Presented by EquaSion

Faith & Friendship Groups Spring Gathering

Registration has ended

About This Event

Join us for a morning of connection and shared purpose as we gather to launch our Faith & Friendship Groups — small circles committed to building relationships across differences and growing the Beloved Community.

If you are interested in joining a group below, you can't make it on May 6. Please still use this form to register for your small group. You will be asked which group you would like to join after you select your ticket.

Date: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: La Casa Del Sol
5820 Bender Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233
Doors open at 9:45 am

The Faith & Friendship Groups Spring Gathering marks the beginning of a three-month journey. By attending this event, you are committing to participate in a Faith & Friendship small group that will meet five times from May through July.

Together, we will explore what it means to practice deep listening, courageous conversation, and sacred friendship in a time when our communities long for connection. This gathering will introduce the heart of the experience, provide guidance for the weeks ahead, and create space to begin forming meaningful relationships within your small group.

Faith & Friendship Groups are part of EquaSion’s ongoing work to build a Beloved Community of faith and friendship across Greater Cincinnati.

What to Expect

  • Welcome and framing for the three-month journey
  • Shared practices for listening and dialogue
  • Lunch and table conversation to meet your small group and facilitator
  • A welcoming space for reflection, learning, and connection

Registration is required to reserve your spot. Space is limited. By registering and attending, you are committing to fully participate in a Faith & Friendship small group from May through July. This programming is made possible by the generosity of the World Religion Foundation and donors of the Chip Harrod Fund for Dialogue.

Faith & Friendship Groups

  1. Prayers & Service with Belong Dinners facilitated by EquaSion Board Members Bakhtavar (Becca) Desai and Audrey Holtzman
  2. Building Religious Inclusivity in School Calendars by Amber Hassan, member of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
  3. Dance at the Hindu Temple by EquaSion Board Member Somya Paul
  4. Difficult Conversations facilitated by EquaSion Program Director Joey Taylor
  5. Faith Communities in Solidarity with Immigrants, in partnership with MARCC, facilitated by Andrew Musgrave, Director of Catholic Social Action
  6. Intergenerational Hiking facilitated by Friends for Good Executive Director Adam Hayden
  7. Meeting the Moment with Nonviolence facilitated by Ignite Peace’s Bekky Baker
  8. Sacred Connections (Religion 101) facilitated by EquaSion Executive Director Deidre Hazelbaker
  9. Sacred Storytelling facilitated by Rabbi Shirah Kraus

    *Facilitators and topics subject to change

 

Title & Facilitator Description Time
Intergenerational Hiking facilitated by Adam Hayden We will gather together in a circle to hear a poem or a prayer. Then we will briefly answer a question before we start hiking. This beginning ritual will take about 10 minutes. Then, during the hike, participants will have more time to dive deeper with each other or to reflect and walk in silence. We will have a short closing ritual to mark the end of our time. This group is for anyone interested in hiking and listening to others. There will be some hills involved. If you are concerned about the physical difficulty of the hike, please reach out so we can ensure this will be a positive experience for all. CANCELLED
Faith Communities in Solidarity with Immigrants facilitated by Andrew Musgrave Across all time and space, immigrants have faced challenges in the decision to leave, their journey, and their place of arrival. This group will learn about and discuss the difficulties faced here in our community, as well as current efforts to address these realities. Further, this group will explpre how to bring these learnings back to their faith communities in ways that will be best heard and received so that they might concretely support their immigrant neighbor. Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on May 20, June 3, June 17, July 15, July 29
Dance at Hindu Temple facilitated by Rajni Harsh and Soumya Paul This is a dance group. You’re invited to be yourself and enjoy the moment as you learn different types of dance forms, and also have your own space. This group is for people who want to learn a few dance moves and also have fun without pressure. CANCELLED
Sacred Connections (Religion 101) facilitated by Deidre Hazelbaker Together, we will explore different faith traditions by visiting local places of worship and learning directly from those who practice there. This includes visiting a mosque, temple, church, and other sacred spaces. Each visit will include time to observe, ask questions, and reflect as a group. You should expect a welcoming environment. You don’t need any prior knowledge - just a willingness to listen, learn, and engage. This group is for anyone new to interfaith work or curious to learn more. Teens and above welcome. Mondays from 10-11:30 a.m. on May 18, June 15, June 29, July 6, July 20
Sacred Storytelling facilitated by Rabbi Shirah Kraus In this group, we will share personal narratives around what is sacred and significant to us. We will practice deep listening and create meaningful connections. This group is for those open to the challenge of sharing with courage and vulnerability and of listening with humility and curiosity. CANCELLED
Prayer & Service facilitated by Bakhtavar (Becca) Desai This group will reflect on what ‘prayer’ means to each participant. We will then act upon these reflections, if mutually agreeable, in future meetings, which could, but don’t necessarily include serving together. COMBINED WITH BELONG DINNERS
Meeting the Moment with Nonviolence facilitated by Bekky Baker Meeting the moment will use a popular education model to invite participants to gain knowledge in the five dimensions of nonviolence. Participants will learn about interpersonal conflict, practice taking different perspectives, explore the principles of Gandhi and King, and dissect strategic nonviolence. We will apply these skills through role plays, activities and reflections. CANCELLED
Building Religious Inclusivity in School Calendars facilitated by Amber Hassan The hope is to identify key observance dates for multiple faiths, curate inclusivity events that would support these (even if inclusion on calendars is difficult) and share experiences of ourselves or our children related to inclusivity they have felt in structured school environments. This group is for anyone wanting to explore different faiths and what their key dates mean to them and how they are celebrated or observed. We will ensure we are not meeting on key religious dates. Bring your open minds, constructive ideas and personal experiences. CANCELLED
Prayer and Service/Belong Dinners facilitated by Bakhtavar (Becca) Desai and Audrey Holtzman This group will reflect on what ‘prayer’ means to each participant. We will then act upon these reflections, if mutually agreeable, in future meetings, which could, but don’t necessarily include serving together. We will also include potluck dinners designed to deepen agency and belonging across difference. Participants will provide a dish, eat together, and participate in a guided conversation. This group is for people who care about equity and dignity for all. Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on May 20, June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22
Difficult Conversations facilitated by Joey Taylor Difficult Conversations is an interfaith small group devoted to the practice of dialogue as a spiritual discipline. Together, we will engage structured dialogue practices that help us slow down, listen to understand, and speak from our own lived experience as we explore complex and often contentious issues. Participants can expect a thoughtfully facilitated environment grounded in trust, curiosity, and respect, where the goal is not to win an argument but to deepen understanding and remain open to transformation. This group is for anyone willing to show up with humility and courage, especially those who feel the tension of difference and want to engage it more faithfully. Each person contributes not by having the “right” answers, but by bringing their honest voice, attentive presence, and a commitment to the shared work of listening, reflecting, and growing together. Wednesdays from 1:30-3 p.m. on May 20, June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22

