Tahoma Unitarian Universalist Congregation

We are pleased to present a new program of small group ministry called "Chalice Circles".

We already have athriving covenant group ministry program here at TUUC and these groups will continue to meet as usual. The Chalice Circle program is a program in addition to the existing groups and is not intended to replace them.

The Chalice Circle program is being presented to us by Rev. Hanson, so we can learn from her years of experience with this.

Chalice Circles are closed ended, which means the group meets once or twice per month from Sept-June and then disbands forever. New groups can be formed each church year beginning in September.

Groups will be based on night of the week availability. Friends and Spouses are encouraged to join different groups.

Intention: Toward the purpose of building a healthy, dynamic religious community, Chalice Circles are intended to:

• Foster opportunities for the thoughtful communication and careful listening among participants.
• Form new friendships with people we might not know as well.
• Build participants' capacity to hear different experiences and diverse opinions about spiritual and ethical concerns with respect and appreciation.
• Reaffirm member commitment to the larger congregation through group service and through expanded friendships.
• Create a vehicle for meaningful connections and integration for newer members with longer-term members.
• Expand the array of people with whom members feel comfortable socializing, working, worshiping, celebrating, and providing care for.

Groups will all have the same "topic" provided to them by the "topic" committee which is currently forming (contact Susie Maharry at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to join). The good news is there is never any homework. You will meet the curriculum at themeeting.

Groups will start with about six people plus a facilitator and co-facilitator and offer about four "open chairs". Groups will be required to accept newmembers during the duration, untilthey are at capacity.We feelthis is a great way to greet newmembers, make them feel welcome, and meet people on amore intimate level than coffee can provide.

And because we will all be participating in the same topic, we can talk about the group sessions with lots of people over coffee.

Groups will be provided with a generic covenant as a starting point and will be able to create a unique covenant as part of their group process. And groups will be expected to perform a group service activity for either the Congregation or the Community (or both?)

You may still sign up by contacting the Program Coordinator, Susie Maharry at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it and letting her know which of days and times will work for you.