Sharing our faith journey (4)

Introduction & Welcome (1 min.)

Purpose: To discuss the importance of sharing our Spiritual Autobiography

I. Opening Prayer (5 min.)

Grace:  To recognize God’s loving presence in our lives through the various experiences and people that have shaped us on our spiritual journeys.

Use the grace and the suggested scripture above to create your own prayer, or use CLC Opening Prayer.

Note:  Ask for a volunteer to lead opening and closing prayers for the next meeting.

II. Check-In (5 min.)

Invite members to share some of the high and low points of the week.  This check-in is meant to ease the group into reconnecting and reflecting on their experiences and it should be brief.

• • What were some of your high and low points of the week?

III.  Focus Exercise (40 min.)

Materials Needed:  CLC supply box (CLC journal booklets, papers, pens, etc.).  All handouts are in the CLC Journal booklets.   

Introduction

Remind members about the process

• 1. Length:  15-20 minutes.  After each person has shared, feel free to comment or ask questions for clarification or further conversation.  The purpose is to help the person deepen his/her own experiences.

  2. Confidentiality:  remind members that the sharing one’s faith journey is sacred and challenging.  What is shared stays in this room.

Sharing 

Invite members to share

After a member of the group has shared his or her spiritual biography, invite the members into a few moments of silence.  Invite them to reflect upon the following questions:

• •  What struck you about the community member’s sharing? What is remaining with you?

  • Are there areas where you are left with further questions or clarifications?

  • Are there particular themes or patterns that you noticed that may be helpful to share?

  • Are there any comments or questions that you could offer that might help deepen a community member’s reflection?

Listening Deeper

Suggested questions to deepen awareness of inner movements and further conversation

• • What has struck you as you have been listening to others share?  Do you notice any patterns or commonalities?

  • How have you been feeling throughout the meeting? Comfortable? Anxious? Curious?

  • Is there anything you would like to share after listening to another person share?

IV.  Moving Forward (5 min.)

• Wrap-Up:  Thank members for their openness and participation. 

• Action:

  1. Pray with Awareness Examen:  Pray for the persons who shared their stories and listen for how their stories may resonate with yours. 

  2. Switch prayer partners

• Announcements:  Topic for next meeting and upcoming CLC events

V.  Closing Prayer (5 min.)

Different rituals may be helpful at the conclusion of each of the meetings where Spiritual Autobiographies are shared.  Options include:

• • A laying on of hands and offering gratitude for the person who shared.

  • Invite members to each share a word that reflects how they are feeling or what remains with them after this meeting.

  • Have a larger piece of paper that each member can add a symbol that represents their journey after they have shared.  After everyone in the group has shared, reflect on the collective nature of the symbols and identify commonalities and shared themes.

  • Decide on another creative option as a group that will affirm each person’s story.