Testimonials from Program Participants

*There is great enthusiasm in the parish for the possibilities that lie ahead. I am reassured to know that you all at Listening Hearts ministries are there in many ways as we move forward. Your ministry is an amazing gift. Thank you.

*I really liked the materials, your creativity and intentionality...we all benefited from the depth and breadth of your experience.

*I’m energized in heart and mind. 

*This training has helped me...to trust in the Spirit without thinking I need to have all the answers.

*I loved it. I look forward to renewal and sharing how this training moves my ministry and spiritual life.

*Thank you for your modeling of prayerfulness and graciousness.

On being a member of a Parish Discernment Group

The canons on Ministry (Title III) of the canons of the Episcopal Church of the USA were changed in recent years, requiring Bishops and Commissions on Ministry to provide discernment opportunity for lay persons. The Diocese of Virginia, desiring authentic discernment for those sensing call to church leadership, called on Listening Hearts to design a training program for Parish Discernment Committees who would provide discernment for a given candidate. Elizabeth Hedley served on a Parish Discernment Committee at Holy Comforter Church in Vienna, Virginia, meeting over several months with a candidate who is now studying to become a priest at Virginia Theological Seminary.

*The power of the search for truth, the fairness of doing this only with God's help, the trust of working in a community of believers, the peace and joy that come through communication with God and the Godliness in each other exceeded all expectations.  It makes the rough edges smooth and closes the door on any kind of cynical approach or advancement of a previous agenda.  In fact, the process itself will likely open doors for the focus person to move forward.  In addition, you, as a participant in the discernment process, are enriched by the power of prayer, by what you hear from each other and God, and by what you learn about yourself when you trust enough to let the Holy Spirit govern the outcome.  What a trip!

-Elizabeth Hedley

Vienna, Virginia

Testimonials from Heartlinks Users

   
I just sent my friends an email telling them about Heartlinks. I am so eager to share this with those who I believe are also wanting a fresh, simple, yet meaningful way to study Scripture ... I sense that this can be used to take many to a place of experiencing The Presence rather than just having head knowledge. It brings Life! To me, this is true revival. I believe this website is going to be used far and wide to bring those who so desperately need some quietness in their lives, especially to those who are turned off to the organized church. It's a wonderful website; it speaks to me.

-Janice Nixon
Acworth, Georgia

At my church we have a Listening Hearts group that meets regularly. Lately we have been enjoying the ready-to-implement Heartlinks meditations as the centerpiece of our time together. We begin with 5 minutes of silence and read the discernment guidelines together. Then we review the meditation exercise aloud, taking particular note of the chosen text quote and a scripture verse. Holding them and any specific concern in our heart, we ease into silence. Our group met at church today. Spartanburg is ablaze in wonderful fall colors so I chose leaf rubbings for us. We had a delightful, joy-filled experience, rubbing and letting God speak to us through the exercise. THANK YOU! The group LOVES it.

-Alice Dorrance
Spartanburg, South Carolina

Prior Program Participants Include

All Saints' Church, Princeton, NJ

Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC

Christ Church Cathedral, Springfield, MA

Diocese of Delaware Clergy Association

Presbyterian Church USA Group of Small Congregations

Servant Leadership Association, Greensboro, NC

Nashotah House, Nashotah, WI

Church of the Advent, Spartanburg, SC

Daughters of the King, Southern CA

St. Anne's Parish, Annapolis, MD
Third Order Franciscans Nat'l Convocation, Santa Barbara, CA

St. Eustace Parish, Lake Placid, NY

The Bishop Claggett Center, Buckeystown, MD

The Episcopal Dioceses of Albany, Central New York, Chicago, Colorado, Connecticut, Easton, Florida, Indianapolis, Maryland, Northern Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, San Diego, Southwest Florida, Virginia, West Virginia, Western Massachusetts, and Wyoming