DIOCESAN DISCERNMENT PROCESS
Circles of Light is a three-phase process of group discernment designed for Maine Episcopalians as a means to further explore, identify and affirm baptismal ministry. Discernment is an ongoing process in all of our lives - whether lay or ordained. The diocese discernment process, authored by the Rev. Ann Kidder, was updated in the fall of 2006 and retitled Circles of Light. This updated version incorporates feedback and insights offered during conversations with participants and facilitators in the process.
There are three phases in Circles of Light:
Here I Am, Send Me is a regionally based group discernment of baptismal our ministries. All members of the group are considered seekers and there are typically 4-6 seekers in a group, along with a trained group facilitator. This phase is a pre-requisite to either of the next two phases of discernment.
More Deeply into Christ is a continuation of the discernment process, however there is just one specific seeker in the group. There are 4-6 other group members or companions and a companion's role is to listen, pray, reflect, engage in conversation and help discern what God's desires may be for the seeker and whether that might include a call to ordained ministry. This group experience is guided by a trained group facilitator.
Power From On High is modeled similar to the group process of More Deeply into Christ, however the seeker wishes to further explore, discern and affirm his/her lay ministry. This is done in a group setting, with 4-6 companions participating and sharing in the experience, guided by a trained facilitator.
If you would like to discuss the Circles of Light process or are interested in forming a group, please contact Vicki Wiederkehr, Canon for Program and Ministry.
vwiederk@episcopalmaine.org
