Sorrento Consultation

On a scale of 1 (The Pits) to 10 (Great) – 8,8,8,8,9,9,9,10,10,10

• "It was great. A job well done. It was good to be with a group who stayed with the task and didn’t come to sharpen their own axes."

• That we are less divided on matters of liturgy and "the Book" than I ever realized
• Because of my interaction with other folk I grew to appreciate some areas of liturgy more, ie. BCP
• I have a better sense of what is going on in the dioceses of BC and Alberta. I also sense that Barbara and FWM are listening
• Better sense of the concerns of some "traditionalists" without having to resort to labels
• It was good to get more insight into the thoughts of the ordained regarding liturgy
• Yes – rekindled my appreciation of our tradition
• The wholiness of Liturgy. Ways to work positively. The spontaneousness of "Open Space".
• I was struck by the unawareness/lack of interest of the clergy in exploring the laity’s experience of liturgy – ie. What in the liturgy facilitates the lay person’s encounter with God? (I don’t think this is deliberate – but unconscious.)
• Yes!

• It was helpful to use the appreciative inquiry, though the process was a bit rushed and we were – at least I was – very tired.
• I do think we have to recognize we don’t work in a vacuum. Everything we do in the area of worship/Liturgy has ecumenical implications because of our many partnerships, dialogues.
• I was affirmed, blessed, challenged to train laity better
• Some old relationships renewed. Some new ones begun. My hope for the Church strengthened.
• I am able to see worship within the context of a people in a certain time, space and situation. To take all those elements and incorporate them into worship.
• I was struck by how in this forum, people were willing to listen to one another’ even though they were on different ends of the spectrum. I feel that everyone went away feeling more in unity – not so afraid that something would be imposed on them. Content to be Anglican.
• Particularly my respect for "ordination"

• Barbara Mitchell’s ‘keynote address’ was provocative, original, and profound, and very articulate. The quality of people who were here. This place and the people living/working here.
• Clear instructions and guidance on Open Space process. The best I’ve experienced!
• Open Space really enabled us to tap each other’s expertise
• The "open space technology" did what it was supposed to do. In our consultation, people had the opportunity to express their opinions. Barbara Mitchell’s talk set the right tone.
• Barbara’s "paper" was good, and I was pleased as she became more engaged with all of us. Maylanne and Barbara L. did their usual good stuff. Above all the spirit of candour with mutual respect and good worship together.
• I’d recommend that you use this whole process for your other consultations. The safe space (atmosphere) that prevailed to facilitate sharing and discussion. I always felt heard in the sharing and at no time did I perceive that others were ignored. Open space process (this is the 2^nd time I’ve experienced it) is very empowering!!
• Open Space, Social Evening, Varied Worship
• Small group discussions. Conversations of what we are about. The value of taking time out of time to focus on a topic and reflect.
• I really appreciated Barbara’s facilitation, especially dealing with difficult personalities. Barbara Mitchell’s motivation talk. Open Space concept. Social evenings. Varied liturgies.
• The open circle

• Bible study was not helpful – too long and repetitive
• We may have moved a little too quickly on Wednesday night – more community building and less thinking about worship would have been helpful
• Not much to add, though I sometimes wonder if I’m always helpful.

• Evening 1 instructions were wonderful! I would like a hard copy!!
• I think better use could have been made of our theme speaker, Barbara Mitchell. I found myself wanting to hear more from her as the time progressed.
• I can always improve on my own contributions

• The notes from this event – some ongoing encouragement – phone calls, email, letters, newsletters, to remind.
• To get home safely. Notes.
• Notes (beyond what I made) either mailed or posted on the web.
• Continued networking. Access to resources.
• Time to follow through, reports of the consultation, collaboration with Jacqueline Akehurst, space in the High-Way (I have it), keeping in touch with other participants.
• Information coming out of this workshop sent to me (I know you said it would happen.) I need to get the ear of my priest and the new bishop (when elected).
• The notes from this gathering, so I can share with my Bishop and council. I will keep in touch.

On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high): 4 responses: 8+, 3, 4, 5

• Good – it might have been good to suggest some pre-reading
• Sorry but it was hard to get information as to just what this conference was about
• What arrangements?
• Very slow through diocesan office. Please, I would love to be involved. This weekend has called my spirit.
• Didn’t have any prior information re: Sorrento or conference
• Worked – but in our diocese a lot of confusion

Responses to "Travel pool": Scale: 3 responses: 4, 8, 8

• Seemed to work well
• I was not aware of travel pool arrangements or the possibility of air travel.
• From what I could see, great

Sorrento – rooms, food, site: Scale: 8 responses

rooms – 8,8,8,10,10,10,10; great; a double bed would have been nice – for the first time in 13 years we were together at the same event at the same time! (other than clergy conferences); great

food - 7,8,10,10,10,10,10; great; appreciated vegetarian alternative, but wanted more fresh fruit; great

site - 8,9,10,10,10,10,10; great; great

• The "whole" weekend was exactly that.
• Wed. Night Process: 7,4,9,9,9; great; the distilling of ideas was well facilitated; good icebreaker; great
• Bible Study & Worship: 6,7,9,9,9; worship was well-planned – some great music introduced; great
• Theme Speaker: 9,9,9,10,10; thoughtful, provocative, would have been nice to see her present a couple more times and perhaps reflect the ongoing work; fabulous. I need to know more. She gave me a kick start.; great
• Open Space: 8,9,9,9,10; the concept of Open Space was well introduced and well used.
• Workshops (specify): 7,6, great; Roots and Wings -8; Education for Liturgy -8,8; Eucharist – Structured but Spontaneous -9,9; Liturgy and Scripture -7; How to Facilitate a Transforming Encounter with God –9
• Sending Out – Closing Eucharist: 9,7, closing was very moving; powerful

• Dialogue, not debate
• There was a sense of unity and working together and appreciation of each other in our diversity
• The "safety" of the weekend was more than I had anticipated. I was sliding sideways out of the "church". This brought me back 10 fold. I’m going home to light a candle which I pray the Holy Spirit will turn into a fire.
• I always expect good networking and exchange of ideas and I wasn’t disappointed. I haven’t been asked for ID in the bar for a few years!

Liturgy | Synoptic overview of the Consultation