Exploring the Way of Love as a Rule of Life in Adult Formation
Facilitator: David Tremaine and Kathy Wilder
This track will explore the resources available to congregations interested in pursuing the Episcopal Church’s
Way of Love
and how we as faith formation leaders can incorporate the sevenfold emphases of learning, praying, worshiping, blessing, going, resting and turning into our lifelong and life-wide faith formation offerings. Morning sessions will focus on in-depth explorations of each of the seven way of love practices as well as resources available for living those out in a congregational setting. The afternoon sessions will be practical workshops focusing on how to cultivate and live out a community rule of life and small group ministry from these resources.
Session 1: The Way of Love: A Community Rule of Life
10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.
In our opening session we will take time to reflect on and explore each of the first six areas of the “Way of Love,” which include Turn, Learn, Pray, Worship, Bless, and Go. Participants will leave with a list of potential practices for each of these areas as well as resources for implementing them in their congregational life.
Session 2: In Returning and Rest: A Spirituality of Retreat
1:15 - 2 p.m.
In the follow up to the exploration of the first six “Way of Love” areas, Camp Stevens' executive director, Kathy Wilder, will lead an in-depth reflection and discussion on the final area of Rest. Participants will leave with an understanding of the resources available to them and to their congregations to engage regularly in the vital practice of resting.
Session 3: How and Why to Cultivate a Community Rule of Life
2:15 - 3:15 p.m.
In the first practicum session of the afternoon we will explore the reasons why we might work to take on a Rule of Life in our congregational settings. We will explore both the challenges and joys of such work as well as some practical ways for cultivating and sustaining such communal practices. Participants will leave with a practical steps and resources to help create a rule of life for their community.
Session 4: How and Why to Cultivate a Small Group Ministry
3:30 - 4:15 p.m.
In the final practicum session of the day we will discuss the ways that we can live out and sustain these “Way of Love” practices through small group ministry, as well as some of the practical aspects of cultivating such a ministry. Workshop leader David Tremaine will share some of his experiences in implementing and sustaining small groups from his work at St. Luke’s, San Diego over the last two years. Participants will leave with practical steps and resources to explore the possibility of and support small group offerings in their congregations.
