Your Faith Your Life

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Leader’s Guide by Jenifer Gamber with Bill Lewellis

Foreword by Kate Gillooly

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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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Church Publishing Incorporated 445 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10016 www.churchpublishing.org Foreword

Your Faith, Your Life: An Invitation to the Episcopal Church, is an exciting and engaging examination of what it means to be an Episcopalian – what we believe and how we practice that belief. With this Leader’s Guide, Jenifer strengthens the connection between information and transformation, between the data of the Episcopal Church and our daily lives. Seekers in the Episcopal Church—not just those new to our ways, but anyone with a renewed sense of inquiry and hunger for “the more,” all of us at some point—seem to need both the facts about this entity called The Episcopal Church and some guidance in making it our spiritual home. We are eager to learn information, but only as it holds potential for our own transformation. This hunger for both is a tall order to fill. Somehow, miraculously, Jenifer and Bill have done just that. They have provided a framework for exploring the basic tenets of the Church and the connection of that data to everyday faith and life. The Leader’s Guide offers both structure and flexibility for group sessions. It offers both standard prayers found in the Book of Common Prayer, and a method for writing our own prayers. It provides a series of open-ended questions for each chapter, as well as a detailed list of where to go for additional resources. As I read through the Leader’s Guide, I found myself getting excited about new possi- bilities – new opportunities to engage with people on a deeper level about their faith and their lives, new ways to look at the same, old questions, new formats for classes and groups and even for individual conversations with people on the journey. That excitement fuels my enduring passion for formation in the Church. Formation uses information to lead to transformation. Formation happens as I read these materials and plan for their wider use in my community and ministry. Formation happens as I contemplate Lonergan’s five imperatives for my own life. Formation happens as each of us seeks to respond to an inner desire for God in our lives, and formation happens as we journey down that road together. May this resource be a blessing to your own transformation and to your ministry of formation in the Church.

Kate Gillooly Minister for Christian Formation and Program St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Cleveland Heights, OH President, NAECED (National Association for Episcopal Christian Education Directors)

3 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide

4 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide Getting Started...

Your Faith, Your Life: An Invitation to the Episcopal Church, is more than a guide to the Episcopal Church. It invites readers to consider how, in the context of Episcopal worship, belief, history and call to mission, God is working in their lives today. The book provides numerous opportunities for readers to reflect within the chapter, and each chapter offers five questions to guide a journey of transformation toward authenticity. The framework is based on Bernard Lonergan’s imperatives: be attentive, be intelligent, be reasonable, be responsible, and be in Love.

Choosing a setting and structure The book can be used in a variety of settings: for a Lenten study, a Sunday-morning or mid-week adult forum offering, or an adult class for newcomers. As you plan your study, keep the audience in mind. You may want to spend more time on the information of the church in a newcomers’ class. Even in this class, however, be sure to reserve time for sharing personal faith stories. This Leader Guide offers ten sessions, but sessions can be com- bined or expanded to fit four to twelve week classes. Everyone has a different leadership style. Some prefer to lecture; others are more com- fortable facilitating participant-centered conversation. Choose which you prefer and select resources accordingly. The questions found in this Study Guide provide an alternative set of questions to those in the book that would work well in a more lecture-style setting. The end of each section in this Guide offers additional resources, including videos. Beginnings and endings Consider beginning and ending each session together in prayer. Beginning with prayer grounds participants and the conversation in God and acknowledges this as a holy activity. Each chapter in this Leader Guide offers a beginning prayer. Participants can take turns offering closing prayer or you could invite the group to write a closing prayer together each week. Not only will this result in a closing that reflects your time together, it will offer participants practice composing their own prayers. When writing a prayer together use the form of a collect:

O God (attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for (petitions) So that (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)1 Framing questions It is important that your time together be a safe space to explore and ask questions. Ask open-ended questions that invite participants to share their thoughts and give permission for people to pass on sharing. If you will be inviting participant to share personal stories, you may want to establish group norms, agreed-upon ways of being together in community. Norms set the boundaries of speaking and listening and establish your time together as a safe space. Some common group norms are: 1. Be willing to participate. 2. Keep details of personal stories within the group (confidentiality). 1. This set up is from Education for Ministry’s Common Lesson and Supporting Materials. Used with permission. Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide

3. Speak from your own position (use “I” language). 4. Respect and allow differences. 5. Listen to one another. Not all classes require group norms. A lecture-style class, for example, may not benefit from setting norms. Be prepared for the possibility that setting a norm of confidentiality may invite participants to share very personal and emotionally charged stories. The first gathering During this first session, take time to get to know one another, sharing names and something about one’s self. Doings so sets common ground within the group. The first chapter in this Leader Guide offers basic get-to-know-you question. I like to begin groups in which we are sharing our stories by distinguishing between the word “dialogue” and “discussion.” The word “dialogue” comes from the Greek dia (through) and logos (words). It is an exchange of words for mutual understanding. Alter- natively, the word “discussion” comes from the Latin dis (apart) and quartere (to shake). A discussion is the shaking apart of an issue for the purpose of looking for answers or coming to agreement. In her book, The Sacred Art of Listening, Kay Lindahl tells us that while both are valid means of communicating, the difference is one of context. When we are sharing our faith stories, we are not doing so with the intention of agreement, but of mutual understanding. Invite your group to enter the conversation in the spirit of dialogue. Parts of the Leader Guide About the chapter provides a brief summary of each chapter. Read this summary if you, yourself, haven’t had the time to read the chapter. Following the summary is a list of keywords. These are the bolded words in the chapter. Their definitions can be found in the glossary at the back of Your Faith, Your Life. Opening prayer offers a prayer from The Book of Common Prayer that relates to theme of the chapter. Consider using Books of Common Prayer at your gathering so that participants come to know its riches. Questions for reflection or group conversation provide a set of questions that supple- ment the questions at the end of every chapter in Your Faith, Your Life. The questions in the book invite readers to consider their own lives while the questions in the Leader Guide relate more directly to the concepts in the book. You might invite participants to journal with the questions in the book and use the questions in this guide when the class is gathered. One way to explore topics in each chapter together is to ask, “What in the chapter surprised or challenged you?” and “What in the chapter affirmed your experience and beliefs?” Extended study provides suggestions for further exploration. They are intended for groups choosing to meet over more than ten weeks. The closing prayer provides the framework for writing a group collect as a way to close your time together. Additional resources lists books, articles, and videos that provide background material for the leader or to be shared with the group. The companion website, www.yourfaithyourlife. org provides additional resources. New resources will be added periodically, so check back now and again. Enjoy the journey, Jenifer and Bill

