A working paper written by Paul DeCelles for a seminar on community building in 1979 that outlines six purposes for the weekly meetings of the community. He made several points for leaders about how meetings should be led and what they should accomplish. Giving a vision of community is an important step in building community. Specifically, the weekly community meeting … [Read more...] about 218. The Weekly Meeting
1976-1981 Time Period
217. Social Justice and the People of Praise
This paper was written sometime in 1979. It was meant as an answer to people who criticized the People of Praise for not being concerned enough with the poor and needy. The paper describes how the community’s approach to social problems was environmental (personal) rather than institutional. The People of Praise has, from its inception, always been committed to an active … [Read more...] about 217. Social Justice and the People of Praise
215. Life in Christ for Unmarried Women
In this 1979 talk, Julie described the difficulties widowed, divorced and single women face. She talked about the importance of truth, forgiveness, trust in God fighting temptation and utilizing headship in facing these difficulties. She encouraged unmarried women to take their place in the body of Christ and to invest time in their sisters. Transcript This document is a … [Read more...] about 215. Life in Christ for Unmarried Women
214. Blessed Are the Peacemakers
The third in a series of four talks on the Beatitudes given at community meetings in 1979. The Lord himself is the perfect peacemaker, establishing peace between God and man, by offering himself as a sacrifice. Paul pointed out that those who want to follow Jesus in being peacemakers should expect humiliation, loss of property, and loss of time, effort and energy. Note: The … [Read more...] about 214. Blessed Are the Peacemakers
213. Blessed Are the Pure of Heart
The second in a series of four talks on the Beatitudes given at community meetings in 1979. Here Paul DeCelles taught about purity of heart, emphasizing that if we are not holy (pure) we will not accomplish what God wants us to do as a people. He talked about how one person's action can weaken our strength as a people of God and about the importance of guarding one's eyes and … [Read more...] about 213. Blessed Are the Pure of Heart
212. Living the Beatitudes
The first in a series of four talks on the Beatitudes given at community meetings in 1979. Paul DeCelles stressed the importance of Scripture study to see what the Lord says about himself so that we might adopt the spirituality of Jesus and have the mind of Christ. Transcript This document is a direct transcript of an audio recording, and may contain transcription errors … [Read more...] about 212. Living the Beatitudes
216. 1976-1978 Community Service Plans
A collection of documents produced in the late 1970s as part of a pastoral plan to identify community services and organize them. These documents give a picture of all the service which was taking place at the time. They include each person’s service hours, organizational flow charts and demographic information. … [Read more...] about 216. 1976-1978 Community Service Plans
211. Love and Discipline
Using Exodus 34 and other passages, Paul DeCelles looked at the characteristics of God and the ways that discipline is an expression of love. He also talked about how love and discipline go hand in hand rather than being in opposition to each other. Transcript This document is a direct transcript of an audio recording, and may contain transcription errors and other minor … [Read more...] about 211. Love and Discipline
210. Handmaids in the People of Praise
This document dates from the time the first handmaids in the People of Praise were selected. It describes their pastoral role and their place within the order of the community. Historical Note: In October of 1977 the coordinators discussed ways in which some women might help them care for the women in the community and agreed to conduct a consultation. Community members were … [Read more...] about 210. Handmaids in the People of Praise
209. Early Youth Ministry Proposals
A set of proposals for summer camp, childcare and preschool youth ministry, including a survey given to the adults of the community about what skills they might be able to share with People of Praise children. This survey was in part a response to a word from the Lord about the children. … [Read more...] about 209. Early Youth Ministry Proposals
207. Being Men of God
In this elder’s conference talk, Paul DeCelles described the activities of men of God, especially those who are responsible for the well-being and growth of others in their communities. He covered thinking, studying, serving, doing battle and praying. He pointed out that Scripture should be the source that forms men of God. Transcript This document is a direct transcript … [Read more...] about 207. Being Men of God
208. Small Groups in the People of Praise
In this 1977 interview published in Pastoral Renewal, Paul DeCelles discussed the purpose and function of men’s and women’s groups in the People of Praise. Small Groups In the People of Praise How small groupings can propel members to mature Christian manhood and womanhood An interview with Paul DeCelles The People of Praise is an ecumenical Christian community … [Read more...] about 208. Small Groups in the People of Praise