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TJMC-UU FRIDAY EVENING COVENANT GROUP 11-21-03

FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY

DINNER 6:30-7:15 (45 minutes)

CHALICE LIGHTING & OPENING WORDS (1 minute) - Ralph Helverson

--Deep in our selves resides the religious impulse. Out of the passions of our clay it rises.

--We have religion when we stop deluding ourselves that we are self-sufficient, self-sustaining, or self-derived.

--We have religion when we hold some hope beyond the present, some self-respect beyond our failures.

--We have religion when our hearts are capable of leaping up at beauty, when our nerves are edged by some dream in the heart.

--We have religion when we have an abiding gratitude for all that we have received.

--We have religion when we look upon people with all their failings and still find in them good;

--When we look beyond people to the grandeur in nature and to the purpose in our own heart.

--We have religion when we have done all that we can, and then in confidence entrust ourselves to the life that is larger than ourselves.

CHECK-IN (8 minutes)

What has been going on for me since we met last, and how am I doing right now?

TOPIC (56 minutes): FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY

First round, 3-4 minutes each with Talking Stick. Next round open, w/principles in mind:

SPIRITUALITY.

What feels transcendent or perhaps mystical to you?

What do you think about when you ponder nature, the universe, or existence?

Do you feel linked to something beyond your life?

FAITH.

What allows hope in the midst of worry or suffering?

Who have you known who has that spark?

Have you had or do you have it?

Has it ever been snuffed out, then rekindled?

CHECK-OUT (5 minutes)

How was this meeting for you? What will you "take away" until we meet again?

CLOSING WORDS (1 minute) -Whittier

A bending staff I would not break,
A feeble faith I would not shake,
Nor even rashly pluck away
The error which some truth may stay,
Whose loss might leave the soul without
A shield against the shafts of doubt.

(extinguish Chalice)

HOUSEKEEPING (5 minutes)

1) Who hosts next meeting?

2) Issues? Needs?

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COVENANT GROUPS--PRINCIPLES REVIEW

1. Respect the Talking "Stick". One person at a time, no interruptions, comments, questions during check-in and first round of sharing on topic. After the first round, conversation can flow, or if anyone wants to, we can pick up the Stick again. Why the Stick? It helps check the extrovert, and supports the shy.

2. "I" Statements. Make "I" statements whenever possible. (I feel, I thought, I noticed…instead of "you…")

3. Active Listening. Focus on deep, receptive listening from your heart. (The opposite? Listening with one ear while your mind races to analyze, formulate a response, your next comment, a "solution", etc.)

4. Double Confidentiality. A) Respect our Covenant to privacy for shared information and don't share it outside the group. B) Don't bring up the subject with this member outside the group, for example in coffee hour, without first asking, "do you mind if I say something about what you brought up in Covenant Group?" (Remember: it's okay to say "Sure, I feel like talking." And it's just as okay to say, "Thanks, but I'd rather save it.")

5. Avoid advice-giving.

--May ask clarifying questions

--Speaker may ask for advice (but if s/he doesn't specifically say this, don't give it)

6. Share time. So everyone who wishes to may speak.

7. Holding Silences. Let something deep or sensitive settle into your heart for a few moments, rather than rushing to respond, soothe, or echo.

8. Covenant. Commit to come regularly, commit to care and share, commit to enjoy.