Chalice Circles Thrive

By Jacquelyn Westwood

Way back in 2004 an idea to foster small group ministry was hatched by new KUUF minister Rev. Liz Stevens and a small group of interested and active members, including Diane Haas, Claire Favro, Susan Dearth and Diane Hudnall.

This early luncheon meeting led to three training sessions in the spring of 2005, those who took part became the first ‘class’ of facilitators, and KUUF Chalice Circles were launched.

“In 2005-2006, sessions were loosely based on Common Fire. Things went well, but one of the 'lessons learned' was that a stronger connection between sermons and/or readings and the sessions would be good,” says Rev. Liz.

”In 2006-2007, we answered ‘Ten Eternal Questions,’ in 2007-2008, we did anti-racism, anti-oppression work, in 2008-2009, we dived deeper into KUUF's unison affirmation, and this year—2009-2010—we are working with Gordon Kimmich Beach's Questions for the Religious Journey,” she explains.

We currently have ten Chalice Circles (CC), and several of the 'first crop' of facilitators are still leading their groups. Diane Hudnall, Claire, Susan, Heidi Hoke, Selene Patterson, and Marcia Christen all were facilitators at the very first 'kick off' Sunday in 2005.

One of the covenants agreed upon by all CC participants is that a group always is open to new members, and when a group reaches 12 members, it splits into two groups. In addition, all CCs engage in at least one service project each year, which have included cooking for homeless men at Benedict House, starting KUUF’s Farmer’s Market as well as donating both time and produce to keep it running. Plus, assisting with Nancy Jo’s Garden and providing plant starts in the spring...and that’s just the beginning.

Several CC facilitators and participants share their feelings about their experiences: According to Sally Murphy, “we are called the ‘Energizer Bunny Chalice Circle,’ as we meet all 12 months of each year, and our service project takes place every month. In conjunction with South Colby Methodist Church we prepare and serve a meal to all who want to attend. We have done this for four years now ...a departure from a one shot deal.”

Diane Hudnall points out, “One of the best things that happens in our Chalice Circle is the ‘instant’ integration of new members. People new to the Fellowship or just new to the circle become valued participants in our discussions.”

Nancy Sennett echoes this sentiment when she claims, “The Chalice Circle has meant so much to me since I came here just over a year ago. I have gotten to know women in the group better than I could have any other way, and being new here, it has helped me make friends quickly.”

“Recently I took the training to be a CC leader and gained a better understanding of the part they play in the life of the church. I love the topics we discuss, and

getting them in advance via e-mail gives me time to think about them so when CC day arrives, I have some thoughts to share,” adds Nancy.

“A personal invite is really wonderful to someone new to KUUF,” states Teri Looney. “Thanks to Ginny Sugimoto, I was fortunate to receive an invitation soon after I started attending KUUF in 2008. If Ginny had not asked me to join, I may not have been aware of CCs until the fall, when signups are actively encouraged.”

“Although I was initially disconcerted when my original CC had to split, it has worked out well, and I can see the wisdom of splitting in order to always be able to welcome new members, and to keep groups small enough to get into the questions.”

“What I really like about CCs are the surprises that come with each of us trying to get a handle on the questions Rev. Liz poses to us. At times I'll think I know just about what someone might say, and he or she will knock me for a complete loop! This is wonderful because it makes me realize that I certainly haven't figured everything out. Our CC discussions, stimulated by Rev. Liz's sermons, readings and questions, keep me open to other possibilities. The journey is not over!” Teri concludes.

Marcia Christen, long time facilitator, relates what CCs mean to her when she tells us, “For the past five years CCs have meant so much to my spiritual and personal journey. It’s the best way for me to connect to others who have similar beliefs, though we don’t have to have the same beliefs. I’ve learned so much from those I’ve gotten to know through CCs, and their wisdom is invaluable. I’m challenged by the deep questions, and have a chance to think and grow in ways I would not have done outside this group.”

“I love knowing there are others contemplating deep questions who believe in UU principals as I do. I also really enjoy the ‘check in’ part of meetings when we share parts of our lives. I always find something I can relate to and learn from, plus I can connect better when I come to church services because I feel closer to people through these groups. I can't imagine my life without them,” she states.

Sign-up sheets to join any of KUUF’s ten CCs can be found in the lobby.