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Small Group Ministry – Questions and Answers
What is Small Group Ministry?
It’s a safe place where one can speak from the heart and listen fully, making connections with others on a deeper level.
What happens in a Small Group Ministry session?
A session contains many of the elements of a Sunday service. There are opening words, a time for silence, chalice lighting, check-in (Joys and Concerns with a little more time to share), and closing words. Instead of a sermon, a trained leader facilitates a discussion on a particular topic for the session. Friendship, The Challenge of Change, Trust, How I Would Like to be Remembered, Receiving Gifts, Power – these are some of the topics that have been discussed in our “traditional” small groups. Themed small groups focus on a particular aspect or area of interest such as Writing, The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism or Big Questions. Participants also have an opportunity to express their “Likes and Wishes” at the end of each session.
Where do Small Groups meet?
Groups meet in the home of the facilitator of the group.
How often does a group meet?
Some groups meet once a week for a short period of time, usually four weeks. Others meet monthly, usually from September to June. The sign-up sheet will indicate the length of the group you are interested in so that you will know what time commitment you are making.
How long does a session last?
At the first session of a Small Group, participants and the facilitator agree on a covenant that outlines how they will interact with one another. Part of that covenant is the promise to start and end each session on time. Each session lasts no more than two hours, with a few minutes set aside beforehand for participants to gather and share some simple refreshments. In order to maintain the continuity of the group, you will also be asked to commit to attending each session unless you let the facilitator know. It is imperative that you attend the first meeting so that you understand and accept the covenant that is adopted by the group.
What are some other parts of the covenant?
While each group may want to tailor their covenant to their specific needs, participants agree to listen to one another fully, to speak from their own hearts, to respect one another’s views and to respect confidentiality. What’s said in the group stays in the group.
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