Chalice Circles
Small Group Ministry at TUUC
What are Chalice Circles?
Chalice Circles are a network of small groups consisting of six to ten people that meet twice monthly. Circles help people to get to know each other on a deeper level and encourage the development of a richer spirituality through deep and open discussion of chosen topics.
What happens at a Chalice Circle meeting?
Circles consist of six to ten people who meet twice monthly for an hour and a half at TUUC. A typical meeting follows this pattern:
- Opening words on a given theme.
- Check-in: a time for members to share significant joys or sorrows since their last meeting, and to share what they leave behind to be fully present for the session.
- Reading on a given theme.
- Questions for individuals to explore. During this time, each member of the group is invited to share his or her response as he or she feels comfortable. Other members listen, respectfully and deeply.
- Closing check-out: participants share a word or phrase about how each felt about the session
- Closing words related to the session’s theme
Each group is led by two co-facilitators, who make sure the session begins and ends on time. After the closing words, some groups make time to socialize further. Circles are also encouraged to choose a service project, as a way to benefit the church or the greater community.
When are the meetings and where are they held?
Each Circle meets from 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm two times per month at TUUC. Meetings occur on the Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays of the first and third full weeks of month between Sept. 20 and May. Other sessions can be added if there is enough interest.
Another discussion group meets monthly at the Oak Crest music room in Village Square. This group welcomes newcomers and meets the second Saturday of each month at 1:30 pm between October and June. Please contact Alan Thorn for more information about this group.
How do I join a Chalice Circle?
Email chalicecircles@towsonuuc.org telling us you’d like to join and indicating which evening works for you.
Contact us
Feel free to contact us if you have questions!
Email us at chalicecircles@towsonuuc.org