the thirteenth step

I am starting a new community in my area soon. I am calling it the "thirteenth step" for various reasons. my time at the east coast gathering convicted me something fierce and it's time to respond to it this time. i've run from it for about 10 years, or more...

i posted about it at length here: http://notes-from-offcenter.com/2010/05/03/the-thirteenth-step/

looking for continued discussion about location, what to do at the first meeting, etc. that kind of conversation might be more useful here, but the conversation on my blog has been kind of about the theory behind it all.

i would love to see your thoughts on both and in both places! i am really scavenging for ideas that work based on other lessons learned.

i am thinking of starting out with something informal, but i have greater ambitions in mind for deep spiritual formation and discipline along with education and deep listening/conversation. the most radical bit is that i am opening it to anyone...it's not exclusively christian in order to cast a wide net to those who are more or less spiritual seekers who do not want to be encumbered by religion and dogma.

we are not a coffee house kind of area, but the bars are a plenty.i am concerned that if we gather at bars it will be strange for people who might be in recovery from addiction. but i can't do it at a church since that defeats a lot of the very purpose of the group. paying for a meeting place might be a bit tricky at the start...

so looking for practical advice here. hit me up!

thanks.