Page Connections Groups
| Connections Groups Connections Groups are safe, comfortable places where members and friends gather to share ideas, opinions and feelings in a supportive, fun, casual environment. The purpose of the Groups is to promote friendships, make newcomers feel welcome and deepen our Unitarian Universalism. The Groups practice the application of our Third Principle: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement of spiritual growth.” Connections Groups are different from other discussion groups because of the personal sharing. Conversations usually convey one’s experience, values, feelings and thoughts. They also offer caring for and support of group members and, finally, a connectedness to Unitarian Universalism. Participation in a Connection Group usually includes service to the congregation and to the larger community. The service component is fulfilled by each group working on one service project a year. When an existing group gets too large, some of the members of the group will split off to form a new group. This way, new groups are born. Connections Groups usually involve regular monthly meetings with six to ten people. A facilitator and co-facilitator for each group are designated and topics for discussion are provided. Depending on the preferences of the members of each group, the meetings may be held at the Fellowship or at the homes of the members. Additionally, each group can choose to change the meeting format and other logistics. It’s important that all members of the group agree to any change. For newly formed groups, during the second or third meetings, commitments describing how the members want to be together need to be developed. For groups already formed, new members need to be informed of any existing commitments. These commitments are promises each member makes to his/her fellow members. They typically concern starting the meeting, respecting one another’s time, listening, and so forth. For each meeting, there is usually a designated facilitator. The role of the facilitator includes arranging the basic logistics, reminding members of his/her commitment, encouraging participation and managing the group process. Here is a quote describing what a Connection Group can do for you: “My participation has helped me to see the world from many different perspectives, to grow and to change, and to nurture those directions that are most likely to take me closer to that Holy Grail, the “good life”. I find myself listening better, caring more about others, thinking more clearly, and spending more time on the process rather than the goal.” Mark Backus, Tacoma, Wa. Connections Groups that are currently formed and their facilitators are: Time of Meeting Facilitator Tuesday afternoon Jim Mitchell Tuesday afternoon Yolanda Brod Wednesday morning Pat McIntosh and Cecelia Everist Friday afternoon Jim McIntosih Friday afternoon Ann Barefield and Wendy Griffith Evening Andrea Coburn To participate, contact one of the facilitators listed above or a member of the Connections Group Steering Team. The Steering Team members are Ann Barefield, Wendy Griffith and Fran Marciano. |
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