Senior Resources and Activities – Summer 2020

May20
  1. Lectio Divina – Jan Johnson spoke at Province IV Fall Kanuga several years ago. She has written a book on Lectio Divina – Meeting God in Scripture: A Hands-On Guide to Lectio Divina. See this link to the introduction of this book to learn more about Lectio Divina and ways to use this tool in Bible Study and meditation. Other links are also provided.
  2. Journaling – Journaling topic: What are some ways you have been able to share the love of Christ with others during the pandemic?  Another idea: Keep a Blessings Journal. 
  3. Mandalas – Discuss creative ways to use a Mandala as a meditation tool during prayer time.  Download some Mandalas to color.  Possible resources: 
  4. Photography – Select a photo you have taken using your cell phone camera. Use it to discuss ways the photo shows that God is always with us. Another option would be to create a “work of art” to show understanding of the Lord being with us at all times. Only supplies needed would be cell phone camera, paper, markers, colored pencils, etc.
  5. Prayer – Write and illustrate a prayer of thanksgiving to God for being with us at all times.  Give an example for the individual or group to discuss before writing their own prayers.
  6. Timeline – Think about and record on a timeline the way your understanding of the power of God has developed during your life. What attributes/characteristics of God would you use to describe God’s power? What experiences have you had that helped you understand more about the power of God and His provision for you?
  7. Discussion – How does our theme, “The Lord Almighty is With us Always,” relate to the current pandemic our world is experiencing?   Have you had personal experiences you would like to share in a Zoom chapter meeting during this time of social distancing?
  8. Zoom – Have a tutorial about using Zoom for Chapter Meetings.
  9. Daily Devotionals – Some resources for daily devotionals: 
    • Books: “Bible Women – All the Words They Said and Why They Matter” Lindsay Freeman, “Simple Christianity” – N.T. Wright  
    • Daily devotionals:  Day by Day, Upper Room, God Calling edited by Lacie Stevens and Patti Velasquez, Jesus Calling by Sarah Young, My Upmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers (classic)
    • Seasonal Devotionals: Living Well Through Lent by Living Compass, Pauses for Pentecost by Trevor Hudson, Organic God (Lent) by Kate Moorehead, I Witness (Advent & Christmas) Kate Moorehead, A Season for the Spirit (Lent) by Martin L. Smith, S.S.J.E 
  10. Rule of Life – In the study to become a Daughter, you discussed having a Rule of Life and wrote your own Rule. Take time to update your personal Rule of Life.  Good resources:
  11. Service Projects Ideas for Individuals, Chapters, Diocesan Assemblies – Here’s a great list of ideas:
  12. Contemplative Prayer – Centering/Contemplative prayer can be a helpful tool during everyday life, even if there isn’t a pandemic! Margaret Wiles, Diocesan Assembly President of Florida, has shared many resources. Online Resources:  
    • YouTube: Thomas Keating “Centering Prayer Guidelines Intro” (7:51), Thomas Keating “The Method of Centering Prayer – Part 1” (30:47), Thomas Keating “The Method of Centering Prayer – Part 2” (20:01), Richard Rohr “What is Contemplative Prayer and Why is it so Needed?” (9:20)
  13. Websites:
    • Apps: Centering Prayer (Contemplative Outreach),
    • Books and Authors:
      • Centering Prayer by M. Basil Pennington
      • Finding Grace at the Center: The Beginning of Centering Prayer by M. Basil Pennington and Thomas Keating
      • Contemplative Prayer by Thomas Merton, Richard Rohr (many books)
      • Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening by Cynthia Bourgeault
  14.  Share what it’s like to be part of an online retreat with your parish by writing an article for your printed parish newsletter, your Diocesan Assembly website, Diocesan newsletters, and emailing friends.
  15. Daughters at Large – Ask each Diocesan Assembly DAL chair (or ask chapter presidents to call/text/email DALs who live near them) to encourage them to participate with the chapter during the summer/all year.  Include DALs in Zoom meeting invitations that chapters might plan after the online retreat. Become a Facebook friend or pen pal with a DAL. If the DAL is in assisted living or health care, send cards or visit, when that is an option.
  16. Music – Praising the Lord through music is uplifting to our spirits and a wonderful part of worship. There are many YouTube videos online with the words included to use individually or as a group to praise the Lord.  Great way to begin or end a Chapter meeting or to use as part of individual time with the Lord.  An example – For 2 Hours Non-Stop Worship Songs of 2019 with Lyrics-Best Christian Songs go to:
  17. Spiritual Formation Guide: Continuing the Journey – An excellent, in depth study for Daughters to review many of the topics covered in the National Study Guide. Go to the National website. www.doknational.org   Resources-Literature for Seniors.