Beauty of small groups

The Cayce material insists that everything one needs lies within self. In this sense, each person becomes their own teacher, and each becomes a teacher to others in the group as they show the results in their lives.

Hugh Lynn Cayce, in writing to a new study group many years ago, said, "What you discover will be important, but in the beginning not nearly as important as your attitude toward the group and the individuals who compose it. It is so easy to be kind and considerate toward people who agree with you. You are a group of strong wills. You have many points of view. That is good…I expect God considers each of your souls just as important in the scheme of things as the individual sitting next to you. Do you not have the time to help one another?"

Rhonda Miller, in her article "Study Groups: a half-Century of Growing, Giving and Receiving" (Sept/Oct 1987 issue of VI), stated:

Why work in groups? It magnifies the results. Group work offers:

• Support to its members

• Clarification and feedback

• Motivation to persevere

• A safe environment

• Other points of view

• Open discussion

Herb Puryear recognized 3 aspects of growth in a SFG group. First, he felt that the study and discussion of the lesson gives the members an understanding of spiritual law. Meditation by the group, focused by the affirmation, is another aspect of growth in a group that goes beyond the individual experience. The third area of growth for the group comes with the commitment of choosing an experiment or a discipline as a group and applying it in their daily life until the next meeting.

"SFG groups are not about the phenomenal; they bore those who want instant results. 'Line upon line, precept upon precept' is Cayce's prescription for building a strong container that will safely hold the powerful influx of Spirit and allow the receiver to use it in service. Warnings exist throughout the Cayce readings to 'make haste slowly'…"

Sherrill McGill in "Gathering New Seekers"
VI, Sept/Oct 1996

What can I expect if I visit a group?

Each group has its own personality. Groups usually meet at a group member's home for about 2 hours each week. Groups usually have from 2 to 12 members. They generally use the following format, however it can vary from group to group.

• Opening with a moment of silence(prayer)

• Group business

• Sharing the application of the study

• Bible reading

• Sharing and dream sharing

• Study the text, A Search for God

• Meditation on Affirmation

• Prayers and close with the Twenty Third Psalm

How can I join a group?
If you already know how to contact your region, the region group coordinator will direct you to a group nearest you. If you do not know what region you are in or how to contact your region representatives, just e-mail studygps@edgarcayce.org and you will be contacted by someone in the Search for God Program. Membership is free.

What if there is no group near me?
Your region volunteers will help you get a group started if you decide to start one yourself. It isn't difficult to do. Talk to one of us to find out more details. Call your region or contact us at Virginia Beach on our toll free number, 1-877-428-2734.

I am not ready to start my own group at this time. Is there any other option available to me?
There are two Search for God internet options available to you, providing access to study group work for those who, for various reasons, are unable to be a part of an in-person study group. First, we have a Search for God Chatroom where regularly scheduled study groups meet online in live chat format. For the current schedule and how to join one of these groups, please email arechatroom@yahoo.com. Second, we have email study groups. These groups operate via private email. Members don't converse in real-time, but read and respond to the group's messages at a time of their own choosing. For more information on this option, please contact Johanna Van Zwet at johanna@pandora.be.

Getting Started...

Sponsoring a group is an exciting opportunity. It is important to be familiar with the material. If there is a group nearby that you can visit, it is very often helpful just to get familiar with the process. If you have not already done so, contact your region Search for God representative. They are prepared to assist you in the process of getting your group going.

There are 2 common ways that groups get going. Often several people have gotten together to talk about starting a group. In this case, the group can begin whenever these friends feel ready. There are handouts available from the region and from headquarters that can assist you.

Often someone wants to get a group started but does not know others who might be interested. Your region representative along with headquarters can assist in getting the word out to members in you area. The success of any effort to locate members will be enhanced if you will take the time to add one small but important step: use the creative power of your mind to imagine people responding to your efforts. Be positive! Believe in what you are doing and the right group of people will be drawn together.

The A Search for God Book I and II present a lesson-by-lesson growth in spiritual awareness. Discussion in the group focuses on understanding and application of this specific material. The Cayce material insists that everything one needs lies within self. In this sense, each person becomes their own teacher, and each become a teacher to others in the group as they show the results in their lives.

Some of the Details
Most groups meet in private homes. However, public meeting places can also be used. Many libraries and banks make rooms available without charge.

The recommended size of a group is form 2 to 12 people. Larger groups make individual participation more difficult. If your initial response to a mailing is larger than you had anticipated, remember that initial participation in a group can be misleading. Group size fluctuates during the first several meetings until a core group emerges. If a larger group of people continue to show interest, your efforts are being rewarded! Often, the opportunity presents itself to form a second group.

There are handouts that are available, such as Purposes of Search for God Groups and Suggested Meeting Procedure are among those that are helpful to have on hand in the beginning (see A Meditation Procedure from the Cayce Readings on the right).

After a core group has emerged, fill out the Affiliation form during the business portion of the meeting. Affiliating the group allows us to connect the group to the mainstream of our group activity, where the group can both benefit and assist the group movement. Affiliated groups are on our roster and as new seekers come to us looking for a group in your area, we can refer them to you.

Congratulations! You have decided to take a step that has proven to be one of the simplest yet most effective methods for spiritual growth and discovery of our times: starting A Search for God group.