Ministries : Women's Spirituality Circles
The Women's Spirituality Circle is a gathering for women coming together to create a sacred space, share our stories and get to know one another.
Spirituality is a state of connection and relationship with God. As daughters, mothers, sisters, partners and friends, it is part of our most essential nature to co-create and be agents of life. We gather as women to rejoin the circle of creativity. We share our stories, joys and struggles with each other.
The chairs are arranged in a circle and there is no pulpit, no podium. Those who facilitate programs sit in the circle with the other women. Power is shared. The circle is a graphic image of mutuality. The circle holds it all without rank or hierarchy, without judgment that one person's way of perceiving mystery is better than another.
In the circle women are given the opportunity to reflect on their lives and on our tradition through a woman's lens. The storytelling flows from the two elements integral to women's spirituality: prayer and ritual. Thanks to women's spirituality, women have reclaimed the right to create their own ways of expressing their faith in word and action, significantly expanding the number and variety of images and symbols used in prayer and ritual.
The circles of women have validated what women have always instinctively known, that giving birth, caring for a child, coming out, holding a loved one who is dying are seldom named as religious experiences. They should be. For many they have been tangible paths to the sacred; direct experiences of God. They are very gender specific. As women we have a unique perspective in seeing the sacred in ordinary life.
We accept one another's differences and seek comfort in mystery and ambiguity. There is no one right way.
Goals
In the coming weeks the group will decide how each week's time will be spent. Even on weeks designated as social, there will be a short spiritual devotion.
Meetings and Events
Our Women's Spirituality Circles meet Fridays at 7 PM in Ackerman Hall, the downstairs social hall at All God's Children MCC.
November 14: Al-Wird
Sharon Wilson will facilitate the circle in a session on the Sufi chanting practice of Al-Wird. Al-Wird means "watering hole." Al-Wird is about bringing your heart, soul, body, and spirit which can be nourished and can drink from God's light, love, mercy and forgiveness.
November 21: Guided Meditation
Experience a special guided meditation designed to facilitate a conversation with your higher self-your most complete and evolved YOU. Rev. Robyn will lead the meditation followed by a time of sharing about the experience.
November 28: Gratitude
Gather with other women on this day after thanksgiving to open a space for continued and intentional gratitude. We'll share what we're grateful for as well as make covenants with ourselves for our future gratitude.
Childcare is available each Friday
Contact
Rev. Robyn Provis
rprovis@agcmcc.org