6 Chapter 1 Transforming Questions

Transforming Questions 1

About the chapter Chapter one presents a framework of five “transcendental imperatives” for deepening one’s commitment to an intentional journey of discov- ery and transformation based on the work of Canadian Jesuit philoso- pher and theologian Bernard Lonergan. The five imperatives: 1. Be attentive: Be attentive to your experiences, your senses, feelings, intuition and imagination. Notice without judg- ment. Just notice. 2. Be intelligent: What might your experience mean? Consider alternative explanations. Return to noticing the details to confirm your understanding. 3. Be reasonable: Judge among possible meanings. Choose one and live with it for awhile. 4. Be responsible: Consider what action or commitment you might take as a result of your insight about the meaning of your experience. Keep in mind your Baptismal promises when making this decision. 5. Be in Love: Be open to transformation in God. This impera- tive invites us back into the world of experience with antici- pation of meeting God anew.

As creatures who seek meaning, we naturally engage in this process. But being aware of it and pulling it apart into discernible parts helps us to be intentional about now we come to understand our lives and to be present to God’s unending self-revelation in our lives. This first chapter ends with five questions as a way of practicing being intentional about discerning meanings, responding to our experiences, and being present to God’s work in the world.

1 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide

Opening prayer Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated unto you; and then use us, we pray you, as you will, and always to thy glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 832)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. What has drawn you to this church? 2. In what ways have you known God? 3. Can you identify an experience in which you knew God’s intimate love? How did this experience challenge or affirm your sense of God’s love? 4. How would you identify authenticity? What does authenticity have to do with God and the Christian faith?

Extended study A significant part of Your Faith, Your Life is engaging one’s life experiences with the five imperatives: be attentive, be intelligent, be reasonable, be responsible, and be in Love. Invite participants to a practice of keeping a journal, using the questions at the end of each chapter as a framework for recalling their lives and being open to God’s transforming love through personal reflection.

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 845-46 for Human Nature.

Websites about the work of Bernard Lonergan: lonergan.concordia.ca and www.bc.edu/lonergan

2 Beginnings 2

About the chapter Chapter two explores how our relationship with God is a covenant established with Noah, Abraham and Moses and renewed by Jesus with the New Covenant. It also presents the framework of reaffirm- ing our Baptismal Covenant at confirmation, reception and re-affir- mation.

Key words: Baptismal Covenant, baptismal promises, covenant, and New Covenant.

Opening prayer Grant, Lord God, to all who have been baptized into the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ, that, as we have put away the old life of sin, so we may be renewed in the spirit of our minds, and live in righteousness and true holiness; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 252)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. Read aloud: “You are a new creation in Christ. In Christ, you are raised. Therefore be.” What are you called to be as a new creation? How can your community support you as a new creation? 2. Find your baptismal and/or confirmation certificates and other items related to these two events (photographs, candles, gar- ments, etc). What do you remember about these events? 3. Read Matthew 3:13-17. God declares this same love for you. How do you respond? 4. To be a disciple of Christ is necessarily counter-cultural, at times risky. What does that mean? Give an example. 5. What does the word “covenant” mean to you? How does it differ from other agreements? 6. What stories do you remember from the Bible about water? How are they connected to the meaning of the waters of baptism?

3 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide

Extended study Read Rabbi Sack’s address to the Lambeth Conference, 2009. You can find a link to the address on yourfaithyourlife.org (beginnings). Explore these questions together:

1. What distinction does the rabbi make between covenantal goods and market goods? How does this distinction challenge or affirm choices that you make? How you see yourself? 2. How does God’s covenant change the world in which you live? What can you or your faith community do to uphold this covenant? 3. What distinguishes a covenant of fate from a covenant of faith? 4. Which do you think you live today: that of fate or faith?

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 858-59 for Baptism, pages 846-47 for the Old Covenant and pages 850-51 for the New Covenant.

Videos: The Newcomer Collection (available at Episcopal Media Marketplace, $20). Includes a video presentation of baptism.

Fr. Matthew Presents offers a segment on youtube about baptism. Fr. Mat- thew’s entire series on the sacraments is also available on DVD (Creative Common License, $20).

The 4-hour PBS video series From Jesus to Christ (1998) explores the life of Jesus and early Christianity. You can watch portion of the video here: www. pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/religion. The site also includes additional essays by Biblical scholars about early Christianity.

4 Bible Stories 3

About the chapter The Bible is a collection of books written over hundreds of years to express God’s creative and redeeming actions in the world. We never finish reading the Bible. Each time we return to it, we relive the events and are changed by them. We learn more about ourselves and God. This chapter provides readers with an overview of the kinds of writing in the Bible and a simple framework for reading it and understanding what it is saying to us today.

Keywords: Apocrypha, Bible, canon, Christian scriptures, epistles, Jewish scriptures, Gospels, parables, Pentateuch, psalms.

Opening prayer Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 237)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. What are your earliest memories of reading the Bible or hearing it read? What thoughts and feelings are associated with those memories? 2. What story comes to mind when you think of the Jewish scriptures? The Christian scriptures? How has this formed your image of God and God’s people? 3. Find three different translations of the Bible. Choose a passage. Read the same passage in all three translations. How are they similar? Note differences in words and in the commentary. What might account for those differences? 4. Read the Gospel according to Mark in one sitting, or take turns reading it aloud in a group. (It should take about one hour.) What stories or images strike you most? What is the tone of the gospel? What do you think those who heard it in the first century thought or felt while hearing it?

5 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide

5. Write down the major events in your life and share them in the group or with a partner. What do the events you chose to tell say about who you are? About the society in which you live? What stories in the Bible relate to these major events? How do they inform your understanding of them? 6. Search the scriptures for what needs to be changed about oneself rather than to discover how they might apply to others. Discuss what that means, especially about not using the Bible as a weapon.

