Rules of [hopes for] Engagement

[David Hahn]

I've been thinking that it might really be helpful just to lay out some rules of engagement in our life together. Perhaps different than a community rule, but something that highlights the kind of community interaction we're all looking for. Here's some of my thoughts:

1. There are such things as stupid questions, but just go ahead and ask them any way, there's bound to be someone else thinking the same dumb things.
2. Each of us will arrive at differing understandings of life and culture, faith and God, but that will not disturb God as much as it will some of us.
3. Everybody has something to share.
4. Saints, and especially sinners, are welcome.
5. Changing one's mind about things is welcomed and encouraged, it means you're actually thinking about things.
6. Everyone is contributing to a greater purpose beyond themselves, whether you're aware of it or not.

What are some of yours?

[Existentialist]

hey

[Karen Appleby]

I (Karen Appleby) just got back my United Methodist Annual Conference and was amazed at the tone over the 4 days. Everyone was talking about how Bishop Cancano lead such a beautiful conference by following what she shared as "Holy Conferencing". In David's discussion here, I thought some might like to read more about it. I have cut and paste an article from last year from an event Bishop Carcano attended and followed herself last week:
The dialogue guidelines are rooted in the concept of "holy conferencing," an early Methodist principle set forth by John Wesley, the 18th century British founder of Methodism. Bishop Dyck explained that Wesley believed that "holy conferencing" -- Christians conferring together for the sake of peace and truth seeking -- was a "means of grace," even as are Bible reading, prayer, and the sacraments.

"We believe the Holy Spirit leads in all things, especially as we make decisions," says a postscript to the guidelines' ten points. "We want to avoid making decisions in a fashion that leaves some feeling like winners and others like losers. We can change the world through honest conversation on matters about which we are passionate."

The first of the guidelines states: "Every person is a child of God. Always speak respectfully. One can disagree without being disagreeable."

Another says: "Avoid making generalizations about individuals and groups. Make your point with specific evidence and examples."

The guidelines began with five verses from the New Testament book of Colossians (3:12-16a, 17). The passage admonishes Christians to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, and continues: "ear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other, just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must love. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony."

The full text of the guidelines and explanatory notes follow --

What God Expects of Us
Colossians 3:12-16a, 17

As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Every person is a child of God. Always speak respectfully. One can disagree without being disagreeable.

As you patiently listen and observe the behavior of others, be open to the possibility that God can change the views of any or all parties in the discussion.

Listen patiently before formulating responses.

Strive to understand the experience out of which others have arrived at their views.

Be careful in how you express personal offense at differing opinions. Otherwise dialogue may be inhibited.

Accurately reflect the views of others when speaking. This is especially important when you disagree with that position.

Avoid making generalizations about individuals and groups. Make your point with specific evidence and examples.

Make use of facilitators and mediators.

Remember that people are defined, ultimately, by their relationship with God – not by the flaws we discover, or think we discover, in their views and actions.

We believe Christians can discuss important issues without the acrimonious debate and parliamentary maneuvering that can divide a group into contending factions. We see too many examples of that in secular society. We believe the Holy Spirit leads in all things, especially as we make decisions. We want to avoid making decisions in a fashion that leaves some feeling like winners and others like losers.

We can change the world through honest conversation on matters about which we are passionate.

[JoAnn Gronskei]

It seems that I am playing catch up, trying to read everything and think about it at the same time. I find that I don't get so stuck anymore on being right or wrong, but trying to find the answer that works in a particular instance. And that seems to be so fluid.
Reaching out has always been a problem for me, but helping someone else not so much so ... and it seems the two should go together, and give and take.
My faith ebbs and flows ... sometimes seems fierce and I want more ... other times quiet and mellow. I enjoy being with little children ... just sharing the Glory of God ..