Small Group Ministry at Countryside Church Unitarian Universalist (CCUU) is all about making connections with others.
If you are interested in joining Soul Matters, please register here. Groups form in September ~ please register by August 15. There may be some opportunity for people to join mid-year. Fill out the registration form and someone will be in touch.
If you are unfamiliar with Soul Matters, detailed information is included below.
In the Soul Matters groups, we follow the monthly themes, using materials from Soul Matters Sharing Circle, a collaborative of UU churches sharing themed ministry materials. There are readings and a variety of optional spiritual exercises to help you delve into the monthly topics.
In 2025-26, in addition to the core small group curriculum, we will offer Creativity Matters, a small group option in which the monthly themes, are expressed creatively. If you have a desire to add an art form or more to your spiritual practices this is for you! It is intended for adults and youth. All projects are designed for everyone – no technical expertise or honed artistic skill required!
For me, I have really come to appreciate each of the small Soul Matters groups that I’ve been part of for the past 4 years. It has been an opportunity to reflect deeply on a variety of important issues, allow my own experiences to resonate with the topics, and to listen and learn from others as they reflect on the topics through the lenses of their own experience. It is interesting to me how each of us participants will often evolve our perspectives on self, others, and life through the process of speaking honestly and hearing honest thoughts spoken.
Who
Facilitated small groups made up of adult newcomers, friends, & members of the church
Adults and Youth of all genders are encouraged to join.
Each group’s membership remains constant throughout the church year, September thru’ June
Typically, there are 3-4 individual groups meeting on a monthly basis.
What
Soul Matters group members gather monthly to share their stories, thoughts, feelings, and perspectives on a given topic. All Soul Matters groups in the church explore the same topic during a given month. This allows for continuity of experience across our congregation.
What are the attendance expectations for Soul Matters?
You are committing to one regularly scheduled meeting per month of the ministry theme year (September through June).
When
Each Soul Matters group gathers once a month, September through June, for approximately 2 hours on a regular day and time. Space permitting, you can sign up for the day and time that works best for you.
Where
Sessions may meet online or in person, depending on the wishes of the group.
How
Three or four weeks before each monthly gathering, participants receive a packet of short readings and a variety of optional spiritual exercises to help us delve into our monthly topics.
Why
To strengthen each of us on a personal level, enrich our discussions as a group, and bring more focused spiritual development to the group experience, as well as to nurture the building of relationships and community.
Soul Matters is:
- Sacred time and space for relationship-building
- A commitment to the group through consistent attendance
- A commitment to the process through sharing and listening
- Participatory and encouraging
- Compassionate
- Accepting
- Non-judgmental
- Safe – members share at a level and pace with which they are comfortable
- Confidential
Soul Matters are not:
- “Drop-in” groups
- Therapy, support, or problem-solving groups
- A place to give or get advice
- A venue for debate or controversial discussion
What are the attendance expectations for Soul Matters?
You are committing to one meeting per month for 10 months. It is very important to make a serious commitment and attend your group on a consistent, monthly basis. In this way, you and all members of your group receive greatest continuity and benefit from participating. When you miss a meeting, everyone misses out! If you absolutely must be absent from a meeting, you are expected to contact your facilitator in advance.
May I “drop in” to any group or move between groups?
Once each group’s membership is determined, it remains set through the church year. This is a critical element in the building of relationships and the development of trust within the group.
May a person start mid-year?
Ideally, each Soul Matters group is formed prior to September, then meets once per month for each of the 10 months of the church year in alignment with the monthly ministry themes (Sept-June). Late-start/mid-year groups are possible depending on other individuals also being available to join the same late-start group. Rarely will late-start participants be added to existing groups because doing so disrupts the continuity and relationship of the existing group.
Is there a cost to participate in Soul Matters?
There is no cost to participate in the Soul Matters program. Material is provided either electronically or by print.
May I be in the same group with my partner or other family member?
In the past, we have had groups with multiple family members, as well as family members who intentionally chose separate groups. It is primarily a matter of personal preference.
What if I don’t get along with one of my facilitators or group members?
Soul Matters groups represent a learning process and an opportunity to “stretch” for everyone involved. We are all at different “places” as we come to the program. Soul Matters is a chance to practice openness and understanding, growing and “muddling through” with each other’s help.
When and how does group restructuring occur?
Group participation may “roll forward” to the next church year or may restructure during the months of July and August. In either case, church staff will coordinate and approve of the effort.
Tell me more about the service component of Soul Matters.
Each group is encouraged to choose and perform one service project per year, within the church or in the broader community (e.g. serve as a Sunday hospitality team, help out with Time & Talent Auction or Music with a Mission, volunteer with one of CCUU’s service partners, hand-pack meals for malnourished children). It’s an opportunity to make a contribution together and balance the inward focus of the group with outward connections. It’s also a way to strengthen bonds among group members, to get to know each other in a different way, and to have fun!