Extended study Option #1 Choose a reading from the Bible, perhaps the gospel for the coming Sun- day, and explore it together using the “steps for reading the bible” on page 47 of Your Faith, Your Life. Have a few different translations available. This is a good time to present the tools available for reading the Bible such as a Bible commentary.

Option #2: An Outrageous Romp through the Bible: An Introduction to Biblical Studies in the Congregation

This “outragious romp” developed by Helen W. Whie of St. Martin-in-the- Fields in Philadephia, PA ([email protected]), is a fun-paced journey through all the books of the Bible in less than a half hour (in most cases), covering all of: the Hebrew Scriptures, the Apocrypha, and the New Testa- ment. Its purpose is to give members of any group a first experience, or a review, of the Bible that covers all the books of the Bible, even if they have not ever read all of them.

Two Approaches You can choose from two approaches. In the first one, each member member of the group uses the same edition of the Bible (NRSV). This approach is less complicated, easier to follow and takes the least amount of time. In the second approach, each member has a different translation and/ or edition (NRSV, the Good News, The Jerusalem, annotated, not annotated, with and without Aprocrypha, and so on.) This approach is more sophisticated and can evoke more interesting conversation. (Be careful, the group can get off on tangents.) This approach requires a strong directive leader and can take a good bit of time.

Preparation Choose an approach and gather a sufficient number of Bibles so that each participant has one of his/her own. The guiding principle of the “romp” is that the Hebrew Bible is a collection of books (note, the Latin word for books is biblia) that form a library. Just like a library has sections with books of a common type, so the Bible has sections. The romp takes 6 participants through the sections of the library of the Bible, intro- ducing each section with the same question, “What do we call this part of the Holy Library?”

Procedure The specifics of the romp are this: Ask the group to turn to the title page of the Bible, and note the information given. In the case of more than one edition, ask members to identify the edition and state what is written on the title page. You may want to pause for questions and a brief conversation about different translations and editions. Ask members to turn to the first chapter of the Book of Gen- esis. Keeping their left hand on that page, ask members to thumb through coming pages until they arrive at the next book (Exodus), and say the name clearly out loud to the group. Ask them to wait for each other so that it does not become an outrageous race. Continue this with the next book until that section of the canon becomes complete, e.g. Genesis. Exodus. Leviticus. Numbers. Deuteronomy. Then stop. With the right hand on the last page of that section and the left hand still on the first page of Genesis, hold the five books in both hands asking the question, “What title(s) are given to this section of the library?” Proceed through the entire collection of books of the Bible (the biblia; library) (Please see the full guide for the romp on pages 8 and 9 and a chronology of Christian writings on page 10)

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 853-54 for The Holy Sciptures.

The New Oxford Annotated Bible. (various translations available). Bible with introductory essays, text notes, charts and maps. (Oxford Uni- versity Press, $45)

The Words of Jesus. Phillis Tickle has compiled the sayings of Jesus by topic into a single volume as a new way of encountering Jesus’s words. Includes commentary and reflections by Tickle. (Jossey-Bass, $14.95)

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An Outrageous Romp: The Jewish Scriptures

Ask participants to place their left hand on the When everyone is finished, ask the participants to hold first page of Genesis and thumb through the both hands together (left hand at the beginning of Genesis pages saying the title of each book aloud: and right hand on the last page of Deuteronomy) and ask, “What do we call this part of the Holy Library?” Genesis Exodus Answer: Torah, Pentateuch, Five books of Moses… Leviticus The Law Numbers Deuteronomy Now, ask participants to place their left hand When everyone has gotten to Esther, ask the participants on the first page of Joshua and thumb through to hold both hands together (left hand at the beginning the pages saying the Hebrew names: of Joshua and right hand on the last page of Esther) and ask for this portion, “What do we call this part of the Joshua Holy Library?” Judges Ruth Answer: The historical writings of Israel. I Samuel II Samuel Also ask this question, “Why are there two books for I Kings Samuel, Kings and Chronicles?” II Kings I Chronicles Answer: Hebrew Scriptures were written on scrolls II Chronicles constructed of sheets of papyrus either sewn or glued Ezra together. These books would have resulted in scrolls Nehemiah that were too heavy and were therefore cut into two. Esther Now, ask participants to place their left hand When everyone has gotten to Song of Solomon, ask the on the first page of Job and thumb through the participants to hold both hands together (left hand at the pages saying the Hebrew names: beginning of Job and right hand on the last page of the Job Song of Solomon) and ask, “What do we call this part Psalms of the Holy Library?” Proverbs Ecclesiastes Answer: The Wisdom Writings of the Hebrew Song of Solomon (Song of Songs) canon. Now, ask participants to place their left hand When everyone has gotten to Malachi, ask the par- on the first page of Isaiah and thumb through ticipants to hold both hands together (left hand at the the pages saying the names of the prophets: beginning of Isaiah and right hand on the last page of the Isaiah Obadiah Malachi) and ask, “What do we call this part of the Jeremiah Jonah Holy Library?” Lamentations Micah Ezekiel Nahum Answer: The Writings of the Prophets. The prophets Daniel Habakkuk were advocate for the people to God and spokes- Hosea Zephaniah people for God’s vision. These books do not form a Joel Haggai chronological arrangement of the history of Israel. Amos Zechariah Malachi

Now, ask participants to keep their right hand on the last page of Malachi, place their left hand back on the first page of Genesis. Holding Both hands together, identify this as the entire Hebrew Canon. THE APOCRYPHA At this point depending on the edition in hand, the Books of the Apocrypha will appear. They appear varied in title and number. But, this collection, though not canonical, has become an important addition to the “Wisdom Writings” of ancient Israel. The leader will determine how much time is available to give to this section. Often, at the end of the romp, the conversation may return to the Apocrypha.

8 An Outrageous Romp: The Christian Scriptures Continue through all the books and sections of the Christian Scriptures.

Ask participants to place their left hand When everyone is finished, ask the participants to hold both on the first page of Matthew and thumb hands together (left hand at the beginning of Matthew and right through the pages saying the names of the hand on the last page of Acts) and ask, “What do we call four gospels and Acts out loud: this part of the Holy Library?”

