Small Group Ministry
Deep Thinking, Deep Listening
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“People come into our communities looking for a place to belong (intimacy) and a place to seek meaning (ultimacy) about living and dying, and the spaces between.” |
Here at the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota, we offer members, friends and newcomers to this community an opportunity to participate in Chalice Groups as a way to deepen both belonging and meaning.
Small Group Ministry (SGM) also known as Chalice Groups here at the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota (but also known as Journey Circles or Covenant Groups in other UU congregations) provides a way to join together in a small group to reflect on significant life topics. It is not a discussion group but a place to develop intentional listening skills and offer a safe supportive non-judgmental confidential space where we can share authentically of ourselves.
Chalice Groups are a great place to get to know others and yourself. It’s a place to build deep connections with one another, our congregation, and the sacred. Each participant has the opportunity to share personal perspectives, tell their stories, and listen deeply. Sessions are lead by trained facilitators who are members or friends of our congregation.
Chalice Groups are 8-10 members who are asked to commit to eight sessions, usually held twice a month. Each session begins and ends with readings, quiet time for reflection, and sharing on the topic. We have two different formats. Learn more here.
Chalice Groups are a great place to get to know others and yourself. It’s a place to build deep connections with one another, our congregation, and the sacred. Each participant has the opportunity to share personal perspectives, tell their stories, and listen deeply. Sessions are lead by trained facilitators who are members or friends of our congregation.
Chalice Groups are 8-10 members who are asked to commit to eight sessions, usually held twice a month. Each session begins and ends with readings, quiet time for reflection, and sharing on the topic. We have two different formats. Learn more here.
Click here for samples of Chalice Group and Journey Circle topics.
We have groups that meet either in-person or via zoom and different times and days of the week. At the end of each cycle of sessions, you have an opportunity to decide whether to continue for another cycle, and members may be brought into the group at this time.
Click here for days and times of our current Chalice Groups.
Unsure if you would like to be in a Chalice Group or cannot commit to 8 sessions or are in a session mid-cycle? Then join us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month on the Unitarian Universalists of Sarasota campus ("UUSRQ") for a drop-in Chalice group from 12:15pm to 1:30pm. No registration required. Just come! Bring something to eat if needed to keep your blood sugar levels up!
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If you have questions, please contact us at [email protected]
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FORMATS:
We offer two different group formats. In the Classic Chalice Group format, each group chooses their own topics. During each session, each member shares their experiences and heart-felt insights on the topic – all without cross-talk, question, or discussion.
We also offer the Journey Circle format. Topics coincide with the themed material provided by Soul Matters. Journey Circle members are given the Soul Matters packet of resources well ahead of each meeting. Members are encouraged to explore the resources, which range from readings to music, podcasts, films, and books. Members have an opportunity to build a regular spiritual practice into their lives using these materials. During each session, members share without cross-talk, question, or discussion. After the sharing, members are invited to enter a period of Respectful Conversation where they lift up a comment or experience of another member for which they are particularly grateful.
We offer two different group formats. In the Classic Chalice Group format, each group chooses their own topics. During each session, each member shares their experiences and heart-felt insights on the topic – all without cross-talk, question, or discussion.
We also offer the Journey Circle format. Topics coincide with the themed material provided by Soul Matters. Journey Circle members are given the Soul Matters packet of resources well ahead of each meeting. Members are encouraged to explore the resources, which range from readings to music, podcasts, films, and books. Members have an opportunity to build a regular spiritual practice into their lives using these materials. During each session, members share without cross-talk, question, or discussion. After the sharing, members are invited to enter a period of Respectful Conversation where they lift up a comment or experience of another member for which they are particularly grateful.