Small Group Ministry
The Small-Group Ministry program was introduced at MVUC in fall 2009. The following is an explanation of the program, including a welcome from our Minister, Rev. Kate Walker.
Welcome to Small Group Ministry!
Small groups are becoming an important part of the life of Unitarian Universalist communities throughout the country. The goal of Small Group Ministry is to create a space for intimacy between old and new friends, and to offer a place to pursue some of life’s ultimate questions. Through these goals, participants establish new and deeper connections with one another, and find a place for religious exploration and spiritual growth. Ministry groups are connected with one another and with the life of the whole congregation. In addition, the groups hold a larger vision of themselves as religious liberals and Unitarian Universalists. We hope this explanation will help you make a successful transition into Small Group Ministry.
What’s Small Group Ministry About?
We’re introducing the Small Group Ministry program into our church because we believe it offers us a path to better realize our Mission as a congregation and a religious community. We believe that a vibrant and vital community needs to provide resources in these four areas:
*Worship: Worship is central to the life of the congregation. Small Group Ministry is intended to augment and strengthen our shared worship experience.
*Community: Small groups meet the need for connection and intimacy that is both a deep hunger in our society, and essential to the ongoing life of a religious community.
*Learning: People come to the church seeking spiritual growth, seeking to know themselves better, to grow into their understanding of the world, and to ponder the age old questions of faith: how to live, what to believe, how to act, what meanings we can decipher from the mystery of life.
*Service: A life of faith is a life of service. As human beings, we seek to be of use and a healthy congregation needs to provide avenues through which we may serve.
There are three types of groups: General Discussion Groups, Focus Groups, and Activity Groups. The General Discussion Groups use a collection of sessions developed by our minister, and other UU congregations. Topics include religious histories, spiritual practices, loneliness, fear, poetry, pets, music and healing. Groups may choose their own order, direction and pace. The Focus Groups gather around a particular affinity such as parenting, the monthly Worship Theme, nature, writing, or diversity issues. Activity Groups are a combination of discussion and an activity such as hiking, sewing or cooking.
*Opening Words and Chalice Lighting: People gather, settle in and are reminded of the time set aside for connection, and begin to reflect on the evening’s topic.
*Check-in: Participants share news of their lives. Each group develops its own customs as to the length of time for sharing and how to respond. This portion of the meeting may expand from time to time when circumstances call for it.
*Topic/Discussion: A paragraph or two lays out the topic and presents questions that will elicit thoughtful discussion and reflection. A group may stay with a topic for several weeks or be done in one meeting.
How Does Small Group Ministry Grow?
We are always in the process of forming new groups as people become interested in joining a group or as new people arrive in the church. As new groups are formed, apprentices or experienced group members step forward to become facilitators for new groups. And, as the circumstances of people’s lives change, the membership of a group may change from time to time. While it is sad to say goodbye, new members are warmly welcomed and expand the circle of connection.
How Does The Idea Of Service Fit In?
From the beginning of our plan, the idea of service has been woven into the fabric of Small Group Ministry. We ask that every group, over time, take on some kind of service in the church or in the larger community. They might sign up for VIC-HOP, adopt a family in need during the holidays or guide a fundraiser during the church year. Service beyond the group is important for two reasons: First, it helps to offset the natural tendency of small, intimate groups to become self absorbed and disconnected, and second, because a necessary aspect of a growing spiritual life, a life of faith, is service.
Who Is In Charge Of Small Group Ministry?
Our Minister, Kate Walker, and lay leader Georgia Pourchot, are the most visible faces directing our program. Recognition of the need for this program came from many places within MVUC, particularly the Worship Committee.
What Does The Facilitator Do?
The Small Group Facilitators are lay members and aid the life of the group. They make sure the groups begin and end on time. They remind people of the next meeting and contact group members who miss a meeting, or delegate someone to do so. During the meeting, they read from Session plans and guide the discussion, or delegate someone to do so. They meet each month with the minister and other facilitators and help to maintain the connection between individual groups and the larger church.
What Is Expected Of A Ministry Group Participant?
Participants are expected to bring a positive attitude, a willingness to share and to learn. Other churches have found the most important agreed upon expectation that participants have for one another is to give the meetings a high priority. While no one can make every meeting, members make every effort to attend.
Who Will Know What I Say?
There is an expectation of confidentiality within groups. The level of comfort around confidentiality will vary within groups, so participants are encouraged to review this expectation from time to time and to renew their covenant in regards to this. When there are significant pastoral concerns, the Facilitator may ask if s/he can share the concern with the minister.
Where Do The Groups Meet?
Each facilitator decides whether to meet primarily in member homes or at the church. They take into account accessibility needs, making sure everyone can attend.
How Often Do Groups Meet?
The facilitator chooses the schedule which may be anywhere from once a week to once a month. The most common pattern is to meet twice a month on a first and third, or second and fourth week. That makes scheduling easier and allows a three-week interval from time to time. Some groups choose every other week, every third week or once a month. Groups tend to meet less often through the summer and over the holidays. The time of day is also up to the facilitator.
How Long Do Meetings Last?
Sessions are designed to be two hours long and by common consent most groups are respectful of the time.
How Long Will I Be In a Group?
The commitment to a group is open-ended. People may stay with a group for as long as the group exists, in some cases years, or people may leave as they feel necessary. We have an annual reflection date in September when everyone has a chance to recommit to the group they are in, or ask to join another group.
What If I Need Child Care?
It is the policy of MVUC to offer child care for all church events. The facilitator can help arrange for child care through our Child Care Coordinator. Parents are asked to pay a nominal fee.
Over the years, Unitarian Universalists have come to envision the ministry of the community as widely shared. The called and settled professional minister is an important aspect of ministry, but so is the ministry of the laity. The ministry of our religious community is the work of the whole community.
No. While participants in our groups often report feeling better connected and happier in their lives, SGM is not therapy. Professional therapy is readily available in our communities. We offer connection, reflection, community and spiritual growth.
What Is The Role Of The Minister?
The minister coordinates this ministry of the congregation. She helps to recruit and train facilitators, and meets with them each month to counsel and guide. Most of the sessions are provided by the national Small Group Ministry network. The Minister sometimes writes and edits the sessions that guide group meetings.
How Does A Person Join A Group?
Sign up sheets for each group are available in the Commons at MVUC. You can contact a facilitator directly if you have detailed questions.
More Questions?
No problem. Contact our minister, Rev. Kate Walker, 703-765-5950 ext. 104, or email her at minister@mvuc.org. Or contact Georgia Pourchot at gpourchot@gmail.com.