Matthew Answer: Canonical Gospels and History Mark Luke It is fun to ask the question, “Who wrote the Book of Acts?” John Some may delight and be surprised at the answer that the The Acts of the Apostles Apostle Luke. This is the continuation of the gospel of Luke. Now, ask participants to place their left Stop when everyone has gotten to II Thessalonians and ask hand on the first page of Romans and con- “What do we call this part of the Holy Library?” tinue through Philemon, saying the names of these writing out loud. Answer: The Letters of Paul, also the Epistles.

Letters of Paul to Communities Also ask this question, “Why do you suppose they are Romans printed in this order?” I Corinthians II Corinthians Answer: From the longest (Romans) to the shortest (Phi- Galatians lemon) There is usually much amazement and wonder at Ephesians why they are listed in the order of their length. Philippians Colossians Since Romans was the last recorded letter of Paul’s Ephesians journey it is clear that one cannot follow his journey by I Thessalonians reading the letters in the printed order. II Thessalonians Ask, “Which is the earliest letter of Paul?” Pastoral Letters of Paul to Individuals I Timothy Answer: Thessalonians. These letters were written as early II Timothy as the late 40’s or early 50’s of the first century, well before Titus the Gospels. Philemon Simply note the distinction between letters to communities (Romans through Thessalonians) and those to individual (Timothy through Philemon). Scholars continue to be intrigued by the dating and authorship of these letters. Continue to the next letter. It is believed by most modern scholars that the author of one of The Letter to the Hebrews the most important letters to the churches is unknown. Continue to the next set of letters, the When reading all four Gospels, a group of three disciples is Letters of Four of Jesus’ Disciples. frequently identified as being very close to Jesus: Peter, James James II John and John. I Peter III John II Peter Jude Jude is believed to have been a brother of James, the first leader I John of the church in Jerusalem.

Finish with the last book: It is fun to ask, “What comes to your mind when the Book of Revelation is the subject of discussion? What is in the Revela- The Revelation to John tion? How would you describe this book?” Ask participants to place their left hands on the first page of the Book of Matthew and right hands on the last page of Revelation and say, “This is the full body of Christian Canonical Literature.” The Final Step Ask participants to keep their right hands in place and move their left hands on the first page of the Genesis and right hands. Holding their hands together, they are holding the fully body of Sacred Scripture, the canonical Bible. The end of the romp!

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100 100 JOHN REVELATION I, II, III John (90)

LUKE & THE ACTS LUKE MATTHEW [“Document Q”] Canonical Gospels MARK OF THE APOSLES Jude (65 BCE)

I & II Peter (64-66 BCE) I & II Peter

Martyrdom in Rome Martyrdom in Rome I & II Timothy Titus, Philemon & Ephesians James (48-50 BCE) Philippians & Colossians in Rome Imprisonment The “Other Letters” II Corinthians & Romans Galatians & I Corinthians I&II Thessalonians Time in Arabia, Time Second Journey Second Journey Journey First Antioch and Jerusalem Antioch Journey Third of the Temple (69 BCE) Fall the Persecutor Saul of Tarsus Conversion of Paul in Damascus of Paul Conversion

The Mission, Journeys & Appearance of the 33

Appearances Resurrection Post of Paul the Letters …….. Resurrection A Look at First Century Christian Writings: A Century A Look at First Parts Century Three divided into Writings: Christian Crucifixion Trials & Two Arrest Gethsemane Last Supper Last week The last Jerusalem to Journey The Transfiguration Galilee, Samaria & Judea Teachings: Parables & Discourses Parables Teachings: Criticism Strands Healing Stories Birth narratives in the Synagogues Preaching Beginning Ministry Wilderness Experience The Life & MinistryThe Life of Jesus of Nazareth 0 BCE of Jesus (age 30?) Baptism Used with permission. White. © 2004 Helen W.

10 History 4

About the chapter Chapter four presents the history of the Christian Church beginning with gospel stories and continuing through Constantine, the Reformation, Henry VIII, Samuel Seabury, the establishment of the Episcopal Church, all the way up to The Most Rev. Katharine Jefferts Schori. The history of the Episcopal Church is a very Ameri- can experience.

Keywords: apostolic succession, Anne Ayres, Book of Common Prayer, Charles Henry Brent, John Burgess, John Calvin, Thomas Cranmer, Jonathan Daniels, Enmegahbowh, epiclesis, Great Commission, Barbara Clementine Harris, Henry VIII, John Henry Hobart, Absalom Jones, Jackson Kemper, justification by grace through faith, Martin Luther, Middle Ages, David Pendleton, Oakerhater, Oxford Movement, Pentecost, William Rainsford, Reformation, V. Gene Robinson, Katharine Jefferts Schori, Samuel Seabury, World Council of Churches.

Opening prayer O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people; Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 225)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. The book, Holy Women, Holy Men: Celebrating the Saints, (formerly Lesser Feasts and Fasts) includes short biographies of people in our church history along with appointed prayers and readings for each saint’s day. Find a copy of the book. What names do you recognize? What do you know about them? 2. What formative church events have occurred during your life- time (local, national, or global)? How have they affected the church? How did they impact, or were impacted by, events and culture or the world? 3. What religious traditions do you remember from childhood? Share one or two and how it influences what your practice and beliefs today. 4. What drew you to the church you attend today? What do you remember about the first time you came? 5. What issues challenge the church today? What events from history inform how the church engages with those issues?

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Extended study option 1 Depending on how adventurous the group is, you might try this popular game: Write the names of the people found in bold print in Chapter 4 of Your Faith, Your Life on index cards and tape them on the backs of the participants. The object is to figure out the name written on your own back by asking one another “yes” or “no” questions.

Extended study option 2 1. Compared to other sovereigns of the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth displayed remarkable religious toleration. A famous quote of Queen Elizabeth is “There is only one Christ, Jesus, one faith all else is a dispute over trifles.” How does the Episcopal Church today reflect this history of religious toleration? What challenges does religious toleration pose for the Episcopal Church today? 2. The Act of Uniformity set the Church of England and the Anglican Communion as a people who may differ in their beliefs but who gather for common worship. How does this affect the church today? What are the blessings of this charism? What are the challenges?

Extended study option 3 If you prefer to give an overview of church history, use the major-level head- ings in Chapter 4 of the text as a guide. The videos below are also helpful.

