Winter 2012 SGM Registration Is Complete.
Watch for 2012-2013 registration beginning in August, 2012!
WHAT IS SMALL GROUP MINISTRY?
The program provides an opportunity to establish new and deeper relationships with one another and to find a place to enrich our religious exploration and growth. Small Group Ministry is an addition to our already existing groups and does not replace them.
HOW ARE GROUPS STRUCTURED?
Groups of six to ten members are formed according to mutual meeting time. Each group develops a covenant to guide how they are in relationship with each other. Meeting twice monthly, these groups are guided by a facilitator and a co-facilitator for 2-hour sessions in the homes of group members or at the UUFA.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF PARTICIPANTS?
Participants are expected to come with open minds, open hearts, and a willingness to take part in a service project for the fellowship or the greater community together with the group. We ask that members make a commitment to attend the meetings as much as possible.
WHAT HAPPENS AT AN SGM MEETING?
Group sessions follow a standard format. Topics include religious histories, spiritual practices, loneliness, fear, poetry, music, healing, joy, and love, to name a few.
Sessions include:
Opening reading: To focus participants on the purpose of the gathering and often to reflect the topic of the evening. Some groups will light a Chalice as well.
Check In: An opportunity for each member to share thoughts or feelings on his or her life.
Topic/Discussion: A paragraph or two lays out a topic and presents questions that will elicit sharing and thoughtful discussion.
Likes and Wishes: An opportunity for members to share something that they gained from the discussion or wish for future discussions.
Closing Words: This brings the session to an end. Groups are encouraged to start and end on time.
HOW DOES THE IDEA OF SERVICE FIT IN?
We ask that every group take on some kind of service at the UUFA or in the greater community. This might be signing up to do coffee hour for a month, lending a hand in the fellowship office, or helping a group such as Interfaith Hospitality Council, etc.
HOW LONG WILL I BE IN A GROUP?
We ask individuals to commit to attend a group for at least 6 months. Groups commit to meet for one year.
HOW DO I JOIN A GROUP? The Fall Open Enrollment period, the Shuffle, is the time for UUFA members and friends - whether new to the program or returning - to register for the coming year.
Mid-winter registration welcomes newcomers, members and friends through signing up in January to join a group in February and complete the SGM year which runs through September.
Registration forms are availabe at UUFA and here, under the SGM announcements to the left. Winter forms are available online beginning in early January.
FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT SGM,
Contact Andy Case-Simonson at andy.case@yahoo.com or 678-677-4851.
The SGM Executive Committee includes chair Andy Case-Simonson, Kelly Case-Simonson, Susan Curtis, Cathi Doherty and Rev. Alison Eskildsen.
SGM Leader Resources
The UU Small Group Ministry Network
http://www.smallgroupministry. net/
UU Small Group Ministry - Session Plans
http://www.smallgroupministry. net/public/sessions/index.html
Click below to access Rev. Eskildsen's sermons with discussion questions for use in SGM groups.
