national workshop 14-08-09wellspringcommunity.org.au/documents/nationalworkshop0814.pdf · 3"...

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Wellspring Community National Workshop Saturday 9 August 2014

A Guide to the Program

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Focal Prayer

Psalm 67 1 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah.

2 that your way may be known upon earth, your saving power among all nations.

3 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

4 Let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you judge the peoples with equity and guide the nations upon earth. Selah

5 Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you.

6 The earth has yielded its increase; God, our God, has blessed us.

7 May God continue to bless us; let all the ends of the earth revere him.

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National Workshop Saturday 9 August 2014

A Guide to the Program Introduction Welcome to our first National Teleconference Workshop. This day is an opportunity to create a kind of a National Gathering in the year when we are not holding a National Gathering.

What does it mean to you? You have three choices:

Gather Centrally in your State In most states, Members and Friends are gathering face-‐to-‐face in one or two locations where they will work through the program together. During the day they will join a national teleconference at three times for national discussion and feedback.

Work Through the Program By Yourself If you are unable to join the central meeting, I invite you to work through the program by yourself for all or part of the day. Please send me your thoughts at the end of the day.

Short of Time or Energy? If you are unable to join the program in the ways outlined above, I invite you to take some time during the day to pray for the discussions and the outcomes. See the program details for some prayer suggestions.

What times are the gatherings? To coordinate the program across Australia we will gather at these times:

Brief Program Eastern Time

Central Time

Western Time

State based: welcome, catching up, prayer for the day.

11.00-‐11.30 10.30-‐11.00 9.00-‐9.30

State based study of 1 John 11.30-‐12.15 11.00-‐11.45 9.30-‐10.15 National link up: reporting our discussions. 12.15-‐13.00 11.45-‐12.30 10.15-‐11.00 Break 13.00-‐13.30 12.30-‐13.00 11.00-‐11.30 State contacts will guide discussion and time allocation for the discussion of formation and open space technology

13.30-‐14.30 13.00-‐14.00 11.30-‐12.30

National link up: reporting our discussions. 14.30-‐15.00 14.00-‐14.30 12.30-‐13.00 Break 15.00-‐15.30 14.30-‐15.00 13.00-‐13.30 National link up for Worship 15.30-‐16.00 15.00-‐15.30 13.30-‐14.00

Peace,

Neil Holm

28 July 2014

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Session 1

Part 1 The day starts with a State based focus: welcome, catching up, prayer for the day.

Part 2 In Part 2 we move into State-‐based studies of 1 John.

Why 1 John? The [Johannine] letters let us into the world of early Christian communities struggling to establish themselves as part of the larger graeco-‐roman world. . . .

Many interpreters . . . point out that the problems reflected in the Johannine letters are a microcosm of the process any religious community must go through as it tries to consolidate what it has gained from the past – its teaching, its ritual, its image of the founder, its ideal of community – in the face of the future and changing socio-‐religious context of its members. (Pheme Perkins, The Johannine Epistles, Wilmington, DL: Michael Glazier, 1979)

The studies are designed to help us think about the blessings, joys, struggles, and problems of the Wellspring Community today and in the future.

Your Focus To facilitate this discussion each state will look at one chapter:

• Queensland gives special attention to 1 John 1; • New South Wales gives special attention to 1 John 2; • Victoria/Tasmania/Australian Capital Territory gives special attention to 1 John 3; • South Australia gives special attention to 1 John 4; • Western Australia gives special attention to 1 John 5.

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Process Your State Contact person may have a preferred way of approaching this. If you are reflecting alone, you may like to consider using a Lectio Divina approach:

• Lectio (reading): we read the chapter (perhaps in the week before the Workshop), slowly and reflectively so that it sinks into us. Are there words, phrases, or ideas that leap out at you?

• Meditatio (reflection): we think about the chapter and ponder it so that we take from it what God wants to give us. Look at the words, phrases or ideas from different perspectives, turn them over in your mind

• Oratio (response): we leave our thinking aside and simply let our hearts speak to God. This response is inspired by our reflection on the Word of God. Allow our distilled thoughts to become our prayer. Let it carry your deepest prayers and yearnings.

• Contemplatio (rest): Listening to God. This is a freeing of oneself from one's own thoughts, both ordinary and holy, and hearing God talk to us. We open the mind, heart, and soul to the influence of God. We entrust ourselves to God as we reflect on what God has spoken. We listen for any other words God may want to speak. We remain as still and close as friends or lovers who do not have the frantic need to fill the space with words. In contemplatio we come to a place of reverence and silence once again as we are released to fulfill God’s purposes for us that day.

