With all wisdom and insight he (God) has made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to gather up all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to his counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1: 8-9
Bishop Scanlan, when she was with us a few weeks ago, discussed circles. She illuminated the interwoven nature of our relationships with one another and God as people, congregations, and The Church. She used “Venn diagram” imagery. The typical definition of a Venn Diagram describes the image as a “logical relation between sets.” I suggest that, for our purposes, as covenanted parishes in relationship with the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania this relationship is more than logical. It is spiritual, and psychological, as well as pragmatic.
The new logo (see above) we’ve been putting onto some of our worship and administrative documents hints at this relationship. There are three cups joined in the form of a Triquetra. This is a triangular “three-sided” figure of arcs that artists use to depict an interwoven relationship. You may know it is as a “Celtic Knot” (often used to describe the Holy Trinity). It offers an understanding that all aspects of our lives (holistically) are active – dynamic – and hold potential for an endless conduit of grace. Circles are timeless and alive whereas lines are defined and static (at least for me).
I have become increasingly interested in Circle Way practices since I first heard of the process at a Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes (CEEPNetwork) gathering in early 2018. I invite you to download the booklet (if you haven’t already). The Circle Way prompts me to believe idealistically of how Jesus and his disciples as well as early Christians met in circles.
Then, as now, a circle when properly hosted and bounded creates a culture of conversations wherein everyone speaks intentionally, listens, attentively, and allows for time and space to coalesce around purpose and praxis. The people involved commit themselves toward becoming leaders rather than managers. What they discuss within their container is theirs for safekeeping albeit what they agree to bring out of the circle into their communities and back in from their communities becomes the lifeline to sharing learning, wellness, and blessing. In spiritual terms, the work is not only “profane.” A circle invites God’s presence and presents because the faithful people open themselves up to the synergy that is a constant Divine resource in and beyond all participant’s human senses and limitations. ....
