Small Groups Ministry is a structure of small groups formed within the congregation to strengthen our sense of community, enhance the bonds of connection and assist us in deepening our spiritual lives.

The groups are not designed to replace our experience of communal worship on Sundays, but to enrich our community with the sort of conversation and attentiveness that can be difficult in the busy life of our growing congregation. The groups will not be therapy sessions, although members will undoubtedly bring their hardships as well as their celebrations and inquiries to the groups.

How are the groups structured?

Each group includes six to ten members, with a facilitator and an apprentice facilitator. Each group chooses the frequency of its meetings, generally two to four times per month.

Each meeting follows a simple format.

1. An opening ritual, such as lighting a candle, and a reading.
2. A check-in time of 45 minutes. Each person shares what's going on in his or her life without interruption or discussion, but with attentive listening from group members.
3. A brief reading to lead into discussion, often theological nature, for about an hour.
4. A short wrap-up for comments and suggestions for next time
5. A closing reading.

The facilitators meet regularly with the ministers to keep the groups connected to each other; to communicate suggestions and concerns for their groups; and to participate in developing the discussion topics.

Is Small Groups Ministry focused only on conversation, or do the groups sometimes engage in other activity?

This is up to each group, but we hope that some will choose an avenue of service on a regular basis. Service work, done in the context of the group's ongoing reflection, tends both to deepen conversation and increase connections among members.

A group may, for example, covenant to engage in some sort of service work every fourth meeting. This might be painting an R.E. classroom, serving food at a local soup kitchen, or cleaning up a stretch of hiking trail.

If I join a small group, what is the time commitment?

Each group chooses its own meeting schedule, but the benefits are most evident when the group meets at least twice a month. Regular attendance is essential.

Are new people invited into existing groups, or are new groups created to accommodate them?

Both! Each group remains open. Every few months, the ministers and facilitators will assign new people to existing groups, drawing from a list of those who express interest. When a group reaches about a dozen members, it will "birth" a new group, with the original facilitator and the apprentice now each leading a group and inviting another member to become the apprentice.

Groups often symbolize their openness to this process of inclusion and change by keeping an empty chair present at their gatherings. It can be tempting for the group to wish to close and stay the same, since as we begin to know each other it feels a little risky to let go of the group in its original form.

It's helpful to remember that Small Groups Ministry is designed not only to benefit a particular small group, but to strengthen the entire USNH community. Some of those who join the groups will be newcomers to USNH, and these groups will offer them the chance to built connection as they explore our faith community. The structure helps us remember that intimacy is not a scare commodity.

How will I choose a group?

Sign-up sheets are in the lobby. On the sheets each group will indicate its meeting date, time, place and handicapped accessibility. You may also call the USNH office.

At least one group will meet at USNH with childcare. Other groups may pool resources for a babysitter or explore other options. If you will to join a small group, but cannot find one that fits your schedule, there will be a special sheet to indicate this. We will do all we can to accommodate special needs.