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources Videos: The Story of Anglicanism and The Story of the Episcopal Church (both available at Episcopal Media Marketplace, $20 apiece separately; $35 com- bined). Women in the Early Church (Mosaic Television, $19.95.

The Episcopal Cafe has these videos about historical figures: www.episcopalcafe.com/video/2008/06/julian_of_norwich.html www.episcopalcafe.com/video/2008/06/ignatius_of_loyola.html www.episcopalcafe.com/video/2008/06/hildegard_of_bingen.html www.episcopalcafe.com/video/2008/06/augustine_of_hippo.html www.episcopalcafe.com/video/2008/07/teresa_of_avila.html www.episcopalcafe.com/video/2008/07/william_blake.html www.episcopalcafe.com/video/2008/07/dante.html

12 Faith 5

About the chapter We experience God through a variety of media—Scripture, worship, prayer, stories of saints, and culture, using our human capabilities of reason to understand our experiences. As a mystery, God is necessarily beyond words. Still, we seek to find words to describe our relationship with God. This chapter explores a number of Anglican beliefs, focusing specifically on the theology of the Apostles’ Creed: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The creed expresses God’s love for us and our response to God’s love.

Keywords: Apostles’ Creed, catholic, co-eternal, Great Commandments, Holy Spirit, Incarnation, New Covenant, Old Covenant, Trinity.

Opening prayer O God, who wonderfully created, and yet more wonderfully restored, the dignity of human nature: Grant that we may share the divine life of him who humbled himself to share our humanity, your Son Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 252)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. Locate several passages in the Bible in which the phrase “be not afraid” appears. What is happening in the story? What do to the people fear? Do you share any of these fears? What power does fear have in your life? What power does love have in your life? 2. Say the Apostles’ Creed, substituting the words “I give my heart to” for “I believe.” How does that change the meaning of the creed for you? 3. How does giving your heart to God change how you view the world and how you choose to be in the world? 4. Which of the three persons of the Trinity do you most often address in your prayers? Why do you think this is so? 5. What doubts and questions of faith challenge you today? 6. The chapter talks about faith as a matter of seeing and responding. How does this challenge or affirm your sense of the word faith?

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Extended study Watch the video clip from the episode entitled “Noel” from the hit TV series “The West Wing” which references the story of the good Samaritan and the incarnation. (You can find the video clip at yourfaithyourlife.org (faith)). Here’s the storyline: A member of the president’s staff is told he has post traumatic stress disorder. He worries that he will lose his job. Leo, the chief of staff, an alcoholic in recovery, tells Josh this story. This guy’s walking down the street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can’t get out. A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up, “Hey you. Can you help me out?” The doctor writes a prescription, throws it in the hole and moves on. Then a priest comes along. “Father, I’m down in this hole. Can you help me out?” The priest writes out a prayer, throws it in the hole and moves on. Then a friend walks by. “Hey, Joe. It’s me. Can you help me out?” And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, “Are you stupid? Now we’re both down herd.” The friend says, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before and I know the way out.”

1. What does the story that Leo tells Josh have to do with the Incarnation? 2. What difference does it make that the friend jumps in the hole with the one who has fallen in? 3. How does the Incarnation change your view of the world? How does it change how you see God, yourself and others? How does it change what actions you choose?

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 851-52 for The Creeds, page 846 for God the Father, pages 849-50 for God the Son, and pages 852 for The Holy Spirit.

The Iona Abbey Worship Book includes modern trinitarian creeds. The group may find comparing the language of these likely unfamiliar creeds with that of the Nicene and Apostles’ creeds to be insightful. (Wild Goose Publica- tions, $25)

West Wing video clip referencing the incarnation: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ZQJ6yqQRAQs

14 Navigating the Church 6

About the chapter Just as with any institution the Episcopal Church has its own style of leadership and governance. This chapter reviews that structure as well as its authority as w means to fulfill its missionary work and maintain unity. The structure of the parish church, the diocese, the national church and the worldwide Anglican Communion is presented. Included is a discussion the four kinds of ministers of the Church and their functions. Through our baptism we are given the gifts of ministry.

Keywords: Anglican Communion, Anglican Consultative Council, archbishop of Canterbury, cathedral, canons, Canons of General Convention, catholic, communicant, communicant in good standing, Diocesan Convention, Diocesan Council, Executive Council, General Convention, House of Bishops, House of Deputies, parish, primate, Primate’s Meeting, presiding bishop, vestry.

Opening prayer O God, you have made of one blood all the peoples of the earth, and sent your blessed Son to preach peace to those who are far off and to those who are near: Grant that people everywhere may seek after you and find you, bring the nations into your fold, pour out your Spirit upon all flesh, and hasten the coming of your kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 257)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. What are the budgetary priorities of your congregation? How do they reflect your congregation’s mission statement and God’s call to the Church? 2. What important issues has your church or diocese faced recent- ly? How does your community engage with one another about these issues? How does your identity as Episcopalians shape that conversation? 3. How does your local church support the its members in their life in Christ? (It may help to review the Baptismal promises on pages 304-5 in The Book of Common Prayer.)

15 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide

4. Does your diocese have a companion relationship? If so, with whom? In what ways are the two dioceses walking together in faith and action?

Extended study Watch the youtube video clip of Presiding Bishop Katharine Jeffert Schori’s answer to the question, “If I didn’t go to church, what would you tell me to get me to visit an Episcopal Church?” (You can find the video at yourfaithyourlife.org (The Church)). Follow up with these questions:

1. Recall the first time you came to the church where you attend. What made you want to return? 2. If you were asked the very same question, “Why be an Episcopalian?” How would you respond? 3. How does the church challenge you to grow? to serve your neighbor? 4. What are the joys of being a member of the Episcopal Church? How do you celebrate those joys? 5. What are the challenges of being a member of the Episcopal Church? How do you respond to those challenges?

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 854-55 for The Church.

An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church. Available online here: www.episcopal- church.org/19625_19610_ENG_HTM.htm?menupage=17162

Why Should I Be an Episcopalian? Katharine Jefferts Schori answers this question on YouTube. www.youtube.com/watch?v=oQSWporCpfY

16 Chapter 7 What Is God Calling You to Do?

What Is God Calling You to Do? 7

About the chapter Many people identify ministry with clergy. But the Catechism makes it quite clear that all baptized have ministry. As representatives of Christ and his Church we are ministers wherever we are—at home, school, work, and play. Each of us has been given our own gifts for ministry. This chapter discusses the variety of spiritual gifts, presents a method for discerning those gifts, and talks about ways we use those gifts both in the life, worship, and governance of the Church and out in the world.

