It's August, and I'm still thinking about America250 over here. One of the freedoms outlined in the Bill of Rights (adopted to the US Constitution in 1791), in particular: That Congress shall make no law against a peaceable assembly of citizens. One of America’s superpowers is the right to assemble. We often think about that in political terms (I’m sadly thinking of riots; but rebellion against real oppression can bring forth goodness, too, I think). Assembly can also be more demure– a lecture of interest, a bookclub, a sporting competition. It is the physical manifestation of association– which is typically noted as the connecting or linking of ideas. So, we associate and we assemble.
The Cottage!
We are here mostly agreeing on the idea that we need human connection to thrive (to survive?). We are here mostly agreeing that we need to get work done– we need to contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
We are here, in person, together, sharing this space. We’ve assembled here. Next, we can share our weekend plans, and our KPI, ROI, or API. We can share our observations of development in the neighborhood, and our hopes, fears, and goals over lunch. And in this sharing, we create the opportunity to associate more. The superpower of America is its emphatic call to recognize human dignity through that first amendment. This is how we can build a culture– here at the Cottage we’re recalling beauty, goodness, and truth to live well. The Cottage is meant to be a place to get work done, and also to associate with one another over ideas, dreams, and common interests. This is good practice for a free society. Let’s not let that muscle atrophy!
On that note, I’ll invite you to consider coming to watch films with us in September (see below)-- exploring culture through moving pictures! Or stop into Roots for Open Mic Night (listening to human expression through song). Or pop over to St. Mary's Church for the International Festival (eating and dancing your way through cultures). So many ways for potential association and assembly!
If our culture congregates in more virtual spaces, rather than assembling in body, physically, we risk outsourcing our superpower of coming together (inherent to human nature) to a disembodied avatar. We build a culture through a filtered, mediated simulacre of reality. Thank goodness for the Cottage to re-member us in reality, and the human assembly.
A POEM FOR AUGUST
MOVIE NIGHTS
Thursdays at 7pm
Starting in September
Years ago, when human connection was not deemed essential, Mallory and Kate invited a few friends and family over to watch movies and chat about them afterward. It was informal. It was relaxing. It let us expound upon themes, characters, and cinematographic choices. It usually included dinner beforehand. The movies gave us a reason to gather– the conversation kept us planning more. We’re rekindling movie night in that spirit. Clear your Thursday evenings come September. We’ll make space to take in the culture-making medium of film.
Do you have an upcoming event to share, please email us (hello@cottageonturner.com) by the third Thursday of the month to be included in the upcoming month’s newsletter.
429 Turner Ave NW Grand Rapids, MI 49504-6900, United States
