Covenant Group News

New Small Group Session

2008-05-26T11:46:00.001-07:00

This I Believe

Thank you to our Titusville, NJ congregation for submitting this session plan.

From the session:

"This I Believe is based on a 1950s radio program of the same name, hosted by acclaimed journalist Edward R. Murrow. In creating This I Believe, Murrow said the program sought "to point to the common meeting grounds of beliefs, which is the essence of brotherhood and the floor of our civilization." Each day, millions of Americans gathered by their radios to hear compelling essays from the likes of Eleanor Roosevelt, Jackie Robinson, Helen Keller, and Harry Truman as well as corporate leaders, cab drivers, scientists, and secretaries— anyone able to distill into a few minutes the guiding principles by which they lived. Their words brought comfort and inspiration to a country worried about the Cold War, McCarthyism, and racial division."

Is It Time For An SGM Conference In Your District?

2008-05-26T11:08:00.000-07:00

By Susan Hollister, Devon, PA,
From the Winter 2008 SGM Quarterly

A regional Small Group Ministry conference provides the perfect opportunity for congregations in a given geographic area to get together, receive training and guidance from experienced lay leaders and experts, and hear each other’s program successes, challenges, and ideas.

The recent one-day event in the Joseph Priestley District shows how a congregation can host such a conference. SGM coordinators at the host church, Main Line Unitarian, consulted the UU SGM Network and arranged for two guest speakers to present a conference directed at three program stages: new, established, and emerging. The district office and MLUC emailed workshop announcements and registration forms to all 64 congregations in the district. The fee of $35 person (3/$100) included continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, and conference handouts.

Home hospitality was provided for the guest speakers and participants arriving the day before. Church members donated home- made soups for lunch. One of the church’s Small Groups adopted the conference as their service project, acting as greeters, registrars, and kitchen helpers. Proceeds from the conference covered the speakers’ air fare, food purchases for the two meals served, and a generous donation to the SGM Network.

As the JPD example demonstrates, a modest fee coupled with home hospitality and simple meals enables a congregation to easily host a workshop. Co-sponsoring with nearby or cluster congregations would make the production even more feasible. Consider the many benefits of hosting: connection of area clergy, leadership, and SGM participants; service to your congregation; affirmation of your own facilitators; and promotion and support of the small group ministry movement on the district level.

The UU Small Group Ministry Network helps local leaders plan regional workshops. To explore the possibility of a conference in your area, contact us as office@smallgroupministry.net

General Assembly update

2008-05-18T14:37:00.000-07:00

Below is an update on the UU SGM Network's GA programming.

The Small Group Ministry Network is planning the following activities at General Assembly in Fort Lauderdale, June 25-29, 2008. Check at the Booth for updates and additional information.

ANNUAL MEETING

The Annual Meeting of the UU Small Group Ministry Network is scheduled for Saturday, June 28, 1:30 PM. The draft agenda for the Annual Meeting Agenda includes the following items. The location of the meeting and the final agenda will be available at the Booth:

1. Welcome/Introductions/Opening Words

2. Minutes from last Annual Meeting

3. Report of the President on activities for the last year and status of the Network

4. Financial Report

5. Approval of Bylaws changes – please see the Summer Quarterly and the web site for proposed changes.

6. Report of the Nominating Committee

7. Election of Board Members

8. Plans for the coming year, including the conference at The Mountain

9. Open discussion on the work of the Small Group Ministry Network

10. Closing Words

EXHIBIT HALL: Please visit us in the exhibit hall at BOOTH #432

Resources, opportunities to talk with people about Small Group Ministry and Covenant Groups, share what is working and what the challenges are for you.

In addition to the many ongoing resources, there will be new items:

*Behind the Scenes: Implementing Small Group Ministry, a compilation of materials from the SGMN web site and Covenant Group News, with some new material (for sale);

*Directories of resources on and linked with the SGMN website and of Small Group Ministry/Covenant Group Sessions;

*A Prototype of a Facilitator’s Manual and a request for your input on what needs to be included.

Booth Chats are being planned. We appreciate the interest in sharing ideas around specific parts of Small Group Ministry. If you have a topic to suggest for a chat of up to a half hour with possibility of ongoing discussion, please contact us at Office@smallgroupministry.net with your suggestion, something that you have to share, and a suggested time.

WORKSHOP
#3058 Strategies and Solutions for Small Group Ministry Challenges
Friday, 3:15-4:30 pm Convention Center Grand Floridian F
GA Planning Committee, Small Group Ministry Network

Many congregations are using Small Group Ministry to meet the needs for intimacy and spiritual growth. We will provide strategies to successfully run programs to prevent and avoid common pitfalls. We’ll focus particularly on handling “extra grace needed members,” and hidden cultural biases that can limit program effectiveness.

Presenters are: Diana Dorroh, Baton Rogue, LA; Rev. Russ Savage, Bethesda, MD, Steve Becker, Seattle, WA

Spring SGM Quarterly

2008-04-29T11:04:00.000-07:00

The Spring 2008 issue of the SGM Quarterly has been sent to Small Group Ministry Network members. The articles from previous issues are posted to Small Group Session of this web site. However, the current Quarterly is only sent to members. Don’t miss getting it -- Join or renew your membership now. Articles in the Spring Quarterly are:

“A Good Blend: A Theme of the Month for Sunday Worship and SGM”, by Rev. Roddy O’Neill Cleary, Burlington, VT

“Reaching Out Into Our Congregational History” by Peggy Hebert, Concord, NH

“Facilitators’ Corner: Those “Aha! Moments” in SGM” by Rev. M’ellen Kennedy, Bristol, VT

“What’s Not to Like About SGM?” Rev. Bill Breeden, Bloomington, IN

“Community Ministers Use Small Group Ministry Format For Regional Gathering”

“Is It Time For a SGM Conference in Your District?"

