8:30-9:00

Registration

9:00-10:30

Welcome

Morning address: Discerning Our Way in the Light: Individual Discernment through Spiritual Practice—Stephanie Ford

We sometimes wish we’d simply get a clear message written in the sky about whether or not to accept the job we’ve been offered or to begin a lifelong relationship. Nevertheless, we know that discernment is typically a process of listening and praying, sorting through feelings, identifying gifts, and seeking the support and accountability of community. With help from the “cloud of witnesses,” persons of faith in Scripture and in Christian history, we will consider tools for discernment that are readily available through daily spiritual practice.

10:30-11:00

Break

11:00-12:15

Workshops (choose one)

A: Practicing Spiritual Discernment in Everyday Life - Stephanie Ford

In this workshop, we’ll learn how to apply some important Christian spiritual practices of discernment. The workshop will involve time for personal introspection and prayer, so please bring a journal and perhaps a question or issue that is currently on your heart and mind.

Workshop Leader: Stephanie Ford is Assistant Professor of Christian Spirituality at Earlham School of Religion. Stephanie understands that “lived faith” is at the heart of conversations about spirituality. An ordained minister and recognized retreat leader, Stephanie has written for Weavings and The Upper Room Disciplines.

B: Group Discernment: Skills for Seeking a Sense of the Meeting - Lisa Lundeen Nagel

In this workshop we will explore communication and brainstorming strategies to help a group discern with integrity. We will address the importance of coming with heart and mind prepared, and what role prayer can play during a business or committee meeting. Together, we will apply our developing skills to a sample Quaker conundrum! For seasoned members and new attenders alike; clerks encouraged to attend.

Workshop Leader: Lisa Lundeen Nagel is a Guilford College and ESR graduate. Lisa served as a spiritual formation intern at First Friends Meeting in Richmond, Indiana.

C: Where Spirit & Personality Meet: Self-understanding as a Resource in Discernment - Paul Eckert

An individual’s personality influences their preferences for worshiping God and discerning God’s direction in their lives. Using the Myers-Briggs personality inventory as a point of departure, this workshop will explore how awareness of one’s personality and inner-self are intimately connected with the practice of spiritual discernment.

Workshop Leader:Paul Eckert worked in the social services field for 19 years, including 12 years as a clinical social worker. A current ESR student, Paul has extensive experience working with many people of different social locations and contexts, cultures and belief systems.

12:15-1:15

Lunch on site

1:15-2:30

Workshop (choose one of above)

A B C

2:30-3:00

Wrap up