SMALL GROUP MINISTRY Communities within Community • Supporting and nurturing one another on our spiritual journey • Deepening our connections • Serving our church and the larger community • Annually since 2003

What is a Small Group Ministry?
It is an opportunity to connect with others in the church who wish to explore their ideas of spirituality in an intimate setting, and who wish to make a difference together through service to the church and the larger community.

Why Small Group Ministry?
It is said that people come to church for two basic reasons:
*** • To answer a yearning to explore what it means to be human in relation to the universe, to find meaning in existence
*** • To find friends and a community of trust

Small Group Ministry is a way to meet these basic needs. Through the Small Group Ministry we:
*** • Listen and share as we explore spiritual questions in an environment of trust and intimacy
*** • Continue to develop and articulate our personal beliefs
*** • Feel a sense of belonging to the church community
*** • Meet new people, develop deep and lasting connections
*** • Give meaning and joy to our lives as we participate in service to our community
*** • Participate in a denomination-wide movement

How is a Small Group Ministry (SGM) different from other groups?
*** • The Small Group Ministry is bound by a covenant of interaction to which each member agrees.
*** • Small Group Ministry follows a specific meeting structure.
*** • Size of each group is limited, and when the group gets to a specific size, it splits into two groups.
*** • A facilitator leads each group.
*** • Deep listening, as well as sharing, is an important part of each member’s participation.
*** • The goal is to connect in a meaningful way with other members of our church community.

The Small Group Ministry is not a study group, a committee, therapy, a debate society, or an affinity group based on a specific area of interest. Its purpose is not to solve a problem. The spiritual and social connection by which we measure our sense of belonging is the purpose of the SGM Program.

SGM Nuts and Bolts
*** • Group size is 6-10 people.
*** • SGMs are open to all members and friends of the church.
*** • SGMs meet twice a month for a specified number of sessions.
*** • Facilitators are trained to lead in an environment of open exchange and kindness.
*** • Each group agrees to a covenant which may include elements such as agreements of respect and privacy, attendance, time-keeping, how we treat one another.

Every Meeting Format
*** • Opening: Each meeting will start with a relevant reading.
*** • Check-in: Each person is asked to share how s/he is feeling.
*** • Meeting theme: Sharing with one another about how the topic relates to each person’s spiritual journey.
*** • Check-Out: Each person shares a word or phrase on how s/he is now feeling, and/or what was liked and wished for in the meeting (“likes and wishes”).
*** • Closing: Reading, poem or song.

Ideas for Service Projects • Fundraise for an outside charity • Coffee makers/cleanup for a season • Provide the makings for Valentine's Day cards and postage - including addresses of shut-ins - on Sunday before Valentine's Day • Provide lunch for Board Retreat or other church function (Choir retreat, after-church luncheon...) • Take on Remembership idea - contact fallen way members just to greet them • UnChristmas WishList - gather in-kind wishlists from the community and fulfill them from among the congregation Some previous topics: Life Souvenirs Friendship Paradox and Change Peak Experiences Play Covenants Individuality vs Interdependence Prayer Our Place in the Universe Money Success Free and Responsible Search for Truth/Meaning Longing Forgiveness Disappointment The Interdependent Web Failure World Community/Peace Conscience Inherent Worth and Dignity Spiritual Growth

How is the SGM program organized?
The Program is directed by a Steering Committee working with the Minister. This group will create Small Group Ministry "pods", select facilitators, and assist the minister in training facilitators and selecting church-wide topics for discussion.

Are Small Group Ministry programs unique to our church?
Small Group Ministry programs are thriving all across the country in our denomination. They have been hugely successful in creating a true sense of community in UU churches, especially ones whose size has grown to the point where it is difficult to know everyone by Sunday morning attendance alone. More information at http://www.smallgroupministry.net/

What topics will be discussed?
Topics are not ends in themselves, but a means to the end of getting to know each other.

Why is it called Small Group Ministry?
Group size is limited to enhance the opportunity for personal sharing and the development of friendships. As we grow in the depth of our connections to each other through SGM participation, we are better able to lend care and support to each other. We learn to "minister" to each other. In addition, each group provides a service project to the church and/or the wider community at least once a year. This not only gives help where needed, but enhances our lives by providing deeper meaning and a sense of gratitude toward each other.

How do I join a Small Group Ministry?
You are invited to join a Small Group Ministry.  The SGM program for this church year will resume in January 2008, with a total of 10 sessions, 2 hours each twice a month, from January through May.  Registration will be in November 2007, with a chance to sign up in person after each service on November 4, 11, and 18.  You can also register by obtaining a registration form from the church office or printing the form from the SGM web page on the church web site and turning the form in to the church office by November 25.  The registration fee is $10.

How do I find out more about the Small Group Ministry program?
There is information in the SGM pamphlet in the church lobby, and you may contact any member of the Small Group Ministry steering committee 2007-2008.