The Small Group Ministry (SGM) program at First Universalist of Rochester is designed to foster connections, to provide an avenue for personal growth and spiritual development in a small setting and, ultimately, to strengthen the fabric of our community.

Groups of 4 to 8 participants and a trained facilitator meet on a regular basis, usually in the home of the facilitator, for about two hours per session.

A session contains many of the elements of a Sunday service. There are opening words, a time for silence, chalice lighting, check-in (Joys and Concerns with a little more time to share), and closing words. Instead of a sermon, the facilitator introduces a discussion on a particular topic for the session.

Friendship, The Challenge of Change, Trust, How I Would Like to be Remembered, Receiving Gifts, Pets – these are some of the topics that have been discussed in our “traditional” small groups. Themed small groups focus on a particular aspect or area of interest such as Personal Growth through Writing, The Seven Principles of Unitarian Universalism or Big Questions.

The Small Group Ministry program is open to anyone who wishes to participate – long-time members, new members, those who are considering membership, and friends of First Universalist of Rochester.

All that is required is that participants sign up in advance and commit to attending the full series of sessions. More information can be found on the bulletin board in our church’s Clara Barton Lounge and on our SGM FAQ page. Sign-up sheets are located in our Clara Barton Lounge.