Sharing Circles
We all have our own experiences and insights. A few times a year, we love to hold a service known as a "Sharing Circle". During the service, a specific topic is introduced. We then invite everyone to share their personal feeings, experiences, and support by passing the microphone around. We even set up our chairs so that we can all face each other.
Not a talker? Don't worry! Listening is allowed! Pass the mic if you so desire. And if you decide to add something after the mic has passed, you are free to take your turn anew!
Whether you share your experiences with us, or just receive what we have to offer, we all leave the Sharing Circle with newly found inspiration and knowledge in our ever expanding search for personal spiritual enlightenment, truth and meaning in our lives.
Below is a list of some Sharing Circles that we have had in the past:
October 16, 2011
"After Death, What?"—Why are human beings fascinated with what happens to us after we die? Is it only our bodies that die, or do we have a souls that go on...and on? Does the belief in life after death impact and structure how we live our lives? If there is a life after death, why are we so reluctant to die? UUFB member, Carol Curtis, led this intriguing topic in a sharing circle. Please come prepared to share thoughts, readings, or experiences with the congregation. Sharing Circles are a way for us to build community and learn from and about each other.
August 21, 2011
Humanism, atheism, and agnosticism — UUFB member, Norm Roscoe will lead a Sharing Circle discussing the differences between humanism, atheism, and agnosticism.
July 17, 2011
"Got God?" — UUFB member Carol Curtis led us in a Sharing Circle about the Spring 2011 issue UU Word article "Got God?" by Myriam Renaud.
July 10, 2011
The UU Principle: A Free and Responsible Search for Truth and Meaning — What is the role of trust in our search? To what extent to we have to rely on evidence provided by others? For example, scientists we'll never meet; or news media which have to sell advertising; or books which are the result of someone else's search for truth and meaning.
July 3, 2011
America the Beautiful — As we celebrate Independence day, a Sharing Circle on the elements that make America great — freedom, diversity, and natural beauty. Led by UUFB member, Emily Ahrend, we also hd a sing along with traditional songs that celebrate America.
April 17, 2011
Sacred Space: Led by UUFB member Carol Curtis, A sharing circle service on creating a sacred space for UUFB, wherever we are.
July 25, 2010:
What motivates us, what inspires us — Led by Emily Ahrend. Service included a discussion about how we are personally motivated and inspired in daily life.
July 18, 2010:
What to take, what to leave behind, and what falls away — We joined together in a sharing circle about each of our personal life's journeys. Led by Dianne Eddings.
July 11, 2010:
Poetry Sunday — Attendees were asked to bring a favorite poem or two and a few thoughts on why they liked the poem or what it means to you. Ted Haiman led us in song.
July 4, 2010:
The Declaration of Independence — A sharing circle conversation, along with interesting facts about our Country's most famous document.
February 14, 2010
Love: Diane Eddings led the circle on what the word love means to you.
February 14, 2010
Love: Diane Eddings led the circle on what the word love means to you.
January 3, 2010
Secrets: New Year, Clean Slate: A sharing circle about secrets, confessions, and their impact on our lives. Also included was a Burning Bowl Ceremony for those wishing to cleanse themselves from the burdens of the past year.
December 13, 2009
Spiritual Writings that Influence You: Do you practice a spiritual discipline? Do you read religious texts or prayers? Please bring a short sacred or inspirational reading to share with the Circle.
October 25, 2009
Our Own Inner Peace: We invite you to share how, as an individual, you achieve your own inner peace in this open circle conversation lead by Karen Mengel.
July 19, 2009
Regrets, I’ve had a Few: We each shared one regret we had: how we dealt with it, if it still bothered us, and what we learned from the experience.
July 5, 2009
Prayer: prayer as mediation, and your experiences of prayer. What is it? Why do it? To whom do we pray? Members were invited to bring a prayer to share with the group, if they had one. We talked about praying. We listened and learned from each other.