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 2022-23 is 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 along the way. Previous years' experience helps us hone our facilitation of this space, but we are still young and the Spirit likes to keep us on our toes. There is a good degree of 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. We open and close on a Saturday, with the remainder of our sessions held on Wednesday evenings. The schedule is subject to change as the situation calls for (see schedule here). As noted, our core meetings are held on Wednesday evenings for 2 1/2 hours. Our cohort is set up in contemplatively-based small groups of 3 or 4 people with the support of a facilitator. Small group engagement is based on a model developed by Shalem Institute for doing group spiritual accompaniment. Participants will be invited to outside activity being sensitive to people's often busy lives. Our schedules are posted within "Our Gatherings" A list of schedules is listed under our gatherings Contemplation at the Core and More... While our Loving the Questions are devoted to small group work around prayerful listening to God and one another, we will also offer coincidental explorations for participants to consider the implementations of the gifts they may be recognizing anew. These explorations are very specifically targeted in one instance for those considering holy orders in the Episcopal Church (priesthood or diaconate). More widely we will offer an initial exploration into the endless possibilities of (lay) ministry in the Church and the world. We also want to support and encourage participants with resources and tools such as spiritual coaching and 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 connection as well. That 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 demands humility, vulnerability and openness — a place where soul can show up and safely participate without judgement by others. This format is not for everyone. Sometimes the heart is not ready for the kind of vulnerability and openness that this spaces 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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