Small Group Ministry

***Download Registration form as PDF, for printing and returning by mail or by hand, or as Microsoft Word document to return by e-mail.***

Small Group Ministry

Vision: The vision of Small Group Ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Chattanooga is threefold; to deepen our spirituality, strengthen the church and foster our community services.

Purpose: Small Group Ministry offers an opportunity for members and friends to gather, and form lasting relationships, and cultivate wider service within our community.

Small Group Ministry is a growing movement within Unitarian Universalism. Increasingly, Small Group Ministry programs are being established in our congregations. In 2009, Small Group Ministry began at the UU Church of Chattanooga. By the end of the first year, there were six diverse groups. Some met once a month, others twice, depending on the wishes and abilities of facilitators and members. Small Group Ministry has provided an avenue for more personal connection and spiritual exploration for participants, and this summer, planning is underway to make it even more fun, exciting and meaningful in the upcoming church year. We hope to form groups that will offer something to anyone who is interested in joining.

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 Group Ministry encourages 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.

Some goals for the Small Group Ministry:

  • 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 provided avenues through which we may serve.

    Small Group Facilitator Dinner, August 2010

    Small Group Facilitator Dinner, August 2010

    More info:

    -The UUCC is forming new Small Group Ministry groups to begin this fall. Please contact the SGM Co-coordinators, Dez Papendorp and Wendy Sapp or Rev. Jeff Briere if you are interested in joining a group. Together we can decide which group might work best for your interest and schedule. Please understand, due to the commitment of each group, this is not currently a drop-in program. Presently, we ask that you are willing to commit at least 2 hours monthly to participate. Please direct any further questions you may have to the Rev. Briere, any SGM participant, Dez Papendorp, or Wendy Sapp. We are honored to have this program at our church & will happily discuss any ideas regarding Small Group Ministry.

    You may contact Dez Papendorp and Wendy Sapp using the contact form below:

    Your Name (required)

    Your Email (required)

    Subject

    Your Message

    Stay tuned! There’s more to come!