Join our Circle of Sharing
Would you like to connect more deeply with others in our community? Would you like to explore important Unitarian Universalist values in a supportive, nonjudgmental small group setting? Would you like to have the opportunity for personal growth by sharing your truth and listening to the truths of others? If so, the Adult Religious Education Team invites you to participate in our monthly Sharing Circle program. Our small group get-togethers will generally take place on the 3rd Sunday of the month from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM in the Merritt Lounge. Note that September’s session will be on the 4th Sunday, September 22nd. This year the program will use the 2024-2025 Soul Matters Small Group materials. Here are the monthly themes we'll be exploring the practice of:
A note from the Soul Matters team on this year’s overarching frame: The Practices of Our Faith.
We’re using this frame to focus on how Unitarian Universalism is a lived faith that inspires us to act out our values in the world. Or to put it another way, we’re diving into our long-loved UU commitment to “deeds not creeds.” So, for instance, when we explore October’s theme, we are not just asking ourselves, “How do I define deep listening?”; it is “How is life/my inner wisdom/God calling me to weave practices of deep listening into my daily living and loving?”
Our overarching frame is also a way for us to connect to our new UU core value of Liberating Love, with each of our monthly themes framed as a practice that helps us embody liberating love in our daily lives. So, for instance, our October theme is not really just “the practice of deep listening”; it is “How can the practice of deep listening help me embody liberating love?” or “How is deep listening a practice of liberating love?”
Preregistration will not be required for any session, but RSVPs will be appreciated. Participants should engage in the materials beforehand, including one of the spiritual exercises. Monthly materials can be downloaded from the Members Area on the church website: https://www.firstuuomaha.org/members-area
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What happens in a Sharing Circle monthly gathering?
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Chalice lighting and a short reading or piece of music.
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Brief check-in. Members briefly share what is happening “beneath the surface” for them. Typically, it takes no more than 20 minutes.
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Facilitated discussion inspired by the monthly participant packet (readings, questions for reflection, and suggested spiritual exercises)
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Check-out. An opportunity to briefly share reactions to the meeting.
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Closing words or music.​
