JOURNEY GROUPS

This fall will offer a variety of opportunities for adults to attend to their spiritual growth and connections with others in your faith family. However, there will be only one Journey Group this fall as I focus more on the good but hard work of transition. If you have been in a Journey Group before or wish to be a part of one in 2008, please let me know. If you are free to join the Edgewood Group, you will not be sorry. This intergenerational study is a treasure!

Blessings to all of you as we continue to be bound together in love. Kate

ON-GOING ADULT CLASSES

IN-WORD BOUND: JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE-COLOSSIANS THROUGH REVELATION

Join us each Sunday morning before worship for a "wake me up" cup of coffee, stimulating conversation, and caring community. We will be continuing our study of the Gospel of John

We are very open to new members.  Don't feel that you need to come every week to gain benefit.  Weekly attendance is certainly welcome, but not required.

Participants are encouraged to purchase a student book available for sale on Homecoming Sunday, September 9^th.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY

Led by Deanna Atchison for seniors.  This is a great time for learning and nurturing friendships!  We will be studying The Gospel of John.  

BOOK NOOKS!

“One Foot in Eden:  A Celtic View of the Stages of Life”, J. Philip Newell

Tuesdays, April 1^st – May 13^th, 7:30-9:00 pm

We hope you can join us for thoughtful discussion, centering meditation and joyful fellowship!  From birth to death, the seven chapters of this book “affirm the goodness of life and the sense of awe that humans can discover in the act of living.  ‘The purpose of this book,’ writes J. Philip Newell, ‘is the Celtic belief that grace is given by God to liberate the goodness that has been planted at the heart of life.  Grace is opposed to what is false in us but not to what is most deeply natural.’ ”

I will be placing book orders soon so give a call if you’d like one reserved.  We’re looking forward to this new beginning! Blessings,      Terry

Democracy at Risk: How Political Choices Undermine Citizen Participation, and What We Can Do About It by Stephen Macedo, et. al.

In the current primary season, the news is filled with stories of record turnouts at the voting booth and political rallies which are more like revivals or rock concerts.   So we can feel pretty good about the way our democracy is working, right?   Maybe not.   What if a healthy democracy needs more than short-term excitement during a presidential election every four years?   Does it matter that, despite current year events, recent trends in civic engagement are mostly negative?

Stephen Macedo and his team of political scientists have examined these questions and proposed some thought-provoking suggestions for addressing them.   Their focus in this book is on the quantity, quality, and equality of civic engagement.   In this presidential election year, I invite you to read and discuss this book and judge for yourself if their prescriptions are helpful.   We will meet Sunday mornings at 9:30 in the church parlor for this five week study starting May 4. Leadership will be shared among the group. Please join us!       Ken Redford

WORSHIP IN THE EVENING

Again this year there will be opportunity for worship in the chapel on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm .  Jan Brink with the support and guidance of the worship committee of the Board of Deacons will plan and prepare the service. They will be quiet and prayerful with guided meditation, readings and music. You are warmly welcome.

EDUCATION FOR MINISTRY (EFM)

 Education for Ministry (EFM) is a program of theological education by extension, sponsored by The School of Theology at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. The University of the South is governed by twenty-eight dioceses of the Episcopal Church. EFM is a four-year program that meets weekly for nine months of the year. Participants register for one year at a time, and the group is facilitated by certified mentors. In the seminars, members have an opportunity to share their insights and discoveries as well as to discuss questions which the study material raises for them. More important is the development of skills in theological reflection which allows participants to examine how their faith and culture shape their everyday lives. When combined with regular prayer and worship, EFM provides an excellent opportunity for growth in discipleship and discernment.

South Church partners with Christ Church to offer the EFM group. EFM meets in yearly sessions beginning in January-June and ending September-December. Rosemarie Buxton of Christ Church mentors the group. Watch 5 Minutes in late fall for registration details. Questions? Ken Redford has completed the program and worked as an EFM mentor. He can be reached at 978-686-6961, or contact current group member Glenn Rogers at: 978-475-6082.

INTERGENERAL STUDY AT EDGEWOOD

 GOSPEL MEDICINE

by Barbara Brown Taylor is the name of the collection of sermons to be explored at the INTERGENERATIONAL STUDY AT EDGEWOOD beginning Tuesday, Jan. 22, 10:30-12. The scriptures and sermons address some of the more common ailments of our time: "...anger and apocalypse are here. So are God's promises, messengers and tender mercies. Most lives contain some of each, although few of us have words to describe them. That is why we need gospel balm." Space is limited to 12, so call or email (kkallis@southchurch.com) to secure a space and order the book (cost: $12) Meetings will be Jan. 22-May 27 for nine sessions.

