Chalice Communities
(Note: The Short Link for this page is FrederickUU.org/CC)
What is it?
"Chalice Communities" (CC) are UUCF's Small Group Ministry. The name alludes to the flaming chalice, the symbol of Unitarian Universalism. Chalice Communities are normally eight to twelve members and friends of the congregation. Each group meets regularly (usually twice a month) to share experiences, interests, and ideas, and to explore spiritual themes through guided discussion. Though these groups provide fellowship and support, they are not therapy. Topics are selected by the group.
Who runs the program?
UUCF’s program has been developed by members of the congregation, based on successful programs in other UU congregations, with the support of the minister. The facilitators meet together several times a year. Administration of the program is done by the CC Steering Committee.
Why should I join?
Small group ministry programs answer the need many people feel for creating community ties, spiritual challenge, and growth.
- For newcomers they offer a way to become a part of the congregation and gain a sense of belonging.
- For long-time members they create new ways to relate, care, and connect to one other.
What are the meetings like?
Chalice Community group meetings follow an established pattern:
- Short reading
- “Check-in” to see how you are doing and what's on your mind
- Discussion based on participants' interests and life experiences. Meetings will focus on topics such as:
- Change
- Friendship
- Pure Joy
- Service and Helpfulness
- Spiritual Goals
- What we Love
- "Check-out” for final comments and closing words
Groups may spend as many meetings as they like on a topic. However, the primary goal is not to lecture to one another, but to talk and listen to one another.
When do the groups meet?
New groups are formed each fall and generally meet from late September through mid-June twice a month. Daytime, evening, or weekend groups are planned depending on registrations and preferences of the participants.
New members may be added to these groups, or if enough people sign up, we can start a new group during the year at a time that is convenient for all participants.
How can I join?
- Register online at any time.
- Registration forms are in the Religious Education cabinet in the atrium (the room behind the sanctuary).
- Register by email: send your name, phone number, and times you are available for a group to the .
It is possible to arrange to visit a group before committing; please make arrangements as above.
Sample Session Plan
The Second UU Principle
SECOND PRINCIPLE: We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote: Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations…
Opening Words (read while chalice is being lit) #686:
Go in peace. Live simply, gently, at home in yourselves.
Act justly.
Speak justly.
Remember the depth of your own compassion.
Forget not your power in the days of your powerlessness.
Do not desire to be wealthier than your peers
And stint not your hand of charity.
Practice forbearance.
Speak the truth, or speak not.
Take care of yourselves as bodies, for you are a good gift.
Crave peace for all people in the world,
Beginning with yourselves,
And go as you go with the dream of that peace alive in your heart. --Mark L. Belletini
Check-in (20-30 minutes) – Have each person take 3-4 minutes to share something new in their life and/or any new insight or experience relating to the last small group session.
Sharing (about 75 minutes) –
Read the Second Principle, above, and ask the following:
- What was a time that you strongly felt inequity or injustice, either for yourself or others? What could you or others have done to change that inequity? What was a time that you or someone else spoke or acted for justice in relationship in a way that made a difference?
- What strengthens and inspires us to feel compassion for those who are suffering from injustice or other cause of pain? Does compassion lead us automatically to, as the Buddhists say, “right action?”
Closing reading #562:
Love cannot remain by itself—it has no meaning,
Love has to be put into action and that action is service.
Whatever form we are, able or disabled, rich or poor,
It is not how much we do,
But how much love we put in the doing;
A lifelong sharing of love with others. –Mother Teresa
Closing Feedback/“Pearls” (10 minutes) – Share in one or two sentences what you most valued from this gathering, and if there is anything you’d like done differently in future meetings.
Planning – Set up next meeting location and date.