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Thank you for your interest in organizing a study group
around “Love Without End…
Jesus Speaks”. Many people request
permission to do so, and we are glad that you've been moved
to service in this manner. The purpose of a study group is
to provide an oasis for those deeply touched by “Love
Without End… Jesus Speaks”. We envision this to be a
supportive gathering of like-minded people who wish to share
and explore the new teachings of Jesus at a deeper level.
A
study group differs from a traditional religious group in
that it does not restrict beliefs, and it differs from a
typical support group in that it does not meet for the sole
purpose
of resolving personal life issues. Even if you are a
licensed therapist, please remember the purpose of this
group is not to offer professional services… but to study LWE and
to provide a stimulating, idea-sharing forum.
Anyone touched or enlightened by the LWE materials can begin
or lead a study group.
All Love Without End study groups are
owned and operated by groups or individuals
in their home
communities, and these groups have no administrative or
financial relationship with Glenda Green or Spiritis
Publishing. Some of these study groups
are run as non-profit
organizations, and some as profit-making ventures. We seek,
and have, no control over programs, operations, and
activities undertaken by them.
It is therefore not necessary
to obtain permission from us, or anyone, in order to
open
such a study group.
We extend the use of our registered name “Love Without End”®
on a good will basis
to anyone who wishes to develop a group
according to the above stated purposes.
Such groups are
established to respect (though not necessarily agree) with
every participant's private beliefs and personal wisdom.
However, we do reserve the right
to withdraw the privilege
of using our registered name in any case where the above
stated purposes are not upheld, where any abuse of this
right is discovered, or
where the group purpose is subverted
or redirected into other agendas.
The decision to facilitate a study group is an incredibly
intensive commitment not to
be taken lightly. While we
commend and encourage anyone choosing to step up and
facilitate the process of assisting people in their
spiritual growth, we want to make clear the heavy impact and
commitment that accompanies your role as a group
facilitator.
We spiritually support any outreach effort or undertaking in
the world that reflects the ideas, concepts and messages
found in LWE. For anyone wishing to officially register
a
study group with us, we are also pleased to supply
educational materials, press releases, and sample flyers
upon request. If you wish your group to be posted on
our web
site, e-mail our Study Group Coordinator, at
info@lovewithoutend.com
Study Group Guidelines
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Establish that everyone is joining the group
voluntarily because they have
found value in "Love
Without End" and want to explore and study the book
in depth with others who wish to do the same.
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Although all beliefs and alternate explanations of
life will always be respected, establish that the
common objective of the group is to study LWE. Do
not allow
the gathering to be seized and redirected
into other agendas. This is a betrayal
of confidence
that will inevitably result in failure.
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Because of the intense personal nature of the study
group and because participants will be sharing
personal truth, beliefs, and life challenges, LWE
study groups demand the ultimate level of integrity
and confidentiality among participants. Aim for
transparency in your group discussions. Be as honest
as possible with each other by creating a "safe"
place where members can openly share their views. It
may help to have the group agree beforehand to avoid
all put-downs. Try and live by the rule of respect
and encourage group members
to look through an
objective lens.
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Establish an arrival time in which sharing and
refreshments may be enjoyed, followed about 15
minutes later with a prompt starting time for the
session.
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Begin each study group session with a brief
meditation or prayer. Use this to invoke the
presence of a Higher Consciousness, and to bring in
the spirit of
unity and clarity.
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Take a moment for “checking-in” by asking for a
brief sharing from each group member. But remember
this is not a "therapy" group, so resist the
temptation
to “get into people's stories”.
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As you invite personal response (take no more than
15 minutes altogether)
ask for the results of last
week's study assignment or life application. This is
an important time of realization and mutual
discovery.
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Begin the week's study material by reading aloud
from “Love Without End” Whether this reading is
shared by members or performed by the group leader,
hearing the text through the voice of another often
adds color or insight.
To maintain a variety of
interests, select three or four different passages.
After each reading follow with a discussion in which
interpretations and
practical applications to life
are shared.
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Conclude the study session by selecting next week's
study, practical
applications, and experiments in
life. Select a volunteer for leading the next
session. Before closing have a “goodbye check-in” to
make sure everyone is
all right and no one is "stuck
in" unfinished concerns or unanswered questions.
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End with expressions of gratitude and admiration
Suggestions From Glenda
Clearly establish the purpose of a LWE study group.
Create meaningful and clear study group dialogue by
first reading selected passages
of text aloud. This will
help you stay focused on the reason for meeting. Hearing
the
text through the voice of others often adds a new
viewpoint and extra value.
The Workbook to Love Without End (now called “The Keys
of Jeshua”) is a truly invaluable tool for expanding the
lessons. It also makes an excellent and appropriate
advanced study course. In it you'll find prayers,
meditations, and practical applications
to life.
Have weekly recommendations for reading and practical
assignments for living.
Keep a group journal in which major “Awakenings” may be
remembered.
Occasionally engage in purely social activity, such as
sharing a sunset picnic,
a nature hike, a concert, or
dinner and a movie.
Share life with caring and respect.
Advantages To Leading a Group
Advantages To Registering Your Group
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Have your group listed on lovewithoutend.com
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Receive teaching updates and guidelines for
teachers, press releases,
and flyer samples.
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Qualify for ministerial training and eventual
ordination in Spiritis Church
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Qualify for quantity discounts on all Spiritis
merchandise for distribution
to your group members.
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