Dear Beloved Community,
There is something about a circle.
When you sit in a circle, there is no one ahead and no one behind. No one is privy to the good seats, and no one is stuck in the cheap seats. In a circle, there is no anonymity. You're not stuck looking at the back of someone's head. Instead, you get to look into the eyes of every person gathered.
Whenever we gather at the House Next Door, we sit in a circle. And every single time community forms. How does this happen? Part of it is the openness of the people gathered. Part of it is the work of the Holy Spirit. And the rest is the power of the circle.
Group direction, retreats, book club, and spiritual formation team meetings all happen in
a circle. People look into one another's eyes, drop their defenses, share their stories, and community is formed. Every single time.
You would think that after twelve years the novelty of sitting in these circles would have worn off for me. But it hasn't. It still blows me away. And I hope it always will.
Humans have been gathering in circles since the beginning of time -- sitting around fires, dancing, doing laundry, connecting with creation. This fall we will once again sit in circles as we seek to deepen our relationships with God and with one another. Please take a look at the numerous opportunities offered. I am most excited about our newest offering, House Church. We will gather this Advent season for worship, seated in a circle, with God, God's Word, and God's Meal of Grace at the center. I invite you to join us.
Grace and peace,
Dale
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