NCD Process
2005 Results

2003 Results
2003 Discussion Notes

2003 Final Statement
2003 Action Plan

2003 Final Statement

NCD Process / Archive / WHF

THIS IS WHAT "SPIRITUALITY" MEANS TO US:

Spirituality concerns itself with relationship: our relationship to GOd, to the world around us, to one another and to ourselves. When we open ourselves and listen to the Spirit of Christ, we become more deeply aware of these relationships. This awareness can change our perception and the way we live all aspects of our lives.

THIS IS HOW WE DEEPEN SPIRITUALLY:

Sometimes, we find ourselves surprised by a sense of God's nearness. And sometimes our best efforts fall flat. We conclude that the spiritual life is not entirely under our control.

Although our control is limited, we can practice disciplines that help us connect with the Spirit of Christ. These include: Silence, Solitude, Nature, Creative Expression (art, music, et al), Reading/Study, Prayer, Service to Others, Habits of Thought (gratitude, appreciation, etc.) and Meeting for Worship. We often see God at work in the relationships that mean the most to us.

We would hasten to add that rote obligation to any religious practice is unlikely to inspire us. The process of spiritual growth is intentional, though seldom done through gritted teeth. In fact, the spiritual journey often feels like "letting go," "releasing," learning to let Someone else be in control.

THIS IS HOW WE WOULD DESCRIBE A DEEPLY SPIRITUAL PERSON:

While we don't feel comfortable measuring other people for their spiritual depth, we recognize that some people live their faith in a way that draws us into relationship and challenges us to grow. We admire their courage, their serenity, their joy, their compassion, their perseverance, their integrity, etc. These people are life-giving!