1. Tell us about any group(s) you currently belong to. (e.g. book club, knitting circle, walking buddies, etc.) Currently I dont belong to many groups. I go to a local text study with pastors and other rostered leaders in the church. And that is about it. Since I’m new to town, I havent found many groups yet to be a part of. At seminary, I was in a scrapbooking group which was sooo much fun!

2. Do you feel energized or drained by being in a group situation? If the answer is “it depends,” on what does it depend? It depends. If Im with a group of people I love being around, then Im energized. But when Im new to the group and dont know very many people, it is usually draining for me.

3. Is there a role you naturally find yourself playing in group situations? That is, do you naturally fall into the leader role, or the one who always makes sure the new person feels welcome, or the quiet one who sits back and lets others shine, or the host? Usually I sit back but I am often the pleaser in the group. I try to make everyone happy etc. However if put into a situation where I need to become a leader, I will..most of the time.

4. Handshakes vs. hugs: discuss. Absolutely hugs! Im a hugger. I think it comes from working a Bible camp for six summers. As a staff, we were always offering hugs etc. Hugs just make me feel good.

5. Ice breakers: a playful way to build community in a lighthearted manner, or a complete and utter hell of forced fun and awkwardness?Bonus: If you answered “playful and lighthearted,” share your favorite ice breaker. I have to say both here. Since I worked at camp, I know that sometimes ice breakers are a fun way to get to know new people etc. My fave icebreaker is probably the name train. You form a circle with one person in the middle. The person in the middle walks up to someone in the group and introduces themself. For example, Hi my name is George. Whats your name? The person responds Suzy. Then you repeat… Suzy asks someone else. At that point, Suzy yells back that persons name to George and they respond with the persons name….Freddie, Freddie, Freddie, oooo aaa, the name train! And you keep going until everyone in the circle has been introduced and you have a huge name train!