This past weekend, Vineyard Montreal completed hosting the second module (of five) in the School of Mercy and Justice. Since this is the pilot year for this school, we didn't quite know what to expect. I am happy to report that thus far it has been a rich learning experience for all involved. The school's content encourages people to explore their own spiritual journey and, in doing so, become better equipped for the work of compassion and mercy in the world. In other words, the School of Mercy and Justice joins together the inner and outer aspects of being a follower of Jesus.
Our cohort includes people from Montreal and Halifax, and each student brings a unique life experience to the group. One of the recurring comments from all involved is that we have so much to learn from each other. The differences between us are bridged by those things we have in common: we have all suffered pain, we have all been rescued by Jesus, and we all desire to love and serve our communities.
One of my favourite aspects of SOMJ is that the method of formation seeks to reflect the content being taught. The School of Mercy and Justice is born out of community and operates within community. The curriculum was developed by teachers from Winnipeg Centre Vineyard (which also hosts a cohort) and the Sustainable Faith community in Ohio. We are in regular contact with the SOMJ teachers in Winnipeg as we share resources, encouragements, ideas, and general feedback. Each school is led by a team of teachers and relies on student participation and input. We have meals together, we host people in our homes, we cry together, we dance together, and we bear one another's burdens and share in each other's joys. This is what Jesus teaches us to do.
If you want more information about the School of Mercy and Justice, you can find it here: http://www.sustainablefaith.com/somj
