Apr
27
Written by:
Different Voice
4/27/2009 7:00 AM
How is your congregation helping members of your congregation and community cope in this difficult economy? Many possibilities exist, from setting up job boards on the church website, to offering instructional classes on gardening or canning, to bringing in a financial planner to help the congregation learn about dealing with budgeting or debt. Your approach will depend on the community's situation and the skills and gifts the congregation members have.
Another idea that utilizes the power of small groups is Simplicity Circles. In this type of small group, members gather to learn about living more simply while supporting one another as they change and develop new lifestyle patterns.
Simplicity circle leadership is typically shared, and the group can meet in any comfortable setting. Each person in the group will likely have a different topic he or she wishes to work on, such as downsizing possessions, eating a more healthy diet, or spending more time with friends and family instead of work. Because people will be at very different places in their lives and movement towards a new way of being, Simplicity Circles are also a chance for individuals to learn to value and trust one another in a nonjudgmental atmosphere.
Here are some links to additional resources about and for Simplicity Circles.
An introductory guide (2-page DOC) you should start with.
Alternatives for Simple Living - a superb source for resources. Their DVD "$imply Enough" is highly recommended.
In Context #33 - a journal on "human sustainable culture"; this issue's focus is community transformation
Cecile Andrews - an author, scholar, and consultant on simple living
Simple Living Network - a large network of people and resources for simple living
~ Tim Gossett