Chalice Circle Groups is the overarching name for all UUSO activities in which members and friends gather for sessions on spiritual exploration, book discussions, social justice initiatives, volunteer opportunities, as well as special interest activities such as music, art, poetry, and body movement.
SOUL MATTERS
Soul Matters is a theme-based small group ministry program that provides monthly spiritual resources for worship, religious exploration, and personal reflection, focusing on core spiritual values such as belonging, resilience, and presence to foster deep listening, community, and spiritual growth for all ages.
Each Soul Matters Sharing Circle session has a theme and follows a facilitated semi-structured format that provides the opportunity to explore facets of spirituality with an individual’s personal truths, while honoring and respecting the truth of others’ lives. Small groups are great places to get to know other people and to get to know ourselves. Over time, participants build deep connections with one another, the congregation, and our Unitarian Universalist values.
This year the schedule for Soul Matters Sharing Circles will be made up of two groups that will meet at noon on the second or last Sunday each month in the 10 Ford living room for a 1-and-½ hour session. The program runs through June. Depending on interest, a third group may be formed to begin in January 2027.
Don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to explore your spirituality and place in our beloved UUSO community. If you have any questions, please contact connections@uuso.org
SOCIAL ACTION TEAM ANNUAL COMMON READ
Each year, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Common Read invites congregations into shared reflection, learning, and action through a common book and accompanying resources. The book subjects incorporate social justice themes and suggested activities for congregations to engage in. The Social Action Team coordinates discussions and activities around the book theme.
The 2026-2027 book is “Love at the Center: Unitarian Universalist Theologies,” edited by our Association’s President, Rev Dr Sofia Betancourt.
STORIES WITH SOUL
Stories with Soul is a monthly gathering of members and friends who listen to a reading of a short story and then take part in a facilitated discussion. The short stories selected will are curated by the UUSO’s Librarian, Deb Bruce, who will also welcome story suggestions. The range of stories will include comedies, dramas, mysteries, with some having a “soulful” message. Those with a flair for dramatic reading or public speaking may volunteer to be the story reader for a session.
The group meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the living room of 10 Ford Avenue. The sessions are limited to 10 participants. Those interested can sign up during Coffee Hour on the two Sundays before the gathering with an announcement of the story for that session. For more information email connections@uuso.org.
Future Chalice Circle plans include, poetry reading events, exploration of specific religions and philosophies.