Choose a leader to very gently shape the process. You can assign different people for the different weeks.
As John Dominic Crossan says “Time and Place are terribly important.” The leader may introduce a very short summary of what scholars say about Ephesians and/or the political, social and cultural setting at that time and in that place.
Suggested resources, including visuals chosen to enhance reflection, accompany all sessions. The visuals, separated by session, are within a Power Point presentation. Please have a laptop or any kind of easy to transport electronic equipment to show those pictures. A variation is to print the Power Point in advance and pass them around the room so all participants can see the materials. Also, participants may be advised to go to the diocesan web site before the session and watch the presentation.
On week four, we are suggesting watching the movie “Steele Toes.” This movie can be rented from Netflix, if you have that movie rental service. However, please caution people as the movie contains a very graphic act of violence. Watching the movie is not required, but, as one of our team members described it, “it is haunting and powerful.” Since the movie is long, advise people to watch it on their own or in a small group sometime before the Lent IV session.
Each session begins and ends with prayer. The group leader should give the initial prayer and it can be an extemporaneous act. We recommend lighting a candle at the beginning of the session and the use of any other liturgical symbols you may find useful to create a good prayerful environment. The concluding prayer will be participatory –all are invited to offer their own prayer and to pray for the person on their right. (Community building)
