The Glen Waverley Uniting Church PSALTER|
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| #acl All:read = Glen Waverley Uniting Church – Future Directions = At the Congregational Meeting on 1 Jul 2013 it was agreed that all church groups set aside time in their meetings to participate in becoming more a Community of Love and to grow their Spirituality. How may this happen? == Deep personal reflection and sharing of joys and concerns (approx 10/15 mins). == This is an unstructured time of sharing in threes or fours about personal cares or concerns which are on our minds and which we choose to share. It is an opportunity to get to know one another better at a deeper level as fellow Christians, and may lead for some to praying for others in new ways. Also this deeper sharing can enable us to develop a better understanding of needs and preferences, and result in our showing more respect, empathy and tolerance. In any group there will be occasional disagreements, but a firm base of mutual love and respect may enable us to work through differences without resorting to inappropriate behaviours. == Interactive and reflective group Bible study (approx 10/15 mins). == Groups may choose any Bible study method and any Bible passage they prefer. But please note the word “Interactive”. One person is not to lead by telling about his/her meaning from the passage; instead everyone is invited to talk and tell what occurs for them as they read the passage. The 2013 Future Direction Steering Committee prefers a method called “Lectio Divina”. It comes from early Christian practice. The following notes about the Lectio Divina method are loosely based on pps 33-41 of “The Art of Spiritual Listening” by Alice Fryling, used by our Lenten Study group. We all respond to Bible readings differently, seeing different truths and relevance in them. We may read the Bible in a way that focuses on facts, context and guidelines, and we may read Scriptures to be transformed by God and our interaction with the Spirit of God. Lectio Divina invites a personal, contemplative and open interaction with God. Lectio Divina is usually described in six steps: 1. Silencio –a short period of silence before reading, letting go of other thoughts, welcoming God. 1. Lectio – reading the verses, at least once aloud and once slowly and silently. 1. Meditatio – the time of thinking about what the passage says, its context/people/story/message. 1. Oratio – responding by telling God about the feelings and emotions you had as you read. 1. Contemplatio – listening to God, being in God’s presence, resting in God’s grace and truth. 1. Incarnatio – acknowledging any ways that God might be transforming you or guiding your spirit. into some new understanding. Is there an invitation from God to receive more grace, to embrace a new truth, or to take action in a particular area of your life? We think you will be delighted and amazed with the sharing that will place. Each person’s responses will trigger new responses in others. Some will focus on single words, others on verses. Lectio Divina allows God to speak to us in a personal way through the Scriptures. In the Church Office there are sheets available with nine suggested scripture passages on them. Select the passage you prefer for your group and photocopy one for each person who may come along. It is important for all present to have a copy so they can think deeply about whatever is touching their hearts as they read it. ''Need more help?'' Rev. Brace Bateman, a retired minister amongst us, has offered to assist groups to get started. Ph. 9807 3941 Prepared by Margaret Fraser, 24 Jul 2013 ---- CategorySalt |