Chalice Circles give us an opportunity to meet on an ongoing basis with a group of 6 to 8 people for a two-hour discussion twice a month. As a small group, it enables us to develop a more intimate personal relationship with one another.

The discussions are oriented toward sharing. It is not therapy, nor is it an "intellectual" discussion, per se - there is no debate, no working towards a conclusion or consensus on any topic. The emphasis is on listening and sharing.

At each meeting the group chooses the topic for the next meeting. Topics are related to issues that come up throughout our lives and that are important to us as Unitarian Universalists.

Download a registration form (Word format)

For more information please send an e-mail. Thanks!

Context for Chalice Circles

Our Vision

To have a life-enhancing, ongoing, small group ministry program that encourages us to grow deeper theologically, relationally and spiritually.

Our Mission

To practice the ministries of:

• Generous listening
• Sharing
• Appreciating our diversities
• Hospitality
• Reaching out to new people as well as to members and friends
• To promote a free and responsible search for meaning

Our goals

• To provide both day time and evening opportunities
• To set up one or more new groups
• To encourage and prepare new facilitators
• To encourage circle members to have a sense of connection to the congregation
• To continue to develop new topics
• To build a resource binder
• To be open to the need for ongoing facilitator support
• To develop a "Covenant of Being with Each Other" at the first meeting of each circle

Our assumptions

• There is an established format for the gatherings
• Groups each have 6-8 people
• Groups meet for 2 hours twice a month
• The discussions are oriented toward listening and sharing rather than therapy or debate
• The meeting space is determined by each circle
• Each group will have a coordinator/facilitator
• People need to commit to consistent participation for the 8-10 week series
• There is no expectation that each person will be a host or facilitator