Lay Led GroupsQueen Spirit

QueenSpirit shares in a growing movement of women’s groups springing up around the world as described by author and lecturer, Jean Shinoda Bolen in The Millionth Circle. As a lay-led ministry here at UCH since 1999, women from the church and larger community have been coming together to explore, nurture and celebrate their personal and collective spiritual journeys. QueenSpirit came into being inspired by the course, “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven,” co-facilitated with the Rev. Jackie Ziegler in 1999. This course explored female religious roots, from ancient goddesses to witchcraft to strong women in the biblical tradition. The author, Shirley Ranck, says that it is up to us to relate that story to our own experience as women in the modern world and to use it as a basis for a non-sexist theology.

In addition to offering the “Cakes” course several times since 1999, QueenSpirit has facilitated numerous courses and workshops that provide a strong basis for women’s personal spiritual journeys. These educational events co-facilitated by QueenSpirit sisters include opportunities for creative ritual, music, artwork, dance, meditation and study.

On the first Wednesday of the month, QueenSpirit sisters come together to share a potluck meal and a circle. These circles are formed around an altar with candles, symbols of the four directions and other materials related to the topic to be discussed in circle. Facilitators, who change from month to month, choose their own topic when leading the circle. Jean Shinoda Bolen says of women’s circles, “The invisible center [of the circle] is a source of energy, compassion and wisdom.”

QueenSpirit sisters facilitate many other activities and events and are represented on the Women & Religion Committee of the Joseph Priestly District.

Come and learn and explore with QueenSpirit and find support among other women for your own spiritual journey. For more information, please contact: Mary Ann Rhoads at 717-545-8582 or mrhoads20@comcast.net and Sandy Eckert at 533-5331 or jabuda@comcast.net.