Tapestry of Faith: What Moves Us: A Unitarian Universalist Theology Program for Adults

Activity 5: Personal Experience - Large Group Reflection

Part of What Moves Us

Activity time: 15 minutes

Materials for Activity

  • Newsprint, markers, and tape
  • Optional: Microphone

Preparation for Activity

  • Write questions on newsprint, and post:
    • Have you ever participated in a small group ministry program in your congregation? What were the strengths and weaknesses of the program? How did the experience affect you?
    • Has the small group ministry program in which you have participated included a social service or social justice component as part of the small group practice? What is your evaluation of such a faith-in-action component for small group ministry?
    • Do you believe the personal experiences of open-mindedness and open-heartedness, which Thandeka calls the love beyond belief created within our own religious communities, prompt us as Unitarian Universalists, to work in the world for justice, equity, and freedom as moral agents?

Description of Activity

Re-gather the large group. Say:

Thandeka believes small group ministries have great potential as a Unitarian Universalist religious discipline and spiritual practice for helping us create and sustain personal experiences of love beyond belief within and beyond our congregations. She also believes that part of small group ministry programs must include a social action component, which is one way our ability to love beyond belief is shared with the larger world.

Invite conversation, using the posted questions as a guide.