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ware605040@gmail.com
ware605040@gmail.com
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The Coming Week
July 6: No gathering in Guelph
July 8: Discussion Group
More on the >> Meetings page <<
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The Foyer
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The Foyer
Conversation
We were a small group this week. But we were operating on the “where two or three are gathered” principle. So our discussion group met as usual on Tuesday morning. Without a specific topic we talked about “conversation.”
I confess the discussion touched several subjects and took lots of detours, but on reflection I’ve decided that the main point we made was the importance of conversation! It’s how we establish and maintain relationships. Conversation is how our understanding evolves and grows. True conversation is more than just talking. It has long periods of listening.
We try to keep our conversations generous. Not every thought is fully developed and ready to share. But there is grace in our sharing. We’ll help with the word that escapes and wait for a point to clarify. We definitely do not just wait for a turn to speak and we’re patient as we listen to the same point we’ve heard last week or something that’s coming round yet again – a favourite theme. Because sometimes we notice a slight change, a new emphasis, some nuance that wasn’t there before.
Conversation can be the way we change our minds. It’s definitely part of the identity of our little congregation. It’s how we’re reinventing ourselves. I guess you might say that the chats we have in the Foyer play a serious and important role in who we are. And when we miss our regular times to get together and just talk, we miss something critical to who we are.
I’m looking forward to hearing from those who are at reunion this week. And at least part of the reason is that you’ve had the opportunity for lots of conversations, chats under the trees or around the dining tables. I’ll be listening for ways you’ve changed or things you’ve learned from your conversations.
We’ll have lots to talk about when we meet again.
We were a small group this week. But we were operating on the “where two or three are gathered” principle. So our discussion group met as usual on Tuesday morning. Without a specific topic we talked about “conversation.”
I confess the discussion touched several subjects and took lots of detours, but on reflection I’ve decided that the main point we made was the importance of conversation! It’s how we establish and maintain relationships. Conversation is how our understanding evolves and grows. True conversation is more than just talking. It has long periods of listening.
We try to keep our conversations generous. Not every thought is fully developed and ready to share. But there is grace in our sharing. We’ll help with the word that escapes and wait for a point to clarify. We definitely do not just wait for a turn to speak and we’re patient as we listen to the same point we’ve heard last week or something that’s coming round yet again – a favourite theme. Because sometimes we notice a slight change, a new emphasis, some nuance that wasn’t there before.
Conversation can be the way we change our minds. It’s definitely part of the identity of our little congregation. It’s how we’re reinventing ourselves. I guess you might say that the chats we have in the Foyer play a serious and important role in who we are. And when we miss our regular times to get together and just talk, we miss something critical to who we are.
I’m looking forward to hearing from those who are at reunion this week. And at least part of the reason is that you’ve had the opportunity for lots of conversations, chats under the trees or around the dining tables. I’ll be listening for ways you’ve changed or things you’ve learned from your conversations.
We’ll have lots to talk about when we meet again.
.)
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Useful Links
Community of Christ World Headquarters
Canada East Mission
Herald House Worship Resources
Daily Bread
Toronto Centre Place
Brian Carwana: ReligionsGeek
Encounter World Religions
World Accord
Children's Foundation of Guelph and Wellington
Hope House
Suzuki Early Childhood Music Classes
Useful Links
Community of Christ World Headquarters
Canada East Mission
Herald House Worship Resources
Daily Bread
Toronto Centre Place
Brian Carwana: ReligionsGeek
Encounter World Religions
World Accord
Children's Foundation of Guelph and Wellington
Hope House
Suzuki Early Childhood Music Classes
