Pastoral Care Programs, Classes and Support Groups
For more information contact: Canon Nichols 503-478-1208.
Trinity Discernment Program
Many of us face a dilemma when trying to deal with a life question, or decision. We know that the issue is ours alone to resolve and that we have the inner resources to resolve it, but access to our own resources is often blocked by confusion, habitual thinking, fear, despair. We may need the resources of a Discernment Committee to help us sort through the various feelings, thoughts and options to determine the direction we are called to take.
Behind the Discernment Committee is a simple but crucial conviction: each of us has an inner teacher, a voice of truth, that offers the guidance and power we need to deal with our problems. But that inner voice is often garbled by various kinds of inward and outward interference. The function of the Discernment Committee is not to give advice or "fix" people from the outside in but rather to help people remove the interference so that they can discover their own wisdom from the inside out. The Discernment Committee can be a remarkable way to help someone name and claim his or her deepest truth.
The Discernment Committee's work is guided by some simple but crucial rules and understandings. Among them, of course, is the rule that the process is confidential. When it is over, committee members will not speak with others about what was said and, equally important, will not speak with the focus person about the problem unless he or she requests a conversation.
If you are interested in beginning a discernment process we invite you to participate in a Discernment Day at Trinity.
Discernment Day
A day to explore a decision you’ve been wrestling with: changing jobs, leaving a marriage, getting married, moving? Sponsored by the Discernment Committee.
Discernment Committees
After attending a Discernment Day Trinity members who wish to continue exploring issues around a change they might make (profession, calling, etc.) may work with the Trinity Discernment Committee to form a Discernment Committee, a small group of people who meet with the discerner once, or monthly for up to a year, to help make the journey toward discerning God’s will. Strict confidentiality required. Facilitators are members of the Discernment Committee. Dates are determined by members of each committee.
Grief Support Group
Geared for those recently bereaved, led by Joan Buell. Limited to 8 participants. Held in fall and spring. Contact Canon Nichols 503-478-1208 or Joan Buell 503-292-3420 for more information.