The Call to Serve – Connecting Circles

As we reach out, spending time in fellowship with our marginalized neighbors, we offer eight Connecting Circles for the next program year. The model for the Circles is to be a place where intentional listening and sharing can build a robust beloved community. We will reflect on the testimonies of St. Markans that have a story to share. We will pray together. We will have quality time to listen to each other. This is a place where we will have uninterrupted time in a small group, more time than on a Sunday morning. These gatherings are inclusive of all ministries held by St. Markans, inside the walls and outside the walls. A short testimonial will be given by a person who is knowledgeable about the hunger ministries. We then pray together. A prayer and conversation starter will be printed for each table. Listening is a gift. Personal inquiry illuminates our gifts. This is a safe space. The table host will facilitate introductions and ask for opening reflections from anyone so inclined. “How does this social justice activity or ministry remind you of a time in your life?”

By the end of the year, we will have grown as a place of understanding. We will have heard about our diversity. We will have heard about the partners and social justice areas we serve. We will have found the courage we need to go out as servant disciples. “ For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” Matthew 18: 20.

Timeline:

• 6:00 Gather to share dinner with BYO servings.
• 6:15 Testimony from volunteer or service partner.
• 6:30 Convene in small group and read the opening prayer and conversation starter.
• 7:15 Each circle will be asked to put down what words or ideas were shared. Notes
  taken.
• 7:25 Gather as a circle for the closing prayer.

October 2nd and 9th
November 6th and 13th
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.