The Small Group Ministry, more commonly known as simply “CVUU Small Groups,” can deepen and broaden your connection with other CVUUs, as well as your own personal spiritual growth. A group usually consists of 5-10 members who meet once each month. Each group or meeting is focused on a specific theme or topic and has a facilitator who guides the group and helps keep them on track. The goals of Small Groups are to:

• Listen and be listened to in a safe place
• Learn about the mysteries of our world and our spiritual (or earthly) paths
• Build new and deeper personal connections
• Serve our community and the needs of one another
• Maintain personal connections and a caring community

Which Small Groups are available, and how can you join a group?

All of these small groups are open to accepting new members. Contact the office for contact details.

• Buddhist Path
  • Meets every Thursday at 6:30 pm
  • Gathers at the CVUU to discuss Buddhist topics and meditate together as a group
• CVUU Readers (currently on a break for the summer)
  • Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm
  • Gathers on Zoom to informally discuss books and share reading recommendations with one another
• Knots of Love Small Group
  • Meets on the third Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm
  • Gathers at the CVUU to work on knit or crochet hats to donate to Knots of Love
• Movie Discussion Small Group
  • Meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 6:30 pm
  • Gathers (currently on Zoom) to discuss a movie the members view in advance
• Nature Lovers’ Small Group
  • Meets on the 1st Saturday of the month at 1:00 pm
  • Meets in a different nature area each month to enjoy each other’s company as we enjoy nature, responsibly distanced
• Reproductive Justice Small Group
  • Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm
  • Meets on Zoom to share actions they can take, individually and collectively, to further reproductive justice

Small Groups Not Meeting Regularly

The groups listed below are taking a break, or are not meeting regularly. Watch our upcoming newsletters or Weekly Update emails to learn if/when these groups have meetings!

• Cards and Games Small Group
  • Meets in members’ homes for cards or board games
• Food Values Small Group
  • Discusses ethics and traditions related to food production and shares a meal together
• Labyrinth Small Group
  • Learns about labyrinths, visits local labyrinths as a group
• Mindfulness Meditation
  • Gathers to practice mindfulness meditation together and engage in a brief discussion

What is expected of members?

Group members are expected to commit to regular meeting times and to practice deep listening. Deep listening is a way of focusing intently on what another person is saying without interruption or simultaneously formulating a response. Deep listening also gives an individual an opportunity to speak without interruption or comment.

What are Small Group sessions like?

Different groups may follow different formats — some will have a less formal structure, while others may follow the following format, recommended by the UUA for small group meetings:

• Opening Words: Gathering in, settling down, reminding participants of the special opportunity of the gathering, possibly reflecting the topic of the session. The meeting may begin with the lighting of a candle or a chalice.
• Check-In: Participants share news of what has been happening in their lives. Each group develops its own customs as to the length of sharing. This portion of the meeting may expand from time to time when circumstances call for it.
• Topic/Discussion: A paragraph or two lays out a topic and presents questions that will elicit thoughtful discussion and significant reflection. A group may stay with a topic several weeks or be done in one evening.
• Check-Out: Likes and Wishes: This is an opportunity for feedback.
• Closing Words: This brings the formal session to and end. Groups are encouraged to start and end on time.

What about groups that are larger than 10 people?

For information about groups that are potentially larger than 10 people and/or are not considered to be CVUU Small Groups, see our Large Groups page.