Part 3 In this part of Session 1 we will join together on a National teleconference link up where each State will report on discussions.

It would be great if each State can make a written record of the discussions that we will combine into a report on the Workshop.

If you are reflecting alone, I invite you to send me a copy of your reflections for inclusion.

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Session 2

Part 1

Management In this session, State contacts will guide discussion and time allocation for the following. They will allow the interests and concerns of the group to decide.

Focus This session focuses on personal growth/formation and/or Open Space Technology

Personal Growth/Formation If you decide to discuss personal growth/formation, I suggest you review the AGM Report (Attached at Appendix 1).

• In what ways do we need to modify the proposal? • What are the next steps in ensuring that we have the resources necessary when we

receive the first request to join the program? • Discuss how it might be made operational in your state.

Open Space Technology If you choose this option then I suggest you view a video of Open Space Technology. The 2015 National Gathering Planning Group has recommended the incorporation of Open Space Technology into the 2015 Gathering.

Open Space Technology is a new way of having a National Gathering. It focuses on being a ‘gathering’ rather than a ‘conference.’

Several videos on YouTube describe the process. Here are three but you can find others

1. Open Space Technology (informational and instructive about the Open Space process, 10 min) Note: this video pertains to an online conference that is being held, but the principles are the same. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhNQ8Mhehpw

2. Open Spaces Introduction (by Bruce Eckel, 8 min) (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aD3S0wlbek0);

3. Open Space 'New Women For New Egypt' (10 min)(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l7iZ955QH8)

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You may find it helpful to view them in the week before we meet. You won’t have time on the day to view all three. The image below shows an important step in the process – a timetable just waiting to be filled in!

Part 2 In this part of Session 2, we will join together on a National teleconference link up where each State will report on discussions.

It would be great if each State can make a written record of the discussions that we will combine into a report on the Workshop.

If you are reflecting alone, I invite you to send me a copy of your reflections for inclusion.

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Session 3 This is our teleconference worship session

Welcome

Opening responses (Queensland to lead)

Leader: Jesus says, 'I am the Way for you.’

ALL: AND SO WE COME TO FOLLOW CHRIST.

Leader: Jesus says, 'I am the Truth for you.’

ALL: AND SO WE COME TO DWELL IN THE LIGHT.

Leader: Jesus says, 'I am the Life for you.’

ALL: AND SO WE COME,

LEAVING BEHIND ALL ELSE TO WHICH WE CLING.

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Song

Jesus Christ is waiting, Waiting in the streets; No one is his neighbour, All alone he eats. Listen, Lord Jesus, I am lonely too. Make me, friend or stranger, Fit to wait on you.

Jesus Christ is raging, Raging in the streets, Where injustice spirals And real hope retreats. Listen, Lord Jesus, I am angry too. In the Kingdom’s causes Let me rage with you.

Jesus Christ is healing, Healing in the streets; Curing those who suffer, Touching those he greets. Listen, Lord Jesus, I have pity too. Let my care be active, Healing just like you.

Jesus Christ is dancing, Dancing in the streets, Where each sign of hatred He, with love, defeats. Listen, Lord Jesus, I should triumph too. On suspicion’s graveyard Let me dance with you.

Jesus Christ is calling, Calling in the streets, ”Who will join my journey? I will guide their feet.” Listen, Lord Jesus, Let my fears be few. Walk one step before me; I will follow you.

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Scripture (New South Wales to lead)

John 1 New Revised Standard Version, Anglicised (NRSVA)

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being 4 in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8 He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. 9 The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

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10 He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him.11 He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. 12 But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. 15 (John testified to him and cried out, ‘This was he of whom I said, “He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.”’) 16 From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

Song

O Lord hear my prayer


When I call answer me



Come and listen to me

(3 times)

Prayer (Tasmania to lead)

Leader: We are not alone;

we live in God's world.

ALL: WE BELIEVE IN GOD:

WHO HAS CREATED AND IS CREATING,

WHO HAS COME IN JESUS,

THE WORD MADE FLESH,

TO RECONCILE AND MAKE NEW,

WHO WORKS IN US AND OTHERS

BY THE SPIRIT.

