Spiritual Companions of the Diocese of Delaware
Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches!
An article by Barbara Tucker, Christ Church Christiana Hundred, Noember, 2007.
On those Sundays when I am in Lewes, I attend St. Peter’s Church. Following the scripture the reader says, “Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches,” and the congregation is given a moment for silent reflection. Father Bill Field at Christ Church recently addressed this practice, saying, “Since we come together to offer our prayers to God, should we not set aside time just to listen to him and what he may have to say to our innermost hearts? Is noise—even ‘holy’ noise—a help or a hindrance to God’s desire to touch us in ways only he can?”
Has our intimacy with God and others suffered because we have fallen prey to the distractions and noise surrounding us? In the busyness of our days and our church communities, do we take the opportunity to “Be still and know that I am God” and to listen? Mother Teresa said, “It is in the silence of the heart that God speaks to us; for it is not what we say but what God says to us and through us that matters.”
The pressure of modern life is driving many people to seek opportunities to connect with the spiritual self and to nourish the soul. In response, some churches have revived ancient spiritual practices that deepen the life of prayer and give people a chance for renewal and guidance. Some of these practices include spiritual retreats, contemplative prayer in worship services, centering prayer groups, labyrinths, and days for quiet reflection.
Vestries, altar guilds, stewardship committees, and pastoral care groups need time to reflect on the challenges and blessings of their ministries. A guided retreat or workshop offers time to focus, to seek direction, and to call upon the Holy Spirit. Liturgists, musicians, and Sunday school teachers are creative people who need time to reflect, to listen for new ideas, and to find new focus. Scheduling time for prayerful listening is like going back to the well of the Great Creator.
There is a ministry encouraged and supported by the diocese called the Spiritual Companions of the Diocese of Delaware. The Spiritual Companions are a group of people who are open to God’s will through the Holy Spirit and to companion individuals and groups on their spiritual journeys. An important aspect of our ministry is to be actively open and looking for the movement of the Spirit both in our own lives and our faith communities. Our hope is for each parish to include at least one individual who feels called by the Spirit to enter into this ministry.
This group provides resource persons willing to assist parishes in developing and enriching their own contemplative practices. When requested, Spiritual Companions are available to work with you or your group in deepening the spirituality of your parish’s present activities. If you would like to know more about this group and/or are interested in being part of this ministry, contact Barbara Tucker at 571-9457.