When we truly listen, we can hear our heart call us to
be present with others and in relationship with Life. – a
call to grow such a welcoming, radical love, that it’s
sometimes hard to even imagine how to answer it.
Facing today’s staggering challenges, requires hefty
inner resources and an empowering sense of community to
guide and support us, as we work for wholeness and
healing in the world and in our own lives.
To answer this call, we can benefit from having a
“personal toolbox” of insight and discernment. At TOL,
we believe some of that skill set grows in learning to practice “deep listening” (or “mindful” listening) –
which is different from the way we normally listen. We’ve found that, having the structure and
commitment that’s practiced in our Chalice Circles, enables us to foster a more radical welcome and
love…. And an empowering community naturally develops from this practice.
Because Unitarian Universalist faith has a strong foundation in covenantal relationships, the
small group ministry has long been practiced by UU congregations in many forms. Our program uses
the Soul Matters curriculum for our monthly themes, and its diverse materials foster reflections on
our experiences which, over time, lead us toward both a spiritual discernment and a deepening
gratitude for all that is around us. This setting also nurtures our connection to our deepest self and
allows us to see our humanity mirrored in each other. Practicing deep listening, we learn to receive
the voices of others in the silence of an open heart and when we are heard, we discover how to hear
our own voice as we grow confidence in speaking our truth. This kind of transformation becomes
strengthened and illuminated and, over time, is an opportunity to develop the radical love that is so
deeply needed in the world.
At TOL, the small groups we call Chalice Circles, nurture this dynamic. Everyone – whether
newcomer or long-timer – is invited to participate in this endeavor. Each month the themes are also
used in our worship services to include the whole congregation as we reflect on the meaning of life’s
experiences. As we explore this together, an additional benefit arises in fostering congregational
community, so participation is also a gift of service that strengthens all of us, and yet, unlike many
acts of service, participants find this “work” to be fulfilling and energizing.
Below is the proposed schedule for the coming year. Each circle meets once a month, from
September through June. Final schedule is dependent on the level of interest. If you have
questions, comments, would like to sign up for a circle, or propose a different circle time, I would love
to hear from you. Feel free to email me or talk to me in church.
Wishing you joy in community,
M. E. (Emi) Tanabe m.e.tanabe@comcast.net
PROPOSED 2024 – 2025 Circle schedule
On site
A 3 rd Sunday 7:00 – 8:30 pm
B 3 rd Wednesday 7:00 – 8:30 pm
C 3 rd Thursday 2:00 – 3:30 pm [possible]
D 4 th Sunday 8:45 – 9:55 am (limit 6 participants)
Online
F 3 rd Wednesday 1:30 – 3:00 pm
G 4 th Sunday 7:00 – 8:30 pm
“Listening solidifies relationships and is a foundation for community. Listening with undivided
attention and without interruption moves us beyond differences and shows deep respect; the
speaker is valued. Paying attention and being paid attention create a community which
embodies our UU principle of affirming and promoting the worth and dignity of each person ….
Having others attend to your personal story affirms your journey, and having others listen to
you encourages you to take yourself more seriously. Trusting yourself to speak your truth to a
group strengthens your ability to speak your truth wherever you go”
— Rev. Barbara Hamilton-Holway
“I suspect the most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just
listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention… When
people are talking, there’s no need to do anything but receive them”
— Rachel Naomi Remen