Building Community for Women through Small Groups

Last fall Mennonite Women USA was so delighted to gather with the women of Portland Mennonite Church (PMC) at their annual retreat (Read about it here!). There we got to meet Pastor Kristen who kindly agreed to write about the congregation's vibrant small group ministries we heard so much about. We invite you to read her tips and logistics for inspiration and then join in this >>> online sharing circle <<< by telling us about your small group experiences.

At Portland Mennonite Church, we have a variety of ways that we build community and connection in smaller groups. As noted in Palmer Becker’s Anabaptist Essentials, we really believe that  “Community is the Center of our Life” and try to enact that in regular ways. Our Small Group committee has created a yearly rhythm where we invite people to engage in different kinds of small groups, and some of these especially benefit women. 

During the fall, we have a “Small Group Welcoming Process” for more traditional kinds of long-term small groups. These are more committed and longer term groups that meet regularly for sharing and faith formation. Sometimes we add new people to a group and other times we create an entirely new group. Currently, we have two traditional small groups that are for women. These groups meet about twice a month and do a combination of prayer practices and sharing about their lives. Lectio Divina is often a form of prayer that these groups use to center themselves. And, they also often meet around a meal.

Early in the year, around January or February, we invite people to create or join a “PMC Meetup.” These groups are designed as more open groups that meet regularly around a shared interest or identity. Some of them end up being more short-term and others continue year-round. There is a hiking group that meets up once a month to hike together and a coffee group that meets every Friday morning at a specific Portland coffee shop. People join when they can and newcomers are always welcome. Historically, PMC has had very active quilters and knotters groups that are mostly women, and this has been a wonderful place for women to talk and share about their lives while making quilts and comforters for MCC. Additionally, we also have a “Monday Knitting Circle” which is mostly women who gather regularly to knit and talk.

Finally, in late spring/summer, we set up “Dine with Nine” groups. This is nine people that sign up to have three meals over the course of three months (9 people / 3 meals / 3 months). First, we recruit hosts who will coordinate their party of nine people. Then we offer a signup to the congregation. People who decide to participate can choose which group they want to join. Many people have expressed how wonderful these groups have been for giving them time to meet new people in the church and deepen friendships with those they already know. While none of these groups has been entirely women, it is one way that we encourage all people to build stronger relationships. The hope is that perhaps some of these groups might lead to the formation of longer term small groups.

Overall, we hope that there are a variety of ways that women at PMC can build community and be part of each other’s lives beyond Sunday morning. If you’d like to learn more about how these different groups work for us at PMC, you can check out our Small Groups webpage. Additionally, we have lots of committees that do various bits of work for the church and these are also often important types of small groups that help build deeper relationships. It is through all these groups that women support each other through hard times, offering practical, emotional, and spiritual support to each other. And, it is through this kind of deep connection and support that we hope to help each other grow in our faith and commitment to following Jesus.

Kristen Swartley

Pastor of Community Life and Outreach

Portland Mennonite Church

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