Perhaps you’re new to our fellowship, or perhaps you’ve been around for years.
Either way—have you thought about joining a chalice circle?
A Chalice circle provides:
- An opportunity to listen and be heard in a more intimate, smaller group setting (usually 6-10 participants).
- A place to express our feelings on topics designed to help us discover more about ourselves–what really matters in our lives.
- A place where we can arrive in any state we’re in—angry, sad, anxious, elated—we come to the table as we are and know we will be welcomed.
- It’s a space for reflection, for sharing without interruption, advice or judgment.
Being part of a chalice circle adds a dimension to our lives available no where else. We welcome you to join us.
For more information, reach out to: chalicecircles@uucorvallis.org
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: What exactly is a “chalice circle”?
A: A chalice circle is a small group (6-10 participants) that gathers regularly to engage in deepening our connections to each other and ourselves via heartfelt conversation guided with meaningful topics.
The format of the sessions are set to allow brief time for check-ins, a few short readings and guided questions related to the topic with the majority of time reserved for reflections and sharing.
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Q: What is a sampler series?
A: The sampler series is usually offered once or twice a year. It is a taste of the chalice circle experience in a shorter amount of time. Participants meet weekly for 3-4 weeks and each session is run similar to what a regular chalice group session would be like. The differences are that 1) participants are not required to attend past the initial 3 sessions; and 2) sessions are facilitated by one of the chalice circle organizers.
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Q: Do groups meet in person or via Zoom?
A: As of April 2023, new groups will meet in person. However there are several pre-existing groups that meet via Zoom. If you’re only interested in meeting online, please contact us and we can connect you to a Zoom circle.
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Q: How often do groups meet?
A: The sampler series groups meet weekly, as a way to get immersed in chalice circles. There is a 4th session for groups to transition to continuing to meet, if they so choose. After that, groups regularly meet twice a month (such as 1st and 3rd Wednesdays), but a few existing groups meet only once a month.
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Q: How long do groups last?
A: That depends on you and your group. There are some pre-existing groups that have been meeting for years! However, the intention of chalice circles now is to create stronger connections between more members of this community. To that end, each phase is intended to run for 8-12 months. At the end of that time, participants are welcome to leave their group and join another in the next launch (usually fall or winter). However groups that don’t want to separate are welcome to continue if they would like.
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Q: Who runs the group?
A: The sampler series is facilitated by experienced hosts. Groups that continue to meet after the sampler series ends will become self-managed with participants taking turns hosting. But don’t worry! There is lots of help and support to aid everyone in this process.
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Q: What kinds of topics are discussed?
A: Topics range from emotions/feelings (Anger, Joy, Wonder) to things that appear in our lives (Nature, Friendships, Family), and to ideas that grow us a human beings (Values, Community, Spirituality). There are hundreds of Topic Docs that have already been created and are easily accessed online. You can view a sampling of these here:
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Q: What do I have to commit to?
A:
Chalice circles are most successful when each person comes willing to show up on a regular basis to share openly and listen deeply. Given that the sampler series is so short, it’s important that you attend all the sampler sessions. Of course grace is given when life has other plans, but the intention is that you’re willing to prioritize chalice circles into your life, at least for 4 weeks. 🙂
If you find the experience brings value to your life, you’ll have the opportunity to continue to meet on a twice monthly basis for 8-12 months.
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Q: How do I join a group?
A: Yay! We’re so thrilled that you’re willing to explore this offering. There are a few ways you can join:
- The easiest is to fill out our online Google Form.
- If you’d prefer to have someone to talk to, you may contact our team member Nancy Sowdon (541-760-2405).
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