1. Tell us about any group(s) you currently belong to. (e.g. book club, knitting circle, walking buddies, etc.)

Gay Clergy Group
Redevelopment pastors group (sort of skipping this one lately)
lectionary group (infrequently attend)
gay men's chorus (my lifeline)

2. Do you feel energized or drained by being in a group situation? If the answer is "it depends," on what does it depend?
For the 4 listed above...energized, drained, it depends (on who attends and wether we kvetch the whole time instead of looking at the Word), and BOTH in that order.

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?

RM knows that I struggle with not monopolizing the groups I'm in. I sometimes like the sound of my own voice WAY too much. Since CPE this has made me intentionally reach out to the silent ones, asking questions that invite them in...at least when I'm really thinking about it.

4. Handshakes vs. hugs: discuss.

germs vs. potential invasion of space
formal vs. loving
inadequate in some settings vs. inappropriate in some settings
me with colleagues vs. me with parishoners and family

5. Ice breakers: a playful way to build community in a lighthearted manner, or a complete and utter hell of forced fun and awkwardness?

Depends on the group, but I lean towards the latter, unless our friend E is doing them--because HE is the master of the genre.

Bonus: If you answered "playful and lighthearted," share your favorite ice breaker.
N/A