The first of three sessions of the Power of Listening workshop took place at St. John’s Church, Randolph, on Saturday, September 10. Members of seven parishes were present to learn listening and pastoral care skills. The sessions consist of presentations, group interaction and reflections on pastoral visiting.
The plan is for the training to equip those trained to return to their parishes to strengthen existing pastoral care teams, or to start new teams, by replicating the training sessions. The Power of Listening Team, The Rev. Canon David Hamilton, Michael Hechmer, and Ann Cooper will assist with follow-up to those returning to implement the training in their home parishes.
Thus far at least five other parishes have expressed interest in sending members for training for the second round of the three session Power of Listening workshop to take place on May 6, 13, and June 3, 2017. Registrations for the spring workshop can be made by contacting the registrar, the Rev. Carole Wageman, revmomvt@gmail.com. Since each of the three sessions builds upon the previous one, registration is limited to those able take all three sessions on the dates listed.