Small Group Ministries

Small Group Ministry is a network of groups (usually 6-10 people) who meet regularly and come to rely on each other for companionship while exploring their personal spiritual journeys.  SGM can take on many names; some congregations call their small groups Chalice or Friendship Circles.  First UU Brooklyn’s program   utilizes a specific style of SGM called Covenant Groups Ministry.  The members of these groups covenant with each other and meet regularly with a trained facilitator.  These groups are not therapy;  they are a chance for members to connect with each other in a safe place and to help each other feel more spiritually rewarded.

Meetings are focused around a collection of curricula that may include discussions of religion, spiritual practice, loneliness, fear, healing, and community service.  A standard format includes several elements:

– Chalice lighting and opening words

– A check-in period during which each person is asked to briefly state his or her answer to a question such as “What’s on your mind today?”

– A reading

– A time for sharing based on the topic of the evening

– The closing check-out in which each member of the group can express his or her feelings as the session comes to an end

– A closing reading and extinguishing of the chalice  

Groups meet at least once a month.  Meetings last 90 minutes to two hours and are scheduled at various times in order to accommodate as many people as possible and are generally held at the church. 

SGM is open to all friends and members of the congregation.  We only ask that you respect other members of the group by committing to attend regularly.  If you are interested in joining a small group, please contact Garnett Losak (garnett@fuub.org).