Who was Jim Sell, and what is the Jim Sell Community Conversation?
Named in loving memory of our former Rector, the Rev. Jim Sell, this yearly keynote event honors his deep passion for bringing people together to discuss topics that truly make a difference.
Typically held as a free event on a Saturday evening in the early fall, the JSCC usually features a one-hour lecture or moderated discussion. In past years, we’ve welcomed inspiring voices like theologian Pádraig Ó Tuama and author Margaret Renkl to speak on broad-interest topics ranging from the arts to environmental stewardship. We invite you to join us in honoring Fr. Jim’s legacy. Keep an eye out for updates on our next exciting keynote speaker!
Jim Sell served as Rector of Christ & St. Luke’s from 1990 to 2005. This service was bookended by his earlier work with Episcopal communities in West Virginia and New Jersey in the 1970s and 1980s and his “retirement” career as an interim rector, consultant, and mentor at parishes in Maryland, New Jersey, Connecticut, and back home in Virginia.
Jim lived a long, full life that was enriched by the people in his community. This included his family, friends, colleagues, and parishioners, as well as neighbors, community leaders, and really anyone else with whom he may have crossed paths. On the eve of his 80th birthday, he passed away peacefully in his sleep. Earlier in the day, he shared his reasons for being an Episcopalian. You can read the full document here.
“I rely on my fellow worshipers to honor me with their tolerance, kindness and generosity of spirit. I trust that they are engaging in the same interior dialogue with God that I am. We may end up with different answers to our most pivotal questions and, surprise of surprises, we can affirm the validity of all of our quests.”
Mission
We believe in the idea that small actions can have large effects, and so we hope that these community conversations inspire other conversations to flourish. All are invited to the table, to sit together, to learn from one another, and to “go forth into the world, rejoicing in the power of the Spirit.”
Click here to purchase a copy of Jim Sell’s memoir, Learning to Live.
Your Invitation to Join the Conversation
In honor of Jim Sell’s memory, we invite you to join the conversation and share in bringing this mission to life. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to this fund. You can give online here. You will need to select Jim Sell Community Conversations Fund from the drop down menu (see the image below).
A check can also be mailed to Christ & St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 560 W. Olney Road, Norfolk, VA, 23507 and include “Jim Sell Community Conversations Fund” in the memo line.
Past Speakers
Margaret Renkl
Environmental Stewardship
Christ & St. Luke’s recently hosted our annual Jim Sell Community Conversation, a ministry dedicated to fostering respectful dialogue around difficult issues while promoting growth and change. The topic of this year’s conversation was environmental stewardship, particularly proper given that the Hampton Roads region faces the daily realities of climate change and sea level rise.
Our featured guest was Margaret Renkl, award-winning author of “The Comfort of Crows” and other works, and a contributing opinion writer on flora, fauna, politics and culture in the American South for the New York Times. In conversation with Fr. Noah, Ms. Renkl offered a reflection on finding meaning, combating loneliness, and cultivating hope amidst the overwhelming realities of the climate crisis.
You can read more about the conversation and watch a video of it here.
Pádraig Ó Tuama
Environmental Stewardship
The topic of our 2024 conversation was how to maintain community amidst divisive times, focusing on the importance of keeping dialogue open even with those we deeply disagree with. Our featured guest was Pádraig Ó Tuama, a renowned Irish poet, theologian, and peace-building facilitator known for his extensive work in reconciliation and his podcast, Poetry Unbound. In conversation with Fr. Noah, Ó Tuama offered profound, moving reflections on navigating conflict, the power of art and imagination, and the necessity of choosing creative collaboration over the predictable violence of polarization.
You watch a video of the conversation here.
