Do you enjoy our monthly worship themes? Are you called to the ministry of creating a trusting space for reflection and exploration in a small group of adults? Consider applying to become a Small Group Leader!

Our Small Group ministry (formerly known as Soul Matters) is all about making connections with others. It invites people to deepen their connection to self, others, and spirit through the practice of deep listening and provides an opportunity to hear others and to be heard in ways that don’t happen often in the rest of our lives. Small groups are a great way to engage with others from the church and to learn more about your spirituality and yourself.

Small Group Connections at UUCUC

Small groups (5-10 people per group) form at the beginning of the church year and meet at least once a month for about 2 hours. Each month, groups explore our monthly worship themes through spiritual readings, videos, music, and soul-search questions. Commitment and consistent attendance are important to building trust and camaraderie in these groups. The specific timing of a group's meetings will be set by its leader(s) at the beginning of the church year, and groups can meet in person at church, in someone's home, on Zoom, or any combination of locations. 

Being a Group Leader

Each small group has one or more volunteer group leaders. The role of the group leader is to initiate discussion and keep the group on track, making sure that everyone has an opportunity to share and be truly heard. While some groups have one leader, some have co-leader teams, and others take turns being group leaders, sharing responsibilities and support. 

You need not be experienced at facilitation or leading a group. You only need to be willing to learn and invest your time and energy into serving. Group leaders attend a one-time training webinar in August/September to get familiar with the discussion model. Leaders are supported by Director of Faith Development Kelly Skinner, who hosts monthly online meetings for all leaders to check in with questions or concerns and offer peer support and advice to one another. 

Are you our next Group Leader?

If this sounds interesting and you think you might be a good fit as a small group leader, then we want to hear from you! Email Kelly at religious-exploration@uucuc.org to let her know that you’re willing to lead a group or to schedule a private phone call or Zoom meeting to discuss it further.  She's happy to meet with anyone individually to share the opportunities offered in this wonderful program.

"The small group experience has not just given me a way to practice my spirituality. It has provided me with a deeper understanding of what it means to practice... Working through the exercises and sharing that experience in our small group, teaches me the simple act of giving attention to what is here. I've learned to listen to my own life, as I listen deeply to the experiences of my group members."

- Bay Waltman, Small Group Facilitator, UU Church at Washington Crossing, Titusville, NJ