The Winter 2008 issue of the SGM Quarterly is now online.

CGNews #90

2008-04-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

Below is CG NEWS #90, sent out earlier this month by UU SGM Network president Diana Dorroh.

In this issue ---- A link to a UUA funding survey, Contributions from three CG News subscribers on extra-care-required or "difficult" members, an invitation to participate in and attend the SGM Network workshop at GA and, finally, an invitation to join your peers at the Mountain for a full-week conference, August 17 - 22.

Friends,

I welcome your contributions to this newsletter at any time. Please send your submissions to office@smallgroupministry.net

The SGM Network Board has been working during March on a strategic plan and shoring up our financial base. We meet by conference call every month. The nominating committee is currently looking for new Board and committee members. If you’d like to serve or to recommend someone, let us know at office@smallgroupministry.net . There are many wonderful projects we could do with more working members.

The Network is all about sharing. Send us your sessions and your ideas. If you'll be attending the UUA General Assembly in Fort Lauderdale in June, let us know if you have some time to work in the booth.

And finally, join the Network and make sure your congregation is a member. If you are a member, you have received copies of the Winter and Spring Quarterlies. The Winter Quarterly will be available soon on our website www.smallgroupministry.net, but you can receive the Spring Quarterly now if you send in your membership.
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/pdf/Membership%20Form.pdf

UU Small Group Ministry continues to allow ministry to more members by distributing that ministry to small group leaders. The leaders in turn ask their group members to minister to each other and the result is a magnification of healing ministry. The UU Small Group Ministry Network allows us to help each other achieve our ministry goals.

In faith, Diana

Diana Dorroh
225-766-2764
President, UU Small Group Ministry Network
Editor, CG News

CONTENTS

* ASSOCIATION 2008 FUNDING OPTIONS SURVEY

* SMALL GROUP MINISTRY AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JUNE 25-29, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

* SMALL GROUP MINISTRY INSTITUTE AT THE MOUNTAIN, August 17 - 22

====================

ASSOCIATION 2008 FUNDING OPTIONS SURVEY

Please consider following the link below to fill out the UUA's Association 2008 Funding Options Survey and indicating a high priority for the funding of small group ministry support. Funding for small group ministry is an option in the first question. A "1" means you give it the highest priority. Currently, there is no UUA funding for small group ministry. The Network is supported by its membership. We are currently working with interested UUA staff to create an effective working relationship between UUA staff and the Network. Funding UUA staff to work on small group ministry or funding the Network to hire staff to support small group ministry would be very helpful.

http://www.uua.org/giving/associationsunday/index.shtml

====================

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JUNE 25-29, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL
The Network workshop is “Strategies and Solutions for Small Group Ministry Challenges” with a focus “extra grace needed” participants and hidden cultural biases that impact small group ministry sessions.

Please send us your experiences with the possibility of having them shared in the workshop or used in articles for the next General Assembly Quarterly.

Also, consider spending an hour or two fielding questions about small group ministry in the UU Small Group Ministry Network booth. Slots are available between 11am, Wednesday June 25 and 1pm, Sunday June 29. The Board will provide you with a list of frequently asked questions.
Please e-mail us at office@smallgroupministry.net. We look forward to receiving your input.

====================

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY INSTITUTE
August 17 - August 22, 2008
The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc.
The Highlands, North Carolina

An opportunity for teams and individuals from congregations of all sizes to learn and practice Small Group Ministry (SGM) with experienced practitioners and leaders. Sessions are designed for new and experienced program organizers, facilitators, ministers and congregational leaders. The week will include presentations, hands-on workshops, small group ministry experiences, sharing, networking, informal 'porch chats, worship - and time to enjoy what The Mountain has to offer!

Details and Registration
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/events/mountain.html

====================

Contatct the UU Small Group Ministry Network

UU SGM Network Office
General inquiries and submissions

Diana Dorroh, President

Rev. Helen Zidowecki, Secretary

Susan Hollister, Treasurer

CGNews #89

2008-03-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

In this issue ---- A message from Rev. Bob Hill, a request for your experiences with extra-care-required or "difficult" members, an invitation to participate in and attend the SGM Network workshop at GA and, finally, an invitation to join your peers at the Mountain for a full-week conference, August 17 - 22.

Covenant Group News is a free electronic newsletter on Small Group Ministry and Covenant Groups read by 1300 forward-looking Unitarian Universalists. CGNews is distributed by the UU Small Group Ministry Network. Visit us online at http://www.smallgroupministry.net.

