some angels said, “Let the interchange in our
discussion be by questions and answers, because
although a perception of something does indeed
flow in when gained solely from listening, still it
does not remain unless the listener also thinks
about it for himself or herself and asks questions
regarding it.” (Married Love 183.2)
In churches the sermon is important
(which is why our New Church Journey series
have included a focus on sermons in church
services as a basis for each week’s discussion).
Yet if sermons are the only instruction people
receive, it is likely (as the angels said) that they
will understand it but not remember it later.
Most New Church schools open the day
with a worship service that most of the students
attend. In that large gathering we have a short talk
from a minister (as well as singing and prayer),
and then students divide up into their classes for
the majority of their instruction. Our students
learn best when most of their instruction
comes in the smaller classroom groups, where
the teacher can give them some individual
attention, direct the teaching to the specific
states and needs of the students, ask and answer
questions, and encourage discussion among the
students. A teacher may divide a larger class into
smaller groups to increase the level of students’
participation. The students would not learn
well if the majority of their instruction came by
lectures to the whole school.
Small groups provide an excellent context
for learning, because they allow for discussion
and questions, active participation by everyone
present, accommodation to specif ic needs and
levels of understanding, and application to
specific situations.
Love Requires Repentance
The first step in loving others is to make sure we
are not hurting them. (True Christianity 535, Life
43
testimonial
I’m looking back at how Sunroom
Group has literally changed my
spirit. I started going after church
to discuss with others the sermon
we all just listened to. I wanted
to be a part of a group where we
would be discussing spirituality. I
was hooked, then Gary Campbell
and I had the great privilege of
“leading” (anyone can lead by the
way) Sunroom Group after church
for a few months. This group was
the highlight of my week. New
friendships were formed. Spiritual
growth blossomed inside each of
us, together.
This is a sacred space created by
each person’s presence – to share
deeply, be supported and honored,
simply to listen. A sacred space
where trust in each other was
without question, where everyone
was valued for exactly who they
were.
After church each week and going
forward, we have been blessed
with a sweet leader who is deeply
passionate about Sunroom. His
name is Chris Dunn. I realize if I
didn’t go to New Church Live and
then get involved with Sunroom, I
wouldn’t know the beautiful people
I’ve come to know and grow with.
I’m feeling pretty grateful and
seriously blessed.
–Sharon, a Sunroom
Group member