Minister’s Reflections

The founders of this Fellowship created a small group fifty years ago where they could engage in caring relationships, growth of insight, and go out from there to serve the community.

Building bonds of community through one-on one

relationships and small group conversations which broaden and deepen our understanding---that is what we do. Unity in diversity. We now have many small groups: social groups, Social Justice Groups, Friendship Circles and Sunday Second Hour groups for children and for adults.

August is the month we re-create our Friendship Circles. We have enjoyed building deeper connections through last year’s Friendship Circles: Newcomers Circle, Theater and Spirituality Circle, Thich Nhat Hanh and Service Leaders’ Circles. Facilitators are now wondering what Friendship Circles will emerge this coming year.

Lois Von Ryik is willing to help the Buddhist group continue. I imagine the Theater and Spirituality group is just getting warmed up! A new member discovered the work of Princeton-educated Bart Ehrman (Lost Christianities and Misquoting Jesus) and is willing to facilitate a small group, perhaps reading together Ehrman’s latest work on the history and life of first-century Palestine. We UUs could use Christian literacy. Karen Lauer is itching to start another Newcomers Friendship Circle.

What Friendship Circle “sign-up” would you like to see this month?

The beautiful thing about Friendship Circles is that you can meet wherever you wish---at homes, at the Fellowship, at Turkey Creek…. You can meet once or twice a month on whatever day and time is convenient. You can have snacks and libations or not. Listening around the circle, you come to feel connected to this small group of friends---like the UUFEC founders did fifty years ago!

Relationships is what we do! How is it possible? Our covenant/promise of mutual trust and support, affirming inherent worth, the right of conscience and encouragement to spiritual growth, creates the safe atmosphere for sharing diverse life experiences and insights that enrich and expand our vision.

What small group enrichment would you find exciting? The process is really quite simple to facilitate. We would be happy to set out a sign-up for a first session; you pick the time. Then, negotiate regular meetings on whatever schedule works for the facilitator and group together.

Please share your small group interest with the Facilitators Circle Chair, Shar Farley or myself.

May many flowers blossom!

Blessings!

Rod Debs, Pastor