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AWA's Christian Connection
Monthly Mondays is 1/2 a year old!
It seems like we've just begun, but there has been a delightful bonding as we've made new friends that feel like old friends now! Every time we meet there are new gals joining us, so if you've not made it yet, don't feel like it's too late to come along!
Many on this mailing list will be away from SIngapore for the summer months, butthose who are in Singapaore will continue to meet and we'll look forward to your return if you're going away.
On the first Mondays of the last 6 months, a roomful of women from differing Christian traditions (or none at all) have enjoyed exploring and seeking God in different ways. The Naturalist, Contemplative, Ascetic are some of the "Sacred Pathways" we've explored in these "Spiritual Wellness" mini-retreats.
There is no required reading or preparation, but if you'd like, you can pick up the book from Amazon (kindle), Fishpond (a local bookstore with free shipping) or any of the local Christian bookstores. This idea of Sacred Pathways/Spiritual Temperamentscomes from the research on various Christian traditions presented in this book.
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Highlights from May 6th:
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The Ascetic: Loving God Through Solitude and Simplicity
In the middle of the floor were these strips of paper describing the quialities of an ascetic's spiritual life:
"To get started, choose one of these words that either appeals to you or repels you and tell us why as you put it on the mirror. We'll create a cross in the room, because a traditional ascetic style room will have nothing in it but plain furniture, bare walls and a cross on the wall."
We had a good time making this cross, and then talking about these ascetic qualities. Hearing from different women about their experiences in fasting, strict obedience to rules, living simply, enduring hardship, and the temptation to fall into legalism and thinking this kind of discipline will earn favor with God. After 30 minutes of quiet alone, we came back together and heard from those who wanted to share what their experience seeking God had been like. Some had merely enjoyed to forced peacefulness and some came back with a sense that God has spoken to them.
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"It's ironic that in a culture where lonliness and isolation are almost pandemic, solitude is so foreign to us. One reason for this is that we have lost the art of austerity, which gives meaning and substance to our solitude." Gary Thomas, Sacred Pathways
Here's a photo of the notes we took on majong paper May 6th! Most of us could identify with the list on the left! May you come to know this kind of blessed solitude on the right, the next time you are tempted to feel lonely and isolated!
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The Caregiver:
Loving God by Loving Others
(Some will go out for lunch nearby if you wantto join!)
Our desire with these Monthly Mondays is to create a place for individuals from different backgrounds to explore drawing near to God and knowing him better. Please feel free to invite others to join us by using the forwarding link at the top of this email; and come along with us on our exploration of new spiritual territory.
This subject of loving God by loving others will appeal to most women, as we are often natural nurturers. But it will also challenge some of us! As I've begun to re-read the chapter on Caregiving in Sacred Pathways, I am inspired and excited about the discussion we will have on June 3rd! If you don't have access to the book and would like to read the chapter, contact me privately.
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AWA Christian Connections Book Club
Christian Connection Book Club! We will be reading "Angela's Song" by AnnMarie Creedon. The group will meet up and discuss our book on Monday, June 17. Place TBD but typically we meet and discuss over lunch - we are a low-key bunch of ladies who enjoy a nice read and building friendships while discussing the book. If you would like to be added to the group and receive emails on what we are reading, and where/when to meet, please send an email to Kathy Epeneter atepiemae@gmail.com We would love to have you join us!
Not yet a member of AWA?
This Christian Connection is a "Special Interest Subcommittee" of the American Women's Association. However, it's not merely for American women (In fact, the gal who works in the office is British)! AWA is a volunteer run social organization whose mission is to bring together women with common interests through activities and events and to build awareness of the greater Singapore community. Find out more and sign up here.
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