Building Community Highlight: Chalice Circles
When I was a teen, the most asked question was "what are you majoring in?" I knew I wanted to study music, but I also had a snarky answer that I used with certain people. I would respond: "I want to major in Sagacity. That way I will either be a sage or an ass." Snarkiness aside, I was indeed inspired by the line in the hymn, "Angels From The Realms Of Glory". The second verse says, "Sages, leave your contemplations. Brighter visions beam afar.” Something about the image of the sages discerning the real truth behind the contemplations appealed to me. I did actually aspire to be a sage, although at that time, it seemed like a distant goal. Now I see the goal of being truly wise as an ever-receding point. I will leave it up to you to decide how close I am coming to sagacity.
Many events in my life have contributed to the discernment and wisdom that I seek. One of the important ones is Chalice Circles. The UU Church of Bloomington is full of people who have gained an amazing amount of wisdom throughout their lives. How can I not be changed by the thoughtful musings of a Chalice Circle member who shared her difficult decision to continue or break her commitment to a loved one? Or the story of a member who set a firm intention to become a parent despite many setbacks? Or the member who is grieving the loss of a spouse? Each meeting, the group members share their thoughts about the selected topic. The questions, related to Reverend Susan's themeof the month, invite members to dig deep for stories that reveal the wisdom they carry.
There is also a lot of laughter in the group meetings. There are stories about humorous and ingenious ways that people solved their problems as well as explanations of trials and errors. When we were discussing Perseverance, I told of a time in my childhood when I won the camp bone because I collected so many stones on a nature walk, that my pants wouldn't stay up. Sharing the Chalice Circle stories and hearing them connects me to my own growth and wisdom.
Ruellen Fessenbecker, Chalice Circle Executive Team Member
