We expect groups to be actively connected with the congregation. In fact, one of the frequently heard concerns is that groups will become isolated. As that happens, we are likely to hear phrases like, "My group is just perfect. We don't need to meet with others. Everything is fine."

Now look at the programmatic level. One of the most frequently heard questions or concerns at the GA booth and in general communications between the Network and congregations is how to keep programs going long term--how to keep the energy. And we also hear congregational representatives say that things are going just fine, and there are no problems, there is no need to connect with others. Maybe both of these perspectives are indications of isolation.

Small Group Ministry is about connections - deeper connections within a small group AND broader connections with the larger community. The broader connections, the engaging with someone or a group beyond ourselves, keeps the group and the program fresh. This is also part of the imagery of the empty chair used by Bob Hill - there is someone, something beyond the present setting waiting to participate. Engage the broader connection.

I am pleased with the efforts going on within many districts to bring training in small group ministry to congregations and to facilitate sharing between congregations. Let us hear about efforts in your district.

The Small Group Ministry Institute is another wonderful place to broaden perspectives and celebrate what is going well; it is also a place to shape this UU ministry. The Institute is for all levels of involvement and experience with small group ministry. Sharing diverse perspectives, options, practices, successes, challenges and issues has allowed for the evolution of small group ministry in a truly Unitarian Universalist fashion. This year at the Institute, we will also begin to discuss how we can all work with our own districts and regions to provide support to congregations doing small group ministry and enhance opportunities for sharing.

Bring YOUR voice, YOUR experiences, YOUR successes, and YOUR challenges to the Institute this Summer. There is still time to register. Join others who have already registered from California, Oregon, Indiana, Louisiana, and Maine. www.smallgroupministry.net

See Events for Details and Registration Information.

JOIN THE SMALL GROUP MINISTRY SUMMER INSTITUTE
August 30-September 2, 2011
Camp deBenneville Pines, Angelus Oaks, CA
Flier and Registration Information
NEW INFORMATION FOR THIS INSTITUTE

We want to share new information about the Small Group Ministry Institute at deBenneville Pines August 30-Sept.2.

The UU Small Group Ministry Network received a grant from the Fund for Unitarian Universalism that allows us to lower the basic registration from $350 as originally publicized to $300, with discounts for
1. Early registration, and we have extended the date from July 1 to July 22;
2. Network membership either individually or through your congregation.

The Flier and Registration Forms reflect these changes. (If you have already registered, adjustment will be made.)

We are offering new focuses this year, in addition to the ongoing basic and evolving Small Group Ministry workshop and group sessions and facilitator training:
--Field Testing of modules on many aspects of Small Group Ministry programming that can be taken back to congregations or used in clusters and regions.
--Consideration of Small Group Ministry With All Ages, including using the new publication by that same name from the Network.
--Discussion of what is needed in Small Group Ministry to enhance the Justice GA planned for Phoenix 2012.

We would like to have congregations from all stages of using Small Group Ministry: considering and exploring, having a program, needing to re-envision a program, having let a program go. We rely so much on all 'voices'.

We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you at the Institute.

Rev. Helen Zidowecki, Institute Coordinator

NETWORK ONLINE      www.smallgroupministry.net
The source for session plans, networking opportunities, Small Group Ministry resources, news of events and workshops, membership renewal forms, and back issues of Covenant Group News and the SGM Quarterly.

For information on training opportunities see the Event Announcements

Order forms available from http://www.smallgroupministry.net

NEW! Small Group Ministry with All Ages, June 2011
Imagine a congregation where all ages are talking together. From its firm foundation in adult programming, Small Group Ministry is evolving to become an inclusive opportunity for all ages to connect, listen, reflect, and learn with each other. This publication explores small group ministry by age group and with mixed ages and presents ways for covenant groups to become an integral part of the momentum toward multigenerational congregations. Includes implementation strategies, session plan development, and sessions for single and multi-age groups.

NOW ON CD! Spiritual Journeys: 101 Session Plans for Small Group Ministry Programs
This exciting new book offers a wide range of original, ready-to-use sessions covering Spiritual Journeying, Personal Beliefs and Values, Spiritual Challenges, Holidays, Just for Fun, Being Human, and Special Use subjects for events that affect our lives. Themes are drawn from art, literature, UU liturgy and hymnals, current events, and religious scriptures.

Small Group Ministry 2010: Celebrating Congregations
The 2010 compilation celebrates the work of over 100 congregations that have contributed to the UU Small Group Ministry movement since 2004. There are profiles of contributing congregations, including when and how their program started, how many groups and participants they have, and their unique challenges and success stories.

To order any of the above publications or to get a list of all our publications:
http://www.smallgroupministry.net/forsale.html.

The UU Small Group Ministry Network is a grassroots organization of Unitarian Universalist congregations, ministers, small group ministry/covenant group leaders and participants.

Our mission is to help create healthy Unitarian Universalist congregations and a vital Unitarian Universalist movement by promoting and supporting Small Group Ministry.

The purpose of the Network is "to support small group ministry and related shared ministry models in Unitarian Universalist congregations through developing new resources, networking, and training opportunities."

In addition to the SGM Quarterly journal for members and the free, online Covenant Group News, we publish new resources for program coordinators and facilitators, sponsor a consultation booth and SGM workshops at General Assembly, offer a week-long SGM Summer Institute, help local leaders plan regional SGM conferences, and give workshops in congregations and districts across the nation.

The UU SGM Network is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization supported solely by congregational and individual memberships, donations and publication sales revenue. Network Board members donate their time and personal resources to spread the good news of small group ministry.