Keywords: baptismal promises, discernment, gifts of the Spirit.

Opening prayer Lord, make us instruments of your peace. Where there is hatred, let us sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is discord, union; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. Grant that we may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be under- stood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 833)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. Read the Servant Song (Isaiah 42: 1-3) substituting your own name for “him” and “he”. What could you do, or already do, in your daily life to bring justice to the world? 2. Ask yourself these two questions the same time each day for a week: For what moment today am I most grateful? For what moment today am I least grateful? What patterns do you notice in your answers? Do your answers suggest something that you would like to do more? Less? 3. What ministry does every baptized member share? (See page 855 of The Book of Common Prayer.) What are your passions that fulfill that ministry 4. How do your beliefs about God, creation, and community impact your ministry?

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5. Choose three kingdom parables in Matthew 13. What do the parables suggest about the kingdom of God? How are you invited to participate in that kingdom?

Extended study 1. Watch the youtube video of Br. Karekin Yarian explain how he fulfills his baptismal promises. )(ou can find the video clip at youfaithyourlife.org (Call- ing)). Follow up with these questions:

1. What do you do right now to fulfill each of these five promises? 2. What Christian practices would you like to begin or deepen to fulfill these promises? 3. What do you need to sustain your commitment? (Answers may include support from community, time for prayer or study, education, and so on.)

2. Engage in one of the three methods of discerning gifts listed on pages 120-121 of the book, Your Faith, Your Life.

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 855-56 for The Ministry.

Discerning Your Spiritual Gifts by Lloyd Edwards (Cowley, $16.95) offers step- by-step exercises for discerning spiritual gifts.

Spiritual Gifts (United Methodist Church). An online gifts discernment tool here: www.umc.org/site/c.lwL4KnN1LtH/b.1355371/k.9501/Spiritual_Gifts.htm

Br. Karekin Yarian explain how he fulfills his baptismal promises: www. youtube.com/watch?v=I_0mnXY5k5o

18 Spirituality 8

About the chapter Prayer is about being in relationship with God. Deep within our hearts rests a yearning for God. So, how do we come to know God? The same way we get to know anyone—by being together, by noticing and through conversation. Through prayer we reveal our deepest desires and listen to God’s desires for us. This chapter talks about the practice of prayer and other Christian disciplines of being in the presence of God. Prayer can be silent or loud, alone or in community; it can be an act of service or an act of celebration such as keeping the Sabbath.

Keywords: adoration, Anglican prayer beads, antiphons, canticle, centering prayer, confession, fasting, invitatory, Jesus Prayer, labyrinth, lectio divina, mandala, mantras, monastic communities, prayer, ritual memory, rule of life, spiritual direction, spiritual disciplines, thanksgiving, Trisagion.

Opening prayer O God of peace, who has taught us that in returning and rest we shall be saved, in quietness and confidence shall be our strength: By the might of your Spirit lift us, we pray, to your presence, where we may be still and know that your are God; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 832)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. How do you define prayer? 2. What forms of prayer do you find most helpful? What forms are most difficult? Why do you think this is so? 3. At what times in your life have you found it easiest to pray? Most difficult? What do you need to sustain a life of prayer? 4. What image of God do you have when you pray? How does this help or hinder your prayer? 5. The Apostle Paul lists the fruit of leading a spiritual life in Galatians 5:22-23. What is the fruit? What fruit have you experi- enced in your prayer life? 6. At what times in your life have you found it easiest to pray? Most difficult? What do you need to sustain a life of prayer?

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Extended study 1. Read together about prayer and worship in “An Outline of the Faith” in the Book of Common Prayer (pages 856-57) and look through the Holy Eucharist to identify examples of each type of prayer (adoration, praise, thanksgiving, penitence, oblation, intercession and petition). What images of God did you find?

2. Your Faith, Your Life explores a variety of prayers. Choose one with which you are familiar and lead the group in that practice. Altenatively, invite members of the group to choose one and try it for a week and return the following week to share their experience (explaining why they chose the particular form of prayer and how it impacted their week).

3. Read Debra Farrington’s article, “Balancing Life by the Rule” in Spiritual- ity and Health (Winter 2001) and do the exercises suggested in the article together. You can find a link to the article at yourfaithyourlife.org (Prayer) under “Additional resources online” or here: www.spiritualityhealth.com/ NMagazine/articles.php?id=1027

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 856-57 for Prayer and Worship.

The labyrinth finder will help you locate a labyrinth near you: www.labyrinth- locator.com.

Soul Feast by Marjorie Thompson offers a framework for understanding spiritual disciplines. (Westminster John Knox press, $16.95)

20 Worship 9

About the chapter Worship is our response to God’s blessings. It can be individual as well as corporate and is entered into with our bodies as well as our hearts and minds. This chapter presents a variety of ways we worship, but concentrates on Holy Eucharist in The Book of Common Prayer with a particular focus on the Eucharist. The Eucharist transforms us into new creations, drawing us ever closer to Jesus and God.

Keywords: Advent, alter, baptismal font, chalice, chancel, Christmas, collect, cor- poral, epiclesis, Easter, Epiphany, fraction anthem, Gloria, Great Thanksgiving, Holy Eucharist, lectionary, Lent, liturgy, memorial acclamation, nave, opening acclamation, Paschal Triduum, paten, rubric, season after Pentecost, stole, transept, words of institution, vestments, worship.

Opening prayer God our Father, whose Son our Lord Jesus Christ in a wonderful Sacrament has left us a memorial of his passion: Grant us so to venerate the sacred mysteries of his Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of his redemption; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 832)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. In the book Praying Shapes Believing, Lionel L. Mitchell says, “We (Episcopalians) read our theology out of the Book of Common Prayer and the matter in which we celebrate its services” (Harris- burg: Morehouse Publishing, 1985, 2). Select a liturgy from the Book of Common Prayer. What does it reveal about the beliefs of Episcopalians? How has worship shaped your beliefs? 2. How would you describe worship at your church? How does the worship reflect the life of the community? 3. Look at the Sunday liturgy and notice the directions given for gestures. What gestures do you choose during the liturgy? Why have you chosen them? What does it say about what you believe? 4. What architectural features are most prominent in your church? What does it say about God? The relationship of those gathered? The relationship between the laity and the clergy?

