Grateful Gathering Circles
What is a Grateful Gathering Circle?
Previously known as Chalice Circles, Grateful Gathering Circles will offer the warm bond of small groups we are familiar with, while bringing fresh new material from Grateful Living. Together, we will be in awe of the beauty around us, hold one another gently in the tender moments, and be open to all the wondrous things waiting just around the corner as we explore what it means to live a life of gratitude.
What do the sessions look like?
The sessions are simple and typically consist of these elements:
- Opening words/Chalice lighting
- Check-In with Gratitudes
- Topic Introduction
- Reflection Questions
- Poem and Video with Group Reflection
- Closing Words with Gratitudes
What is the purpose and benefit of a Grateful Gathering Circle?
This simple but profound experience of carefully listening to another without preparing a verbal response or offering a fix can, over time, have a deep spiritual effect, one that transfers to other aspects of our lives. Speaking, and in turn listening, without interruption offers a kind of growth not found in most other social encounters both within and outside the congregation.
A Grateful Gathering Circle is:
- A way to deepen our spirituality through shared practice.
- A way to share our thoughts on life’s big questions.
- A way to connect across age, gender, ethnic, economic and other differences.
- A way to bring together the newer and the long time members in our community.
- A way to deepen our practice of shared UU values.
- A way to practice fellowship as each circle performs a service project for the congregation or larger community.
Grateful Gathering Circles are open to any member or friend of the Fellowship, age 18 or older. They meet at the Fellowship or on Zoom and form anew each year to help develop wider connections over time.