Our Gatherings |
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What will we do?
What will I need? |
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What we do together....
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Loving the Questions 2024-25 will be held virtually via Zoom, and runs from September through March.
Each year brings a new group of participants with their own unique desires, needs and questions. A core guiding spiritual principle is that none of us know exactly where the Spirit is leading, participants or facilitators. Thus, we are on a path of discovery together, and much of how we engage and what we include is up to what the Spirit reveals to the unique mix of individuals that gather in community each year. We also pay close attention to previous years' experiences to help us hone facilitation of our current community of discernment. In short, we honor the reality of our unknowing and acknowledgement of "un-mastery" as we come together - we do our best to respect and honor that. The Core Meetings We will hold 14 bi-monthly sessions that run from September through March. The schedule is subject to change as the situation calls for (see schedule here). We open with a weekend workshop, but the main work of discernment in community is carried out in small groups on Wednesday evenings twice a month. These contemplatively-based small groups comprise 3 or 4 people with the support of a facilitator. Our small group process is based on a group spiritual direction model developed by our partner, Shalem Institute. Contemplation at the Core and More... In addition to our core sessions, we will also offer coincidental explorations for participants to consider the implementations of the gifts they may be recognizing anew. These explorations are specifically targeted in one instance for those considering holy orders in the Episcopal Church (priesthood or diaconate). More widely, we will offer an explorations into the endless possibilities of (lay) ministry in the Church and the world. We support and encourage participants with opportunities to continue in small group spiritual direction (upon the close of our seven-month journey), spiritual coaching, and/or one-on-one spiritual direction/accompaniment. |
What you'll Need |
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Our format is twofold. First, it is virtual format and requires a Zoom-enabled device that includes an Internet connection.
Second, the format is spiritual, which requires a certain type of connection as well. This connection could be defined in a threefold manner: 1) connection to God; 2) connection to one another; and 3) connection to yourself. The overall connection is one that calls for humility, vulnerability and openness — a place where one's soul can show up and safely participate without judgment by others. This format is not for everyone. Sometimes the heart is not ready for the degree of vulnerability and openness that this space invites us into. If you are unsure of your readiness, or simply wish to inquire about our community in more detail, do not hesitate to reach out to us. |
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Loving the Questions
sponsored by the Episcopal Diocese of Western Massachusetts in partnership with the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts www.diocesewma.org www.diomass.org |
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Retreats
Opening Workshop, Saturday Sept 18th Midway Retreat, Jan 8th Closing Retreat, Mar 4th-5th More information about retreats will be posted as plans are finalized and Covid factors are considered |
Zoom Meetings
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