Heart and Soul
Week 1 Theme Tenderness
Heart and Soul is a contemplative spiritual gathering in which you can take time to reflect on life in the company of others. Each session follows a regular pattern, including readings and music from a wide range of sources, and an extended time for guided prayers of gratitude, self-reflection, silent meditation, and compassion for others. Each gathering offers opportunities for deep sharing on life’s joys and sorrows through which we can get to know others at a deeper level. Heart and Soul was developed and is led by Unitarians and while many of the regular participants are also Unitarian these gatherings are welcoming to all people of goodwill regardless of their religious outlook. We typically use a mix of words which work for both people who do value God-language and for those who don’t so we ask everyone to be generous in their listening and do whatever internal ‘translating’ you find necessary.
What to expect.
Each gathering is led by a Unitarian with words and music and time for silent reflection and sharing for those who wish. There is no requirement to speak, or to attend each week. The process follows like this at each gathering :
There are four periods of prayer or reflection.
- Naming prayer : an opportunity to give thanks
- Knowing prayer : self-reflection
- Listening prayer : silent connection
- Loving prayer : words offered to people and situations
Heart and Soul dates at 7pm for 6 weeks term time only
13th April
20th April
27th April
4th May
11th May
18th May
About the Facilitator
Jacqueline Woodman is a member of Oxford Unitarians where she has served for the past 16 years in various committee roles. She is a Lay Preacher and leads worship in Unitarians congregations in the London and Midlands districts. She served as Chair on the London District Council (LDPA) and is currently LDPA President. She has led workshops for the London District in reflective prayer practice and interfaith justice initiatives. She is a full time doctor, specialising in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is of South African heritage, and is involved in interfaith initiatives in the UK and South Africa.