“Second Saturday” conversations began in fall of 2018 in Bend, Oregon exploring Christianity in the 21st Century. These conversations were facilitated by The Rev. Canon Marianne Borg and The Very Rev. Bill Ellis, both retired Episcopal clergy. These sessions encourage a deeper and broader understanding of Christianity and its place and contribution in this “post-modern world.” Year one Second Saturday Conversation was entitled Into the Deep. Year two, Doubts and Loves. Audio recordings of those sessions are available here.
In March 2020 COVID-19 determined that our in-person meetings were no longer viable. In April Bill Ellis died unexpectedly not COVID related. A personal note. Bill Ellis was a colleague and also a friend of Marianne’s. Their collaborative effort was visibly fun and freeing for them both. Second Saturday exceeded their expectations and attracted wide interest and participation from hearty and spirited followers. His death was a shock for all. And an immeasurable loss.
In memory and honor of Bill Ellis we continue the conversation. In September 2020 The Rev. Canon Marianne Borg reconvened Second Saturday Conversation on ZOOM. The title for this academic year is Going Home to Another Way. Those sessions are video recordings and are available here as well.
We use listening guidelines provided by Listening Hearts Ministries. By request we post those here. We highly recommend them.
Second Saturday Conversations are available for free. Contributions to the Marcus J. Borg Foundation make this program offering possible.
Author and theologian Michael Morwood spoke at a June 2018 event about “Seeing Jesus through a 21st Century Lens.” Many wanted the opportunity to continue this kind of conversation. Please listen to our conversation below. Part 1 Part 2
Bend Group Discussion – April 13, 2010 Read More »
Author and theologian Michael Morwood spoke at a June 2018 event about “Seeing Jesus through a 21st Century Lens.” Many wanted the opportunity to continue this kind of conversation. Please listen to our conversation below. Part 1 Part 2
Bend Group Discussion – March 9, 2019 Read More »
Marianne opens by admitting that mysticism is often a divisive topic. Additionally the various liturgical seasons are reflected in the annual seasons that happen each year. January is marked by epiphany. Epiphany means to reveal or the sudden manifestation or
Bend Group Discussion-Mysticism- January 12th Read More »
Marianne suggests that the seasonal liturgical landscape in some ways reflects the physical landscape and our own internal landscape. In the Christian tradition you have advent in the middle of winter which represents the beginning of a new year.
Bend Group Discussion, Winter Landscape and Unpacking Christmas Stories- December 8 Read More »
Marianne opens the discussion referencing a recent talk that discussed that right now is an important and pivotal time for Christianity, humanity and the planet. She goes on to talk about Progressive Christianity and some of the foundational understandings
Bend Group Discussion, What is Progressive Christianity? Nov 10 Read More »
Get the most recent updates and invites for our Second Saturday Conversations.