First Universalist Church

Small Group Ministry

What Is Small Group Ministry?

It is a method of ministry that involves building intentional community within groups that consist of six to ten members who meet at least once a month to discuss matters of spirituality. The groups develop guidelines for interacting that foster respect, sharing and caring among the participants.The format of the meeting allows participants to share at progressively deeper levels, which creates real intimacy among the participants.

Why Small Group Ministry?

Small Group Ministry is predicated on two assumptions:

1. People come to church to be lifted out of the ordinary, to be drawn up from the mundane, and to seek relief from the omnipresent materialism of our culture.
2. People, living in our society of frequent relocations and diminished family support, come to church to find friends, community, a “place where everyone knows your name.”

These needs are met most effectively not in large group settings—Sunday morning worship, for example—but in small groups in which people can make deeper personal connections with one another.

When we started this program in 2000, its goals were described in this way:

It is our hope that in small groups of people we will be supported to:

• love ourselves and one another,
• learn about the world’s mysteries and be encouraged on our spiritual paths,
• serve our greater community,
• maintain personal connections and a caring community with and for the members of our groups.

How Does SGM Work?

Small Groups consist of six to ten people meeting at least once per month throughout the year. (All current groups are meeting twice monthly, and this is highly recommended.)

• Small Groups include an “empty chair” so that there is always room for a new person to attend. (These groups are intended to remain open and grow!)
• Small Groups can be couples, single adults, women only, men only, or any combination and may form around a common characteristic (e.g., Christians, parents of small children) or may be randomly composed.
• Each Small Group will determine for itself its own meeting time and frequency and will adapt an agenda to meet their needs.
• Small Groups follow the same general pattern: a chalice lighting and greeting; an opening reading; a check-in for individual sharing; a time for focused discussion; and a “check-out.”
• Small Groups provide support—but not therapy—for participants.

What Are People Saying about SGM?

The following thoughts are from current participants and facilitators of our Small Groups:

“We feel comfortable enough with each other to re-examine where wee are going and to search for new dimensions in our spiritual growth. We are anxious to bring the group to the next level.”

“Small Group Ministry has made me feel recommitted to the community.”

“Our group is a part of the church, but does not take the place of it.”

“Seeing members of our group in church on Sundays gives me an extra familiar, connected feeling. It’s wonderful to look over and see my friends sitting there knowing that we are worshipping together.”

“Small Group Ministry is one more way I realize this church is the place to meet the most wonderful people in the world!”

How Can I Get Involved?

Small Group Ministry is open to anyone within the geographic reach of the First Universalist Church of Yarmouth, whether or not a “formal member” of the church. As noted, there is an “open chair” in every group just waiting for you to join!

If you’re interested in participating in this exciting ministry, contact the church office (846-4148), and a Small Group Ministry facilitator will call you back to help you find a group and time that will work best for you.