Small Group Ministries

Small Group Ministry is a network of groups (usually 6-10 people) that meet regularly and come to rely on one another for companionship as they explore 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 uses 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 one another in a safe space and to help one another 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 ask that you respect other group members by attending regularly.  If you are interested in joining a small group, please get in touch with Rev. Micah C. Ma (micah@firstubrooklyn.org).