SMALL GROUP MINISTRY
“Belonging can be achieved through testimonial, through the telling of one's story. Small groups. . .then, are places in which we can tell our stories.”
—Carl F. George in Prepare Your Church for the Future
Small group ministry is an important part of the life of our religious community. Participants establish new and deeper connections with one another and find a place for religious exploration and spiritual growth.
Small groups consist of 6-10 people and meet twice a month for one and a half hours, in homes or at the church. Each small group includes a facilitator trained and supervised monthly by the minister.
A small group meeting begins with a chalice lighting with opening words followed by a time to share what is happening in each member's life. The discussion of a predetermined topic is followed by a check-out time to share a brief impression of how the meeting went, followed by closing words and extinguishing of the chalice.
Members of each small group agree to hold in strict confidence all personal matters expressed by members of the group, to attend meetings regularly and welcome new members, to encourage one another in spiritual growth, to listen and speak from the heart, and to honor the diversity of thoughts and feelings of group members.
If you would like to participate in a small group, please submit your name to the church office, and someone from the Small Group Ministry Steering Committee will contact you. If you have questions about Small Group Ministry, contact Marsha Kardon 272-6582 <mfkardon@gmail.com> or Florence Smith 273-6147 <flosmith42@aol.com>.