COMMON TABLES

Common Tables form the heart and soul of WIN. These monthly bring-your-lunch discussions include six to eight women of various faiths (and matching schedules!) to explore challenging topics of interest to all. The breaking-bread and bonding conversations take place on a rotating basis at the homes of members who wish to host. Each host provides beverages, dessert and a welcoming atmosphere. Here is where assumptions and stereotypes begin to fall away, while learning and understanding come into sharper focus. While the conversations are serious, laughter abounds and close friendships are formed. Political topics are not permitted.

Recent topics chosen by Common Tables include:

Can clergy be forgiven?: Our expectations vs. challenges today’s clergy face
Three generations of faith: How the religious practices of your parents, you and your children have remained steadfast or changed
Winter holidays: Sharing traditions (recipes welcomed!) about the what, how and why of our families’ celebrations
How does hope connect with your belief system? How is hope different from expectations and wishes?
Is Santa secular? The relationship between the religious majority and minority faiths during Christmas in America
The Architecture of Faith: Does the physical environment matter? Praying in Nature or indoors, sanctuary size/shape/decor…

New ideas are welcomed at every meeting. Moreover, new Common Tables are formed as new members arrive.

MONDAY TABLE

First Monday of the month at noon with Melanie Marcus

What better way to start the month and the week than to gather with

earnest women to explore meaningful topics?

Our Monday Common Table meets at noon on the first Monday of every month for lively, thought-provoking conversations, be they provocative, educational, personal, funny, or truly heart-warming. Our group prides itself on the cool faith and spirituality-related subjects we come up with for discussion.

Please pull up a chair at the Monday Common Table. All we’re missing is you!

TUESDAY TABLE

Third Tuesday of the Month, 11:30 A.M. with Susan Boston

We all look forward to our monthly meetings at 11:30 AM and cherish our time together discussing topics close to our hearts. We begin with a mini-life update–how is everyone doing? Then we dive into the subject and our bag lunches. Sometimes (OK, often!) the conversation meanders beyond the confines of the original question, but the path always leads in meaningful directions. Past topics have ranged from the gastronomic (traditional holiday foods from our ethnic roots) to the holy, including the view of Redemption across our various religions. We emerge satiated and fulfilled both physically and spiritually. And we have fun!

THURSDAY TABLE

Third Thursday of the month at noon with Susan Skovronek

The Thursday Common Table is still available for new participants.

Our table has enjoyed lively and thought-provoking topics chosen by the host of the month as we rotate from house to house to give each member a turn. Recent topics at our noon discussions have included: "Did God create man or did man create God? " and "How does your faith help you during hard times?"

Each Common Table contains a group of women of various faiths who trust and hear each other without judgment. In a short time, we became quite close and savored these friendships.

If you are interested in joining us, email: winsarasota@gmail.com

Common Tables