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5. In what ways does your parish recognize the seasons of the liturgical year? What rhythm of life does it create for you? For the community?

Extended study Consider your most recent worship experience to answer the following:

Gather the Folks 1. What was the liturgical color for the day (color of the stoles, chasuble, altar frontal)? 2. What was your attitude as the service began? Did it change as the service progressed? If so, how? 3. Who was present to celebrate? Did you notice newcomers?

Tell the Stories 4. What do you remember from the readings? (Old Testament, Psalm, Epistle or Gospel) 5. In one short sentence, what was the Gospel lesson about? 6. What was the central message of the sermon?

Break the Bread 7. What words or gestures did you notice during the Eucharistic prayer? 8. What were your thoughts and feelings today as you received communion, or what is something you noticed (about communion) as you received?

Go Out into the World 9. Having been fed in body and soul, did you feel ready to go out into the world to love and serve the Lord? 10. Will you do anything differently this week because of something you learned or felt in the worship service? If so, what?

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 859-60 for The Holy Eucharist

Celebrating the Eucharist by Patrick Malloy (Church Publishing, $25) presents the building blocks of the Eucharist.

22 Sacraments 10

About the chapter Sacraments transform our lives—creating and recreating us as a community of God’s people. This chapter explains sacraments and how they are central to our understanding of Christianity as an incarnational faith. The two great sacraments of the Gospel are Baptism and the Holy Eucharist. Five other sacramental rites are confirmation, ordination, holy matrimony, reconciliation of a penitent, and unction. This chapter explores each.

Keywords: anamnesis, baptism, bishop, catechumens, confirmation, deacon, Healing of the Sick, Holy Matrimony, memorial, ordination, priest, real presence, Reconciliation of a Penitent, sacrament, transubstantiation.

Opening prayer Almighty and most merciful God, grant that by the indwelling of your Holy Spirit we may be enlightened and strengthened for your service; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, 251)

Questions for reflection and group conversation 1. Write your own definition of the word grace and share a time when you have received God’s grace. 2. Read the Parable of the Lost Coin (Luke 15: 8-10). What three things does the woman do once she realizes that she has lost the coin? What does she do when she finds the coin? How might this parable inform the sacrament of the reconciliation of a penitent? 3. How are our covenant with God (discussed in Chapter two) and grace related? 4. Christianity is an incarnational faith. How is this related to sacraments? 5. Which sacraments of the Church have you found most meaning- ful? How have they been a means of God’s grace?

23 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide

Extended study Option #1 Together, look at the words of the song “Amazing Grace” by John Newton (1725-1807) and compare and contrast what the song says about grace with your own understanding of grace. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me. I once was lost but now am found, Was blind, but now I see. T’was Grace that taught my heart to fear. And Grace, my fears relieved. How precious did that Grace appear The hour I first believed. Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come; ‘Tis Grace that brought me safe thus far and Grace will lead me home. The Lord has promised good to me. His word my hope secures. He will my shield and portion be, As long as life endures. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, A life of joy and peace. You can download a variety of musical recordings of Amazing Grace at the Library of Congress archives here: lcweb2.loc.gov/diglib/ihas/html/grace/grace- home.html or from the link at yourfaithyourlife.org (Sacraments).

Option #2 Explore the sacraments in a guided exploration. The following is a set of seven self-guided stations to explore the two great sacraments and five sacramental rites. Set up a room with seven tables, one for each sacrament, arranged around a baptismal font with lights dim. Set each table with the directions (See pages 24-32; one for each participant), enough tea lights so each person can light one candle, and the items listed on the following page. You might also have a Bible on each table open to the page of the Scriptures referenced. Use tablecloths if possible: white for Baptism and Holy Eucharist, purple for Reconciliation of a Penitent and green for all others. Once the tables are set, gather the the group before around the Baptismal font to provide an introduction to the sacraments— what they are and the Church’s definition of sacrament. Participants will need a journal or pad of paper to record their reflections. Ask participants

24 to begin with Baptism but then wander to any station, being sure to complete them all. The self-guided portion of this activity lasts about 45 minutes. Consider having music playing quietly in the background on a CD player. Note that because the activities are meant to engage the heart, they do not provide definitions or formal explanations for each sacrament.

Baptism: Reconciliation of a penitent: Pitcher of water and a Six photographs illustrating healing touches glass for each participant Cross Unction: Holy Eucharist: Oil in a shell Red grapes and pita bread Cross Ordination: Stole Confirmation: Statue of a the good shepherd Oil in a shell Photograph of cattle yoked together A bishop’s mitre if possible

Holy Matrimony: Two rings

Invite people, when they are finished, to a central location (perhaps the altar) where they can share their experiences. As the leader, weave teaching about the sacraments (providing formal definitions) into the conversation.

Closing prayer O God...(attributes of God revealed in the conversation) We ask for... (petitions) So that ... (purpose of the petition, which may include ministry or vision of wholeness)

Additional resources “An Outline of the Faith” in The Book of Common Prayer. See particularly pages 857-61 for The Sacraments.

Fr. Matthew Presents the sacraments on youtube. Go to youtube.com and search “Fr. Matthew presents.”

25 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide Baptism Read: (John 5: 5-15) So he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the plot of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired out by his journey, was sitting by the well. It was about noon.

A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, ‘Give me a drink’. (His disciples had gone to the city to buy food.) The Samaritan woman said to him, ‘How is it that you, a Jew, ask a drink of me, a woman of Samaria?’ (Jews do not share things in common with Samaritans.) Jesus an- swered her, ‘If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, “Give me a drink”, you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, you have no bucket, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our ances- tor Jacob, who gave us the well, and with his sons and his flocks drank from it?’ Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life.’ The woman said to him, ‘Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or have to keep coming here to draw water.’

Reflect: Recall a time when you drank a glass of water when you were really thirsty. How did drinking the water make you feel? Have you ever felt spiritually thirsty? What did you do to quench that thirst?

