Register for First Unitarian’s 2026-27 small groups
Our small groups are intentional, lay-led groups that deepen and expand the ministry of our congregation. The focus is on building community, deepening relationships, and offering opportunities for spiritual exploration and search for meaning. Groups of eight to ten committed participants will gather once a month with a facilitator to engage in a monthly topic designed to encourage conversation and nurture spiritual growth in the community.
The themes that will be discussed this year are:
Beginnings, Courage, Healing, Awe, Thresholds, Commitment, Balance, Emergence, Play, and Horizons.
- Small Group Ministry – Monthly small group guides designed around our monthly theme to deep listening and spiritual discernment. This is a “low homework” version where interaction/discussion is emphasized. Meeting times are scheduled for 1.5 hours once per month.
- Soul Matters – includes more in-depth resources and spiritual exercise options designed around our themes for discussion and sharing with the group. Meetings are scheduled for 1.5 hours once per month.
- UU Writers – Each month participants receive a packet that contains 5-6 writing exercise projects to choose from. They then work on their chosen writing project prior to the monthly meeting, using whatever writing practice they are most comfortable with (journaling, poetry, prose, storytelling). At the meeting, group members don’t critique each other’s writing. Instead they explore the impact and insights of their writings using Soul Matters’ deep and disciplined listening techniques to create an environment of self-discovery. Meetings are scheduled for 1.5 hours once per month.
- Creativity Matters – Like our other small group curriculum, Creativity Matters packets are built around our monthly themes. What makes these packets unique is that each contains creative exercises for group members to work on prior to their group meeting. The packets also contain inspirational material and reflection questions to get your creative juices flowing. The project options include such things as: collage, storytelling, scrapbooking, sketching, photography, creative writing, watercolor painting, fabric arts, sculpture, movement, music, and more. Again, all projects are designed for everyone – no technical expertise or honed artistic skill required. Meetings are scheduled for 1.5 hours once per month.
Participation at all sessions is expected. Groups meet monthly September through June. Newcomers entering later in the year are welcome in Small Group Ministry, Soul Matters and Creativity Matters.