Small Group Ministry

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 begins at the UU of Chattanooga. We hope it will provide an avenue for more personal connection and spiritual exploration for our members, friends and visitors. This is something many in the congregation have asked for and we sense that the program will fill a real need for our members.

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.

Kikimas Cook for the Ronald McDonald House Residents

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.

    SGM #6 Hosting the Chili Cook-Off

    More info:

    -At present, the UUCC has six solid Small Group Ministry groups gathering. Our initial enrollment is complete & starting in January 2010, the groups will be open to new participants. Some groups meet during the day, some in the evening. Some groups meet twice a month, some once a month. Please contact the current SGM Coordinator, Dez Papendorp 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, or Dez Papendorp. We are honored to have this program at our church & will happily discuss any ideas regarding Small Group Ministry.

    You may contact Dez Papendorp using the contact form below:

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    Stay tuned! There’s more to come!