TO THE EDGEWOOD GROUP: Please let me know AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you want me to hold a space in the group for you. I'm really looking forward to this new series!     Kate

CONTEMPLATIVE JOURNEY – NOON PRAYERS

Contemplative prayer offers those who embrace it, who seek to practice its discipline, who return to its quiet and focused forms again and again an opportunity to hush the frantic world around them and intentionally devote time to "be in Presence". Found throughout the world’s faith traditions and integral to Christianity’s multi-faceted experiences of the Holy across time and cultures, contemplation of God embodies many expressions. In its different forms, this type of prayer is described by those who practice it as both calming and challenging, retreat-like and intentional work, and a time to release and receive. It is purposefully, a time set aside to put all the cares and concerns of life into the encompassing hands of God and lean into holy presence. Breath prayer with intoning, lectio divina (sacred reading), chant with intercession and petition, guided imagery, and sacred gazing prayer forms provide the framework for our time. There is room in the circle. You are invited to participate as often as you are able.

Monthly Schedule:
            Week 1 Centering and/or Breath Prayer with Intoning

            Week 2 Lectio Divina (Praying with sacred text)

            Week 3 Chant with Petition and Intercession

            Week 4 Guided Imagery
            Week 5 Sacred Gazing (visual prayer)

 OTHER ADULT OPPORTUNITIES

GRADUATES

All seniors (50 and over) are invited to participate in THE GRADUATES who will share hospitality, entertainment, education, service and fellowship. The opening event this year will be held on October 13th (program: TBA). Plans are underway for events on November 17, January 19, February 16, March 15, and April (date TBA). Please read the 5 Minutes for further details and plan to join us.

BREAD AND ROSES

Bread and Roses is a local mission in Lawrence where individuals and families come for a meal five nights a week. Volunteers from South Church participate twice a month – the third Saturday and the fourth Thursday. Jobs include shopping, cooking and serving.  You would be scheduled to help a few times a year.  It is a wonderful way to help the community while meeting others from South Church.

 Contact: Sandy Meldrum at:   978- 474-8700 or sandymeldrum@verizon.net

DAY OF SERVICE
Saturday October 27, 2007

This will be our 8^th annual Day of Service!  Last year over 200 people participated and we hope to have an even more successful day this year.  Our purpose is to come together as an intergenerational congregation for spiritual growth by partnering with local missions in our community.  After coffee and worship at the church we fan out into the community to various work projects. These may include cooking and serving a meal at Lazarus House, painting at ABC, making care packages for seniors, doing trail work on AVIS land, and many other activities.  The day concludes back at the church with a reflection service, fellowship and dinner.

Suggest a local mission project we might serve on that day.  Is there a school, playground or community program that may have a project we could reach out to?  If so please contact any of the leadership team listed below.
 

 Sign-up in October after church worship service.
Read 5 Minutes from South Church for the latest information.

EMPLOYMENT SEEKERS

Now in its 6^th year, this group of net-workers, mostly unemployed, gathers on the third Wednesday of each quarter to provide helpful information and encouragement.  Unemployment represents both a challenge and an opportunity that has economic, emotional, and spiritual dimensions.  Meetings feature speakers, networking, a sense of comradeship, and an online database to assist in the process of seeking the next vocational chapter of life.

HISTORICAL RESEARCH

The Historical Committee of South Church has the mission to inform the members of significant events and themes in our history as a congregation. Our history together is nearly 300 years long, and we are beginning to prepare for the anniversary celebration.  In addition we organize, preserve and protect the historical documents and artifacts. 

The committee welcomes anyone who would like to participate. You can help in just one project, or several. Meetings are scheduled as needed; there is no regular meeting time.

 Contacts:   Karen VanDoren, 978-475-5935
                   Bill Schroeder, 603-898-6086

MEN’S GROUP

This diverse group meets EVERY WEDNESDAY except Christmas and New Year’s.  Subjects for discussion: "Whatever comes on the table"—politics, social issues, church happenings, jobs lost, hard decisions, employment opportunities, sports, and more. Have a problem or concern?  Men's Group will hear you out and provide helpful solutions. Is there something new and/or exciting going on in your life that you want to share? Men’s group will cheer you on and offer encouragement. A great mid week break—fellowship at its best!  Everyone welcome!

DRUMMING FOR JOY!

A monthly drumming circle led by storyteller/drummer Jane Gossard, will begin again at Rolling Ridge Retreat Center in North Andover on Monday evening, September 17 from 7-9 pm, and continue through November on the third Monday of each month (9/17; 10/15; and 11/19).  Drumming happens from 7-8:30 with dessert and coffee to follow.  Drumming experience is not necessary.  Drums will be supplied, or bring your own.  The cost is $20 with pre-registration (call 978-682-8815) or $25 at the door.  Come and enjoy the uplifting, joyful, healing power of drumming!   cbc

SKI RETREAT AT SUNDAY RIVER

Join others (individuals and family groups) from South Church for cross-country, snow-board and downhill on trails ranging from flat to foolhardy, or sit by the fireplace.  Rentals and lessons available!  Sunday River Inn offers home cooking, ice skating, sauna, games, music, fellowship and worship in a beautiful winter setting. 

    

Date:	January 25 - 27, 2008
Time:	Friday evening to Sunday midday
Location:	Sunday River Inn, Newry, Maine
Sign up:	Registration in early November.  Watch the 5 Minutes!
Contact:	Chuck Christopherson, 978-749-9420