Say that sometimes small group ministry groups are called "covenant groups" because they act from a shared covenant. Tonight's session will help the group create such a covenant for the weekend. Either in small groups or the larger one, establish a covenant. Use Chapter 3, Sample Session 2, Being...

As soon as possible—ideally, immediately—following the service project. MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle A copy of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook DESCRIPTION Opening Use your established opening ritual. Or, light the chalice and sing "From You I...

Visit the nursing home (or other service project location) the same day as Session A, or as soon as possible thereafter. Carpool to the nursing home. Remember to bring all supplies needed, such as tape, musical instruments, words to carols, and plates, cups and napkins if you will serve snacks....

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle PREPARATION Research a community you would like to serve and contact the people who can represent that community's needs. Using their input, plan components of the service project and obtain any materials the small group will need to prepare.

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Nametags and markers Optional: A copy of the episode "Witch Lady" from the TV show My Name Is Earl, and player DESCRIPTION Opening Use your established opening ritual....

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle A copy of the movie Monsters, Inc., and a player For Optional Activity: Note cards and envelopes; pens/pencils; postage stamps Optional: A copy of the Michael Jackson song "Man in the Mirror," and a player PREPARATION Watch the movie....

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle A copy of the movie The King of Kong, PG-13, 83 minutes, and a player Optional: A copy of the soundtrack from the Disney movie The Lion King, and a player PREPARATION Watch The King of Kong....

Materials Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: A copy of an episode of the Animal Planet documentary Whale Wars, and a player Preparation Visit both the Japan Whaling Association to make sure you are using current information and to obtain more than is...

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle DESCRIPTION Opening Use your established opening ritual or light the chalice and share the following quote: It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely. --Albert Einstein Check-In Focus A LiveScience...

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Optional: Computer with Internet access PREPARATION Choose and plan a way for participants to experience worship. DESCRIPTION Opening Use your established opening ritual. Or, light the chalice and share this quote: An authentic life is the most...

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape Optional: Computer with Internet access Optional: Music recording of Vivaldi's Four Seasons or Glazunov's The Seasons, and player Optional: Copies of Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook...

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape PREPARATION Print out the four skits (below). Make enough copies for volunteers who will read an actor part or share the BIG IDEA in each skit Post newsprint for recording members' ideas for a covenant....

MATERIALS Chalice or LED/battery-operated candle Newsprint, markers, and tape A calendar Timepiece (seconds) Bell or chime DESCRIPTION Opening Share this quote by reading it aloud or asking several volunteers to read it with you. Come in. Come into this place which we make holy by our presence....

MATERIALS Newsprint sheet with list of fears from the previous session PREPARATION Know the regular meeting times for future facilitator support sessions. A few days before this session, remind participants about the homework assignment....

MATERIALS Newsprint, markers, and tape A talking stick, stone, or other object Singing the Living Tradition, the Unitarian Universalist hymnbook Optional: Copy(ies) of a sample small group ministry session PREPARATION List on newsprint, and post, the elements of this session—which are also the...

You might use the format of the sample sessions here to create your own small group ministry sessions for youth. Find additional sessions for youth in Small Group Ministry for Youth by Helen Zidowecki (UU Small Group Ministry Network, 2005), along with suggestions for ways youth can create their...

While small group ministry uses various formats, it must provide (1) a time dedicated to checking in and (2) questions that invite participants to speak to their individual experiences. By sharing stories and reflecting, with others, on how we, as individuals, make meaning of our experiences, we...

Often small group ministry or covenant groups include a service component, which Peter Bowden calls "inspired group action." Service to the congregation or larger community helps keep the small group from becoming self-absorbed, too heady, and disconnected....

The role of the facilitator is to: Build community in the group, making sure that each person is included, heard, and valued Help participants bring their own experiences to the living tradition we share Ensure the group begins and ends on time and maintains its covenant Guide the group through t...

A major consideration is the size of the group. Small group ministry acknowledges that we connect on a personal level better when we are in small groups. The suggested maximum size is eight, including the facilitators....