Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. — 1 Corinthians 12.4-7
Our purpose: The Listening to the Holy Spirit Ministry seeks to assist people in listening for God’s call in their life by using a contemplative model of compassionate observation. This type of group discernment can be an important part of your spiritual journey. Maybe you are feeling some unknown tug or you want to be more involved in the life of the parish but don’t know where or how to begin.
Possibly you sense that God is calling you to do something altogether new. Talk to one of our facilitators or one of the clergy, and we will let you know how we might be of service to you.
Answering the diocesan call to form Standing Discernment Committees in each parish, a group formed in 2006 at St. John’s to help others discern their Christian call through a method of compassionate observation. The group first worked on developing an attitude of heart among themselves and is now listening to parishioners who are seeking their paths with Christ. For most, this may mean a deeper exploration of what God is calling them to do around St. John’s, or to whom God is calling them to minister outside of these walls. (This is our Baptismal Call and we believe that we have service to do. For some, it may be a call to Holy Orders.
The group meets the first Sunday of evey month and uses spiritual exercises and reflections to develop the ability to listen and to see themselves and others openly and caringly. The core practice is a seeker/sharer exercise wherein a seeker shares his/her experience and members of the group either respond or observe. Opening prayer and silence are part of that exercise as well. For more information contact either co-facilitators: JK Melton meltonjk@gmail.com or Michelle Webb mgrazwebb@yahoo.com
