NYC Chapter Planning and Prayerful Discernment Part 1
August 21, 2021--2:00-4:08 PM Via Zoom
Coordinator Lindsay Boyer opened the meeting with an update re her present health challenges, and her need to step aside as coordinator. She shared her need for help with the variety of responsibilities and assured everyone she would remain as a mentor. The formation of this new coordinating team will move us to become a community at a deeper level. Lindsay then welcomed Marie Howard, Coordinator of Volunteers, who will be facilitating these two meetings as we discern a coordinating team going forward.
Marie introduced herself; beginning the practice of Centering Prayer in 1985 while serving as Family Life Director for the Diocese of Davenport, Iowa and introduced via a workshop offered by Fr. Carl Arico of NJ at a national conference for Family Life Directors. The workshop was life changing and she currently serves on the staff of CO.
Check In by attendees: Everyone shared briefly their participation either via the Zoom groups since the pandemic and/or for in person groups in the NYC/Queens/Long Island area.
Bet: Saratoga Springs, NY, joined during pandemic.
Mary: Lives in NY, NJ, and Hawaii, and serves on a NJ team, joined the Zoom prayer group during pandemic.
Blair: Queens, NY, Commissioned Presenter, facilitates CP groups in Manhattan and Queens, and a 12 Step CP group.
Mark: Bronx, NY. Commissioned Presenter and has helped with retreats at Garrison.
Ellen: Central NJ, joined during pandemic. Had been searching for a group in her area.
Donna: Honolulu, Hawaii Joined during pandemic. Found what she had been looking for.
Jane: Vermont via NYC, has been practicing with Lindsay since the start of the group.
Jackie: Stamford, CT via Forest Hills/Manhattan, Commissioned Presenter. Practicing since early 1990’s.
Jo: Stamford, CT, joined group in 2020. Appreciates the format of Lindsay's Zoom group.
Diane: Patchogue, Long Island. Practicing CP since 2007, Commissioned Presenter Jan. 2020.
Dana: St. Louis, MI, has been with Lindsay’s group since 2020. Attended her introduction to CP when living in Iowa 30 years ago with Marie Howard presenter.
Jim: Brooklyn, NY, one of Lindsay’s co-leaders, Commissioned Presenter.
David: Brooklyn, NY one of Lindsay’s co-leaders.
CP and Opening Reflection: Introductions were followed by a 5-minute CP period led by Jim. Marie read the opening reflection, 2X; Guideline and commentary #1, from the revised Vision of Contemplative Outreach by Fr. Thomas Keating with a brief sharing of "what touched your heart" following. The Vision document is available on the CO website under Volunteer Resources.
Marie continued with sharing ideas that have emerged out of the “new vision” which have moved chapters to form a coordinating team. Fr. Keating was influenced from a book by Fredrick Laloux, “Reinventing Organizations" for how to move from his original hierarchical model to operating as a “coordinating team” sharing responsibilities.
What is currently working for this chapter? (group sharing)
Diane: Contemplative structure is based on the 12 Steps. She has run a workshop called ”Design for Living” that focuses on steps, 10, 11, and 12. Diane felt that we had dropped the ball on workshops like “The Forgiveness Prayer” and “The Welcoming Prayer.”
Marie: CO has service teams who provide workshops and speakers for these practices and now with Zoom, these can be attended without travel or without cost to bring speakers into an area.
Jo: Liked Lindsay’s structure. She liked the 45-minute period of prayer as opposed to 60 or 90 minutes. She finds the shorter practice more effective. She feels that some of Lindsay’s groups’ strengths include her welcoming presence (helps newcomers to be comfortable); her clarity (clear instructions of what is going to happen in the 45 minutes); her letting participants know that this is what the group does during CP and these are the tools used, but you can spend the period anyway you like. She also liked Lindsay’s sources for reflection other than just Scripture when practicing Lectio Divina. Lastly she likes the emails Lindsay sends out with a list of resources and available recordings of a CP period.
Mary: a board member of CO NJ’s new leadership, established after the passing of Therese S. Looking forward to working with CO NYC especially on intros.
Blair: what is working for Blair is the email listing because it lets him know what is going on in general as well as upcoming events. He suggested it would be good to keep track of how groups progress. He misses the connection that in person groups offered but appreciates how Zoom has kept us going.
Donna: would like to stay online via Zoom regardless of where the pandemic ends up. She also liked Lindsay’s unique approach. She especially liked how the Wednesday teachings were always timely with what was going on in the world.
Jackie: feels that the 45-minute format is efficient. She mentioned that to lead is something that involves preparation and time and cannot be done “off the cuff.” She suggests anyone wishing to lead to keep in mind the time involved, and that Lindsay did this well.
Bet: Bet expressed how she was struggling with her Episcopal diocese in Albany, but at Lindsay’s group, she felt safe. She appreciates that she can go somewhere and pray with others.
Marie commented that our group has what is needed to continue the work Lindsay has begun. Fr. Keating saw that one person could not manage all that is needed and he reminded us that Jesus told the apostles that they were ready to go and teach. Marie also mentioned that Fr. Keating recorded the Spiritual Journey tapes that are the essence of the ten-day Intensive CP retreats. These talks, like Lindsay’s recordings, can be listened to with new ears and each time we can learn something new. She stressed that Lindsay needs help to continue this work. She paraphrased Thomas Merton saying “If it’s genuine prayer, it must lead to action.”
Areas of Service which usually make up a Coordinating Team (each chapter can identify the teams needed).
1. Communication 2. Introductory program 3. Silent Saturdays/special events/retreats. 4. Facilitator and enrichment support (for Zoom and face to face facilitators) 5. Coordinator (position that acts like a coach. Finances-could be covered by the coordinator at the beginning but having this as a separate position would be beneficial). TBD: team for 12 Step Outreach and team for just the Tuesday or Wednesday Zoom prayer groups with co-leaders; the need to have a zoom account.
What may be needed (TBD)? We may need to do more outreach to the CP community. We might do more publicity for offerings to the 12-step community.
Closing Summary: between now and the September 4 meeting, we all take time for prayerful discernment for serving on one of these teams. Lindsay will send out the agenda for the meeting, and instructions for the prayerful discernment by September 1st. At the next meeting, the participants can express where their passion is and how they could serve. Marie reminded us that you don’t have to feel guilty if you are not able to actively serve a particular role right now. (see Guideline #5 from The Vision)
Check out :
Bet: excited and overwhelmed.
Mary: we got a lot accomplished, and we have a lot to ponder.
Blair: will be a Grandfather Sept. 1 and the timing may be difficult for him. He is up in the air, still working and quite busy, but understands how important this agenda is.
Mark: feels great, surrendering to the group carries him along. Requested to have materials sent out about today’s meeting again so he can refer to it.
Donna: hopeful, will discern what makes Lindsay’s group so unique.
Jane: grateful, open, and willing.
Jo: a lot to think about
Diane: hopeful
Dana: grateful and hopeful
James: hopeful
Ellen: grateful, extraordinary opportunity, likes having the two-week break.
David: uncertain.
Jackie: excited to see where the Holy Spirit leads her.
Lindsay: feels hopeful and supported
Marie: feels grateful. Thank you all.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:08 Next meeting: Saturday, Sept. 4th from 2:00-4:00 pm Eastern time. Zoom information will be sent with agenda
Notes taken by Jackie Herbach, edited by Marie and Lindsay