Seeking a deeper sense of connection, community, and belonging? JOIN A SMALL COMMUNITY CIRCLE

Feeling connected and having a sense of community is essential to the human experience. Whether you are a new or long-time member, joining a Small Community Circle is the best way to engage with the Emerson congregation. These groups of 6–10 people meet on a regular basis as determined by the group members—in person or via Zoom—to explore worship themes in depth.

What we do in Small Community Circles:  

Deep Exploration:  Each month, Small Community Circles explore topics using resource packets filled with spiritual exercises and reflection questions. These topics may also be explored during worship service, allowing for deeper meaning and connection.

Small community circles deepen and broaden personal spiritual growth and help create a vibrant religious community through five core components:

• Listening: Sharing the gift of deep listening to create meaningful connections.
• Worship: Augmenting shared congregational worship.
• Community: Satisfying the hunger for intimacy and connection.
• Learning: Exploring “big questions” of faith, meaning, and life.
• Service: Completing two annual projects: one for the church and one for the community.

What Makes Small Community Circles Unique?
Unlike task-oriented committees, Small Community Circles are people-centered, focused on fostering lasting relationships through ongoing commitment and deepening our own spiritual/philosophical/theological understanding.

What a Small Community Circle Is (and Is Not):

• Not a Therapy/Study Group: It is not for debate, therapy, or demonstrating intelligence.
• Connection, Not Expertise: We share personal truths to better understand ourselves and each other.
• Universal Humanity: We focus on experiences we share as humans (love, loss, awe, success, grief) rather than on shared hobbies.

A Typical Session:
Groups typically meet for 90 minutes to two hours, following a consistent flow:

• Opening Words: A centering moment with chalice lighting and reading.
• Check-In: Personal updates from members.
• Topic/Discussion: Reflecting on the monthly theme.
• Check-Out: A brief “likes and wishes” feedback session.
• Closing Words: A formal end to the gathering.

Member Commitments
To ensure a healthy group dynamic, we request the following:

• Deep Listening: Focusing on the speaker without interrupting or preparing a response.
• Attendance: Consistency is vital; please make meetings a high priority.
• Initial Trial Period: New members commit to four consecutive meetings.
• Annual Commitment: Following the trial, we ask for a one-year commitment.
• Covenant: Each group establishes its own covenant—a mutual agreement on how to treat one another with respect and honor the inherent worth of every individual.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Who leads the program?
The minister directs the program with a Steering Committee and Team. They train facilitators and coordinate group assignments.

2. What is the role of the Facilitator?
Facilitators guide discussions, manage schedules, and maintain the connection to the larger church. As needed, they meet with the minister for support and guidance.

3. When and where do groups meet?
Each group determines their own schedule and meeting place – at the church, in homes and/or on Zoom. Some meet twice a month, often on a 1st/3rd or 2nd/4th week of each month pattern; some meet once a month; and one group meets weekly.

4. How long is the commitment?
We ask for a one-year commitment, with an option to stay longer or change groups during our annual reassignment period.

5. Is what I share confidential?
Yes. Groups create a covenant of confidentiality to ensure a safe environment.

6. How do service projects work?
Groups complete two annual projects—one for the church and one for the community—ensuring we look outward as well as inward.  Projects have included organizing areas of the church, bringing socks to give away, helping with fundraiser events, etc.

7. Is this a form of therapy?
No. The purpose is to build community, but it is not a substitute for professional therapy. The point is to get to know one another, not to solve each other’s problems or give each other advice.

8. How do groups change?
As the congregation grows, we form new groups. Over time, members may join or leave, allowing the “circle of connection” to grow.

How to Join

To join, contact Renee Lancon.

Please give us a variety of times and days you are available. Groups are formed by the minister who exercises judgment to decide which groups are best able to accommodate new members.  The more options you provide will permit the best fit for your placement. After consultation with the group facilitator, the minister can add new members to a group at any time.

Questions: Email Renée Lançon reneelancon@aol.com