The locations vary. They are primarily held at places of worship. We will send the locations after assigning the group. All meeting locations are in the Greater Cincinnati area. 

About This Event

Join us for a morning of connection and shared purpose as we gather to launch our Faith & Friendship Groups — small circles committed to building relationships across differences and growing the Beloved Community.

If you are interested in joining a group below, you can't make it on May 6. Please still use this form to register for your small group. You will be asked which group you would like to join after you select your ticket.

Date: Wednesday, May 6
Time: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location: La Casa Del Sol
5820 Bender Road, Cincinnati, OH 45233
Doors open at 9:45 am

The Faith & Friendship Groups Spring Gathering marks the beginning of a three-month journey. By attending this event, you are committing to participate in a Faith & Friendship small group that will meet five times from May through July.

Together, we will explore what it means to practice deep listening, courageous conversation, and sacred friendship in a time when our communities long for connection. This gathering will introduce the heart of the experience, provide guidance for the weeks ahead, and create space to begin forming meaningful relationships within your small group.

Faith & Friendship Groups are part of EquaSion’s ongoing work to build a Beloved Community of faith and friendship across Greater Cincinnati.

What to Expect

  • Welcome and framing for the three-month journey
  • Shared practices for listening and dialogue
  • Lunch and table conversation to meet your small group and facilitator
  • A welcoming space for reflection, learning, and connection

Registration is required to reserve your spot. Space is limited. By registering and attending, you are committing to fully participate in a Faith & Friendship small group from May through July. This programming is made possible by the generosity of the World Religion Foundation and donors of the Chip Harrod Fund for Dialogue.

Faith & Friendship Groups

  1. Prayers & Service with Belong Dinners facilitated by EquaSion Board Members Bakhtavar (Becca) Desai and Audrey Holtzman
  2. Building Religious Inclusivity in School Calendars by Amber Hassan, member of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati
  3. Dance at the Hindu Temple by EquaSion Board Member Somya Paul
  4. Difficult Conversations facilitated by EquaSion Program Director Joey Taylor
  5. Faith Communities in Solidarity with Immigrants, in partnership with MARCC, facilitated by Andrew Musgrave, Director of Catholic Social Action
  6. Intergenerational Hiking facilitated by Friends for Good Executive Director Adam Hayden
  7. Meeting the Moment with Nonviolence facilitated by Ignite Peace’s Bekky Baker
  8. Sacred Connections (Religion 101) facilitated by EquaSion Executive Director Deidre Hazelbaker
  9. Sacred Storytelling facilitated by Rabbi Shirah Kraus

    *Facilitators and topics subject to change

 

