Purpose:

To share our insights, thoughts and reflections on the Thomas Merton and Oscar Romero book study with readers of our congregation and beyond. To serve as a "reflective focus" during the upcoming Lenten season.

Invited:

Those who have attended the Monday night sessions, Also those folks who bought the books who couldn't attend Mondays, and found inspiration in these books. Also we invite the forum email list to this project if they have read Merton and/or Romero and have found worthy words.

Something to Think About as You Write

We seek to build on what unites us as believers and to link believers together in reflection. How has the meaning of passage you selected become personal for you as you reflected on it?

Getting Started (some hints):

1. Select a passage from either the Merton or Romero book that we have studied.
2. Begin with studying and meditating on the passage so its power supports your words. You are encouraged to "live" with the passage you selected during the season of Lent.
3. Describe the situation that drew you to the passage, using a specific incident. Write down as many details of the real-life situation as you can. For example, if you write about an incident when people were talking, write down what each person said.
4. Connect the passage with your own life. Your experience and stories are unique.
5. Use language and examples that appeal to the five senses. Tell what you heard, saw touched, smelled tasted. When appropriate, use dialogue to tell your story.
6. Avoid preaching ("you should ...," "you need to ...," "we must ...," etc.)
7. Make only one point. Think snapshot, not movie!
8. Tell how you hope to apply this spiritual truth to your own life in days to come or how it has personally impacted you.
9. After a few days, look carefully at what you have written. Decide which details best convey your message, and delete the others. Ask yourself how this insight will be helpful to others. Focus on how you can both touch and deepen the spiritual awareness and commitment of readers and nurture their spiritual growth and social awareness.

Guidelines for Submissions

1. Quote the passage you have selected from the book (or if it is long then summarize the passage briefly). Include both the page and book reference (ie. page 35, Oscar Romero).
2. Submissions should be about 350 words long. One submission per person.
3. Include your name on each page you submit.
4. Deadline for submissions is 12:00 a.m., April 17, 2006 (Easter Monday).
5. Submissions are to be made to Debra Charnuski, Jock McTavish, Wayne Holst or Paul Wishart and may be made in the following ways:

• Via email to debcharnuski@hotmail.com, mctavjoc@shaw.ca, pmwishart@shaw.ca, waholst@telusplanet.net . Most Microsoft documents as well as those done in WordPerfect can be easily opened. Of course you can just type it up inside an email if you prefer.
• Understanding that all do not have access to a computer, legibly written submissions are welcome. They will be typed and you will be given a copy to proof.