In these times of deep divisions – in our families and politics, and even in our own hearts – there are few things that all of us can agree on. One of the most powerful ways to bring people together is around food.

That is why, as part of our annual Winter Retreat 2020: Bridging the Gap, we are hosting a potluck at the Homestead, and bringing Professor Bill Simpson to share with us about his recent trip to Egypt, and to facilitate a delicious discussion on Bridging the Gap.

I met Professor Simpson just over two years ago, when he started coming to our community meditation classes in Black Hawk. We immediately connected having a shared experience living as monastics. (Myself as a Buddhist Nun for three years, and Bill as a Trappist Monk for two.)

Bill Simpson taught in the Metropolitan State University for twenty years before retiring in 2014. After retiring he built a small off-grid cabin in Gilpin County where he spends two nights a week in solitude. Bill has practiced meditation (principally Zen) since high school and as a young man spent two years as a Trappist monk. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Colorado at Boulder and a law degree from the University of London (England). Bill still teaches one course a semester at Metro and researches and publishes on Neoaristotelianism and the later work of Thomas Merton.

We are calling this potluck event an “Agape Feast” – invoking the ancient tradition of sharing communal meals and the Greek word “Agape” which means “divine love.” Wikipedia introduces the concept of agape in contrast to “philia”, brotherly love, and “philautia”, self-love; “agape” transcends any conditional love, and is a love reflecting that which is constant, innate, and universal.

The lovefeast seeks to strengthen the bonds and the spirit of harmony, goodwill, and congeniality, as well as to forgive past disputes and instead love one another.

You are cordially invited to join us for this free community event Thursday, February 13th from 4-6 pm at the Holistic Homestead, 972 Golden Gate Canyon Rd. Black Hawk, Colorado (at the top of Highway 46 in the Professional Building). This non-denominational event is open to all faiths, beliefs, philosophies, and creeds. Please bring a dish to share!