As a ministry director I get to hear a lot of stories from Questers. Some of these stories are great, such as those about the good things happening in their c-group. There are also a lot of stories about the underbelly of life, the things we wish weren't so, but are. In the last few months, I've heard an increasing number of stories of jobs lost and the frustrating, daily struggle to find a new one. Those stories are, in part, what inspired us to have the faith and economics workshop, as we figure out how to handle what we do have faithfully. We were also excited, though, when a Quester, J.P. Kang, came to us with the desire to start a support group for those that have lost jobs and are in the process of searching for a new one. Here's J.P.'s vision for the group -- if you're interested in being part of the group send J.P. an email at jpkang@alum.mit.edu so we can gauge the interest of others at Quest.
Why: To be present--incarnate--to each other during this time of trial. Life for many
people in the current environment does not make sense: conventional
wisdom about employment, investments, and income does not apply. As a
result, feelings of fear, anxiety, shame, disorientation, and
depression can overwhelm individuals and families. Being together would
also offer an opportunity for discernment, e.g., referrals to
professional help (social agencies, pastoral counsellors, etc.).
By being together,
- we affirm powerfully that none of us are alone;
- we can pray for each other in specific and timely ways;
- we can share ideas about finding work and discerning vocation.
Theologically,
we can draw especially on portions of Scripture that engage life when
it is contradictory to established wisdom (e.g., portions of
Ecclesiastes; psalms of lament) or life out of balance (e.g., prophetic
texts that indict injustice and oppression; and above all, the
experience of the Babylonian exile). These texts should help us
articulate our feelings and prepare us for the hope of future
restoration.
What & Where: A
small group that meets once a week at Q Café. Format-wise, I imagine
something like 60-90 minutes, with opening prayer, sharing time, a
reflection on Scripture, some time in small groups discussing everything from the practicals of writing a resume to the big questions of vocation.
When: This is TBD, depending on who is involved. Let me know the times that would work for you when you email.
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