An invitation was recently emailed to NSW Eremos members:
At this time Eremos is being challenged to find new ways of being and new ways of interacting with the wider community of those seeking to find new depths in their spirituality. At this time we are all also facing unprecedented challenges to our worldviews, the meaning of our lives, and the consequences of our past actions, in relation to our lifestyles, our economic system, our faith communities.
An initiative being proposed is the formation of a network of small dialogue groups, meeting say once a month, facilitated by an Eremos member where we can dialogue around crucial questions about issues of concern, possibly with a focus question each meeting—and periodically have a larger dialogue between groups or with a speaker.
A suggested name is ‘Out of Eremos’—gleaning the wisdom which comes from a long sojourn in the desert and using our understanding of a new spirituality which is not exclusive, one which acknowledges our dependence on the natural world, and one which contributes to solutions rather than being part of the problem. Faith communities have a crucial role in the current dialogue as they potentially have a much broader lens with which to view the one world we all share.
The challenge obviously resonated with Eremos members and produced a heartwarming response from those wishing to participate in some way. An initial meeting was held in April where we grappled with the dynamics and processes of small groups, with the suggestion that we move forward in the way of ‘circles of trust’ as outlined by Parker Palmer in his book A Hidden Wholeness: The journey toward an undivided life.
We are inviting any members who would like to consider facilitating such groups in their geographical area to make contact with the hope at a later date of connecting the groups into a network via our website so that ‘virtual’ participants can also be included in the dialogue. We are in the process of preparing guidelines for facilitators, and focus points for group meetings and would welcome input, including ideas for focus points, offers to be facilitators, offers of venues, offers to assist with computer moderating.
Initially two trial groups are being formed—one in Randwick which will meet on Monday evenings at Janet O’Sullivan’s home, 239 Darley Rd, starting 26 May next, and another on Wednesdays in Ermington, starting 28 May 6-6.30pm, 41A Marguerette Street, where members will combine a light meal with discussion facilitated by Kate Scholl and Sue Emeleus.
For further information and rsvp details please contact us.
Email: news@eremos.org.au