The Society of Saint John the Evangelist – Lent program, 2016

"The best place to seek God is in a garden. You can dig for him there." – George Bernard Shaw  

This is a both an individual, online and a Sunday, group study at St. Peter’s

1. Individual Online.  Sign up for emails during Lent, 2016.  Online study was created by St. John the Evangelist. there Daily study though video links delivered to your mailbox by St John the Evangelist monastic community  (Feb. 10-March 20)
 

2. Group Study .  On Sundays beginning Feb 21 through March 20.The adults and older children will gather at 9:45 to participate in Growing a Rule of Life

This series focuses on learning about what it means to have a rule of life, and to develop a simple rule of life over the course of the study. 

A rule of life is a way to regulate our life, bringing order and an intentional approach to how we are living rather than living randomly and respond to what happens in the moment.  A rule of life allows us to step back  and see what we value, how we intend to live and what values we express in our living. 

Living a balanced life requires growing and internalizing a whole set of new boundaries and rules, which may seem impossible in the face of our already overcrowded schedules. But just as stakes and lattices nurture the growth of young plants, so too can spiritual disciplines support the flourishing of our whole being.

From their introduction by St. John the Evangelist – "In this series, we focus on God as the Chief Gardener of our souls, and we seek out ways to grow into the fullness he desires. Just as stakes and lattices nurture the growth of young plants, so too can spiritual disciplines support the flourishing of our whole being. This series uses a tool from monastic spirituality called a ‘Rule of Life’ to explore and cultivate our relationships with God, Self, Others, and Creation. This is an exciting opportunity to dig deep and dream big about ways to live into a more abundant life with Christ."

"Through a combination of readings, videos, and guided questions, participants will spend the 6 weeks of Lent discovering what a Rule of Life is, and what their relationship is with God, with their self, with others, and with creation. As participants discover what is life-giving in each type of relationship, they will also discover what needs to be nurtured in their spiritual lives in order for their gardens to flourish.

"Using the metaphor of the garden, participants will visualize what their personal Rule of Life. Based on the work they have done during the season of Lent, each individual’s Rule of Life will have a few, simple, realistic steps they can take to nurture their relationships in each quadrant (God, Self, Others, and Creation)."

 

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