What is a Chalice Circle?

A Chalice Circle is a consistent small group which meets twice a month (from mid October to mid May) in a topic-driven conversation guided by a trained facilitator.

It is an opportunity to connect more closely with others in our growing congregation. We will explore our values and ideas of spirituality in an intimate setting, get to know each other, and make a difference together through a service project for the congregation or the larger community.

A Chalice Circle is a small community for deepening connections with others by sharing and hearing personal explorations of meaningful questions in a structured setting. A Chalice Circle is not a study group, committee, therapy group, debate society, discussion group, or interest group.

By creating an open, supportive, and nurturing environment, Chalice Circles promote and facilitate spiritual growth, introspection and sharing with one another, thereby providing a quality of connection and self-exploration which most people long for.

• Chalice Circles Brochure [.pdf; Sep 2012]
• Registration Form: 2012-2013 [.pdf; Sep 2012]

What are the Purposes of Chalice Circles?

• Develop and articulate our personal beliefs and values
• Explore spiritual questions and share personal experiences
• Listen to each other with open minds and open hearts in an environment of trust and intimacy
• Deepen connections with other RVUUF members
• Create a “congregation wide” experience as other Chalice Circles engage the same questions
• Feel fulfilled by doing a service project in our community
• Participate in a Unitarian Universalist denomination-wide movement

How do Chalice Circles work?

• Chalice Circles are open to all members and supporters of RVUUF
• The groups will be 6-9 people including a trained facilitator
• Groups are open to new members during the year; if a group grows to more than 9 then it splits to form a new group
• Topics will be drawn from worship themes, seasonal inspiration, and the “Big Questions” with specific readings and questions chosen and written by Rev. Leslie and a small team
• Rev. Leslie facilitates the facilitators circle and provides them with training once a month
• Groups meet twice a month on a set schedule for 1.5 or 2 hours (based on group decision)
• Each group agrees to a covenant of participation
• Chalice Circles meet for a term of 7 months Oct 15-May 15
• The groups re-form each term to help make connections with more people over time
• Each group does a service project for the church or the largerRogue Valley community

Why might I make this commitment of time?

• To have deep and meaningful connections with other adults
• To be known more deeply in a trusting and respectful atmosphere
• To explore and ponder some deeper issues of life
• To discover and speak what is really true for me
• To share conversation and service activity with others

Where and when do Chalice Circles meet?

• The registration form offers options of days/times to meet. Please select as many as would work for you to maximize the possibility of matching you with a group.
• Based on the number of participants available at the different day/time slots, the final meeting times will be chosen and groups will be formed.
• Groups meet in people’s homes and in the Emerson House next door to RVUUF.
• We hope for groups in Ashland, Talent/Phoenix, and Medford. Please consider hosting (provide only space, no food).

How do I Join a Chalice Circle?

• Complete a registration form and turn into office
• DEADLINE to apply is SEPTEMBER 24, 2012
• New members may start to join existing groups in January 2013