Maine creation spirituality community

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Comment by Tammie Fowles on August 24, 2009 at 11:58am

In “An Invitation to Both/And Spiritual Community, ”Susan Coppage Evans reflected on her experience with beginning a creation based spiritual community in Colorado. She recalled, "Relating to what I already knew about church community, I drifted toward the known shore of hourly meetings on Sundays, but the organic unfolding of the community when left to the group process turned out to be two-hour meetings once a month, on Sunday afternoons. When I thought we should clarify a specific structure for monthly meetings – the answer came from the participants: “Yes and No. Let’s create some structure, have a lot of flexibility and most importantly, let’s get to know one another before establishing too much structure too quickly.” Imagine that, creating from relationship rather than from a self-imposed, “to do” list!
I love the idea of "creating from relationship" which is why I have not proposed an initial agenda other than meeting one another first in order to share our individual experiences, vision, etc. Has this been a mistake though, has it diminished your interest? Are you needing something more structured? Are you all simply too busy? What would you need in order to feel it would be worth your while to get together? The end of summer? A clearer agenda? Would love some feedback as time permits.

Comment by Tammie Fowles on August 24, 2009 at 11:31am

Hi folks,
I've been back from the creation spirituality event in Asheville for some time now and felt that making contact with all of you was long overdue.
Clearly folks have been extremely busy. I'm wondering if as the summer begins to gently wind down if if might be time to start at least thinking about getting together again. Perhaps some time in September?
I have also been thinking that one useful purpose this online community could serve is to let other members know when there's an event in Maine coming up that others might be interested in. For instance, Jacob, CHIME hosts a number of events that I believe members of this community would benefit from hearing about. Or if one of us is reading a book that he/she feels might be of interest to the larger group , then perhaps he/she could inform us of the book and we could consider getting together to discuss it. For instance, "The We That is Me: A Creation Spirituality Guidebook" offers activities and ideas for discussion, many of which I think are always beneficial to revisit.
Any thoughts?

Tammie

Comment by Tammie Fowles on May 16, 2009 at 12:41am

Considering that both Bonnie-kate and James are unable to attend on Sunday, I've decided to cancel and reschedule. Bonnie-kate has suggested meeting one Monday evening per month. Would that work for others?

Comment by Tammie Fowles on May 16, 2009 at 12:37am

Bonnie-kate wrote, " I am unable to make it on Sunday. I have a conflicting family gathering date that takes me to NH for the day.

My comment was that perhaps a monday evening, once a month gathering might be good. Weekends are tough - there is always so much catching up to do on those days. Perhaps we could take turns hosting a meeting. I also like James suggestions."

Comment by Tammie Fowles on May 13, 2009 at 11:40am

Hi Bonnie-kate. No I didn't get your response. Not sure why, I get confused sometimes regarding where to find comments and to make them. Yes, we are still on this Sunday and I'm looking forward to meeting you!!!!

Comment by Bonnie-kate Allen on May 13, 2009 at 6:40am

Is the meeting still on for Sunday? Tammie did you get my response on feedback? b-kate

Comment by Tammie Fowles on May 13, 2009 at 1:49am

Thanks so much James for your feedback, your vision sounds wonderful!

Comment by James Coomey on May 13, 2009 at 12:34am

Please do not worry about me and meeting. Proceed. Being a new job I could not change dates and times. But I should be able to for the next gathering.
My thoughts on the group:
Support of each member's personal "mission"/ministry and a collective "mission"/ministry (something public) and the continuing education of this group of kindred spirits( group study of recent articles, books, communal prayer, etc.). I encourage a monthly gathering. There seems to be a scattering of other like minded around ( S. Maine, Portsmouth, Newburyport). Perhaps there is a synergy there with opportunities of sharing in the work they have already established? And personally, I would love to see a Cosmic Mass of some form in the area. So blessings on your gathering. I shall be there in spirit.

Comment by Tammie Fowles on May 8, 2009 at 3:18am

That does make sense Steph, I'm fine with still meeting on the 17th. Does that work for others? And James, my agenda for our first meeting was really to get a sense for how members would like to see our group evolve in terms of structure, mission, etc.

Comment by Stephanie on May 8, 2009 at 2:04am

Hi,

How about if we still meet on the 17th and plan a time for next month when we can all meet. I am looking forward to meeting all of you but will settle for those who can make it. James, is Sunday, in general, difficult for you? Does another time slot work out better for the majority? If we know in advance, we can focus on picking out our next meeting when we are there on the 17th. Make sense?

See you soon,

Steph

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