Members of a very small church (30 members) decided to do their annual fall rummage sale differently—with a relational focus. They decided to call it the Fall Festival. Instead of doing the usual activities of collecting the donation, displaying them in the parish hall, opening the door, and letting people shop, collecting the money which will go to support the church’s ministry and then cleaning up, they decided to appoint 3 persons to be “roving listeners.” Their job was to pay attention to their guests and listen to them. They also made the prices of the items flexible. Their guests could pay what they could for the items they needed, which made for great opportunities for conversations. They also put a big box in the middle of the room full of toys. The children could pick out toys for themselves freely.
When they debriefed the experience after the event, many of them were able to tell specific stories about the people they encountered and got to know. One person spoke of how she noticed a little girl who kept looking at a dress and the mother looked at the price tag and put it back on the rack. As they were closing up, the little girl was still looking at the dress; so she gave the dress to the mother free. The girl was happy, the mother was thankful and the roving listener was experiencing the joy of giving. Another marked difference with this event was that their guests stayed to talk with them after they shopped. Many said they would differently come back again. Another member told a story about someone telling her that she was an addict and was putting her life back together staying sober. The church member said with sparkles in her eyes, “Who does that on the first meeting?” This is what happens when we listen. People tell you things and relationships begin to form.
As we move into the Advent season of the church year, we are asked to stay alert in anticipation of the coming of God’s reign. I invite you to stay alert by paying attention and listening to the people you encounter from now until the new year. This is the season when there will be family gatherings, office parties, special church events, volunteering at feeding programs, gift-giving events, etc. Be a “roving listener” as you enter the upcoming gatherings of friends, family, and strangers. Pay attention and listen. By the new year, you will have many specific stories to cherish forming the foundation deeper and stronger relationships.
Upcoming Opportunities to Study with The Sustainist and learn more about Holy Conferencing: January 18-22, 2016 February 29-March 4, 2016 April 7-12, 2016 July 18-22, 2016 |
Reflection Questions for 1st Sunday of Advent (Year C) Jeremiah 33:14-16 Psalm 25:10-9 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13 Luke 21:25-36 |
Eric H. F. Law
Kaleidoscope Institute
For competent leadership in a diverse changing world
www.kscopeinstitute.org