Here’s some important information to help you decide if joining an NVC Circle is right for you. Please prayerfully consider the following.
- TIME COMMITMENT – NVC Circles meet once a month typically on the same day of the month (example – every third Friday). Circles typically meet 10-11 times a year. Because of the intimacy that happens in Circles, we ask you to check your schedule to confirm you can commit to attending most, and hopefully all, of the gatherings. Of course, we understand if things come up occasionally, and this does not necessarily conflict with full commitment.
- WHERE GROUPS MEET – Circles typically meet in Circle member’s homes for care, connection, spiritual practice, love, and laughter. You are not required to host a Circle gathering in your home. This is strictly optional and only for those members who would enjoy hosting and have a home that is conducive to a Circle gathering.
- ONLY KINDNESS – Because NVC Circles are committed to creating a safe place for sharing, each member is asked to respect some very important agreements such as confidentiality, non-judgment, no advice giving, and no gossip. We practice speaking kindly, being patient, praying for each other, and allowing each member of the Circle to mature along their spiritual path at their own perfect pace.
- LOVING COMMUNICATION – Part of our NVC Circles focus is to grow together in how we communicate, thus co-creating a more loving world. This change begins with us – right in our Circle. Sometimes a person will trigger you and make you feel angry, afraid, sad, etc. We welcome and honor all feelings and at the same time, we practice sharing them in ways that increase connection and decrease defensiveness.
- WILLING TO BE SUPPORTED – Every Circle has Co-Leaders who dedicate their time to making sure you are prayed for and feel loved and appreciated. We ask all Circle Members to “lean into” their NVC Circle Co-Leaders for support, prayer, and care in personal, professional, spiritual, and all ways.
- SIGNING UP – Once you have submitted your application, you will be added to the waiting list. Each NVC Circle will periodically add a member, a process referred to as “filling the open chair”. Those on the waiting list will be the first to be added to Circles.
#1 CO-LEADERS: Bonnie Saba and Rhonda Kersey
AREA OF TOWN: North Phoenix/Desert Ridge
MEETING TIME: First Thursdays of the month, 6:30 PM
SPECIAL FEATURES: Women's Group
#3 CO-LEADERS: Judy Walruff and Bryan Myers
AREA OF TOWN: North Phoenix/35th Ave. & Union Hills Dr.
MEETING TIME: Third Friday of the month, 6:30 PM
SPECIAL FEATURES: Pet in the home
#4 CO-LEADERS: Madison Rhodes and Rachel Rhodes
AREA OF TOWN: Old Town/South Scottsdale
MEETING TIME: 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:00 PM
SPECIAL FEATURES: Come as you are, straight friendly.
#5 CO-LEADERS: Diane Riebesehl and (Seeking Next Co-Leader)
AREA OF TOWN: Within 10 minutes of the 51 & 101
MEETING TIME: Fourth Thursday of the month, 7:00 PM
SPECIAL FEATURES: Gluten-Free Friendly
#6 CO-LEADERS: Darleen Britton and Sandra Simmons
AREA OF TOWN: South Scottsdale
MEETING TIME: Third Thursday of the month, 6:30 PM
SPECIAL FEATURES: In Person
#7 CO-LEADERS: Ron Owen and Victor Smilgys
AREA OF TOWN: Moon Valley/North East Phoenix
MEETING TIME: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 6:30 PM
SPECIAL FEATURES: LGBTQ only. Affinity for Sobriety
#8 CO-LEADERS: Cath Klinger & Rebecca Jayne
AREA OF TOWN: This is an Online meeting
MEETING TIME: First Wednesday of the month, 10:00 AM
SPECIAL FEATURES: This is a 100% Zoom Circle