QUICKLINKS: REGISTER | PREPARE | CALENDAR
At the end of each month, we’ll gather together virtually on Zoom for a time of reflection and spiritual practice. Each session will last around 60-90 minutes. Advance registration is required to attend each session. Learn more about registration below.
You’ll also want to be sure to have your camera and microphone connected so we can see and hear you! (These are often built into your device.) It is also preferred that you wear earphones for an improved sound experience for all. (Note: many earphones, such as those that come with a mobile phone, have a microphone attached.)
Unable to attend a session? Sessions will be recorded uploaded at the link below within an hour of each session and will be available for viewing until the next session takes place.
Questions? Contact Lacy here.
REGISTERING FOR A CIRCLE GATHERING
You must register in advance in order to attend each Circle Gathering. This will allow us to best prepare for the structure of each session, as participant numbers may shift from time to time. (Note: The registration page automatically lists the session time as Pacific Time; to see the correct time in your area you can change the time zone.)
Once you register for a session you will receive an email with information on how and when to join a session and what to bring. If you do not receive a registration confirmation email, contact Lacy at [email protected]. (It is always good to check your spam folder first as it’s not uncommon for emails like these to end up in the wrong place!)
note: you must register for each session in advance in order to attend
available an hour after the session and viewable until the next session occurs
PREPARING FOR A CIRCLE GATHERING
Using Zoom
In order for us to take advantage of all of the Zoom features that will enhance our gatherings, you will need to download the most updated version of Zoom here and create an account. It is also important to install new updates as they are released. While you can use Zoom on your mobile device, joining by computer is recommended as it is the easiest way to see everyone in the Seekers Circle community as we gather.
You can join the meeting when it is time by clicking on the link in your Circle Gathering registration confirmation email. If you’d like to familiarize yourself with Zoom ahead of our first session, you can do so here.
What You’ll Need for our Session
To best prepare for our time together, you might like to review the monthly post and itinerary. You’ll also need the following:
- a computer with a camera
- a Zoom account and the latest edition of Zoom downloaded to your device
- earphones (to help mitigate feedback during group sharing)
- a journal and a writing utensil for use during the session
- the monthly worksheet (if applicable)
- an item from your home altar that represents the month’s theme (think ahead about how you might describe this item in 3-5 words)
- optional: a lit candle and a cozy cup of something warm!
Pilgrim Postures
During our Circle Gathering, there will be opportunities to share both in a small and large group setting. As we engage with one another during our time together, you are invited to adopt these postures of the pilgrim:
- Confidentiality: The pilgrim honors the sacred stories of others. We will hold anything shared during our Circle Gatherings in confidence.
- Hospitality: The pilgrim is open to the perspectives of others. We will welcome the whole person and the unique ideas and qualities they bring.
- Holy Listening: The pilgrim listens with reverence to the experience of others. We will listen as an act of receiving.
- Curiosity: The pilgrim wonders at the words of others. We will not draw conclusions, but will instead express a desire to know more.
- Companionship: The pilgrim comes alongside the journeys of others. We will remember that our role is not to advise but to befriend.
Holy Listening Guidelines
Small group time during Circle Gatherings will be facilitated by Zoom “breakout rooms.” During this time you will gather with 3-4 other members (chosen at random) and will be invited to share a bit about your journey with the month’s theme. (Note: Sharing is always optional!) These breakout sessions are akin to group spiritual direction and are modeled after the following format:
- Share and Listen | Speaker: What do you feel invited to share or ponder in this sacred space in regard to the theme and prompts?
- Respond and Receive | Observers: What did you hear that you want to offer back? Affirmations, observations, curiosities
- Appreciate and Contemplate | Speaker: What did you receive that you want to give thanks for or contemplate further?
CIRCLE GATHERING CALENDAR
Circle Gatherings take place on the last Saturday of the month apart from sessions in May, November, and December, which will take place on the second to last Saturday of the month due to the Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas holidays. All Circle Gatherings are held at 11:00 am Pacific Time to best accommodate participants in multiple time zones. Please note that in the US where sessions are based, Daylight Savings Time begins on Sunday, March 14 (clocks move forward 1 hour) and ends on Sunday, November 7 (clocks move back one hour).
January 30th
February 27th
March 27th
April 24th
May 22nd*
June 26th
July 31st
August 28th
September 25th
October 30th
November 20th*
December 18th*
*denotes a shift in regular schedule due to a US holiday