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Small Group Ministry
The mission of the Small Group Ministry Program is to develop a growing network of small groups that draw us into mutual ministry, strengthen our congregation, build relationships, deepen our understanding of Unitarian Universalist principles and values, and challenge us to action and spiritual growth.
Small Groups consist of 6 to 10 members or friends of First Parish and a facilitator who is a member of the Small Group Ministry Council. Groups meet regularly, at least once a month, nd normally twice during the church year, and during summer if the group wishes. Sessions are an hour and a half to two hours and a half in length and typically include opening words, personal check-in, a brief reading to focus discussion of a common spiritual issue, feedback on the session, and closing words. Materials are often borrowed from a growing network of Small Group Ministry programs in Unitarian Universalist congregations or developed by our own minister.
Groups may meet at the church or in members’ homes. Groups develop their own expectations with regard to refreshments, communications between meetings, commitment to attendance, assimilation of newcomers and farewells to departing members, church service projects, and such matters as the use of silence, candle lighting, or a "talking stick.' All groups, however, have agreements about privacy, the privilege of passing, not interrupting, and so on.
Members and friends of First Parish who are interested in participation are encouraged to speak first with the Minister to help determine if the program is appropriate to their spiritual needs. The Small Group Ministry Council keeps a waiting list of people interested in joining a group, with their scheduling preferences and limitations. Keeping each group to a membership of 6 to 10, the Council endeavors to place new members as places become available or as it becomes possible to create a new group. Members of an existing group may be asked to help launch a new group. Each spring group members are asked if they wish to continue participation, and if so, in their existing group or another.
Group members who are interested in becoming facilitators are encouraged to assist in facilitating sessions of an existing group. Self-awareness, listening skills, and a willingness to serve are the only prerequisites. A basic orientation to facilitation skills is provided. New facilitators become members of the Small Group Ministry Council, which guides and oversees the program and meets monthly with the minister,
The minister is available to the facilitators for consultation, especially in any instance where appropriate boundaries need to be guarded. All such consultation is confidential. The Minister is also a resource for finding topics for discussion, finding substitute readings, and, on request, for developing new session plans or a sermon related to a theme raised in a small group discussion.