Leader’s Notes:

In this session, you will introduce the Community Journey format and style that will be followed for the rest of the sessions. Take your time, answering any questions people have in order to continue to build trust.

For the Reflection Action, you will ideally go outside for a walk.

Reminder, that any words that are italicized are a not meant to be read out loud, and is a note or instruction just for you

Welcome

Welcome to our gathering.

Does anyone have reflections or new thoughts to share about our last gathering, and watching the film?

What stands out to you today about the film and David?

Note: watch your time. You may only have time for 2 answers

In this session, we are going to focus on the Elements in the film. We will look at wind, rain and sun, and examine how they impact the ongoing formation of plants and the Earth.

Breath Prayer

Last week we discussed how this Community Journey is unique, and possibly unlike other group studies you have attended in the past. We have built in time to linger, chat, listen, and reflect on what we are experiencing together. We are intentionally going to engage our mind, body and spirit – our triune nature.

Let’s start the session by breathing together. We find that breathing together is a very helpful first step in slowing down.

As we breathe, I invite you to let go of your day. Release it. Feel your breath going into your lungs and out. We’re going to breathe together for one minute. If closing your eyes is helpful, you can do that now.

Poem

Introduction

The wild landscape in The Shepherd & The Sound serves us in several ways.

First, long views of the Scottish landscape demarcate chapters in the film, signalling each move into a new part of David’s life.

Second, it is a constant visual reminder of the power of the elements to impact the Earth. Wind, water, oceans, floods, and fire can all significantly change the landscape around us. When we look, we can see the impact of these all around.

The land’s ongoing transformation points to the transformation that is taking place in all lives, and particularly David’s.

Add your own story about experiencing or noticing how nature has been or is being shaped by elements.

As we watch this film clip, what stands out to you?

Reflect on your own experience of changing landscapes. This can be ways in which you’ve personally been formed, or it can relate to your experience of being in nature.

Film Scene

Watch film clip 2.1 – The Scottish landscape

Film Reflection Options

Option 1 – Easing participants inAs you lead in asking these questions, remember to give people time; don’t be afraid of silence.

During each of our reflection times, we invite you to share out loud with the all of us. You may also just want to take a moment to write some of your reflections. Again, we’re not in a rush. Give yourself permission to linger.

Are you drawn to any one landscape? Why do you think this is? If your soul has a landscape, are you currently being shaped by a constant, gentle stream or by crashing waves? Are you laying in the grass, soaking up the sun, or are you facing into the wind, fighting to move forward?

Option 2 – More Eternal focused Note As you lead in asking these questions remember to give people time; don’t be afraid of silence.

During each of our reflection times we invite you to share out loud with the all of us. You may also just want to take a moment to write some of your reflections. Again, we’re not in a rush. Give yourself permission to linger.

Are you drawn to any one landscape? Why do you think this is? Take a moment to reflect on the story of the Eternal as the maker of heaven and Earth.

This story also reveals that the Eternal is your maker. What do you think of that? What might He be making you into? Do you participate in your own formation? Is this a formation partnership?

Psalm & Psalm Microfilm

Option 1 – Watch the Psalm MicrofilmIn each session, we are going to either watch or read a Psalm together. The Psalms are extraordinary poems, songs and heart expressions which have transcended time and become relevant to each new generation.

As we watch the Psalm allow yourself to observe and experience the words.

Reflection

Option 2 – Read the PsalmRead Psalm 121

1 I look up at the vast size of the mountains-from where will my help come in times of trouble?

2 The Eternal Creator of heaven and earth and these mountains will send the help I need.

3 He holds you firmly in place; He will not let you fall. He who keeps you will never take His eyes off you and never drift off to sleep.

4 What a relief! The One who watches over Israel never leaves for rest or sleep.

5 The Eternal keeps you safe, so close to Him that His shadow is a cooling shade to you.

6 Neither bright light of sun nor dim light of moon will harm you.

7 The Eternal will keep you safe from all of life’s evils,

8 From your first breath to the last breath you breathe, from this day and forever.

Reflection

What words stood out to you?

Can you relate to feeling overwhelmed? What do you notice about how nature speaks to your personal situation?

Action Reflection Options

Option 1 – Walking outsideStep outside or go for a walk. Look for evidence of nature’s formative power. This can be in rocks, trees, shrubs, flowers, etc.

Take a moment to:

Reflect on which season you’re in (spring, summer, fall, winter).

Breathe

Listen

Option 2 – Rewatching the film sceneWatch the film scene again. Look for evidence of nature’s formative power. This can be in the moving water, rocks, the wind, shrubs, flowers etc.

Take a moment to:

Reflect on which season you’re in (spring, summer, fall, winter).

Breathe

Listen

Closing Thought

Evidence of the Eternal’s formative power is all around us. We see it in the story of David, in our own stories, in works of art, poetry and film, and we see it in the landscape and the power of nature to regenerate and re-form.

When we pay attention to the deepest truths of creation, and the endless potential for change, we can better attune our soul to the rhythm of our own formation.

Closing Poem

Closing Prayer

Take time to thank the Eternal for how He gives us elements that can form us in new and unique ways.

Let everyone know that the next meeting will look at the theme of Family and how people help form us