Growing Our Spirituality Together

A sermon delivered at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Blacksburg, VA), May 10, 2009, by the Reverend Christine Brownlie.

We gather in this place every Sunday, seeking and hoping that something will happen in the time we spend here. Many of us are hoping that this something will touch us and change us in some way. We may come with the hope that the sermon will give us some insight about a difficulty that we struggle with, or that we’ll be reassured that we are not the only ones who face a particular problem. We might come looking for a new insight into an issue that concerns us, or something to lift our spirits after a trying week. We may be looking for others who share our values and our take on what life is all about.

As one Unitarian theologian put it, we come looking for meaning or ultimacy, belonging or intimacy. But it doesn’t always happen for us. Something doesn’t quite gel, and we leave feeling disappointed — even sad. Some never return. Some of us keep showing up and try to figure out how to make the culture, the routines, and even the personalities of this Congregation work for us. But some of us still feel that something is missing and we long for something more

This morning I’d like to offer you a possible cure for the “something’s missing” blues: becoming involved with one of the small groups that are a part of our Adult Enrichment offerings.

Our Congregation has a variety of small groups, and we have the potential for several more. Some of these groups have been meeting for seven or eight years. Others are just a couple of years old. These groups are varied in their scope and purpose, and each has its own unique character. You can learn more about the groups by going to our Adult Enrichment Web page. On that page you’ll see three links. The first is a link to an article that explains the small group ministry concept. The second link will take you to a lpage with descriptions of the current covenant groups at the UUC. The third link is to a page with descriptions of other small groups that our Congregation sponsors.

If you are relatively new to our Congregation, you may well be wondering what a “covenant group” is. This is one model of small group ministry, and it’s used by many UU congregations. These groups generally have 8–10 members, with the expectation that the group will split into two when it gets to 12–14 members. Our covenant groups typically meet twice a month, but in other congregations the groups may meet just once a month. It’s really up to the members of the group. The members of the group agree on a behavioral covenant, and they agree to perform at least one service to perform for the Congregation. As an example, for a couple of years, our groups took turns hosting potlucks. The members of the group select topics for discussion or activities (ranging from hikes to going to a movie to cooking and sharing a meal) for each session and these can be from the most philosophical to the most mundane. The group sessions open and close with readings from a UU author or a source like our hymnal or a meditation manual. Groups are convened by a facilitator, and in some congregations the facilitators meet with the minister for their own “c-group” meeting.

But not all of our groups are covenant groups. Some are based on shared interests such as the knitters group. Another group is called “The Sages” and is comprised of people over 60. The group called WomenSpirit was started by women who wanted to explore earth-based spirituality and to create and share rituals. The Women’s Breakfast groups is comprised of women who like to get up early and gather for friendship and discussion of anything we happen to have on our minds. A new group for men has been launched. Some people find their need for connection and shared activities to be met by joining a committee where they can share their passion for some area of the congregation’s life or our way of the spirit.

After looking at this information you may want to join a group that is already up and running. You may have an idea for a new group and be wondering how to get it started. In either case, please be in touch with Rev. Chris Brownlie < minister@uucnrv.org > or Lisa Evanylo, our Administrator < administrator@uucnrv.org >

Small groups are a great way to meet people who share your interests or who can offer support and personal wisdom about the life issues that you may be facing. But best of all, they are a gateway into our beloved community and a deeper understanding of our way of the spirit.