Second Conversation
Getting Ready
This conversation focuses on our life as members of one of the worshiping communities of the Diocese of East Carolina. In and through our congregations we learn more deeply what it means to follow Jesus and to do so in the company of other disciples. Empowered by God’s Holy Spirit and supported by faithful companions on the journey, we are more fully able to go out into the communities where we live, in witness to God’s love for us and for all people and in service of our neighbors. In our consideration of the needs of our neighbors and of the communities where we live, you are encouraged to spend time exploring Our Stories: A County by County Journey Through East Carolina. If you don’t have time to read them all, please take time to read the story of your county and of neighboring counties.
A Prayer
"Almighty and everliving God, ruler of all things in heaven and earth, hear our prayers for the parish families of this Diocese. Strengthen the faithful, arouse the careless, and restore the penitent. Grant us all things necessary for our common life, and bring us all to be of one heart and mind within your holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."
A Prayer for the Parish - Page 817, Book of Common Prayer (1979)
The Conversation
Alone, or together with others, consider the following questions. If you will be in a group with others, begin with prayer, and then take time to listen as each person present speaks their own responses to these questions. Avoid discussion or debate, although you might ask another person a question or two in order to better understand their response. You may want to jot down your own responses in a journal. If you join together with others, you might also want to jot down some of the words and images that you hear from them.
Questions:
- How might God be calling your congregation to live more fully into the faith and promises of our Baptismal Covenant?
- How might God be calling your congregation to go out into its own community, in witness to God’s love and in service of your neighbors?
