See the downloadable materials for this event.
The disruptions of the pandemic have encouraged us to find new ways of being in relationship with one another. While the technology we use to connect may be new, Church tradition offers a model for relationships that is still relevant today: intentional small groups.
Since the first Easter, Christians have been gathering in small groups. These gatherings offer the chance not only to grow our faith, but to develop deep, life-giving relationships with one another. This time of pandemic has reminded us of the power of connection. While we can’t yet gather in larger groups, we can gather online and within our households in smaller groups.
At our January gathering, held during our traditional Convention weekend*, our focus will be on “Faith Groups: Sharing our Lives, Growing in Faith,” which will offer a pattern for gathering intentionally in small groups to share times of prayer, reflection, and to grow together in faith.
What to expect:
On Friday, Jan. 29 at 7 PM, we will come together to hear from Bishop Hughes about the importance of finding new ways of being Church and how we can build stronger communities through intentional small groups. We’ll break into small groups online to give an example of what these gatherings can look like and then conclude the evening in worship together. So that we can start promptly at 7 PM, we'll begin gathering on Zoom at 6:50 PM.
On Saturday, Jan. 30 from 9 AM until 12 noon, we’ll gather online for more information about how to use this pattern in your church and how it can deepen your faith. So that we can start promptly at 9 AM, we'll begin gathering on Zoom at 8:50 AM.
Of course, we gather in small groups of various kinds all the time – from Bible studies to women’s and men’s groups to book groups. Ministries like Altar Guild or Ushers or Vestry can seem to be a small group. Those groups are formed primarily around a particular task or agenda. Our focus will be on small groups that gather people to be intentional in sharing our lives and faith with each other, and to support one another as we grow in faith. These Faith Groups could continue to have a positive impact on the Church long after the pandemic is behind us.
We hope that every parish will be represented at this event.
* Due to the pandemic, Diocesan Convention is postponed until Summer 2021, date to be announced.
Registration
After you submit this form, the Zoom link for both days of this event will be sent to the email address you provided.
