Women Connecting Epiphany gathering: Listening in Wonder
Epiphany is a time of wonder and amazement. When we listen deeply into each other, when we are quiet and still, God can be heard and we can be left with awe and wonder. Just as the magi found wonder following the star, we can find wonder as we listen.
Women Connecting has been in hiatus for several months as we have listened to new ways this program might meet the needs of our community of women more fully. Come and join us as we gather again on Saturday, January 28 from 9:00-11:30am in the Parish House. We will share silence, prayer and reflection together as we experience Women Connecting evolving.
Contact: Joanne Conway <[email protected]>
Overview of the Small Groups proposed for Women Connecting
Vision of the small groups:
These groups will be spiritually focused, content will be provided by the Women Connecting leadership team and a process for keeping this focus will be used.
The content will be simple: a reading, prayers and prompts for reflection, each time reflecting the Liturgical season.
Groups will meet in-between the 4 large group gatherings; the timing for the small groups will be up to the group (monthly, bi-monthly, whatever) They will be fashioned after the small groups we have used in Women Connecting thus far. They follow a process designed by Parker Palmer that allows for deep and safe sharing. The heart of the process is listening and “no fixing, no saving, no setting each other straight” is a guideline.
Group leaders will be trained in this process in one or two sessions. Leaders will meet following the first group session to process, and on a regular basis thereafter. Our team will be available for any situations that might arise where the leaders need some help. Safety and confidentiality will be important to maintain in these groups. Leaders will get help in how to help this happen.
Formation of the groups: options
The Women Connecting team will form them: women will sign up, indicating times they are available, preference for in-person or Zoom, location and if they are willing to be a leader. We will randomly assign keeping in mind cross generational groups if possible. Leaders will be provided by the team or a member will be trained.
Or women can form their own groups: a leader will either be assigned to these groups, or a member will volunteer to be trained. The ideal number in each group will be 5. However if women want smaller (even two) or larger, that is possible. These groups will remain together for a calendar year, at the end of which new groups will be formed.
If you are interested in attending one of these groups and are not able to gather on Saturday, January 28, please sign up with a member of our team or contact Joanne Conway,
[email protected] and we will be in touch with you soon.
