Small Group Ministry

Small Group Ministry is a growing movement, sometimes called Covenant Groups, within Unitarian Universalism. In growing numbers throughout the United States, Small Group Ministry programs are being established in our Unitarian Universalist churches. In 2002, Small Group Ministry began at our church in order to fulfill a deep hunger for more personal connection and spiritual exploration for our members, friends and visitors.

How does it work? A small group of 6-10 people will meet once or twice a month on a designated day or evening in people’s home or at the church. Small Groups encourage people to talk, learn, work and play together. Over time, members may tell some of their life story, offer support and engage in work to serve the larger community.

Although groups are typically organized around the date and time most convenient to participants, we have one special interest small group. A group for young adults has been established to connect people in the 18-34 year old age range. Let the church administrator know if you are interested in this or any of the groups.

We hope after learning more you will consider becoming a member of a small group. We welcome you. Sign-up after church at the visitors' table or contact our church office, Monday–Thursday 11 am – 4 pm, Sunday 10 am – 12 pm, and let our office administrator, know of your interest. Call (562) 597-8445 Ext. 111.

It’s about connecting to each other and sharing and exploring our values and beliefs. In Fall of 2002 we introduced a small group program into our congregation because we believe it offers a path to better realize our mission as a congregation and religious community. We have come to understand that a vibrant and vital religious community needs to provide resources in these four areas:

Our minister, Marguerite Lovett, is our most visible face directing our program, but she is not alone. We have over 100 people participating in Small Groups. The facilitators meet once a month to assure the success of the individual groups.

The small group meetings are a series of structured sessions originally developed by other churches that have successfully nurtured their own programs. Some of the topics are religious histories, spiritual practices, loneliness, fear, poetry, music and healing. We, of course, continue to augment their programs with topics that we feel are relevant to our individual groups. Groups may choose their own order, direction and pace. The session plans are simple:

Opening Words—Gather people in, help settle folks down, serve to remind participants of the special opportunity of the gathering, and often reflect the topic of the session. Most groups will light a Chalice as well.

Checking-in—Participants share news of what has been happening in their lives. Each group develops its own customs as to the length of sharing or how to respond. This portion of the meeting may expand from time to time when circumstances call for it.

Topic/Discussion—A paragraph or two lays out a topic and presents questions that will elicit thoughtful discussion and significant reflection. A group may stay with a topic several meetings or be done in one meeting.

Likes and Wishes—A time to share what an individual liked about the topic or session or wishes for what could have enhanced their experience. Not every group will include this every time.

Closing Words—This brings the formal session to an end. Groups are encouraged to start and end on time.

From the beginning of our planning, the idea of service has been woven into the fabric of Small Group Ministry. We ask that every group, over the course of a year, take on one or two actions of service in the church or in the community. This might take the form of helping at a Saturday work party, assisting at one of our intergenerational events, providing sack lunches for a local homeless persons service provider, or guiding a fund raiser during the church year. Service beyond the group is important for two reasons. First, it helps to offset the natural tendency of small, intimate groups to become self-absorbed and disconnected and second, because it is a necessary aspect of a growing spiritual life.

The commitment to a group is for 9 months or longer. We may build an annual or bi-annual reassignment date into our program so that everyone has a chance to review their schedule and recommit to a group.

We welcome you. Feel free to ask questions and talk to someone at the visitors’ table after church on Sunday. They will give you more information and will connect you to the SGM coordinators. You can also call our church and speak to our church administrator, Rev. Lovett or leave a message with our office administrator. (562) 597-8445

Thank you to the Augusta Maine Unitarian Universalist church for much of the above information provided about SGM.


