Small Group Ministry
Deep Thinking, Deep Listening
Click here for samples of Chalice Group and Journey Circle topics.
Small Group Ministry (SGM) provides a way for members, friends, and newcomers to join together to reflect on significant life topics. This is 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 led by trained Facilitators who are members or friends of our
congregation. Facilitators meet monthly for ongoing training and support. Each small group develops their own covenant. Here are samples of Chalice Group Covenants: Sample 1. Sample 2. Sample 3. Sample 4. Sample 5.
Group members 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. 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.
Currently, most of the groups meet via Zoom. Many of our current Chalice Group members prefer this as it helps them focus more profoundly on the speaker and not be distracted by other stimuli in the room. One-on-one Zoom instruction is available to any Chalice Group member who asks. As the Covid-19 situation improves, each group will decide amongst themselves, with guidance from UUCS Board and staff, whether to resume in-person meetings.
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.
Sessions are led by trained Facilitators who are members or friends of our
congregation. Facilitators meet monthly for ongoing training and support. Each small group develops their own covenant. Here are samples of Chalice Group Covenants: Sample 1. Sample 2. Sample 3. Sample 4. Sample 5.
Group members 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. 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.
Currently, most of the groups meet via Zoom. Many of our current Chalice Group members prefer this as it helps them focus more profoundly on the speaker and not be distracted by other stimuli in the room. One-on-one Zoom instruction is available to any Chalice Group member who asks. As the Covid-19 situation improves, each group will decide amongst themselves, with guidance from UUCS Board and staff, whether to resume in-person meetings.
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.
“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 Universalist Church of Sarasota, we offer members and newcomers to this community an opportunity to participate in Chalice and Journey Circle Groups as a way to deepen both belonging and meaning.
If you have questions, please contact us at sgministryuucs@gmail.com