We hope to grow smaller as we grow larger. While that sounds like a contradiction, it really isn’t. We grow smaller by creating opportunities to build community in small groups – through classes, teamwork, covenant circles, and the like.
As congregations grow larger, we gain capacity and resources that are less available in a smaller community. What we can offer each other and the world increases. However, one aspect of church that can be lost in a larger congregation is the feeling of community, connection, and intimacy. It is hard to build authentic, deeper relationships with over 800 people all at once. The good news is that you don’t have to do it that way.
Here are two opportunities we are launching this fall to build community in small groups: Wellspring and Community Circles.
Wellspring has been going on for a while in our congregation. The in-person group is full, but the online group still has several openings. You can sign up for the online group here. ($100 cost; however, please email Rev. Tom if a partial or full scholarship would allow you to attend.)
Community Circles is a new program beginning in our congregation this fall. Some of you may have had similar experiences in Covenant Circles, Small Group Ministries, or Chalice Circles here or elsewhere. These Community Circles are a response to one of the asks we heard in the Community Conversations last spring. Longtime members and newcomers alike are hoping for small group opportunities to foster spiritual community.
Community Circles will meet once a month for two hours over 8 months. (These circles can meet in the congregation’s building or people’s homes.) These circles will provide opportunities for hosting one another, getting to know each other, short spiritual practices, brief readings for inspiration and grounding, and ample opportunity to share the wisdom that comes out of the stories and experiences of our lives. The topic each month will come from our monthly themes this year, which all turn around the overarching annual spiritual theme of “Love Is at the Center.”
While entering the common spaces of a large church can be intimidating when you see so many unfamiliar faces, the beauty of being part of a large congregation is that you can continuously meet new people and form new relationships. Community Circles are one way we offer to meet and connect with old friends and make new ones.
Right now, we are recruiting facilitators to lead these circles. If you’d like to find out more about that possibility, you can email me. I will be meeting with the facilitator’s circle throughout the year so that all of our leaders have access to support and training.
If you have an idea for an affinity circle connected to this community-building program, please let me know that, too. One of the circles we are launching will be a multiracial families circle led by Saranna Weller-Filz and Frank Filz.
Next month, we will be sharing the times and locations of these Community Circles, and you’ll be able to sign up as a participant.
May we grow in community, spirit, and impact in the year ahead.
In faith,
Rev. Alison