Having the Sanctuary chairs set up in the round for the past month or so has been really enriching my spirit! I love that the chancel is now on the floor with the people around it. I love that the windows stream so much light into the room. I love that the rocking chairs are now holding children and guardians during the service. I love most that we can all witness each other!
A minister once suggested to me that churches work better in circles, not rows. The shape alone challenges us to look across from ourselves rather than simple navel gazing. Smaller groups formed into circles can lead to deep meaningful connections. Soul Circles – beginning in January 2023 – are an opportunity to enter into deep, brave space and explore our beliefs and ideas in small groups (max eight-10 people). These groups will draw on the Covenant Group model and leave room for flexibility and growth. Folks will gather to look at both the intimate and the ultimate together. The personal stories and the universal stories both matter.
Are you seeking an opportunity to learn from others and share in your spiritual development? Are you looking to build and strengthen your connection to each other and UUCF as a whole?
Small groups like the Inquirers Series help newcomers connect. Delving Deeper conversations help those with some time after the service to reflect on the monthly theme. Young Adults gather monthly for brunches and online dinner church events to connect with one another. The Women’s Ritual Council holds ceremonies and celebrations together on Pagan holidays. The Visual Arts Connection provides a space for artists, amateur and professional, to share their work and their process with one another. Book Clubs, Memoir Writing and Poetry groups also gather (mostly on Zoom) to deepen connection and share creatively. (Details for all these opportunities are at uucf.org/uucf-events.) The opportunities are abundant!
On Wed., Nov. 9, the Potomac Partnership will host a Zoom training including Cedar Lane Unitarian Universalist Church and UUCF emerging leaders and facilitators. Attend this training to develop your leadership skills, learn group facilitation techniques and, most of all, focus on connection and relationship. Register here.
Leave a Reply