Friends,

I'm honored to be able to communicate with you on a regular basis, following in the footsteps of Peter Bowden and Rev. Bob Hill. After Peter sent out the last issue anouncing that he was passing the editing of CG News to me, I received an enthusiastic thanks for Peter's work, which I echo. His enthusiasm for small group ministry and the support he's brought to many of us has been inspiring. I included that message from Bob Hill below for those of you who began their small group ministry experiences, with frequent communications from and to Bob Hill. I, too, will need your help to get this conversation going. Please send your submissions to office@smallgroupministry.net

The SGM Network Board has been hard at work since September, getting a new membership database, exploring a new relationship with the UUA, shoring up our financial base, and planning educational opportunities. We just completed a workshop at Mainline Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. I hope there will be more regional workshops in our future and that we will get to meet and share with you. The Network is all about sharing.

Send us your sessions and your ideas.

Let us know if you have some time to work in the booth at GA office@smallgroupministry.net.

And finally, join the Network and make sure your congregation is a member.
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/pdf/Membership%20Form.pdf

UU Small Group Ministry is bringing healing mutual ministry to thousands of UU's at hundreds of churches. It is making healthy connections between participants and between participants and their congregations. And when your congregation becomes a congregation "of small groups," it can transform the way you "do church," make your congregation stronger and healthier and then, finally, bigger, if that's what you want. The UUSGM Network allows us to help each other achieve these goals.

In faith, Diana

Diana Dorroh
diana_dorroh@hotmail.com
225-766-2764
President, UU Small Group Ministry Network
Editor, CG News

CONTENTS

* MESSAGE FROM BOB HILL

* CALL FOR EMAIL SHARING ON DIFFICULT GROUP MEMBERS
* SMALL GROUP MINISTRY AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JUNE 25-29, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

* SMALL GROUP MINISTRY INSTITUTE AT THE MOUNTAIN, August 17 - 22

====================

MESSAGE FROM BOB HILL

Dear Small Group Ministry Friends,

I was delighted a few years ago to transfer to Peter Bowden editorship of the CGNews I'd begun toward the end of the last century because I knew him to be a person of great energy, skill, and commitment. I think he's done a tremendous job and I know that the Covenant Group movement owes him a ton of thanks. It'll be fun, watching his multi-media career soar.

I am equally delighted to see that Diana Dorroh is stepping in to take his place as editor. One of the most organized and committed Unitarian Universalists I know, Diana was instrumental in the success of Small Group Ministry work in the Southwest Conference and in her church for many years while I was DE there. With her as editor of CGNews, our cause has a bright future. Good for us! Full steam ahead!

-- Bob Hill
www.2texansdownunder.com

====================

CALL FOR EMAIL SHARING ON DIFFICULT GROUP MEMBERS

On March 1, 2008, The UU Small Group Ministry Network presented a workshop to about 60 individuals from 16 congregations in the Joseph Priestly District. It was hosted by Mainline Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. A hot topic at that workshop was how to handle special-needs or extra-care-required or just plain difficult group members. For our purposes, let's broaden that topic to anyone who needs significantly more attention or handling than the rest. It could be a group member who repeatedly uses more than a fair share of the discussion and check-in time, a member who shares inappropriately or criticizes people inside and outside the group, or simply someone who has special physical needs. I'd like to hear your problems, stories, and solutions to these challenges. Please send your submissions to office@smallgroupministry.net.

====================

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY AT GENERAL ASSEMBLY, JUNE 25-29, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL

The Network workshop is “Strategies and Solutions for Small Group Ministry Challenges” with a focus “extra grace needed” participants and hidden cultural biases that impact small group ministry sessions. A second CALL for Your experiences with the possibility of sharing in the workshop and articles for the General Assembly Quarterly.
Please e-mail us at office@smallgroupministry.net. We look forward to receiving you input.

====================

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY INSTITUTE
August 17 - August 22, 2008
The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc.
The Highlands, North Carolina

An opportunity for teams and individuals from congregations of all sizes to learn and practice Small Group Ministry (SGM) with experienced practitioners and leaders. Sessions are designed for new and experienced program organizers, facilitators, ministers and congregational leaders. The week will include presentations, hands-on workshops, small group ministry experiences, sharing, networking, informal 'porch chats, worship - and time to enjoy what The Mountain has to offer! Details and Registration http://www.smallgroupministry.net/events/mountain.html

Who We Are - The UU Small Group Ministry Network

2008-02-26T10:27:00.000-08:00

We've just made some updates to our website to include more information about who we are. You may visit this page here or read the updates below.

About UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM

For more information about Unitarian Universalism, we suggest that you go to the web site of the Unitarian Universalist Association at www.uua.org, especially the Visitors Section. The Unitarian Universalist Small Group Ministry Network interacts with congregations and with the Association.

About the NETWORK

The UU Small Group Ministry Network is a grassroots organization of Unitarian Universalist congregations, small group ministry / covenant group, group leaders, and participants.

Our mission is to help create healthy Unitarian Universalist congregations and a vital Unitarian Universalist movement by promoting and supporting Small Group Ministry.

Small Group Ministry is transforming lives, congregations and our liberal religious movement. We are helping by facilitating the exchange of resources and information through this site and Covenant Group News, developing new resources, organizing regional small group ministry conferences. The Network has a booth, workshops, and discussion at General Assembly (the annual meeting of the congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association).

Our By-Laws
Contact Us

Meet the NETWORK BOARD

Steve Becker, Board, Seattle, WA
Steve is looking forward to serving the Board from Seattle, Washington, as a member of the University Unitarian Church. A lifelong Unitarian, Steve brings over 10 years of experience as an Adult RE teacher, Social Justice activist, and membership trainer, and most recently he has served at the East Shore Unitarian Church as the Chair of their Membership Committee. He has belonged to a Covenant Circle for four years while at East Shore, where he has developed new lesson topics and helped facilitate one of the
groups.

