Interfaith Women’s Leadership Group March 19

To the Interfaith Women Leaders on this International Women’s Day...
 
It was another good discussion on Tuesday on Zoom at the Interfaith Women’s Leadership Group!  As we get to know each other with each call, we share our thoughts, experiences and questions providing a safe space for those conversations.  Thank you all for sharing your ‘aha moments’ in your faith, as we continue to learn and explore our personal stories and faith journey.  As we get to know each other more and more, we tell stories of our experiences, and not necessarily the truth of where a faith practice is currently.  We can’t avoid the politics that has been part of the ongoing religious struggles and wars, but we listen for understanding, not judgement and recognize that our stories are individual and one’s personal experience. It is all in the spirit of learning.  You all have been very respectful of that focus.  Thank you Susan for sharing your thoughts even though you couldn’t be with us. 
 
Attached is the wonderful Crayon poem that Stephanie shared with us. 
 
Our next session will be on Tuesday, March 19 from 7 – 8:30 pm and we will continue to explore the questions raised in the book as well as our own questions and learnings.   
 
Here is the link for the Zoom call. 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88528937693?pwd=R0OtLpXIiS37GaXZ6VDZnA4JYSbF4T.1
 
The Reading Assignment for the next session is Chapters 10-12 pages 145-200 in ‘The Faith Club,’ and we will build on the conversations we have been having as well as the  questions raised in the Zoom Chat. 
Here are a few questions that might consider perhaps if you are journaling, or just to think about after last night’s session:

• What did you learn about another’s faith in the personal stories that were told that particularly stuck with you?  Perhaps a similarity or major difference in your faith practice or childhood experiences?
• How do the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim conceptions of God differ?
• Given these conversations, what are you surprised at learning, or hadn’t thought about?
• Can you describe the distinctions in your own beliefs of Religion vs. Faith and Religion vs. God?

Your responses are part of your own journey and will allow you to personally explore your own faith and take notes to your learning.
 
        At the next session, we will introduce ourselves again, name, faith affiliation and a belief that was challenged or changed during your spiritual journey.  Said another way, something you may have learned recently that allowed you to change your mind about a faith practice or another’s faith practice.  It could be part at a significant time of your life, or perhaps during these sessions. We will share those thoughts with each other as we open the next session and continue to get to know each other. 
 
     We will then ask for any input regarding the last session, thoughts/learnings and get additional thoughts on the afterlife from a Jewish perspective, (Thank you Flo!);  as well as some basic understanding of the Shiite/Sunni distinctions in the Muslim faith (Thank You Tayyaba!)
 
    The link to all the assignments for the Interfaith Women’s Leadership Group has been updated and contains all the information sent out on a regular basis.  If you need to review assignments or other information shared, you will find it on this link.  The newest one will always be on top and the older ones will be below.
 
https://www.churchholyspirit.org/interfaith-womenrsquos-leadership-group-iwl
 
Comments/questions/suggestions always welcome.   See you on March 19th!
 
Celebrate YOU on this International Women’s Leadership Day!
 
Janet
 
Janet B. Matts
Office:  (908) 203-9284
Cell:  (908) 334-5504
[email protected]
www.janetmatts.com
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