Small Group Ministry Welcome to Small Group Ministry! Small Group Ministry is a growing movement, sometimes called Covenant Groups, within Unitarian Universalism. In growing numbers throughout the United States, Small Group Ministry programs are being established in our Unitarian Universalist churches. In 2002, Small Group Ministry began at our church in order to fulfill a deep hunger for more personal connection and spiritual exploration for our members, friends and visitors. How does it work? A small group of 6-10 people will meet once or twice a month on a designated day or evening in people’s home or at the church. Small Groups encourage people to talk, learn, work and play together. Over time, members may tell some of their life story, offer support and engage in work to serve the larger community. Although groups are typically organized around the date and time most convenient to participants, we have one special interest small group. A group for young adults has been established to connect people in the 18-34 year old age range. Let the church administrator know if you are interested in this or any of the groups. We hope after learning more you will consider becoming a member of a small group. We welcome you. Sign-up after church at the visitors' table or contact our church office, Monday–Thursday 11 am – 4 pm, Sunday 10 am – 12 pm, and let our office administrator, know of your interest. Call (562) 597-8445 Ext. 111. Questions and Answers about Small Group Ministry What's Small Group Ministry about? Who is in charge of Small Group Ministry? What happens at a Small Group meeting? Where do groups meet and long do meetings last? What is expected of a Small Group participant? Is this therapy? How does the idea of service fit in? How long will I be in a group? How do I join a group? What's Small Group Ministry about? It’s about connecting to each other and sharing and exploring our values and beliefs. In Fall of 2002 we introduced a small group program into our congregation because we believe it offers a path to better realize our mission as a congregation and religious community. We have come to understand that a vibrant and vital religious community needs to provide resources in these four areas: Worship–Worship is central to the life of our congregation. Small Group Ministry is intended not to replace, but to augment and strengthen that shared experience. Community–Small groups meet the need for connection and intimacy that is both a deep hunger in our society and essential to the ongoing life of a religious community. Learning–People come to the church seeking spiritual growth, seeking to know themselves better, to grow in their understanding of the world and to ponder the age old questions of faith; how to live, what to believe, how to act, what meanings we can decipher from the mystery of life. Service–A life of faith is a life of service. As human beings, we seek to be of use and a healthy congregation needs to be provide avenues through which we may serve. Who is in charge of Small Group Ministry? Our minister, Marguerite Lovett, is our most visible face directing our program, but she is not alone. We have over 100 people participating in Small Groups. The facilitators meet once a month to assure the success of the individual groups. What happens at a Small Group meeting? The small group meetings are a series of structured sessions originally developed by other churches that have successfully nurtured their own programs. Some of the topics are religious histories, spiritual practices, loneliness, fear, poetry, music and healing. We, of course, continue to augment their programs with topics that we feel are relevant to our individual groups. Groups may choose their own order, direction and pace. The session plans are simple: Opening Words—Gather people in, help settle folks down, serve to remind participants of the special opportunity of the gathering, and often reflect the topic of the session. Most groups will light a Chalice as well. Checking-in—Participants share news of what has been happening in their lives. Each group develops its own customs as to the length of sharing or how to respond. This portion of the meeting may expand from time to time when circumstances call for it. Topic/Discussion—A paragraph or two lays out a topic and presents questions that will elicit thoughtful discussion and significant reflection. A group may stay with a topic several meetings or be done in one meeting. Likes and Wishes—A time to share what an individual liked about the topic or session or wishes for what could have enhanced their experience. Not every group will include this every time. Closing Words—This brings the formal session to an end. Groups are encouraged to start and end on time. Where do groups meet and how long do meetings last? Some groups meet in members' homes and some of our groups meet at church. If your group meets at members' homes and someone does not have room in their apartment or house, this should not be a concern. Groups will be flexible and do not have to meet at every individual's home. Sessions are designed to be two hours long; with a meal or dessert, sessions may last closer to two and a half hours. Most groups will agree to a time frame during the first meeting. It is expected that individuals will be respectful of the agreed-upon time frame. What is expected of a Small Group participant? Participants are expected to bring a positive attitude, a willingness to share and to learn. What has emerged as the most important expectation that participants have for one another is to give the agreed upon meetings a high priority. While no one may be able to make every meeting, members should make every effort to attend. During the first session, members of the group will make a covenant to respect the differences of opinions and values, support each other in their search for truth, to make the meetings a high priority, and set the format and time frame for the sessions. Is this therapy? No. While participants in our groups often report feeling better connected and happier in their lives, SGM is not therapy. Professional therapy is available in our communities; we offer connection, reflection, community and spiritual growth. How does the idea of service fit in? From the beginning of our planning, the idea of service has been woven into the fabric of Small Group Ministry. We ask that every group, over the course of a year, take on one or two actions of service in the church or in the community. This might take the form of helping at a Saturday work party, assisting at one of our intergenerational events, providing sack lunches for a local homeless persons service provider, or guiding a fund raiser during the church year. Service beyond the group is important for two reasons. First, it helps to offset the natural tendency of small, intimate groups to become self-absorbed and disconnected and second, because it is a necessary aspect of a growing spiritual life. How long will I be in a group? The commitment to a group is for 9 months or longer. We may build an annual or bi-annual reassignment date into our program so that everyone has a chance to review their schedule and recommit to a group. How do I join a group? We welcome you. Feel free to ask questions and talk to someone at the visitors’ table after church on Sunday. They will give you more information and will connect you to the SGM coordinators. You can also call our church and speak to our church administrator, Rev. Lovett or leave a message with our office administrator. (562) 597-8445 We hope you will find Small Group Ministry a meaningful addition to your life. Thank you to the Augusta Maine Unitarian Universalist church for much of the above information provided about SGM.	About Us Unitarian Universalism Our Church How To Get Here Our Staff Our Facilities Contact Us Worship Services Ministers' Pages Minister's Page Intern Minister's Page Religious Education RE Experience Director's Page Useful Links Church Programs for the Whole Family for Teens for Young Adults for Adults Green Sanctuary Music Small Group Ministry Social Action Visual Arts Event Calendar Links UUA Useful Links Member's Area Of Interest Denominational News Building OUUr Vision Second Worship Service Strategic Planning Upcoming Events Volunteer Corner Home
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