Connection Circles
Connect with others in a small group ministry setting.
Because we are living in increasingly isolated and isolating times and connection in small groups are necessary for our surviving and our thriving. Many sociologists talk about the importance of a “third place,” outside of your home and your workplace. For many people, their church is one of those third places. And it can be hard to find a sense of belonging in a church as big as ours. Hence, the need for a small group ministry like this one. Our hope is that you will build a sense of connection and belonging in small ways (both for yourself and for others).
What are Connection Circles?
Connection Circles are opportunities for deep sharing and simple connection. There is a light “curriculum” that focuses on three questions:
- How are you? How is it with your spirit/interior life?
- What is something from a recent service that you’re still turning over in your hand to look at it from different angles? Maybe a story or a message or a song. Something that grabbed your attention and is still working in you. Maybe it’s because you agreed with it so strongly. Maybe it’s because you disagreed with it or it challenged you. What is that that still needs some attention and thought?
- The third question will be a “fresh” question that changes from session to session.
Who are Connection Circles designed for?
The invitation is open to all ages and anyone who can commit to a 3-month small group (6 sessions total, groups of 7-9 participants). We especially want to prioritize people who are lacking connection right now. Ideally, a mixture of “veteran” members and new members.
When will Connection Circles be held?
Connection Circles will be every other week, starting in June and running through early September. These sessions will be 90 minutes long, and there will be a variety of timeslots available.
- Sundays 12:30-2pm
- Mondays 6:30-8pm
- Tuesdays 11am-12:30pm
- Wednesdays 6:30-8pm
- Thursdays 11am-12:30pm
Where will Connection Circles meet?
The church is a default location, but if the group decides that it wants to meet for their final session at some other location (maybe for a meal or at someone’s home), that’s fine. We will leave it up to the group.
How will Connection Circles be created?
The staff will break up the registrants into groups of 7-9 participants based on availability and preferences, and we are still looking for people willing to facilitate these groups. The facilitator’s job will primarily be to serve as timekeeper and the person who sends out the email reminder to the group. If you’re able and willing to serve as facilitator, please let us know when you register.
While we encourage people to join a group in person, we understand that some people might have to join via Zoom occasionally. We will create one Zoom-only group, the other groups will be in person, with the ability for occasional Zoom access (the church has two rooms with full technical capability for Zoom).