Diana Dorroh, Board President, Baton Rouge, LA
Diana was involved in the startup of the covenant group program at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge in 1999 and have served as program coordinator since then. The program now has about 190 members and 18 groups. She has participated in panels organized by Rev. Bob Hill, at the district level and at GA. She also serve as a volunteer staff Program Director at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge and was a participant at the UUSGM Network 2005 Ferry Beach Conference.

Anne Haynes, Board, Bloomington, IN
Anne has been a UU and a member of the UU Church of Bloomington, Indiana since 1981, and has held various lay leadership positions there, including congregational President. She and her husband Chris participated in the Small Group Ministry week at Ferry Beach in 2005, and for the last two years were involved in starting the Chalice Circles program in their congregation. Anne first experienced small group ministry as a member of an Evensong group, and passionately believes small group ministry meets many needs for our congregants and congregational life. She has been co-chair of the small group ministry implementation committee and now its executive team at UUCB and is looking forward to the church’s second year of Chalice Circles. She also facilitates one of the groups.

Susan Hollister, Board Treasurer, Newton Square, PA
Susan is a member of Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon, PA, near Philadelphia. She is a registered dietitian and mother of two grown children, Rebecca and Nathan, third-generation UUs. Susan first experienced a small group while attending the Unitarian Society of New Haven in CT. The concept was just in the talking stage when she and husband, Alan, moved to Pennsylvania and joined MLUC in 2002. Knowing SGM was an ideal way for newcomers to meet people and make connections, Susan joined the implementation committee and helped launch the program. She facilitates a Monday morning group, sits on the steering committee, and currently serves as co-chair of the SGM Program. Susan helped start a needlework group at MLUC and belongs to one of its book groups. An avid gardener, she heads to the woodland on most fine days to nurture native plants and create a wildlife haven.

Walter LeFlore, Board, Stow, MA
Walter has been involved in a small group ministry program for over three years at this point. Hewas a member of the planning and design team that initially introduced small group ministry to First Parish of Stow and Acton, MA. He is in his third year as one of many facilitators in a church with over 100 small group members. From his prior professional life as an organization consultant, he has long been a great fan of small group process. He joined the Network Board because he very much wants to support congregations using the Small Group Ministry process. If done well, he believes SGM has the ability to not only help but to enthuse and transform the life and spirit of individual congregations.

Mary Ann Terry, Isle of Palms, SC
MaryAnn is enthusiastic about Small Group Ministry. She is an active lay leader at the Unitarian Church in Charleston, South Carolina where she serves as coordinator of Connecting Circles (their name for SGM) where, among other things, she helps train group facilitators. She participated in the Small Group Ministry Week at Ferry Beach in Saco, Maine in 2005. She spends her summers in New Hampshire where she attends the Star King UU Fellowship in Plymouth. She is pleased to be serving on the Board, helping promote Small Group Ministry in our movement.

Helen Zidowecki, Litchfield, ME
Helen has been involved with Small Group Ministry for over 10 years. She is a member of the Augusta, ME, congregation, where she is a facilitator and on the Topics Committee. Her special interest is Small Group Ministry in Lifespan Faith Development, and smaller congregations. She leads workshops and writes materials, including curricula using Small Group Ministry (see www.hzmre.com/sgm ). Helen is a Minister of Religious Education, and actively involved in Small Group Ministry on the district level. She resides in Litchfield, ME.

Small Group Ministry at General Assembly, June 25-29, 2008, Fort Lauderdale, FL

2008-02-26T10:25:00.000-08:00

The Network workshop is “Strategies and Solutions for Small Group Ministry Challenges” with a focus “extra grace needed” participants and hidden cultural biases that impact small group ministry sessions. CALL for Your experiences will the possibility of sharing in the workshop and articles for the General Assembly Quarterly.

Please e-mail us at office@smallgroupministry.net immediately.
We look forward to receiving you input.

11 new small group sessions

2008-02-26T09:43:00.000-08:00

Looking for small group sessions? We've just posted 11 new sessions to our site. These come from the Evergreen UU Fellowship in Marysville, WA and the First Church UU of Leominster, MA. Thanks to Mike ans Susan for submitting these batches of sessions.

Sessions from the Evergreen Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Marysville, Washington.

Meaningful Meals
My Music
Once Upon a Time

Eight Small Group Sessions from First Church Unitarian Universalist Leominster Mass. and the Rev. Susan Suchocki Brown.

Inherent Worth and Dignity
Atheism
Do Angels Exist
Missionary Evangelism
Religion as a Crutch - Humanism
Peace and War
What part do traditions play in your life
The Bible of Other Spiritual Writings

Peter stepping down as CGNEWS editor

2008-01-28T07:48:00.000-08:00

Friends

I write to you with a sense of excitement as we enter this new year. Let me start with a personal announcement.

After seven years I am stepping down from my formal role with the UU SGM Network. With the addition of new television and UU video production projects I lost the time I dedicated to our network. Time to turn things over to our fabulous board and growing number of volunteers. Those of you interested in my work and keeping in touch, drop my website, uuplanet.com.

