Small Group Ministry

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Even though Sunday morning church services are well attended and uplifting, within every congregation there are members who want more personal interaction so they can get to know other members and how they think and feel, while obtaining more personalized support for themselves. UUCC was a pioneer in beginning a program created to allow people to get closer to each other on a different level. This program called “Small Group Ministry” has met with tremendous support and satisfaction from the UUCC congregation.

An ever evolving workbook was created, which outlines topics for discussion. These outlines are designed to generate growth inspiring and introspective conversation.

Meeting Structure

Structured to last two hours, each session is begun with opening words, followed by an opportunity for members to check-in about significant life events which have occurred since the previous gathering.

The groups have a system for identifying a facilitator of each session to oversee the process of the group and to serve as liaison to the congregation.

Some groups meet in members’ homes and some meet at the church. Early in the life of a group, a covenant is created by the members to structure their relationships within the group, covering such areas as attendance, confidentiality, staying focused on the topic, whether or not to have a discussion during the check-in and whether or not to serve food.

Our first groups were begun in 1999 and some of those are still running. The newest group began in the fall of 2005. We currently have two groups of four families who meet for a potluck and have activities for the younger children during the session time.

New members join groups when they become interested and some members have left group for a while and then opted to return. All are welcome.

Sample Session Topics:

It Matters What We Believe
A discussion of a current belief, how it has changed over time and how it shapes the believer’s life today

How Can I Help
A sharing of stories of members’ experiences as helpers.

To Be a Unitarian Universalist
An exploration of what holds us in religious community, given that we do not share a common creed.

Money
An opportunity to investigate the meaning and power of money in the lives of members.

Being Courageous
An in-depth look at the consequences of being and not being courageous.