Have you ever shared an idea with a friend and then been inspired to action as your idea takes shape in the dialogue between the two of you? Listening is a powerful tool in drawing out from an individual the will to make changes and engage more fully in life. Being able to listen is to be able to give a gift and be a blessing to another.
This fall, leaders from St. Thomas’, Slaterville Springs, cooperating with leaders from Church of the Resurrection, Oswego, are offering a course in Motivational Listening: Listening, Learning, and Engaging to Action. The purpose is to build confidence in the process of listening to other people, to learn how to establish trust through empathetic and non-judgmental listening, and to help you when communicating on sensitive issues with family members and friends. A big part of the program is practicing through role playing, discussion, and Dwelling in the Word.
When will we meet?
We will meet for four sessions on Saturdays from 10 – 11:30 (ninety minutes each), on November 7, 21, 28, and December 5. Adjustments may be made to the schedule after our first meeting. A second opportunity will be offered at a future time in English and Spanish.
Who will be interested?
If you’re interested in finding ways for people to reach out across the divides of opinion, politics, and loyalty groups to see where hope is springing in their lives, then this is the program for you.
What commitment is required?
We invite you to have an open heart and mind to meet people where they are and a willingness to exercise the discipline of listening in your daily life. The text we will read is Holy Listening, by Margaret Guenther. People of all faiths, or even no faith at all are welcome.
How do I sign up?
Applications may be addressed to: St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Box 51, Brooktondale, NY 14817, Attention: Susan Franklin, or sent to motivate.listen@gmail.com, with “Motivational Listening” in the subject line. Please include your name, address, phone number, email address, and a brief statement telling the reason for your interest.
All meetings will be by Zoom. Your invitation will be forwarded to you when your application is processed. Copies of Holy Listening, by Margaret Guenther, are available online or at your local bookstore.
Listening, Learning; and Engaging to Action — Motivational Listening is authored by Alexei André Waters, PhD, a member of St. Thomas’, Slaterville Springs, and offered to the people of Central New York in collaboration with Susan Franklin, The Rev. Cole Gruberth, also from St. Thomas’, and Barb Dexter and The Rev. Anne Wichelns from Church of the Resurrection, Oswego.
