The beauty of diversity in a small group so often shines through.
An online small group that began during the pandemic has sustained as three years have gone by. One group member shares it is often their differences that build a bridge to unite them. She explained an instance of a member sharing her intense, personal feelings of anger and frustration of living as a person of color in the United States right now. The vulnerability, and raw honesty expressed, and, love the group members responded with, was healing for her and uniting for the group. “It opened the doors to very close, very transparent, friendships.”
The distance of online group members is only as far as their motivation to connect beyond the screen.
As this group continues to meet consistently online, and their bond continues to grow, so do opportunities for their in-person connection. They have begun yearly reunions when those who reside outside of Kansas City come to Resurrection. The weekend begins with dinner, followed by a service project, lunch together, and on Sunday attendance of a church service at Resurrection Leawood, and then lunch at church. “The weekend is a joyous experience of meeting with ‘best friends’ whom you have seldom met in person.” The true impact of the openness and willingness to join a small group spread so far outside of one’s initial considerations. Small Groups continue to provide connection, growth and opportunities to change lives.
