Small Group Ministry: New groups forming

– February 25, 2010Posted in: News
Small Group Ministry: New groups forming

Revised Goals of Small Group Ministry (SGM)

  1. To provide the opportunity for newcomers, friends and members to get to know and deeper relationships with each other
  2. To provide an opportunity for SGM participants to explore what is in their hearts and mind in a caring, non-judgmental and supportive small group setting
  3. To foster a sense of belonging and commitment to TPUUF
  4. To promote a strong sense of community at TPUUF now and as we grow by creating deepe bonds among congregants and fostering understanding of and respect for the opinions and spiritual and religious needs of others in our congregation

To further these goals, SGM groups will be formed in early March. These groups will meet once a month for 6 months. At the end of this period members of these groups and others in the congregation can join one of the groups to be formed in September 2010. Each group will have 6 to 8 members, including a facilitator who has training in the SGM process. The facilitator is a member of the group(with all a member’s benefits and responsibilities) and will focus on developing a caring and supportive environment, facilitating discussion and encouraging shared leadership. Registration began on February 21st. Members will be assigned to a group that meets at a time!they indicate is convenient for them when they register. They will!be assigned on a first come first served basis.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN A SMALL GROUP MINISTRY SESSION
Each group establishes a Covenant of Good Relations at the first meeting. This ensures that members relate to
each other in a comfortable manner. The structure for each meeting is as follows:
  • Opening Reading
  • Personal Check-In
  • Discussion of a Topic (The facilitator will choose the topic for the first meeting. After that the group will decide the topic for the following month.)
  • Personal Check-Out
  • Closing Reading
The sessions will last no longer than two hours.
EXPECTATIONS OF MEMBERS
Since SGM works best when all members are present, participants are asked to make SGM meetings a scheduling priority. Additional expectations, such as the level of confidentiality desired, will be included in the Covenant of Good Relations agreed upon at the first meeting. Each group is encouraged to work together to plan and provide a service to TPUUF. Doing this will benefit our congregation and help strengthen bonds among the group’s members.
For additional information about SGM and information on the specifics of joining a group please contact Phyllis Parker at 610-539-3805 or at by email.
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