So what is happening with CGNews? Our amazing board will be compiling the news and our president, Diana Dorroh, will serve as editor. You can submit news by writing office@smallgroupministry.net. I will continue to be involved in with our network, just as a member, not a coordinator/editor. If you are not a contributing member, I hope you will join me. The UU SGM Network is funded in its entirety by your memberships. Existing members, this is a great time to renew.

Your membership form may be found online at:
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/pdf/Membership%20Form.pdf

Thank you for an amazing seven years!

In faith,
Peter Freedman Bowden
Co-Founder, UU SGM Network
Retired editor, CGNews ;-)

Event: Gathering the Power of Small Group Ministry

2008-01-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

Gathering the Power of Small Group Ministry

Day 1: March 8 at Allen Avenue UU Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland, Maine

Day 2: March 15 at First Universalist Church, 9 Easy Street, Pittsfield, Maine

9 AM to 1 PM each day, before Lunch

Congregations that have Small Group Ministry and those considering starting Congregational Leaders, Ministers, Coordinators, Facilitators Bring a team!

Sessions by Interest.

1.“Starting Small Group Ministry Program in Your Church” Rev. Helen Zidowecki, Augusta, ME

2.“Facilitators—New and Experienced” Carol Hayden, Allen Avenue, Portland, ME

3.“Questions and Answers for Ministers, Coordinators, Steering Committee Members” Kathy Kellison, Augusta, ME

This program is sponsored by the Northeast District Small Group Ministry Network.

For more information contact: Helen Zidowecki, 207-582-5308, hzmre@hzmre.com or Joy Blanchette, UU District Office, 603-228-8704, uua-me.nh.vt@comcast.net

Event: Beyond the Basics with Mellen Kennedy

2008-01-28T06:54:00.001-08:00

Beyond The Basics:
A Gathering and Training for Leaders of Mature Small Group Ministry Programs
Saturday, February 23, 2008, 10am - 4pm
First Universalist Chapel Society, Woodstock, VT

This workshop is aimed at lay and professional leaders working with functioning SGM programs -- that is programs that have been in existence for at least a year. It will be an opportunity to gather for mutual support, in depth sharing and advanced training. Registrants will be asked to bring materials to share from the successes and challenges of their programs.

This program is being organized by the NH/VT Small Group Ministry Committee.

For more info contact M'ellen Kennedy at mellenken@aol.com.

The Bucket List - Small Group Movie Session

2008-01-18T14:24:00.001-08:00

By Peter Bowden. Need something fun to do with your group? See a movie then discuss it. You could even see the movie with friends and family - a great way to widen your group's circle.

"The Bucket List" Movie Session

Join us for our 2008 UU Small Group Ministry Insitute

2008-01-17T14:05:00.000-08:00

2008 Small Group Ministry Insitute
Sponsored by UU Small Group Ministry Network
At the Mountain Retreat and Learning Center

Small Group Ministry Institute
August 17 - August 22, 2008
The Mountain Retreat & Learning Centers, Inc.
The Highlands, North Carolina

An opportunity for teams and individuals from congregations of all sizes to learn and practice Small Group Ministry (SGM) with experienced practitioners and leaders. Sessions are designed for new and experienced program organizers, facilitators, ministers and congregational leaders. The week will include presentations, hands-on workshops, small group ministry experiences, sharing, networking, informal 'porch chats, worship - and time to enjoy what The Mountain has to offer!

Explore the powerful impact that Small Group Ministry is having in congregations.
Build the skills of new facilitators and enhance skills in problem resolution.
Participate in Small Group Ministry as Spiritual Practice.
Explore Small Group Ministry as related to Social Justice and Faith in Action
Create and select effective sessions, including the use of art, music, and movement.
Learn how to lead your church's small group ministry program
Take home a vision and plan to explore, begin, enhance or expand Small Group Ministry.
The format will include presentations, discussion and workshops, and the opportunity to meet daily in a small group. Come yourself-and bring a group from your congregation! Participants will receive a packet of material and resources.

Leaders: Rev. Helen Zidowecki (Augusta, ME); Susan Hollister (Devon, PA); Diana Dorroh (Baton Rouge, LA);
Steve Becker (Seattle, WA); Walter LeFlore (Stow, MA). Scroll down for full bios.

Comments from Participants of previous conferences:

"Thank you so much for all the great useful information. I enjoyed the variety of presenters and topics, I feel I have the tools I need to start SGM in my church. I also appreciated tips for how I might modify the approach to fit my home congregation."

"I will take back to my church tons of info and insights into how to be more effective. I have more confidence
in my abilities and purpose."

"The experience filled my head with information and my heart with inspiration. I feel confident that I can now enhance the spiritual lives of members of my congregation."

2005 Small Group Ministry Institute

Cost: The Mountain, shared occupancy, and Program Fee: $492; after July 1, $517
CLICK HERE to registeror Call (828) 526-5838

Sponsored by the Small Group Ministry Network
For questions about conference content, contact Rev. Helen Zidowecki at hzmre@hzmre.com

CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Steve Becker has been involved with small group ministry since 2003 in the Seattle, Washington area, where he has offered facilitator training, served as a member of the Theme Team, and has facilitated a group for persons with special needs. His special interest is developing topics for covenant groups. He is the Vice-President for the Small Group Ministry Network Board of Directors. Steve lives in Seattle.

