Ministry

Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles are small groups of six to nine people (10 maximum). Participation in one of these Circles will provide you with a place to meet others for friendship and to expand your intellectual and spiritual journey. These small groups are open both to members of the First Unitarian Church of Victoria and to those who are comfortable with the Unitarian and Universalist way of being in the world.

Small groups are based on the premise that no one comes to a religious community merely to join a committee or to participate in corporate worship. Rather, people want to deepen connections and be with others who are exploring the mysteries, dreams and ideas of the human heart, mind and soul. Small groups help meet the needs of two essential aspects of life: intimacy and ultimacy. We believe that Chalice Circles are the means to a more nourishing way of individual and community being and acting.

The U*U way involves laughter, caring, a search for understanding and meaning through one's own and others' experiences, as well as from the wisdom to be found in both sacred and secular writings.

These small groups usually meet monthly in participants' homes but Circle participants may decide to meet at the church or elsewhere. The meetings follow a simple format and are guided, not led, by a facilitator. Topics come to each facilitator from the minister or others involved in preparing topics; each group decides for itself who will lead each meeting. Topics can also be created by the group itself. We do ask you to make a six-month commitment to the Circle you join.

Once a year, each group is asked to contribute some "service" to the church, for example: helping with special events; planting bulbs; food bank help; preparing a Sunday Service; cleaning up after a church event . . . whatever service the church is willing to accept! If you would like more information about Chalice Circle or if you would like to participate, please contact Anna Isaacs, Church Administrator, at (250) 744-2665 or churchadmin@victoriaunitarian.ca.