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ALL: WE TRUST IN GOD

WE SEEK GOD’S HELP

• TO LIVE ACTIVELY AS FOLLOWERS OF JESUS • TO LIVE AT PEACE AND WITH JUSTICE. • TO GROW IN SPIRITUAL PRACTICES THAT DEVELOP AN AUSTRALIAN

SPIRITUALITY





• TO WORSHIP GOD IN WAYS THAT FIT THE DIVERSE, AND IN MANY WAYS UNIQUE, AUSTRALIAN ENVIRONMENT

• TO BE RECONCILED TO GOD, TO EACH OTHER • TO WORK FOR MUTUAL RESPECT AND RECOGNITION BETWEEN

ABORIGINAL AUSTRALIANS AND ALL OTHER AUSTRALIANS • TO LEAD SUSTAINABLE LIVES IN GOD’S INCREDIBLY COMPLEX AND

BEAUTIFUL CREATION





• TO RESPECT, VALUE, AND LEARN FROM OTHER CHRISTIAN TRADITIONS AND OTHER FAITHS.

• TO BE GENEROUS IN OUR DEALINGS WITH EVERYONE WE MEET • TO OFFER HOSPITALITY TO FRIENDS AND STRANGERS • TO BRING HEALING THROUGH PRAYER AND PRACTICAL ACTION.

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•

Song

For you, deep stillness of the silent inland

For you, deep blue of the desert skies

For you, flame red of the rocks and stones

For you, sweet water from hidden springs.

From the edges seek the heartlands

and when you're burnt by the journey

may the cool winds of the hovering Spirit

soothe and replenish you.

In the name of Christ,

In the name of Christ

(repeat -‐ last time, sing 'in the name of Christ' 3 times)

Closing responses (South Australia to lead)

Leader: Look at your hands, see the touch and the tenderness,

ALL: GOD'S OWN FOR THE WORLD.

Leader: Look at your feet, see the path and the direction,


Leader: Look at your heart, see the fire and the love,


Leader: Look at the cross, see God's Son and our Saviour,


Leader: This is God's world,

ALL: AND WE WILL SERVE GOD IN IT.

Promise and blessing (Victoria to lead)

Leader: Jesus said, 'I am with you always:

May God the Creator bless you.

May God the Son walk with you.

May God the Spirit lead your lives with love.

ALL: AMEN.

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Appendix A Excerpt from Leader’s Report to 2014 AGM

Seeking to Live Actively as Followers of Jesus The life of Wellspring Community Members and Friends is oriented around focal areas: Justice and Peace, Reconciliation, Sustainability etc. At different times, they have been called ‘Areas of Concern’ and ‘Spirituality and Justice Issues.’ In the December 2013 issue of Pipeline, I expanded these labels into six statements of the central commitments of Wellspring Community. Members and Friends of the Wellspring Community are committed to

1. Working for Justice and Peace in local and global contexts. 2. Deeper engagement with Spirituality and Worship in our Australian setting. 3. Deeper connection with the movement for greater mutual respect, recognition and

reconciliation between Aboriginal Australians and all other Australians. 4. Leading sustainable lives that honour God’s creation. 5. Contributing to ecumenical and inter-‐faith relationships in order to respect, value, and learn

from other traditions. 6. Offering hospitality and healing with prayer and generosity.

Since my article on The Wellspring Mysteries, I have been urging Members and Friends to consider ways in which we can assist each new Friend, Friends who are isolated, and (where appropriate) existing Members and Friends, to develop the necessarily skills and understandings for living prophetically as active followers of Jesus. I have been urging this because I believe that if we are to renew ourselves by transmitting the ideals of Wellspring to a younger generation, we must have something to offer. I have discussed this concern in focus groups in NSW and as I have visited the other states. The draft proposal has been modified after each discussion, although recent discussions have found the proposal to be generally sound.

Current Situation Wellspring consists of Friends and Members. Friends are sympathetic to the vision of the Wellspring Community. They seek to be informed about its activities and its common life. They receive the annual Wellspring Prayer Diary and Directory; the quarterly Wellspring Community publication, Pipeline; and notices of Community events. They are welcome to attend and participate in community gatherings, workshops, and local cell groups. Friends are not required to express a strong connection to the Wellspring Community. We might say they are connected loosely although many express a strong commitment. Members of the Wellspring Community make an annual commitment to prophetic living. Each year each Member meets with another Member (either face-‐to-‐face or by telephone) intentionally to commit to seek to live according to the Rule of the Community:

• I will seek to be open to God in every way I can.

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• I will use the Prayer Diary and pray regularly for Members and Friends. • I will be involved in action for peace and justice. • I will meet regularly with a Wellspring Community Group (or) I will communicate

regularly with another Community member. • I will account for the use of my time and my money and I will contribute 1% of my net

income to Wellspring Community. Traditionally, Members and Friends have encouraged and supported one another in living prophetically through life in cell groups and in the ways described at the beginning of this report. Isolated Members and Friends have had limited opportunities for growth in this way. We might call this process of support, encouragement, and growth the Traditional Track.

