Sharing Circles at All Souls

Supporting and Nurturing One Another on our Spiritual Journeys
Sharing Circles are a way to connect with others in our congregation who wish to explore their values and ideas of spirituality in a small group setting. The group size is typically between 6 and 12 members, led by trained facilitators. Meetings occur once or twice a month for 90 minutes and are usually held at All Souls. Groups typically meet for a total of 8 sessions, and participants are asked to commit to making attendance a high priority. As we deepen our connections to each other we are better able to care for and support each other—to minister to each other. It’s a wonderful way to get to know people from our congregation in a deeper and more meaningful way.

What Happens at a Sharing Circles Gathering?

The gathering begins with a chalice lighting and opening reading. We restate for ourselves the purpose of our gathering, which is to build connections and talk about what deeply matters. Then each member of the group is given the chance to “check-in”, sharing for a minute or two how things are going for them, spiritual or physical cares or concerns.  After that we review our group covenant and begin our sharing on the topic for the day, with guiding questions to focus our sharing. Each person takes a few minutes to reflect on their personal experiences related to the topic, without interruption or commenting from any other group members.   If there is time at the end of our sharing we open up the time for discussion.  We end our time together with a check-out and a closing reading.  It is really a wonderful way to spend 90 minutes, reflecting and listening to each other.  If you are interested in joining a group there is a space for you.

Joining a Group
Are you interested in joining a Sharing Circle?  Look for an information pamphlet on the Welcome Table in Unity Hall, send an email to sgm@allsouls.net,  or contact one of the Sharing Circle steering team members:

Kathy Fleissner kathyandbetty@comcast.net
Carol Irwin irbaldery@sbcglobal.net
Susanne Colten-Carey scc-c@comcast.net

Sharing Circles "Lite" - our summer series
In the summer we offer "a taste" of Sharing Circles. We  offer Sharing Circles Lite, following the service, with time to grab that essential cup of coffee first. This is an opportunity to reflect from personal experience, share your thoughts, and listen to others’ stories as they relate to the reflections offered at the service.

There is no need to sign up or commit to be there all the time – you may simply drop in at the Vail Library. As always, these 45-minute sessions are lead by trained facilitators and are a great way to become more connected with fellow Souls. We look forward to seeing you and hearing your voices.
 

Sharing Circle Sessions

Below you will find sessions listed in three different groups - General Sessions, Exploring All Souls Sessions, and Youth Group Sessions. Those marked with an asterisk * were added in 2014. Those marked with ** were added in 2015. Those marked with *** were added in 2016.

General Sessions