A Unique Gathering Offering Conversation and Community
Harmony Creek's Salon provides a non-worship setting to gather and engage in thoughtful, stimulating conversation. Each week is unique as Salon members and guest facilitators offer interesting and ever-changing topics for discussion.
Although the concept of Salon is not well known today, conversation salons were once popular across Europe and in the United States. Here at Harmony Creek, former pastor Ruth Hopkins created our Salon several years ago as a way to more fully embrace the popular United Church of Christ slogan, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.”
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Salon has no sermon, prayers, or singing. It is a safe, non-judgmental space for participants to share ourselves, build relationships, and enjoy discussions about a variety of life experiences. We think that’s pretty amazing! Many Salon participants also support church-wide justice activities and participate in congregational events.
As one member of the group put it, “Salon provides an opportunity for us to discuss how to be better people to the benefit of ourselves, one another and the world.” We welcome you, your thoughts, and your ideas to our community.
Salon meets on Sunday mornings from
10:30 am to 11:30 am in the church lounge.
Salon
Salon Schedule
Dec 1: What about Gifts?
Facilitator: Juli Burnell
What gift have you gotten that has been meaningful to you? What’s something you’ve enjoyed giving? How would you define a gift? Let’s share about the role that gift-giving has played in our lives.
Dec 8: Winter Holiday Happenings – Fun & Frolic or Havoc & Headaches?
Facilitator: Kathy Swensen
The winter holidays are upon us! Does the thought of hosting or attending holiday gatherings make your eyes twinkle or send you searching for a place to hide? Your answer may give a clue to whether you’re an extrovert or an introvert. Let’s explore and discuss!
Dec 15: Pick a Topic!
Host: Juli Burnell
Facilitators: Everyone join Juli as we test out a novel way to experience Salon. Several envelopes, each containing a “mystery” discussion topic, will be out on the table. We’ll pick one, open the envelope, and let the discussion begin. What fun!
Dec 22: Let’s Talk about our Holiday Traditions!!
Facilitator: Pastor Michelle Join Pastor Michelle in Salon on Sunday December 22. She will lead a conversation about our traditions and the special things we do every year during the holidays. “Without our traditions, our lives would be as shaky as... as... as a fiddler on the roof”
Salon "Rules of the Road"
We follow these guidelines to help create a safe and inclusive community:
Show courtesy and respect to each other.
Respect confidentiality with private information.
Listen to the thoughts and ideas of others.
(Listening is more than waiting for an opportunity to speak.)
Speak your truth with gentleness; use “I statements.”
Share the air-time so everyone has a chance to contribute.
Refrain from interrupting others.
Assume good intent.
Contact
For more information on Salon, contact the church office at (937) 434-3941.