Intentional Track The proposed Intentional Track is one where Friends intentionally commit to a possible two-‐year personal growth process that will assist them to live increasingly prophetically. The Intentional Track looks like this:

1. A Friend indicates that she wishes to commence the Intentional Track. 2. The Leader assigns a Companion to oversight the Friend’s progress. 3. The Companion establishes a Community of Support for the Friend. The Community of

Support may be a cell group or another group of mature Christians who will support the Friend on the Intentional track. Under some circumstances, the Companion may ask a Spiritual Director to act as the Community of Support.

4. The Community of Support works with the Friend to help her work out those aspects of prophetic living especially relevant to her. The Community of Support (with help from the Companion) guides the Friend in selecting appropriate resources. These resources might include a guide to the preparation of a Rule of Life and information about the Central Commitments of Wellspring and the Rule of Wellspring. As the Friend works on her program, she discusses her ideas informally with the members of the Community of Support or with the Companion.

5. Companions will also remind the Community of Support of the need to access relevant resources already developed by others eg Just Faith resources prepared by TEAR Australia; Emmaus Walk/Cursillo program resources; The Gift of Each Other resources prepared by NSW Ecumenical Council; Igniting the Flame resources available through the Community of Aidan and Hilda; retreat resources available through St Clements Galong, Centre of Ignatian Spirituality etc; Waiters Union Community Orientation Course; Caring for the Environment resources prepared by Queensland Churches Together; and various resources produced by the National Council of Churches of Australia (including Seeds for Peace).

6. From time to time, the Friend shares her progress with the Community of Support who has been praying for her regularly. They meet with the Friend who outlines her ideas and the Community of Support offers suggestions on how her progress might be improved or strengthened (if this is necessary). Together the group tries to discern what kinds of creative and imaginative activities, knowledge, skills, or spiritual disciplines might assist in achieving

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the goal. The group tries to ensure that over a 12-‐month period the Friend will engage in activities that will ground her in ways that assist her to live more prophetically.

7. From time to time, the Companion works with the Friend. The Companion helps her to identify at least two roles models who may be contemporary or historical figures. She will spend time with these role models, perhaps one in Year 1 and one in Year 2. She will seek to allow the character, lifestyle, and worldview of the role models to engage with her character. The Companion will offer suggestions on ways of allowing this to happen creatively.

8. After a year, the Companion reviews the Friend’s progress and, when appropriate, l recommend to the Leader that the Friend be recognised as a Traveller.

9. A similar process will be followed for Year 2 in order to achieve recognition as a Member. The Traveller will meet from time to time with the Community of Support to report on progress and to seek further advice and support.

10. In Year 2, the Traveller chooses to focus on one Wellspring Central Commitment. The Companion discusses how the Traveller might engage in practical activities associated with this Central Commitment. The Companion will advise her that these activities need not be in addition to her normal Christian service but that they should be entered into in a manner that is thoughtful and intentionally shaped by the formation/transformation process.

11. The Companion meets with the Community of Support from time to time to review progress and help sort out any impediments to the process. At the appropriate time and on the advice of the Community of Support and on his own discernment, he will recommend recognition as Member to the Wellspring Leader.

Clarification As I have discussed the Traditional/Intentional Track process (or its forebears) with Friends and Members, some respondents have asked about the desirability of the Friend/Member division. Some have described it in terms of hierarchy or status. They suggest that the separation is artificial and that is inconsistent for a community that focuses on unity, hospitality, and egalitarianism. This is an important issue that we need to address. Others have asked about the meaning of living prophetically. A prophetic community listens to God, discerns God’s will, and where necessary challenges both church and society (Anne McPherson, Wellspring Community: An Introduction, Sydney: Wellspring Community, 2009). Given the six central commitments of Wellspring, we would expect that these commitments would form the main focus of our prophetic activities. St Paul affirmed prophecy as a function of all within the church (1 Corinthians 14: 3, 30, 24, 31). We exercise prophecy when we take turns in speaking to others and then by giving others opportunity to “weigh what is said” (v. 29). Prophecy speaks to the events of everyday lives. It speaks to the lives of those in the wider society and it speaks to the lives of those within the Wellspring Community. Prophecy involves encouraging, teaching, and consoling. It also includes reproving others and holding them to account. However, those who receive the prophecy have opportunity to prayerfully discern what has been said. Prophecy is not an edict handed down from on high.

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