Diana Dorroh, Program Director, and Rev. Steve Crump have led the Baton Rouge program since its beginning in 1999. That program now has 200 participants. She participated in several workshops organized by Rev. Bob Hill, when he was District Executive of the Southwest District. Her special interest is in using small group ministry to strengthen and grow congregations. She currently serves as volunteer staff at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. Diana is President for the Small Group Network Board.

Susan Hollister has been a Unitarian Universalist for 27 years and is a member of Main Line Unitarian Church in Devon, PA. She helped launch Small Group Ministry at MLUC and is past coordinator of the Program. She co-facilitates a group, assists the current coordinators, and serves on the session writing team. Susan promotes small group ministry as an ideal way for newcomers to meet people and make connections. Susan is the Treasurer for the Small Group Ministry Network Board.

Walter LeFlore is a third year seminary student at Andover Newton Theological School. He's focused on enhancing spiritual development and building authentic communities, using the SGM process. He has over twenty years experience using small group process as an organization consultant and as a facilitator in the SGM program at First Parish Stow/Acton, MA. Walter is on the Small Group Ministry Board.

Rev. Helen Zidowecki has been involved with Small Group Ministry for 10 years. She is a member of the Augusta congregation, where she is a facilitator and on the Topics Committee. Her special interest is Small Group Ministry in Lifespan Faith Development, and smaller congregations. She was the Program Consultant, Northeast District, until July 2007. She leads workshops and writes materials on Small Group Ministry. Helen resides in Litchfield, ME. She is secretary for the Small Group Ministry Network.

Other leaders may be added. Conference participants will be involved in the facilitation of the Small Group Ministry Sessions throughout the week.

Register for this event

Small Group Ministry Event - March 1, 2008 - Devon, PA

2008-01-12T08:08:00.000-08:00

Small Group Ministry: Building and Strengthening Programs
Saturday, March 1, 2008
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Main Line Unitarian Church, Devon, Pennsylvania

The Joseph Priestley District and Main Line Unitarian Church are pleased to offer this workshop for congregations starting new Small Group Ministry/Covenant Group programs and those with established programs. Conference leaders are Rev. Helen Zidowecki and Diana Dorroh of the UU Small Group Ministry Network. The workshop will cover essential elements of small group ministry, start-up basics, facilitator training, strengthening existing programs, and advanced facilitator skills. This conference is designed for program coordinators, ministers, and new and experienced facilitators. For further information and to register, contact Sally Fritzson at sfritzson@gmail.com.

Download Registration Form
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/pr/March2008_MainLine.rtf

The Small Group Ministry (SGM) movement is continuing to grow in Unitarian Universalist Churches as groups of ten gather with a facilitator to consider issues of spirituality, life stories and challenges. Small Group Ministry strengthens congregations by building connections among individuals, engendering compassion and supporting commitment to serve. Whether you are considering starting SGM or have an established program, join us for a full day of training and inspiration to further your efforts in SGM. A special focus will be on developing skills of current facilitators.

Diana Dorroh, Program Director and Rev. Steve Crump have led the Baton Rouge Program since it’s beginning in 1999. She participated in several workshops organized by Rev. Bob Hill. Her special interest is in using small group ministry to strengthen and grow congregations. She currently serves as volunteer staff at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge. Diane is President of the Small Group Ministry Network Board.

Rev. Helen Zidowecki has been involved with Small Group Ministry for 10 years in Maine and in the Augusta congregation, where she is a facilitator and on the Topic Committee. Her special interest is Small Group Ministry in Lifespan Faith Development, and as a process in changing congregations. She was the Program Consultant for the Northeast District until July 2007. Helen resides in Litchfield, ME.

Small Groups Lend Support During Challenging Times

2007-12-21T12:47:00.000-08:00

New UUA Interconnections article by Don Skinner looks at the role of small groups during challenging times. Posted on UUA.org on December 15, 2007. Includes interview with Diana Dorroh, president of the UU SGM Network and Program Director of the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge.

Read the article

New Mailing Address

2007-12-03T09:42:00.001-08:00

The UU Small Group Ministry Network has a new address! Please direct all correspondence including your 2007-2008 Membership Form/Renewal to to UU SGM Network, c/o Susan Hollister, 3313 Goshen Road, Newtown Square, PA, 19073.

Fall 2007 SGM Quarterly now online

2007-12-03T09:29:00.000-08:00

Friends,

The Fall issue of the SGM Quarterly, our journal, is now online.

Special thanks to our members. Your generous support makes our work, our website, and the SGM Quarterly possible. Not a member? You may download a membership form (individual or congregation) here. ~)-|

Download the Fall Quarterly
Past Issues

Event: Building and Sustaining a Strong SGM Program

2007-11-29T09:51:00.004-08:00

This event announcement just in from North Shore UU church in Danvers, MA
- Peter

Download Flier (PDF)

Dear Friends,

Attached is a flyer announcing a training workshop on Building and
Sustaining a Strong Small Group Ministry Program, to be held on
January 12 at the Northshore UU church in Danvers. If you already
have an ongoing Small Group Ministry Program, this would be a great
opportunity to train new facilitators, or to infuse a renewed
commitment into a program which may be drifting. If you are just now
considering the possibility of establishing such a program in your
congregation, this would provide an excellent foundation.

We look forward to seeing participants from your congregation at this
event in the new year.

Jeanne Nieuwejaar
Interim Minister

Northshore Unitarian Universalist Church
323 Locust Street
Danvers, MA 01923
Telephone: 978-774-7582

Use small groups in coffee hour to welcome TIME reading guests

2007-10-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I just got off of a conference call with UUA President, Rev. Bill Sinkford, our moderator, Gini Courter, and UU's from all over the US.

