, please email ayarde@redpenarts.com for assistance.
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Join RQ for a virtual discussion on Thursday, October 22nd at 8:00 PM EST. This event will be a conversation between RQ Contributing Editor Ginger Rudolph and featured artist Nicole Michaud. It will also feature a talkback and RQ update with Editor and Publisher Heather Shayne Blakeslee, as well as an opportunity to break out into small groups and meet other subscribers and supporters. Attendees will be emailed a Zoom meeting link 24 hours prior to the event.
This event is free to all. Register here.
Please join us on April 11 from 7 to 10 p.m. for a cocktail party at the Philadelphia Ethical Society to celebrate one year of Root Quarterly: Art and ideas from Philadelphia.
SPACE IS LIMITED, SO GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
General Admission: $45
We’ll have a short program from 7:30 - 8:15 featuring music and conversation with pianist and composer Sumi Tonooka, a display of designs from Nancy Volpe-Beringer, and plenty of time to enjoy lite bites, drinks, and conversation with fellow RQ subscribers, contributors, and sponsors, as well as the artists, makers, and business owners who have been featured in the first volume of RQ.
Sponsorships are available starting at $500; if you’re interested in supporting us with an event sponsorship, please contact us for information.
This event is also a fundraiser for RQ, and we welcome your tax-deductible donations beyond the ticket sales. Please visit our support page for ways to give. Checks should be made payable to “Root Quarterly of CultureTrust Greater Philadelphia” and can be brought to the event or mailed to:
CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Building
1315 Walnut Street, Suite 320
Philadelphia, PA 19107
RQ is pleased to present Eric Battle, the featured artist for our “Monsters” issue, in conversation with writer Ginger Rudolph at Amalgam Comics and Coffeehouse. Join us to hear more about Eric’s career, work, and to get your copy of RQ signed.
Welcome to RQ. Space is limited, so please sign up today to celebrate art and ideas from Philadelphia.
