Our Ministerial Assistant facilitates the formation and function of the groups and is the best person to contact if you are interested in joining a group. (See contacts next page). Be prepared to name a few days and times when you can participate. If someone wants to join in and become a member of one of the groups, there is always room.

 

“I rather like coming to a group where I have absolutely no reason not to be myself.”

 

 

 

 

• A way to form connections with one another
• A way to come together to explore important and interesting topics
• A way to deepen our spirituality through discussing ideas of universal human significance
• A way to connect across age, gender, ethnic, economic, and other qualities
• A way for newer members to establish connections in the community
• A way to explore and deepen our practice of our shared UU principles
• A way to be engaged, included, and heard in a safe, nurturing environment
• A way to spread the spirit of community that develops from these connections to the larger First Parish

 

 

Members and friends of First Parish join a group of 6-10 people who commit to meet regularly (usually 2 hours, twice a month) at the church or in homes. They discuss a topic intended to focus the group’s attention on things we have in common just by being human. Short readings and questions are provided. The point is to get to know one another and share our thoughts.

Two or three members of the group are also facilitators. Chosen from a pool of volunteers by the ministers, they open and close the meeting and help assure that all get a chance to participate with tact, openness, and respect.

At first you may know few of the people in the group to which you’re assigned, but the diversity and newness of the people enrich the discussion. New participants agree to come to at least four meetings and keep the discussion within the group. You do not have to be able to host a meeting in your home to participate. No preparation is required.

“I am profoundly grateful for the chance to become better acquainted and closer.”

“I’ve found it a successful way of deepening community.”

“The topics and materials provided are so helpful.”

Previous Topics....

Have included: Forgiveness; What We Love; Learning from Failure; A Sacred Place; Living Simply; A Sense of Gratitude

 

What’s New About Small Groups?

There is nothing new about parishioners meeting together in small groups and having discussions. However, the groups of a Small Group Ministry program have a unique set of features that make them different from study groups, classes, committees, task forces, support groups, or any of the other groups that one typically finds in a church.

• The groups are people-centered rather than topic- or task-centered
• The groups meet regularly over an extended period