small group ministry Archive

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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Adult education this fall

– August 30, 2008Posted in: News
Adult education this fall

The following is a list of Adult Religious Exploration opportunities offered by the ARE committee and Rev. Gabi in the fall of 2008.

Theology

Building Your Own Theology III
In this third installation of the popular BYOT curriculum, students will explore the interaction of ethics and theology. Classes will be offered every 1st and 3rd Sunday, after the service, starting on Sept 9th. (Building Your Own Theology I/II will be offered again in the spring of 2009 and the Fall of 2010, respectively.)

The Bible for Liberals
In four sessions we will be exploring with Rev. Gabi Parks the history of the Bible, its different translations, and the various interpretations. Dates: 10/2, 11/6, 12/4, 1/8; 6:30–8:30 pm

Popcorn Theology
What we can learn from movies – a facilitated discussion of popular or lesser-known films. Please bring a snack to share. 3rd Saturday of the month, 7 – 9 pm; TV Lounge; check web-site for movie titles.

Unitarian Universalism

New UU Class
A class for individuals interested in becoming members. Participants get a brief overview of the history and the polity of the Unitarian Universalist movement, as well as an introduction to the history of this congregation. Offered three times a year: 10/5/2008, 1/25/2009, and 5/10/2009

Interest Groups

Pagan Interest Group
Meets weekly on the second Monday of the month to explore Earth-based spirituality and rituals. For more information please contact Cynthia Baumann.

Philosophy Group
Discussion group for all who are interested in modern and ancient philosophers; contact Steve Kahn for dates and times.

Buddhism Interest Group
Still in its planning stages, this group will meet regularly to explore the concepts of eastern and Western Buddhism. Please check the web-site occasionally for details.

Spirituality

Exploring Spiritual Disciplines
In six monthly sessions on the 3rd Tuesday of every month, students will discuss and experience six different spiritual disciplines. Classes start at 7 pm.; locations differ.
9/16: Walking the Labyrinth; 10/21: Journaling; 11/18: Coloring Mandalas;
12/16: Prayer/Lectio Divina; 1/20: Chanting; 2/17: Meditation

Meditation
This group meets weekly on Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 pm to meditate together, in silence or with quiet music.

Coloring Mandalas as a Spiritual Practice
The ancient form of circle drawings has found new friends who experience centering and relaxation while coloring or designing Mandalas. Children welcome. 2nd Wednesday of the month, 6:30 – 8 pm.

Mind-Body Health

Yoga
Gentle yoga stretches and breathing for beginners and experienced yogis. Classes are offered on Friday morning and Tuesday evening. There is a $10 fee per class. For details please contact Kate 610-287-7571, or Mary Kate 215-437-3852

Belly Dancing
This is an all levels class; beginners are welcome. Session begins Wednesday, 9/10 at 7:00 pm. The fee for 8 sessions is $80.00. For more information please contact Cynthia Baumann.

Ministry to Each Other

Small Group Ministry
Several groups meet regularly to explore the intimacy and ultimacy of life in a structured, facilitated circle. New groups are formed each fall, and twice a year a special group for new TPUUF members is started. Please contact Phyllis Parker or Yvon Kennon for more information.

Prayer Shawl Ministry
Knitting or crocheting prayer shawls in a prayerful atmosphere; finished shawls are given to members or friends who need the love and care expressed through our stitches.
Meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 6:30 – 8 pm

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