| What is a Spirit Circle?
A spirit circle is a group of 6 to 10 people that usually meets monthly. Spirit circles provide an intimate setting to explore and foster spiritual growth, listen deeply to others, deepen understanding of UU principles and deepen one’s connection to the both the church community and the wider community.
What are the expectations for the group?
Members establish a covenant of attendance, respect, confidentiality, duration of the group and possibilities for a service project. One person acts as the facilitator for each gathering. The facilitator will periodically report on the status of the group to the church board. Plan for periodic regrouping to encourage involving and meeting more people.
What Happens at a Spirit Circle?
People share their thoughts on a topic. The meeting format is as follows:
Opening Reading
Chalice Lighting
Check In (each person shares briefly how their day or week is going)
Topic Introduction
Group Sharing followed with questions and dialog
Brief Check Out and feedback
Closing Reading
Extinguish Chalice
What Does not Happen at a Spirit Circle?
A Spirit Circle is not a therapy session.
There should be no promotion of philosophies not consistent with UU principles.
What are some examples of Spirit Circle Topics?
Where are you on your spiritual journey?
What is a work of art or music that inspires you spiritually?
What gives you hope?
What is your definition of God?
When and Where does the current Spirit Circle(s) meet?
A group is currently meeting once a month on Friday nights at the church. The group has decided to have a light meal before the circle starts. Meeting time is 6:30. Anyone interested in attending may call (320)654-0623 or speak to Pam Peterson or Ed Cacek after Sunday Services.
How can I find out more about the History of UU Small Group Ministry?
Check out the websites below.
www.smallgroupministry.net
www.uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/smallgroup
www.smallgroupministry.net/start/index.html
Glen Turner, the past District Minister of NED UUA has been instrumental in promoting small group ministry within the UUA.
"People come to church longing for, yearning for, hoping for ... a sense of roots, place, belonging, sharing and caring. People come to a church with a search for community, not committee."
— Glenn Turner
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