Preparation for Gathering 8

The things that matter most in our lives are not fantastic or grand.
They are the moments when we touch one another,
when we are there in the most attentive or caring way.
This simple and profound intimacy is the love that we all long for,
These moments of touching and being touched can become a foundation for a path
with a heart, and they take place in the most immediate and direct way.
Mother Theresa put it like this: "In this life we cannot do great things.
We can only do small things with great love."

—Jack Kornfield

As we consider together our ideas about personal ministry, here are some questions to stir your own thoughts (adapted from Roy D. Phillips, Transforming Liberal Congregations for the New Millennium).

What touches you?

moves you?

calls to you?

disturbs you?

What are your gifts?

What is your unique combination of talents and skills?

How do you prefer to express them?

How have your previous life engagements been your personal ministry?

How have you lived your values and used your gifts in relation to family and friends?

children and strangers?

How have your values shaped how you do your work in the volunteer responsibilities you take on?

in the causes you work for or support financially?

Who are you?

What can you become?

How might you serve?

What do you hope will come into the world as a result of your work?

How might you live out of your core, your center for your own joy?

in growing and developing?

for the enrichment of the world?

How can this church support you in your ministry?

Please write, draw, or dance your response to the following question:

What is your ministry to yourself, the congregation, the larger community?