Small Group Ministry

Listening Circles

Also known as “covenant groups” and “small group ministry,” Listening Circles are a vital part of many Unitarian Universalist congregations. Listening Circles offer us space and community to explore our lives through a spiritual lens. Reflecting, speaking, and listening are core activities in each session, and, small groups are great places to get to know other people and to get to know yourself better!

In each session, participants have the opportunity to share their perspectives, tell their stories, and listen deeply. The time together is structured: sessions begin and end with centering readings and often include a time of silence before the sharing begins.

These groups of 6-10 people meet regularly to reflect on and discuss significant life topics. Over time, participants build deep connections with one another, with the congregation and with the sacred. An all congregation workshop is scheduled for this fall and new groups will be formed for the coming year.  Please contact the minister if you are interested in facilitating or joining one of these groups.  Our current groups are listed below.

• Men’s Listening Group – Facilitators:  Dan Brill – (203 343-4757 – danielbrill@me.com)   John Porter – 203 858-8618 – johntporter3@att.net
  THEMES vary and are often recommended by group members: Passion, Joy, Letting Go, Acts of Kindness, Family, Retirement, Inspiration, Patience, Heroes, Beauty. Patriarchy, The Narrative, Failure, Resentments and Amendments
  Format: 3 Parts: Check in, Individual Sharing with group listening, Brief Discussion
  Schedule:  Perpetual meetings every two weeks on Sundays, from 9:00 AM to 10:20 AM
• SAT Listening Circle  (The Suzanne-Alice Team)  Facilitators:  Suzanne Carlson, shcarlson1153@gmail.com, 203-675-1172, and, Alice Fleming, fleming.alice@gmail.com, 203-208-1938
  THEME:  INSIGHT –  Reflection on moments and meaning of the concept of insight.
  Format: 3 Parts: Check in, Individual Sharing with group listening, Brief Discussion.
  Schedule: (6 weeks):  Wednesday afternoons –  April 3 through May 8, 2-4:00 pm at SUUS