As the Fellowship grows, we’re striving to build a Community of Communities – one wider community that is made up of many smaller communities.

Some of our communities are organized around shared experiences, interests or identities – some are not! This structure also allows us to foster and support many different cultural realities (along theology/cosmology, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, race, ethnicity, ability and more), while being together at UUFWS.

The framing of this Community of Communities concept comes from Unitarian Universalist leader Paula Cole Jones. To learn more:

• Watch this 6 minute video from Paula Cole Jones on A Community of Communities
• Watch Jones’ hour-long, in depth-explanation of this model for the 2019 Sophia Fahs Lecture at General Assembly
• Listen to Rev. Kayla’s sermon on Community of Communities or watch it on YouTube

Here are some of the ways you might seek and find your community within the greater community:

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY

Small Group Ministry is a program that deepens relationships amongst members and interested people who are not currently members. These groups typically gather monthly around a UU values-based theme or resource/book. Small groups are covenantal, confidential, closed, and committed. Groups are typically formed or expanded in September/October of each program year, and some groups form and add participants based on facilitator availability and interest throughout the year. Email caron@uufws.org with specific questions about leading or joining a group. Additional details are below. Email sgm@uufws.org with questions.

Small Groups Are Covenantal
Our faith is based on relationships that encourage a search for truth and meaning. Small groups strengthen our relationships by promoting listening, sharing, caring and deep connection.

The first task of the group is to create a covenant. A covenant is not a rule or contract, but rather a statement of promises we make to each other about how we will relate to each other. Our entire Fellowship operates within a covenant that we often reaffirm during Sunday services.

A small group covenant typically includes statements such as:

• Speak for yourself using I statements
• Listen with an open heart without thinking about what you will say next
• Monitor the length and frequency of your participation so everyone has a time to speak
• Contact the facilitator ahead of time if you are unable to attend.

Naturally, there are times for all of us when we do not live up to our highest aspirations. When that occurs, group members will point out when the covenant is broken and gently call the group back IN to the promises that were made.

Small Groups Are Confidential
One of the most important parts of the covenant is confidentiality. Whatever is discussed in a group session stays in the group. Firm adherence to maintaining confidentiality provides a safe space for members to share and explore their true selves.

Small Groups Are Closed
Groups have about eight members and one or two trained facilitators. Most groups meet once a month, usually for an hour and a half. Typically, members sign up to join groups at the beginning of each program year (Sept/Oct), then the group meets monthly through June. Some groups continue to meet though the summer. Participants are asked for a commitment to one program year. There is the option for individual group members to continue with the group for another year. A few of our groups have existed for several years.

Groups at UUFWS do not follow identical content. In some groups, facilitators and participants choose topics together. Some groups follow a book or a Worship Theme, Some are designed for a specific identity group.

Small Groups Are Committed
Small groups function best when all members attend regularly. Of course, we understand that family needs, illness, etc occur in our lives, but members who sign up for SGM should plan to attend monthly meetings regularly. This builds trust based on shared experiences.

When you commit to joining a small group, you commit to sharing yourself at your own level of comfort. The purpose of SGM is not to give advice, fix problems, or offer counseling. What you gain from belonging to a group is the gift of being heard and encouraged in your own search for truth and meaning.

To express interest in Small Group Ministry, email caron@uufws.org. Current openings are listed HERE. Sign up now if one appeals to you!