Chalice Circles at the 
Unitarian Congregation of South Peel

Special service: Sunday, September 16

 

Repeated from Jeff's June newsletter:

 

In the fall, we’ll be introducing a program that speaks to this deep yearning for connection. Some years ago, a minister at a UUA General Assembly told of a conversation with a dying parishioner who complained that all she had “ever wanted was the chance to talk with others about life’s journey” (The Complete Guide to Small Group Ministry). I think that John Morgan was spot on when he observed that “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.” (Covenant Group News, 2000)


This autumn, our Chalice Circles will create small, covenanted groups where 8-10 people will meet regularly to share their experiences and perspectives respectfully and worshipfully. Our Chalice Circles are not another adult education program, but a very real challenge for us as Unitarian Universalists to take our faith journeys seriously. In the safety of well-facilitated groups, we will get to know and be known by a handful of other members and friends who seek this connection, too.


What kinds of questions will these groups grapple with? A whole host of practices, doubts, and decisions — from the most down-to-earth to the most sublime. “When have you experienced a heartfelt truth, and how did it change your life?” “What do you find nourishing about your daily work?” “What can you do about your environmental footprint?” “How do you respond to the challenge of religious pluralism?” “What role does money play in your life?” “What are the consequences of being courageous?” “What does it mean to grow older?” “How am I a ‘resident theologian’ to my children?”


In Chalice Circles, you will have the opportunity to participate together, ministering to one another as you explore questions of the spirit more intentionally. Folk in other Unitarian Universalist congregations that have introduced these small groups speak enthusiastically about the real impact that the groups have in their lives, by clarifying “live” issues for them and developing more satisfying relationships within their congregations.


I hope that you will discover their power when our Chalice Circles begin this fall.


In the meantime, enjoy the summer, and join in our summer worship services — same time each Sunday (and childcare is always provided).


Jeff


Reprinted from: Canadian Unitarian - Summer 2007
with permission

Small Group Ministry
Engagement for All Ages, All Sizes

Jo-Anne Elder-Gomes, Fredericton

 

Also called Covenant Groups, Shared Ministry Groups and Chalice Circles, Small Ministry Groups are groups of 5 – 12 people who meet regularly for listening, reflection and deep sharing. The experience has been described as engaging, transformative, and even revolutionary.

 

Larger congregations may be able to support a dozen or more small groups at different meeting times. Smaller congregations can begin with two or three groups. Lay-led and with about 50 members, Comox Valley Unitarian Fellowship began two Chalice Groups after Joy Johnston and Donalda Regehr attended a workshop at CUC ACM 2003. They plan to offer four small groups starting this  fall. Similarly, the Unitarian Fellowship of Fredericton had two enthusiastic facilitators and an ad hoc committee in 2006. Their newly formed Adult Programs committee now plans to support more groups being formed. 

 

Chalice Group at Comox Unitarian Fellowship

 

Joy Johnston suggests adapting the program to meet the congregation’s needs. Usually small groups ask for a six-month or year-long commitment. Some groups may stay together for years. Joy feels their approach has been “a really fellowship-friendly program.” Small Group Ministry programs draw new and long-time members closer to the congregation, and help all of them feel more connected and committed. “Everyone, especially newer members have expressed appreciation of the openness and acceptance in SGM,” says Johnston . “Several newcomers are very interested in joining a chalice group, as they have heard so many positive comments about them. Even long-term members have found greater depth in their relationships with people they have known for years. The open, accepting and non judgmental tenor of the groups really fosters trust and deep discussion.”

 

NOTE

Small Group Ministry information sessions and training for facilitators can be provided through CUC Regional Service Consultants. Check out http://cuc.ca/programs/congregational_wellness.htm

Resources for leading groups for family, children or young adult sessions are also available. CUC Program Staff can assist in directing you to additional resources.


An informative link from the CUC web page: Small Groups Help Build a Stronger Congregation