Respond: Light a candle: The light of Christ’s love shines within you. As a member of the church, let that light shine wherever you go.

Pour a glass of water to drink: Water sustains life. We grow in a sea of water in our mother’s wombs and are born into the Church family, given new life in Christ, with water.

Hold the cross: Remember, at baptism you became a member of the Church and were marked as Christ’s own forever. That mark cannot be taken away. Through the Paschal mystery we are buried with Christ by Baptism into his death, and raised with him to new life.

26 Holy Eucharist Read: (Luke 24: 28-35) As they came near the village to which they were going, he walked ahead as if he were going on. But they urged him strongly, saying, ‘Stay with us, because it is almost evening and the day is now nearly over.’ So he went in to stay with them. When he was at the table with them, he took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened, and they recognized him; and he vanished from their sight. They said to each other, ‘Were not our hearts burning within us while he was talk- ing to us on the road, while he was opening the scriptures to us?’ That same hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven and their companions gathered together. They were saying, ‘The Lord has risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!’ Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he had been made known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Reflect: Just like the disciples gathered in Emmaus, Jesus is revealed to us in the breaking of the bread. We celebrate the Eucharist to give thanks to God for the gift of new life in Jesus. How has Jesus been revealed to you in Eucha- rist?

After being fed at the Table we go out into the world to serve Christ with gladness and singleness of heart. How have you served Christ this week?

Respond: Eat a few grapes: Grapes are one of the common fruit grown in Israel. Ever since ancient times they were picked, crushed and fermented into a drink for celebration. Eat a few grapes and remember celebrations you have en- joyed. Thank God for those times of celebration.

Take a bite of bread: Bread is a staple of our meals. By choosing common food as a way of remembering Him and celebrating His resurrection, Jesus invites us to know that He is with each and every day.

Light a candle: The light of Christ’s love shines within you. After being fed at the Table we go out into the world to serve Christ with gladness and singleness of heart. Remember not to hide your light under a bushel.

27 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide Confirmation Read: (John 14:23) Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him.

Reflect: Jesus longs to be with so deeply he offers to dwell with us, to make us his home. What does home provide for you? What does it mean to be at home with Christ? How do you make a home for Christ in your life?

At confirmation, God renews the covenant God made with us at our baptism and we are sent in the power of the Spirit to perform the service God has given us. In the covenant and through the Baptismal promises, we promise to keep Jesus’ word. What are the ways in which you keep Jesus’ word?

Respond: Light a candle: The light of Christ has made a home within you. Give thanks to God for the light that shines your way and for the strength to share that light with others.

28 Holy Matrimony

Read: (Matthew 5:13-16) You are the salt of the earth; but if salt has lost its taste, how can its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything, but is thrown out and trampled under foot.

‘You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hidden. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lamp- stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Reflect: Jesus is the light of the world. The love between two people joined in Holy Matrimony begins with the love of Christ for the Church. How do married couples shine the light of Christ on the world?

Couples often exchange rings as symbols of their vows. Rings are in the shape of a circle. What might its shape symbolize for the union of two people?

What distinguishes a civil marriage from a marriage in the church is that in a church the priest pronounces God’s blessing on the couple. At what other times do we receive blessings? What does a blessing mean to you?

Respond: Light a candle: The light of Christ’s love shines within you. Give thanks to God for the opportunity shine that light in the world by the friendships and commitments we make to others.

29 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide Reconciliation of a penitent Read: (2 Corinthians 5:18-21) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their tres- passes against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us. So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us; we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

Reflect: The word reconcile comes from the Latin word “to make whole again.” Sin- ning breaks relationship; reconciling restores it. Remember a time when you were in need of forgiveness or were yourself forgiven. What stood between you and the other person? What did you, or others, do to make the relationship right again?

Reconciliation of a penitent is a sacramental rite that is available to all people, but not required of anyone. It is a time of intentionally confessing how we have missed the mark to God in the presence of a priest and receiv- ing absolution by a priest.

Respond: Choose a photograph: When a priest pronounces absolution he or she lays hands on the penitent. In Matthew, a woman who had been bleeding touched Jesus’ cloak and was healed. Jesus touched the blind man’s eyes and the man was healed. We yearn for healing and caring touches. Choose a photograph and consider how touch gives life in the moment captured by the camera.

Light a candle: The light of Christ’s love shines within you. When we turn away from that light, our pathway becomes dim and our journey becomes difficult to navigate. Thank God for forgiving us even before we have turned away from God’s light.

30 Unction of the Sick Read: (Psalm 91:9-16) Because you have made the Lord your refuge, the Most High your dwelling-place, no evil shall befall you, no scourge come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone. You will tread on the lion and the adder, the young lion and the serpent you will trample under foot.

Those who love me, I will deliver; I will protect those who know my name. When they call to me, I will answer them; I will be with them in trouble, I will rescue them and honour them. With long life I will satisfy them, and show them my salvation.

Reflect: What does it mean to make God your refuge?

How might your day be different if you knew in your heart that God has sent angels to watch over all that you do? Might you choose to act differently? If so, how?

Respond: Dip you finger in oil: Rub the oil into your hand and remember a time when you or someone you know has needed healing. Give God thanks.

Light a candle: The light of Christ’s love shines within you. Give thanks to God for being a refuge.

31 Your Faith, Your Life Leader Guide Ordination Read: (John 10: 11-18) ‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away— and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’

(Matthew 11: 28-30) ‘Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’

Reflect: The ministry of the baptized is to represent Christ in the world. There are three orders of ministry with particular ministry to the church. The particular ministry of a bishop is as apostle, chief priest, and pastor of a diocese, a priest is as pastor to the people, and a deacon is as a servant to those in need. How do you represent Christ in the world?

A “stole” is the long strip of fabric a priest wears over both shoulders and a deacon wears over the left shoulder and crossed to the right side. It repre- sents the yoke of Christ. What comes to mind when you think of the word “yoke”? How it different or the same from the yoke described in Matthew 11: 28-30?

Respond: Hold the statue of the Good Shepherd: What does the image of the Good Shepherd suggest about the ministry of a priest?

Light a candle: The light of Christ’s love shines within you. Give thanks to God for the light that ordained ministers provide to the Church.