Title & Facilitator Description Time
Intergenerational Hiking facilitated by Adam Hayden We will gather together in a circle to hear a poem or a prayer. Then we will briefly answer a question before we start hiking. This beginning ritual will take about 10 minutes. Then, during the hike, participants will have more time to dive deeper with each other or to reflect and walk in silence. We will have a short closing ritual to mark the end of our time. This group is for anyone interested in hiking and listening to others. There will be some hills involved. If you are concerned about the physical difficulty of the hike, please reach out so we can ensure this will be a positive experience for all. CANCELLED
Faith Communities in Solidarity with Immigrants facilitated by Andrew Musgrave Across all time and space, immigrants have faced challenges in the decision to leave, their journey, and their place of arrival. This group will learn about and discuss the difficulties faced here in our community, as well as current efforts to address these realities. Further, this group will explpre how to bring these learnings back to their faith communities in ways that will be best heard and received so that they might concretely support their immigrant neighbor. Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on May 20, June 3, June 17, July 15, July 29
Dance at Hindu Temple facilitated by Rajni Harsh and Soumya Paul This is a dance group. You’re invited to be yourself and enjoy the moment as you learn different types of dance forms, and also have your own space. This group is for people who want to learn a few dance moves and also have fun without pressure. CANCELLED
Sacred Connections (Religion 101) facilitated by Deidre Hazelbaker Together, we will explore different faith traditions by visiting local places of worship and learning directly from those who practice there. This includes visiting a mosque, temple, church, and other sacred spaces. Each visit will include time to observe, ask questions, and reflect as a group. You should expect a welcoming environment. You don’t need any prior knowledge - just a willingness to listen, learn, and engage. This group is for anyone new to interfaith work or curious to learn more. Teens and above welcome. Mondays from 10-11:30 a.m. on May 18, June 15, June 29, July 6, July 20
Sacred Storytelling facilitated by Rabbi Shirah Kraus In this group, we will share personal narratives around what is sacred and significant to us. We will practice deep listening and create meaningful connections. This group is for those open to the challenge of sharing with courage and vulnerability and of listening with humility and curiosity. CANCELLED
Prayer & Service facilitated by Bakhtavar (Becca) Desai This group will reflect on what ‘prayer’ means to each participant. We will then act upon these reflections, if mutually agreeable, in future meetings, which could, but don’t necessarily include serving together. COMBINED WITH BELONG DINNERS
Meeting the Moment with Nonviolence facilitated by Bekky Baker Meeting the moment will use a popular education model to invite participants to gain knowledge in the five dimensions of nonviolence. Participants will learn about interpersonal conflict, practice taking different perspectives, explore the principles of Gandhi and King, and dissect strategic nonviolence. We will apply these skills through role plays, activities and reflections. CANCELLED
Building Religious Inclusivity in School Calendars facilitated by Amber Hassan The hope is to identify key observance dates for multiple faiths, curate inclusivity events that would support these (even if inclusion on calendars is difficult) and share experiences of ourselves or our children related to inclusivity they have felt in structured school environments. This group is for anyone wanting to explore different faiths and what their key dates mean to them and how they are celebrated or observed. We will ensure we are not meeting on key religious dates. Bring your open minds, constructive ideas and personal experiences. CANCELLED
Prayer and Service/Belong Dinners facilitated by Bakhtavar (Becca) Desai and Audrey Holtzman This group will reflect on what ‘prayer’ means to each participant. We will then act upon these reflections, if mutually agreeable, in future meetings, which could, but don’t necessarily include serving together. We will also include potluck dinners designed to deepen agency and belonging across difference. Participants will provide a dish, eat together, and participate in a guided conversation. This group is for people who care about equity and dignity for all. Wednesdays from 6:30-8:00 p.m. on May 20, June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22
Difficult Conversations facilitated by Joey Taylor Difficult Conversations is an interfaith small group devoted to the practice of dialogue as a spiritual discipline. Together, we will engage structured dialogue practices that help us slow down, listen to understand, and speak from our own lived experience as we explore complex and often contentious issues. Participants can expect a thoughtfully facilitated environment grounded in trust, curiosity, and respect, where the goal is not to win an argument but to deepen understanding and remain open to transformation. This group is for anyone willing to show up with humility and courage, especially those who feel the tension of difference and want to engage it more faithfully. Each person contributes not by having the “right” answers, but by bringing their honest voice, attentive presence, and a commitment to the shared work of listening, reflecting, and growing together. Wednesdays from 1:30-3 p.m. on May 20, June 3, June 17, July 8, July 22

The locations vary. They are primarily held at places of worship. We will send the locations after assigning the group. All meeting locations are in the Greater Cincinnati area. 

Getting There

La Casa Del Sol
5820 Bender Road
Cincinnati, Ohio 45233
United States