{"id":1974,"date":"2015-06-25T11:25:39","date_gmt":"2015-06-25T15:25:39","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/demo.uuatheme.org\/?page_id=1974"},"modified":"2026-02-09T10:46:44","modified_gmt":"2026-02-09T15:46:44","slug":"small-group-ministry","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/unitarian.ithaca.ny.us\/index.php\/connection\/small-group-ministry\/","title":{"rendered":"Connection Circles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Connections Circles (CC) are an important part of the life of our First Unitarian Society of Ithaca (FUSIT) community. Participants establish new and deeper connections with one another whether they are new to FUSIT or have been a member or friend for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group members meet to explore topics important to their lives, sharing from the heart and listening deeply to one another. They find connection and belonging and a place for religious exploration and spiritual growth. Each group chooses a service project each church year that benefits FUSIT or the greater Ithaca community or beyond. Performing this service deepens connections within the group and connection to FUSIT or the greater Ithaca community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Connection Circles consist of 6-10 members and they meet once or twice a month, in homes, outside (weather permitting), or at FUSIT. Each small group includes a trained facilitator. Some facilitators choose all the topics and lead all of the discussions of their group. Many groups rotate choosing the topic and leading the discussion among the members, though individual members may elect not to do this. Connection Circles use varied sources for topics – Soul Matters, the UU Small Group Ministry Network, or topics suggested by members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Group members are expected to commit to regular meeting times and to practice deep listening. Deep listening is a way of focusing intently on what another person is saying without interruption or simultaneously formulating a response. Deep listening also gives an individual an opportunity to speak without interruption or comment. Members of each small group agree to hold in strict confidence all personal matters expressed by members of the group, to welcome new members as space allows, and to honor the diversity of thoughts and feelings of group members.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Connection Circle begins with a chalice lighting and opening words followed by a time to share what is happening in each member\u2019s life. The discussion of a predetermined topic is followed by a check-out time to share a brief impression of how the meeting went, followed by closing words and extinguishing of the chalice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our current groups are listed below. If you would like to join a Connection Circle to find out if a group that fits your schedule has space for a new member, contact the Team Leader, Marsha Kardon at 607-272-6582 or 607-592-2520 or mfkardon@gmail.com. Also, call if you have any questions about Connection Circles. Groups grow and change throughout the year, so check back if you can\u2019t find one that fits your schedule. Or consider facilitating your own group! If this is interesting to you, contact Marsha Kardon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meets: <\/strong>  9-10:15 am on the second and fourth Sundays of the month at FUSIT
Facilitator:<\/strong> Sue Rakow<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meets:<\/strong> 7 pm on the first and third Monday of the month on zoom
Facilitator:<\/strong> Mike Mann and Jennifer Streid-Mullen<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meets:<\/strong> 6:30 pm on the first Tuesday either outside or on zoom
Facilitator:<\/strong> John Gaines<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LGBTQ+<\/strong> associated group
Facilitator:<\/strong>\u00a0Madeline Natale<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meets:<\/strong> 10:30 am every other Friday on zoom
Facilitator:<\/strong> June Locke<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Soul Matters themes for the 25-26 year are below.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Connections Circles (CC) are an important part of the life of our First Unitarian Society of Ithaca (FUSIT) community. Participants establish new and deeper connections with one another whether they are new to FUSIT or have been a member or friend for years.<\/p>\n

Group members meet … read more<\/strong>.<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"parent":1806,"menu_order":5,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1974","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nConnection Circles - First Unitarian Society of Ithaca<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"http:\/\/unitarian.ithaca.ny.us\/index.php\/connection\/small-group-ministry\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Connection Circles - First Unitarian Society of Ithaca\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Connections Circles (CC) are an important part of the life of our First Unitarian Society of Ithaca (FUSIT) community. 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