“Listen and attend with the ear of your heart.”
– St Benedict
What are Spiritual Friendship Circles?
Spiritual Friendship Circles consist of 7 or more people who meet over a meal in a safe and sacred space to share deep silence and hear each others’ faith journey.
“It is God’s love for us that he not only gives us his word but also lends us his ear.
So it is his work that we do for our brother when we learn to listen to him.”
– Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Are there Spiritual Friendship Circles at Trinity?
There have been two Spiritual Friendship Circles at Trinity, and more are formed as interest grows.
Here are what friends in these Circles have said.
“I most appreciate the spirituality and friendship; and it is a safe space to be vulnerable.’”
“We create a safe place for sacred sharing. Each member wrestles with something different and we are open to hearing and accepting one another.”
“I have had to miss two sessions, and I am yearning to get back.”
“For where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
– Matthew 18:20
Are we forming more Spiritual Friendship Circles and how do they work?
Yes, we are forming new Spiritual Friendship Circles. Circles meet once a month in a home of a member of the Circle. A Circle usually begins with a meal before listening and sharing begins, with times of deep silence. Meeting locations can be decided by the Circle members and can be handled in different ways. A Circle may choose to change the home host location each month or always host in the same friend’s home while others pitch-in for the meal. While Circles usually meet to share an evening meal, we can offer a daytime lunch Circle among those for whom this might be a preference.
How do I learn more or express an interest in Spiritual Friendship Circle?
We offer opportunities to join Spiritual Friendship Circles periodically. If you want more information, please contact Shelley Stewart, Trinity parishioner and Circles coordinator.
“We need to find God, and He cannot be found in noise and restlessness.
God is the friend of silence.”
– Mother Theresa
