Ripples of Grace
Bringing God's Grace to Isolated Folk and Small Churches
Daphne C. Reiley
Consulting Pastor, Spiritual Director,
Community Speaker, and Minister at Large
Who Am I? What Am I About?
Moving through life with God in my heart, I share my belief that when we gather as community our gifts combine into something unique and beautiful--regardless of how many we are. I honor the struggles many small churches encounter when doing their best to continue worshiping and serving God in the ways Christ has called them. Through these core beliefs, I am called to assist small churches in continuing their holy work in the world in healthy and joyous ways.
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I am a trained spiritual director who offers deep spiritual listening with congregations who are in discernment. I am a strong believer in the duty of churches to support family caregivers, including providing home worship services. Encouraged by the light of the Holy which inhabits those souls living with dementia, I bring experience with providing communion to home bound families and individuals who are caregivers. I am available to train and accompany congregants as they practice providing such services. See A Tapestry of Love, The Spirituality of Caregiving, co-written with the Rev. Dr. Joseph LaGuardia.
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I am passionate about inclusion, ecumenism, and interfaith dialogue. I have volunteered with the Afghan Resettlement Project here in Georgia. I was a member of the Open & Affirming Task Force at First Christian Church of Decatur (Disciples of Christ) and am a member of the Disciples LGBTQ+ Alliance. See Love, then Listen; Sharing My Son’s Journey Toward His True Gender.
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I believe in the power of spiritual disciplines, especially prayer, lectio divina, and spiritual direction. If you are a church within the Region of Georgia, I am here for you should you need pulpit supply, spiritual support for congregational crises, or discernment around your future as a small church.
Photo Credit: Dave Marcus 2022
Education
2019-2022 Pastoral Ministry
Lexington Theological Seminary
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2014-2019 Spiritual Direction
Columbia Theological Seminary
2008-2010 Spiritual Formation
Columbia Theological Seminary
More Specifically . . .
Small churches have the power through their spiritual gifts to create Ripples of Grace in the world. Ripples of Grace flow out from communities of Christians, no matter the size.
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My vocation is to provide support to small congregations who find themselves struggling to call and retain a full-time pastor. Support looks like preaching as requested as well as providing other pastoral care services such as pastoral care visitations. I also provide spiritual direction opportunities to help the congregation understand their needs and wants with respect to their future as a part of the Body of Christ.
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I lead from the teachings of Christ with relevant references to the Old Testament, understand the importance of opportunities found in listening deeply, and provide a reflective presence during spiritual direction.
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I have spent many years listening to God about this as well as preparing through education and training.
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Specific services and fees are listed below.
Photo Credit: Dave Marcus 2022
