Welcome to CCS

You're so right, Sister! It becomes a very quiet, one-sided discussion.

I remember when I first realized that you could look up the Greek and Hebrew of verses; it made me feel so wise. But it has gradually dawned on me that Greek and Hebrew are really hard and it takes a real scholar to do it properly. Just imagine if some one followed you around with a dictionary and told you what you meant by every word you said. That's how I see amature Greek scholars.

Martin, thank you for your wise input. The group experiences I've had in the past were much like you mentioned, facilitator-led and allowing the members to grow in their own faith through study and discussion. I've been the facilitator a few times and I hope I never got in the way of allowing others to grow and learn.
I talked at length with DH this morning and we came to some good conclusions. First, he did affirm my concerns and said some of the same things you did. He also reminded me that we have a break point coming up during the spring and summer, where we will be away some weekends. He plans to retire in August, freeing him from weekend work hours and allowing us to begin attending traditional services again as well.
We have been out of trad church for about 4 years now, and I'm really feeling the need to return to it. It's an interesting path God allows us to wander.
For now, we will try to get along, stay positive. And I am praying that God leads us toward a release that's Christian and realistic. I really dislike confrontation, and know it's rarely productive. I just need to be patient and look for the positive. Thanks again.

Edited by author 02-08-2010 10:47 AM
Dia anseo isteach!
God to all here!

Hey Melina,

While there should be someone in a study group that can keep to the topic under discussion, someone who domineers a group is usually there not to 'share' but to deposit their views. Its more about their self affirmation of their beliefs. In the women's discussion groups in my wife's church, the 'leader' is really a 'facilitator', someone who keeps the discussion flowing and gives everyone a voice. It works very well and helps with the same group dynamics you are experiencing. Since its a home church, there is no authority to appeal to in this case. I'd suggest your pray about continuing or ask for the Lord's release from it. You're only alternative is to have a meeting focused on the problem!

In the groups that I have lead, its always about getting people excited to explore for themselves and share what they have learned. This woman has no authority over her so who knows if her 'interpretation' is correct or not?

Slan
Marty

I'm really in need of some guidance and prayer. Also, I'm writing this out to see how it sounds, and if I'm being as petty and small-minded as I'm afraid I am.
Hubby and I attend a home church group of between 6 and 10 people that has been meeting for a little over a year. For awhile, we just spent time fellowshipping and getting to know one another. We are from diverse backgrounds and range in age from two teenagers to two 60's+. Recently, we finally got to a point of agreeing that we needed to do some sort of study and we decided on Colossians. One individual has emerged as the indisputed leader, a woman who considers herself VERY in tune with what Scriptures say. She sits with her Concordia Bible, expounding at great length about what the Greek words REALLY mean, she puts down anyone else's ideas as not being Scripturally sound (based on her extensive understanding of Greek and Hebrew language), and generally runs the show. Her son leads singing, always the most modern pop Christian songs because he, in his words, HATES hymns or any of the "old" praise songs (anything over 5 years old). In the meantime, the 3 men of the group sit quietly and let her drone on and one about her ponderings of Scripture, not challenging so much as a jot or tittle. Ok, my snarky, very UnChristian side has emerged, sorry. This started as a very nice, warm group, but now I dread Saturday nights and my heart is taking a beating.
I know what to do, I should lovingly confront her privately. I already know she will tear me to shreds. I've seen and heard her reaction to others who disagree. (Our group started much larger and others just quietly left and didn't return) I don't know how to handle this. Hubby basically says to suck it up, pray and get over it. Any words of wisdom?

(did you know that tradition is Celtic also?)
Yes, I did! Cathi Hassan has a very nice blog post on the topic today. You can read it here: http://cathischatter.blogspot.com/2010/02/why-groundhogs-day.html

Dia anseo isteach!
God to all here!

Greetings all,

Jill - I'm so glad you shared that with us! That is what we refer to as a 'thin place', a place where you encounter God or feel His presence especially close. In todays prayers, in Newell's 'Celtic Benediction', Tuesday Morning Opening Prayer, I saw something that reminded me of your experience.

Awaken my senses this day
to the goodness that still stems from Eden.

Awaken my senses
to the goodness that can still spring forth
in me and in all that has life.

Your senses (spiritual seeing and hearing and feeling) are coming alive in you! Walking the Celtic Way of Spirituality doesn't eliminate problems this life offers us, but it gives us company along the way and a new understanding of His purposes. Thanks again for sharing the growth you are experiencing.

Yes, 34° feels warm here in the NE when we can get it too!! I'm really praying that groundhog will bring and early Spring!! (did you know that tradition is Celtic also?)

Slan
Marty

Thanks to each and to all of you for your prayers.
I took my dog out today and when we reached the stream and waterfall that borders the back of our property, the beauty of the scene stopped me in my tracks. MOstly, I take this view for granted, but the bright sun falling on the islands of ice in the midst of the flowing water made a lovely sight. Even though it was about 34 degrees out, the sun felt warm. We have had single digit temps, (and below with the wind chill factor), for several days, so 34 feels warm. God encouraged my heart with this beautiful picture today. I hope He gives you each some delight in your surroundings this season.
Thanks for the recipe Cindy, I am going to check it out, and save it in my recipe file.
Blessings to everyone.
Jill-B

Ooops! You're right!! Imbolc today... not Beltine!!! (getting old!.. sigh!)

Imbolc?
Anyway, Happy St. Brigid's Day! I made St. Brigid's Oat Bread. You can get the recipe on my blog today: http://celticvoices.blogspot.com

Happy St. Brigid's day...

Just wanted to stop in and let you ALL know I am praying for you right now.....

Hi Jill, I'm sorry that you've been having such a rough time; depression is miserable, even mild depression like I've had. I can't imagine what a severe depression feels like. I hope your medication change goes well, and I'll pray for you.

Dia anseo isteach!
God to all here!

Father, we ask your blessings upon Jill. Be with her, strengthen her and guide her in the days ahead. Grant her your peace and the understanding she needs to walk the life you have given her. Anoint her Lord, with your Spirit and settle within her the assurance of your presence. We ask this all in Jesus precious name...

I'm glad to see you grasping hold of some of the concepts we believe, Jill. Yes, we are never absent from God, nor He from us! We are always connected together as family in Him. I'm grateful that you value our fellowship in your difficult times also and please know that you are always most welcomed here. We will keep you on our prayer lists individually as well.

Slan
Marty

Greetings and blessings to all.
It has been a long time since I have participated here, and I have missed the discussions and the fellowship.
I have been struggling with severe depression,and have been withdrawn from connections with people both personally and online. Prayer has kept me connected to the Source, and knowing He is within has kept the spark of hope that my emotions will eventually become more stable again.
I hope to be more active here again and reconnect with everyone here in particpating. I know we are never really disconnected, but I have been absent.
I would appreciate your prayers as I go through a medication change over the next two weeks. I must taper down and stop one before I can start another. The tapering down can bring physical and mental side effects, as can the start of the new medication, so your prayers would be of great help.
Thank you. I am glad to be beack and I gladly add my prayers for Lillian and evryone else as well. God bless you all.
Jill-B