small groups

Small Groups Continue (Reflection Circles and Centering Prayer)

Reflection Circles

Reflection Circles are “virtual" weekly small group gatherings. Each “circle" has 8 to 11 people and is facilitated by St. Michael’s small group leaders. We read and reflect on the Gospel readings for the coming Sunday, talk about life today and pray— all in a 45-minute Zoom conference call. Folks participating have enjoyed the fellowship and look forward to sharing Scripture and life together with a small group. Several groups are ongoing

We have found:

  • Reflection Circles foster connection for parishioners who no longer live close by, but remain interested in being part of this community.

  • Folks new to St. Michael’s can plug in quickly.

  • People can easily connect from the beach or the mountains.

  • People like being efficient — a lot of connection can happen in 45 minutes, with no travel time.

  • Small groups are about community. People miss you when you aren’t there.

We are offering five group times and can add more if there is demand.
Day and Time Options for Reflection Circles:

  • Monday 9 a.m.

  • Monday 7:30 p.m.

  • Tuesday 10 a.m.

  • Tuesday 7 p.m.

  • Wednesday 10 a.m.

Let Sam Taylor know if you have questions or are interested in joining a group (908-399-5566). If you don’t see a time that works for you, please let him know what DOES work. If there is enough interest, we will form a new group.

Centering Prayer Group

St. Michael’s centering prayer group meets by Zoom Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. After a brief opening, we do centering prayer (silent) for 20 minutes. Then we read and discuss a book related to this topic. There is always time for personal sharing and everyone is welcome. Please come and try it with us. 

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Join a Reflection Circle–Week of Jan. 10

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St Michael’s Reflection Circles are continuing in 2021, beginning the week of January 10!  All are welcome to join. What are Reflection Circles? Here are some thoughts from participant Hayden Constance. 

“When God closes a door, he opens a window, but it's up to you to find it.” —Jeannette Walls

When concern for the health and lives of our St. Michael's community forced the doors to close, I felt such a sense of sadness and loss. Our church has become the central glue of my life. How could I possibly replace the spiritual growth, love, and purpose I felt within those walls, with my people? 

I decided to join a Reflection Circle in an attempt to fill the void. From the first time the Zoom "window" opened, I felt peace and joy begin to seep into that void. I saw familiar and unfamiliar faces, and we read and shared our reflections on the lectionary for the week. The Circle has introduced me to new friends and reunited me with existing ones. I have grown by listening to how the words of the readings have meaning for each person. I have a dedicated time to reflect on what the Word means to me and calls me to do. I look forward to this time every week and miss it when I cannot attend.

Yes, our doors sadly remain closed, and I continue to feel that loss. However, the Reflection Circle has opened a window which has led me into an opportunity for deeper spiritual growth and new community.

Come join us. Our window is open to all.

The New Year is a great time to join a group. All of the established Reflection Circles will continue into 2021. They are also welcoming new participants.

These small groups (typically 5-9 people in each) meet weekly via Zoom to share our lives, pray, and reflect on upcoming Sunday lectionary readings. Each meeting is scheduled to last 40 minutes and is led by a trained facilitator.

The groups will meet the week of Jan. 10–Feb. 28:

  • Want to join a group?

  • Want more information?

  • All you need to do is e-mail Sam Taylor

Current Group Meeting Times:

  • Mondays at 9 a.m.

  • Mondays at 7:30 p.m.

  • Tuesdays at 10 a.m. (2 groups)

  • Tuesdays at 7 p.m.

  • Wednesdays at 10 a.m.

To sign up, or for more information contact Sam Taylor (908-399-5566) and let him know which time works best for you. If a specific time fills up, or if you would like a different day or time, let us know. We’ll work to create a new group at a time that works.

 
St. Michael's Episcopal Church