Plenary Council 2020 - 2021

THE STRENGTHS OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY ARE: THE CHALLENGES OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY ARE: THE HOPES AND DREAMS OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY ARE: 36 37 WHAT IS OUR BEST EXPERIENCE OF OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY? (10 MINUTES) Group Leader: Let us brainstorm the positive things happening in our area. WHAT CHALLENGES DO YOU SEE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY AT THIS TIME? (10 MINUTES) Group Leader: Let us brainstorm the challenges in our area. WHAT HOPES OR DREAMS DO YOU THINK GOD HAS FOR THE FUTURE OF YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY? (10 MINUTES) Group Leader: Let us brainstorm the hopes and dreams we have for our area. LISTENING TO THE WORD OF GOD (3 MINUTES) In the Bible, the Acts of the Apostles offers a description of the early church. (Acts 2:42-47) They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. REFLECTING ON THE WORD OF GOD (2 MINUTES) When we think about a faith community, what are our priorities? How do our priorities for local community compare to the description of the early church we read in scriptures? When it comes to our local community, let us consider the difference between “What are we asking for in Australia at this time?” versus “What is God asking of us in Australia at this time?” Pause for silent reflection REMINDER: RESPECTFUL LISTENING AND DIALOGUE POINTS Group Leader: In the spirit of respectful listening and dialogue, we ask that we respect the following: • While someone is speaking, we do not interrupt. • We speak only from our own viewpoint, not seeking to correct or challenge another’s stance, but to offer our own position. Phrases like: “I think differently…” or “In my opinion…” may help. • Sometimes, if there are strong emotions, or if we need to allow others to speak, we are asked at this time to give our permission for the group leader to politely interrupt. Is that okay? Our voices are important. Let us speak boldly and with passion, and listen with an open and humble heart.