Writing can be a powerful tool for self-reflection, theological awakening, and the discernment needed to imagine and enact the kind of presence our society longs for. Come join Dr. Marilyn McEntyre, Dr. Craig Wong, and a team of writing facilitators, and practice crafting counter-narratives to the self-defeating stories and myths that serve to protect those in power rather than empowering the silenced and disempowered. NCB aspires to be a hope-producing “center for writing” and we invite you to join us.
This workshop is for all writers, whether you consider yourself a beginner or a seasoned veteran. Our hope is that the gathering will facilitate mutual learning and co-creativity. Just come with your pen or laptop and your desire to live faithfully in the world.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
Crafting a Counter Narrative mixes plenary sessions with writing exercises in smaller, facilitated breakouts.
9:00am | Welcome
9:15am | Counternarrative as Mission: What's at Stake? with Dr. Craig Wong
9:30am | Faithfully Reframing the Dominant Narratives - Part I with Dr. Marilyn McEntyre
10:45am | Writing Breakouts I, Reimagining, by faith... (choose one)
Vocation: How are we called to live in the world?
Role Models: Who are the heroes we look up to now?
Neighborhood: What can our communities look like?
Polity: How do we live the alternative to cultic nationalism?
Christian Ed: What and how must we teach?
12:00pm | Lunch Break
1:15pm | Faithfully Reframing the Dominant Narratives - Part II with Dr. Marilyn McEntyre
2:00pm | Writing Breakouts II, Reimagining, by faith... (choose one, see AM options)
3:15pm | Wrap-Up / Evaluation
WORKSHOP DETAILS
Registration: General $75 / "Living Lightly" $50 / Students $20
There will be a one-hour lunch break; visit one of many nearby restaurants or bring your own. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Please reach out to info@newcollegeberkeley.org with any workshop questions.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Dr. Marilyn McEntyre
Marilyn is an author, writing coach, and longtime professor of literature. She teaches in the Doctor of Ministry Program, “The Sacred Art of Writing,” at Western Theological Seminary and in the two-year program for Elders, “Forest Dwelling,” at the Oblate School of Theology, San Antonio, as well as conducting ongoing writing workshops through New College Berkeley. Her books include Caring for Words in a Culture of Lies; Speaking Peace in a Climate of Conflict; and most recently Start With a Word: On the Craft and Adventure of Writing (Eerdmans) and (with Anne Hawkins) As We Age: A Conversation (Wipf and Stock).
Dr. Craig Wong
Craig is the executive director of New College Berkeley (NCB) whose vision for the organization is shaped by his love of the Church, and his passion for its prophetic presence in the world. He has a DMin in the Sacred Art of Writing from the Eugene Peterson Center for the Christian Imagination, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, MI, where he also earned an MA in theology and biblical studies. He and his wife Tina raised a family of four children in the San Francisco Bay Area, where they continue to live and serve.