Here's the deal. Very soon millions of people are going to get their Time magazine containing a full page ad about Unitarian Universalism. If this goes according to plan many of them are going to visit your congregation.

What are you going to do? Given this HUGE outreach opportunity I thought I'd share my group based strategy.

For the past three Sundays I partnered with three different congregations to get members and friends jazzed about connecting, ministering to one another and changing the world via small groups. Part of this included running small groups during coffee hour.

In previous years I've worked with congregations to hold "small group ministry" sample sessions after coffee/fellowship hour. This year I used a different approach in two out of the three congregations. Instead of SGM sample sessions we held one-shot open everyone's invited community building groups.

Here's how it worked. We announced it during the service, letting people know it was a congregation wide event that would be taking over coffee hour. About 10 minutes into coffee hour we started setting up chairs. 15 minutes in we invited people to find a seat. We then handed out a simple script for each group to use. All we did was ask for a volunteer. Easy! We then let the groups run while several of us floated around.

What did we get?

Stories. Laughter. New friendships. The intention to start a new parenting group. Several people deciding to go to lunch together. People enrolling in small groups. And HAPPY NEWCOMERS.

Imagine if every congregation in our association simple planned on holding what I've taken to calling Fellowship Hour Circles over the next month?

Maybe you're ready for an additional 5 - 20 newcomers to walk through the door every Sunday this month. Maybe you have a platinum level greeting ministry. For those of you in need of a plan, maybe this will help.

Here are links to the session in rich text and PDF form:
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/cgnews/coffeeHrGroup.rtf
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/cgnews/coffeeHrGroup.pdf

I invite you to forward this email to your minister, membership and/or welcome committee. They may be wondering how to handle this influx guests. Share a little small group wisdom with them! If you end up using this format, let me know. I'd love to hear how it went....

in faith,
Peter

PS - Read more about the national marketing campaign / Time ads here
http://uua.org/leaders/leaderslibrary/marketing/index.shtml

#90 - How small groups help congregations through times of of stress and trauma

2007-10-04T09:30:00.000-07:00

Friends,

I am excited to announce that as part of our October CGNews collaboration we will be working with Don Skinner, editor of Interconnections and top UUA journalist. Since Don is working on a small group ministry article for the uuworld.org we thought we'd join forces.

Here's how it is going to work. We have selected the following topic:

"How small groups help congregations through times of of stress and trauma."

Send me your stories, thoughts and testimonials related to this subject. I will compile these and share with Don Skinner. He will use this material for his article. When completed I will share the article link and complete compilation with you. Note that we need your responses over the next few days in order to make our deadline.

In your experience with small group ministry/covenant groups, how have small groups helped your congregation in times of stress and trauma?

A few areas to consider....

- natural disasters
- ministerial transition
- size transitions
- issues related to war and terrorism
- what else?

What has your experience been? I invite you to write as little or as much as you'd like on this topic. Just do it sooner than later ;-) I'll share with Don and together we'll share the results with you

I look forward to hearing from you!
Peter

Peter Freedman Bowden
Editor, Covenant Group News

Nominate issues to explore in CGNews

2007-09-25T08:52:00.001-07:00

Friends,

The two most popular areas of our small group ministry website are the session page and a compilation of GROUP EVALUATION forms and procedures. This compilation was the result of my asking all of you to share how you handle evaluations.

Helping to pool our wisdom and resources is, to me, the greatest value of our network and this Covenant Group News, our e-newsletter.

I'd like to invite you to nominate subjects to explore. If you could ask our 1500 readers a question, what would it be?

To nominate a question, topic or other area of interest simply fill out a comment below.

Thanks!
Peter

PS -- The UU video I made as part of my recent film/tv studies is now online. You may find it online at www.uufaq.com or directly through the link below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=st5Pv3lsG60

Free Streaming Audio - Interview with Rev. Glenn Turner

2007-06-30T12:21:00.000-07:00

In this interview I talk with the Rev. Glenn Turner, one of the pioneers of our Unitarian Universalist small group ministry movement. This interview was conducted by phone and is now available online in streaming audio. Listen to excerpt below. Listen to streaming audio. Purchase audio CD.

Have ideas for other people for me to interview? Let me know. More info on my UU media projects at www.uuplanet.com. - Peter

CGNEWS #89 - Update on Small Group Ministry at General Assembly

2007-06-14T16:15:00.000-07:00

Covenant Group News is a free electronic newsletter on Small Group Ministry and Covenant Groups read by 1300 forward-looking Unitarian Universalists. CGNews is edited by Peter Freedman Bowden and distributed by the UU Small Group Ministry Network.

Friends,

Here is an update on Small Group Ministry events at General Assembly. Please take note of our Annual Meeting announcement. There are lots of changes with Independent Affiliates and the UUA, something we'll certainly discuss. Also, I wanted to let you know that the slump in CGNews messages has been a result of my going to film school. Fortunately that is coming to an end. You can read about the UU Video I'm making over the next two weeks at http://uuplanet.com. Going to GA? You may even get to be in it.

Now on to General Assembly!
Peter

* For complete GA information, registration forms, and live updates visit www.uua.org.

