Small Group Ministry

Small Group Ministry creates a sacred time where the stories of our lives are heard. ~ Thandeka

Join a Small Group Ministry Group at UUCR

Each spiritual journey is a unique endeavor. Yet the crossing of paths along the way enriches the experience. We can't help but grow through the sharing of ideas, feelings, perceptions, and that's what Small Group Ministry (SGM) is all about. Once or twice a month, a group of 8-10 people gather in covenant to delve deeper in a safe, respectful environment. The group offers the opportunity to practice deep listening and develop meaningful relationships while exploring your personal beliefs. Whether you are new to UUCR or have been around for awhile, you are welcome to join us.

How does it work?

Congregation members and friends are invited to sign up for the program and are then assigned to a group based on such considerations as geographic location and availability. Together, group members decide how often, when, and where they will meet. Typically, a group will meet for one-and-a-half to two hours, once a month. Although each group is led by a team of trained facilitators, the members work together to create a covenant to guide their discussions.

Read the SGM Participants Handout

Read the SGM Guide for Facilitators

What do we discuss?

The primary objective of the Small Group Ministry program is spiritual rather than intellectual development, but ideally our hearts and minds work together as we face the challenges of being human. Session topics are developed as companions to the liturgical theme of the month as a way to explore the topics discussed during Sunday Worship. Below are the session plans for 2015-16 and 2016-17.

2018-19 Session Plans

• April 2019 - Confession
• March 2019 - Dance
• February 2019 - Power
• January 2019 - Mystery
• December 2018 - Threshold
• November 2018 - Struggle
• October 2018 - Grace
• September 2018 - Growth

2017-18 Session Plans

• August 2018 - Song
• July 2018 - Independence
• June 2018 - Practice Courageous Love
• May 2018 - Beauty
• April 2018 - Justice
• March 2018 - Stewardship
• February 2018 - Celebrating the Generations
• January 2018 - Discovery
• December 2017 - Love
• November 2017 - Courage
• October 2017 - Practice
• September 2017 - Depth

2016-17 Session Plans

• August 2017 - Rest
• July 2017 - Play
• June 2017 - Peace
• May 2017 - Letting Go
• April 2017 - Surprise
• March 2017 - Vocation
• February 2017 - Heart and Home
• January 2017 - Good and Evil
• December 2016 - Simplicity
• November 2016 - Gratitude
• October 2016 - Miracles
• September 2016 - Reflection

2015-16 Session Plans

• August 2016 - Families by Choice, Family by Blood
• July 2016 - Finding Balance in the Complex: Pride & Patriotism, Unity & the Universal
• June 2016 - Questions at the End of the Day
• May 2016 - The Paradox of Kindness
• April 2016 - Authenticity
• March 2016 - Abundance
• February 2016 - Joy
• January 2016 - Responsible Consumption
• December 2015 - Ancestry & Remembrance
• November 2015 - The Work of Justice
• October 2015 - Colors
• September 2015 - Walking the Earth

Why should I join?

For people new to UUCR, small groups offer a chance to form bonds with individual members of the larger community. For long-time congregants, they present the opportunity to form new relationships or deepen existing ones. For anyone involved, the program provides a time and a place to sit back, breathe deeply, and ask yourself not just, "What do I believe?" but "Why?"

How do I learn more?

For more information or to join SGM, please contact Rev. Rebekah Savage.