Session three - Clergy Retreat, Diocese of Caledonia, held at Domano Renewal Centre Prince George B.C.
This sharing exercise followed shortly after the second session entitled It Had To Be Shared. After an introduction to Base Community Bible Study the group was asked to participate in a dialogue using the method below. It was motified so that the whole commnity could share. Rather than splitting the group into 6 or 7 people we asked the people to share with at least one other person and then then after the sharing period, the participates were ask to share any insights from the passage with the total group. We chose a passage out of the Lectionary for weekday Eucharist appointed for this particular day: Luke 6:1-11
COMMUNITY BASED BIBLE DIALOGUE
Setting: Any gathering can be a place In which Bible dialogue happens. Groups of 5-7 people offer opportunity for meaningful interchange. A larger group needs more time for the experience and tends to stay superficial. It is Important to set an environment where people will find their comments listened to and honored. The dialogue is between the person and the Scripture. It Is not a place to change others opinions or to stand in judgement of anyones point of view.
Deciding on the Passage: Let the choice of Scripture arise from the Prayer Book tradition. Use the Lectionary and pick either from the Lessons appointed for the Day, the following Sunday or the Proper for Special Occasions.
The passage is readIn groups take time to do the following....
Silently identify the word or phrase which catches your attention.
- Each person speaks the word or phrase he or she identified. This happens without explanation or discussion.
A person in the group reads the passage again
Where does this passage touch my life today? Take a little time to reflect silently.
- Share your personal reflections with each other.
What might have been the meaning of this passage for the writers community? What might the meaning be for your community? Does the first have anything to say to the second?
- What am I (or are we) being called to do or to be?
The Passage is Read a third time.