Spiritual Growth Network of Kentucky

Brief history, activities, beliefs, themes and outcomes

The Spiritual Growth Network of Kentucky (SGN) was begun in 1989 to foster spiritual growth and guidance. It has evolved into a genuine community whose decision processes are based upon group consensus. Currently seven type of activities are regularly offered: weekly meeting, monthly Day of Recollection, quarterly retreats, community wide gatherings to respect all Wisdom Traditions, study groups, a monthly newsletter and a small free lending library. In 15 years SGN has sponsored some 60 retreats and 100 Days of Recollection. The community supports itself by means of voluntary service and donations. No fees are charged.

SGN believes that every person has direct access to the divine, so shared silence in the Quaker tradition is employed to give time for the group to center from an inner source. This is the spiritual basis for our work together, with the belief also that each journey is instructive for others, that we are all disciples. SGN has developed a process for building community that was presented at the '92 FCM Baltimore Assembly. Much small group discussion is used, with a model of shared leadership without "expert power" or "position power." We were also participating members of the '93 World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago and again at an FCM meeting at Columbus, Ohio, about seven years ago.

Themes of the SGN gatherings have been diverse and inclusive: Twelve Steps, Inner Divine Child, Feminine Spirituality, Images of God, Native American Spirituality, Our Addictive Culture, Friendship, Discovering One's Spiritual Gifts, Meditation, Trust and Forgiveness, Healing, Liberation and Islamic Spirituality, Discernment, Voices of Women, Telling your Story, etc. We have also sponsored Jesus Seminar meetings and offered instruction on meditation to the community.

Outcomes From SGN Gatherings Reported by Members

A group atmosphere of Divine Love
Getting perspectives different from my own
Greater openness to Mystery
Better self-management
New ideas for growth
Support for me just as I am
Camaraderie
Ability to handle Conflict
Insight into myself
Reassurance on my own journey
Connecting with others serious about their journey
Ability to worship with others in a nondogmatic environment.
and many others.

For many previous postings, SGN activities since 1989 see archives.
For many articles on the interface between psychology, wellness, spirituality and religion, see
Articles by Paschal Baute

Please request a brochure from one of our regular members: Paschal Baute, email pbbaute@paschalbaute.com, or Ann Siudmak or Mike Kavanaugh, email annsiudmak@kih.net

Discussion invited.

This Interfaith Fellowship webring site is owned by Spiritual Growth Network
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posted by Paschal Baute @ 8:18 PM |