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May 21, 2015 | Carol E. Barnwell

Sharing Faith Dinners a “Gift” to Participants

 

On two separate Thursday’s in May, members of Episcopal Churches in the Dioceses of Texas, West Texas and North Carolina gathered to share a meal and personal faith experiences. Trained moderators made sure each person was able to answer questions presented from a set of cards without any interruption or questioning. Holy listening is a very important part of the evening.

 

Some people met in homes, others held potluck dinners at churches and then gathered in small groups to answer thought provoking questions about their encounters with God through their lives.

 

“Last week's Sharing Faith Dinner … turned out to be one of the year's brightest spots so far,” Stephen Adams, a member of St. Cyprian’s, Lufkin, wrote in the church’s newsletter. “Mary and I were treated to such quality conversation, we felt fueled for days afterward. The warmth, sincerity and honesty of the gathering welcomed and relaxed even the most tentative among us.”

 

He spoke of the anxiety that such conversation might spark but said that since participants were asked to listen to each person without comment or question, an “atmosphere of complete safety emerged.”

 

Adams continued: “That's the Spirit we share. That's communion. Give yourself a gift, and put Sharing Faith Dinner on next year's calendar.”

 

Each church coordinates host families who prepare a simple meal, and each home has a moderator to hand out the cards and direct the participants. Cards are provided by the Diocesan office. Some church’s hosted a number of dinners, others a few, but the impact of sharing personal stories of faith, is a profound and moving experience and helps to build a strong community within the congregation.

 

“Once we have learned to talk about our faith, it’s easier to do so in broader circles, to invite others into the conversation,” said Bishop Andy Doyle. “I am delighted so many people had the opportunity to participate and we look forward to a growing number next year on May 19, 2016.”

 

Pew sheets, posters and sample cards will be available at www.epicenter.org/sharingfaith along with a video to help train moderators and instructions for parish coordinators and host families.