* We invite you to join our network. Your support makes our ministry, website and resource development possible.
http://smallgroupministry.net/pdf/Membership%20Form.pdf

Small Group Ministry at General Assembly 2007

Once a year representatives and members of our Unitarian Universalist congregations and organizations gather for the annual meeting of our association. This meeting is called General Assembly (GA). This year, GA will be in Portland, OR and will feature opportunities for Small Group Ministry (SGM) or Covenant Groups.

UU Small Group Ministry Network Booth #852
“Small Groups, Deep Connections”

The UU Small Group Ministry Network is offering a booth in the Exhibit Hall this year at General Assembly. Come learn more about Small Group Ministry, receive free consulting about your SGM questions, talk with the experts, hear mini-workshops, join the Network, pick up free materials, purchase materials, meet SGM enthusiasts from around the country, and tell us about your SGM Program. See You there!

Hours: Wednesday: Noon to 7 PM
Thursday through Saturday: 11 AM to 7 PM
Sunday: 9 AM to 4 PM

UU Small Group Ministry Network Annual Meeting
Saturday, June 23, 1-2

Meet at the UU Small Group Ministry Network Booth ("Small Groups, Deep Connections") # 852. From the
booth, we’ll go to the Lounge Refreshment Area in the Exhibit Hall and find a table where we can conduct
the Annual Meeting. We will conduct the business of the Network including: vote on a slate of officers for the coming year; hear a report from our out-going p President, Rev. Calvin Dame; hear a financial report from our treasurer Susan Hollister; and discuss the UUA affiliate Status changes. We’re open to hearing your ideas and suggestions on making a strong SGM Network. If You’ll be at GA, please join us.

#2043 Emerging Models of Small Group Ministry
Thursday, June 21, 1-2:15 PM, Rooms D133-134
UU Small Group Ministry Network

Congregations across our denomination are developing successful and exciting variations on Small Group Ministry or Covenant Groups. This panel of members and friends of the Small Group Ministry Network will share our significant innovations including theme groups, short-term groups, groups in the community, use in Religious Education and by religious professionals. Panelists are Rev. Ken Beldon, Dr. M’ellen Kennedy, Rev. Helen Zidowecki, and others.

# 3053 Facilitator Training for Small Group Ministry
Friday, June 22, 2:45-4 PM, Room E 145
UU Small Group Ministry Network

Small Group Ministry or Covenant Groups are transforming how we do congregational life. One of the challenges that lay and professional leaders face is how to adequately train facilitators. In this workshop, members of the Small Group Ministry Network will share our collective wisdom on what makes for quality leadership development.Presenters: Dr. M’ellen Kennedy, Rev. Marti Keller, Diana Dorroh and Peter Bowden.

Covenant Groups at GA
On Hiatus In Portland 2007

Harlan Limpert, Director for District Services of the Unitarian Universalist Association, has announced that a decision has been made to take a one-year hiatus from having covenant groups at General Assembly. Plan on covenant groups returning to GA in 2008 -- bigger and stronger than ever. (Around 300 people participated last year!) If You have a story to share about your Covenant Group experience at GA in past years, please send it to mellen@smallgroupministry.net for inclusion in future issues of this Quarterly or in our Covenant Group News. We'd love to hear from you.

UUSC's Announces the launch of
Covenant Group Ministry
web based Resources

"This is one of the most exciting developments in the Small Group Ministry movements. It combines for me two of the more important aspects of Small Group Ministry -- connections among the people and concerns of the world."
- Rev. Calvin O. Dame

"The power of deep sharing among seekers, the essence of the Small Group Ministry, is key to my own vision of Living Democracy. It is through such common seeking that we gain clarity and courage to express our truest selves."
- Frances Moore Lappe

With these resources, UUSC supports members of the UU community in: the search for connection with each other and the larger global community; the quest for meaningful engagement with life’s most challenging questions; and the pursuit to engage more effectively with local, national, and global social justice initiatives.

Through the Covenant Group model of intimacy and ultimacy, members will be inspired to take action on human rights issues that affect our global community. Small group worship and community building changes lives and enlivens commitments with purpose and passion. Individuals will find the strength and courage to take simple action steps or lead social justice projects that will ultimately help to change the world.

In modules of four to six session, Covenant Group Ministry resources address such topics as:

Living on Democracy's Edge
Drumbeat for Darfur
Wage Justice
The Human Right to Water

For more information and to download these free resources visit The UUSC Covenant Group resource page. New resources will be added throughout the summer of 2007.

For more information or to participating in a Small Group Ministry Circle at General Assembly in Portland, OR please contact Carie Johnsen, UUSC Ministerial Intern at cjohnsen@uusc.org.

Peter Freedman Bowden
UU PLANET Ministry & Media
Independent Unitarian Universalist Consulting & Media Services
Office (401) 855-0037
155 Evarts Street
Newport, RI 02840
www.uuplanet.com

Moving Beyond Icebreakers: An Innovative Approach to Group Facilitation, Learning, and Action

2007-06-14T07:04:00.000-07:00

Last month I facilitated community building activities at the First Parish (Arlington, MA) canvass celebration. There I met Stanley Pollack and Mary Fusoni, authors of the book Moving Beyond Icebreakers: An Innovative Approach to Group Facilitation, Learning, and Action. Always fun to meet people in our congregations doing great work with groups!

Take a look at their website. On it about 100 pages of the book is accessible.
http://www.movingbeyondicebreakers.org/