It may seem like a long time since we’ve shared communion around the chancel, even longer since we’ve shared coffee and handshakes, hugs and conversation with our ESC friends. But when ESC parishioners who are participating in the small congregational groups meet with their group, suddenly all the uncertainty and sense of loss melts away
Each small group has formed their own small society and societal norms. Each one has a time of meeting, their own method of how we begin and how we pray. Yes, we all study the same curriculum, our Episcopal Catechism, but each group goes about it in their own way. We may share a snack, or a cup of coffee, or we may bring our own water bottles. Nobody in my group seems to be fazed by my knitting being ever present in my hands and lap.
The frequency of meetings is agreed at twice a month and the day of the meeting is first set by the host and changed as needed. Our individual attendance is subject to our personal schedule. Each of us knows that when we feel overwhelmed and don’t think we can add another thing to our day, we are understood and welcomed back the next time we meet. In my group, when Allison and David Johnson (our hosts) scheduled a family camping weekend to celebrate their anniversary, it was a no-brainer to postpone our Tuesday evening meeting to the next scheduled time. We try hard to keep ourselves to a schedule of one hour, but if the discussion is intense, we aren’t too religious about the timing of our closing prayer.
So far, the small group I attend has met outdoors. The Johnson’s deck is just large enough for us to “social distance” around their patio table and helps us feel safer in our interaction. We are now moving indoors with social distancing and masks, at least on cold evenings! At least one group meets on Zoom. The number of participants of the current groups ranges from 8 to 10 or so, still small enough to feel safe.
We’ve learned a lot about each other and have found reasons to love one another all over again. We’ve experienced “Aha” moments when we are struggling with the answer printed in our Prayer Books which responds to a question posed in the Catechism and one of our number says, “I think it means…” and we find the simple rationality of their view makes more sense than all our stumbling attempts at understanding. All the group hosts report that their discussions are lively and satisfying.
We’ve learned a lot about the rest of our parish as well. We’ve learned that Sunday nights are not the most popular time for our parishioners. Unless there is a special event happening at church, we’ve grown accustomed to using Sunday night to relish the weekend and to gear up for the busy week ahead.
The only thing most of us would change would be the fact that so many dearly loved members of our congregation are so alone during this time of uncertainty. Several of these groups are still small enough to be open to additional participants and new groups are encouraged. There are other church members, young and old, who will host a group that wants to join in this study and time of companionship.
My first title for this Chimes piece was “When Two or Three Are Gathered …” I changed it when it became clear that although Christ definitely is among us as we meet, God’s love and our growing love for each other has somehow become the binding cord. Lucky for us all, that binding chord is stretchable. Please join us and share that love and community.
For more information about joining Parish Small Groups, please contact Lee Davis at cleedavis@gmail.com
Photo: Members of David Johnson and Allison Ward Johnson’s Parish Small Group.
