Rev. Tish Bowman, preaching Discussion Questions Scripture: John 17:18-24 1. Is there a person with which you have or have had a close connection? Describe what makes this a close connection - time spent together, like mindedness, relational safety, etc. 2. Does this translate into your relationship with God/Jesus/Spirit? How is it the same? How does it differ? 3. What do you know about Julian of Norwich? Google her and share information in the group. 4. Read John 17:18-24 and discuss this in light of Julian’s description of ‘oneing’. “The human soul is the noblest being [God] has ever created. He also wants us to be aware that he knit the beloved soul of humanity into his own when he made us. The knot that connects us to [God] is subtle and powerful and endlessly holy. And he also wants us to realize that all souls are interconnected, united by this oneness, and made holy in this holiness.… When I look at myself as an individual, I see that I am nothing. It is only in unity with my fellow spiritual seekers that I am anything at all. It is this foundation of unity [this oneing] that will save humanity.… The love of God creates such a unity in us that no man or woman who understands this can possibly separate himself or herself from any other.” - Julian of Norwich in Revelations of Divine Love, chapter 53. 5. Pastor Tish said that this ‘oneing’ is the beginning of transformation in the world. She related it specifically to the most recent school shooting. Talk about how this would play out in life - from ‘oneing’ to transformation of the situation in our schools/world. What one next step might you take?