WHAT WE DO

The Connections Ministry is tasked with helping build a compassionate spiritual community.  We do this through member services, greeting newcomers, conducting social events such as after-service coffee hours, and activities that engage both our religious community and others.  We work to make our faith community a welcoming and meaningful experience for visitors, members, and friends.

MEMBER DIRECTORY

Looking for the member directory?  We use a third party service called UCD.  You can access it with a mobile app (find UCD – Universal Church Directory –  in your app store) or on a desktop.  You will need a unique username and password to access the directory.  If you don’t already have one or are having trouble using the app / website, please contact [email protected] to get connected.

CHALICE CIRCLES

WHAT ARE CHALICE CIRCLES?

Chalice Circles are the Small Group Ministry program at First U. Groups are made up of 5-10 people.

Chalice Circles encourage us to develop deeper connections with each other and with the church community. Each group has a fixed membership, without “drop-ins” or “visitors,” allowing the participants to create a safe environment in which to know and be known, to care for each other, and to search for truth and meaning.

Groups meet each month for approximately two hours, and your regular attendance and punctuality are important. Members maintain a supportive listening environment and follow the Small Group Discussion guide found in each month’s Touchstones Journal.

WHO PARTICIPATES IN CHALICE CIRCLES?

Participation is voluntary and open to any First Unitarian member or friend age 15 or older. When more than one member of a family group (i.e., partners, parents and youth, etc.) participates, they may indicate preference for same or different groups. Almost sixty people participated in the first round of groups, just concluded.

HOW ARE GROUPS FORMED?

Our minister composes each group of five to ten persons based primarily on their preferred meeting times. Formation of new groups is ongoing and new members are invited to also join existing groups when there is room available.

WHAT IS THE CURRICULUM?

Chalice Circles follow the Small Group Discussion Guide in the Soul Matters resource. Monthly topics follow the monthly ministry themes. While time is allowed each month for open-ended “check-in,” our program intentionally favors specific topics and discussion questions rather than unfocused conversation. This type of structure encourages deeper self-exploration and discussion.

HOW DOES ONE SIGN UP?

It could not be easier! Simply contact [email protected] to advise of the days/times you are available.