Our lives now face great challenges as isolation, uncertainty, anger, and pain surround us with brokenness. Our faith calls us to serve and offer love to neighbors that we often can’t even begin to understand — we are called to be present with a welcoming, radical hospitality (love) that is hard to even imagine. Beyond recognition, we need a lot holding us up to face the staggering challenges of restoring wholeness and bringing healing.
Living up to and for our faith means developing an extensive toolbox and some special skills; and we believe a big part of that toolbox and skill set are gained in learning to practice “deep listening” (or “mindful” listening) – which is different from the way we normally listen and requires a commitment and structure to accomplish. At Tree of Life we use the program and philosophy of the Soul Matters program to help us develop our toolbox and skill set.
Soul Matters was developed by UU minister Scott Tayler while he served the First Unitarian Church of Rochester, NY. While there, he formed a small group system that eventually engaged over half of their 1,000 members. That foundational work helped Soul Matters to grow into a program to foster transformation – both personal and interpersonal. The small group dynamic is a setting for finding the connections to our deepest self and for seeing our humanity mirrored in each other. We learn to receive the voices of others in the silence of an open heart and we discover how to hear our own voices as we grow confidence for speaking our truth. The reflection on the monthly theme invites us to think about our daily living and, over time, leads us to grow both a spiritual discernment and a deepening gratitude for all that is around us. This kind of transformation is strengthened and illuminated from many directions and is an opportunity to develop the radical hospitality that is so deeply needed.
At TOL this dynamic is available through using the Soul Matters packets and in the small groups we call Chalice Circles. Everyone – whether newcomer or long-timer – is invited to participate and it’s our hope that one day we too will have over half of our members engaged in this empowering experience. The practice we do together offers the additional benefit of fostering congregational community and as such can be seen as a member’s gift to strengthen our unity. However, unlike many acts of service, many participants find our “work” to be fulfilling and energizing.
Currently we have 4 circles and we’re always enthusiastic about starting new circles so please let us know if you’re interested in joining the program or feel free to share suggestions for different meeting times.
2nd Sunday 9:00 – 10:00 am
3rd Wednesday 2:30 – 4:00 pm (some variance)
4th Sunday 9:00 – 10:00 am
4th Sunday 7:00 – 8:30 pm (some variance)
If you have questions, comments, would like to sign up for a circle, or propose a different circle time, we would love to hear from you. Feel free to contact us or talk to us in church.
Wishing you joy in community,
M. E. Tanabe Ph. 815 337 9895 m.e.tanabe@comcast.net
Janet Burns Cell 847 542 7678 janetrugi@yahoo.com
So well put. I have grown so much as a result of being in a Chalice Circle. I am a better listener, a much better listener. I have confidence in my own voice and in presenting my authentic self to my group knowing that I am accepted as I am. It affords me the opportunity to engage in the monthly theme which coupled with the same focus in our worship services and religious education keeps me engaged throughout the month with the theme which always has great relevance. I feel empowered by the support and acceptance of my own Chalice Circle and the Church community at large. I am grateful.