March 17, 2002

I have had many positive experiences with small groups in the past. My first experience with small groups was in the Boy Scouts of America. Since then, I have belonged to a variety of small groups through social, church, professional and political organizations. One lesson I’ve learned: "You can get lost in a crowd, but a small group is never crowded". When the opportunity arose in the Fall of 2000, Dina Waik and I agreed to become co-leaders of a new queer identified small group within Interweave with a focus on spiritual growth.

In my spiritual journey, I get personal satisfaction in participating in groups that are service oriented. Last year, members of our small group organized the Welcoming Dance in May and facilitated activities around Pride Sunday including hosting an information table at the Pride Community Fair.

Change is an inevitable product of spiritual growth. Two significant changes have occurred in our spiritual growth group over the last year:

First. After participating in a planning meeting in the spring of 2001 with Murray Urlich and the other leaders of the Living in Spirit groups, Dina and I adopted the meeting format used by the Living in Spirit groups and subsequently have taken the Living in Spirit banner for our small group. While each of our meetings is unique, our members know that when they arrive, they will be challenged to work, to share, and to grow.

Second. This year we have witnessed the birth of a second queer identified Living in Spirit small group with Dina Waik and David Dubbledam as co-leaders. T’Hayla Ferguson, a dear friend and a committed member of our group, has stepped up as the new co-leader of our spiritual growth group. New groups result in new opportunities for us to serve. Service is truly our prayer.

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