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Chalice Connections

A healthy, vital Unitarian Universalist community is made up of people who are deeply connected to the spiritual, intellectual, caring, social, and service aspects of the UU movement and our own congregation. Chalice Connections at the UUCC support these connections through intentional practice.

What are Chalice Connections?

Chalice Connections are small groups (typically 8 to 12 members) whose purpose is to facilitate connections among the members through reflection, personal sharing, and deep listening. These groups meet monthly.

Each Chalice Connection Group:

  • is led by two trained facilitators
  • meets for about 1½ hours at a regularly scheduled time each month
  • develops a covenant to encourage the participation of all members
  • has a social gathering within a couple of weeks after the first meeting
  • completes a service project during the term

What happens in a typical Chalice Connections meeting?

Chalice Connections follow a basic session plan which includes these elements:

  • A chalice lighting and reading
  • A check-in period, when members share what is in their hearts and minds
  • Exploration of a monthly theme or the group’s chosen topic through open-ended questions
  • Time for individual sharing and deep listening
  • A closing ritual

What are my commitments?

  • Attend monthly meetings. Group members make attendance at their meetings a high priority in their lives. Consistent involvement will help promote success of the group.
  • Maintain confidentiality. Meetings provide a safe environment for members to share their thoughts and feelings.
  • Be an active participant. Members engage through deep listening and sharing.
  • Perform a service project. This provides an opportunity to put into practice Unitarian Universalist values while strengthening the bonds of the group.

How do I join a group?

  • Sign up through this link or at the Adult Programming table in Freeman Hall.
  • Attend a 30-minute orientation session to learn more about Chalice Connections and your commitment.
  • Participants are assigned to a group based on their preferences and availability. The intention is to connect people across differences including age, gender, and ethnicity to foster the most rewarding experience.

Do you have other questions? Contact Director of Lifespan Religious Education, Paula Gribble at paula@uuccharlotte.org.