Small Group Ministry      During the service on Feb. 28, Karragh, Anjela, and Rachel not only described the many ways UU groups "do" small group ministry and their own Valley Small Group Ministry Group, but they gave those attending a little taste of how it works. Several people were interested in the idea, and excited by the variety of ways to approach it, so it seemed a good idea to share some information in the newsletter for those who were unable to attend the service.      Small groups, covenant groups, chalice circles, roots and branches - these are a few of the names for this practice. The idea is to create smaller circles within a faith community in which the work, the mission, and the ministry of the church can take place. Membership in the group also includes service to the larger community and reaching out to those who need us.      There are four basic categories of small groups: --minister-directed, --curriculum-directed, --theology-directed, and -- interest/affinity. The last has included woodworking, needle- crafts, hiking, Buddhism, creative writing, music, water rights, great humanist teachings, writings of Thoreau, poetry, and even cooking with turnips!      The members of each group establish many of its parameters, but the basic structure commonly used invites intimacy and allows for serious and engaging conversation, providing a balance of the personal and the thought-provoking. The format is easy to use. It requires a minimum of preparation and is broad enough not to limit each group's own expression. The structure, roughly outlined, looks like this:      Chalice Lighting: A traditional and meaningful way to begin any Unitarian Universalist gathering. Opening Words: To establish a mindful atmosphere, remind participants of the special opportunity of the gathering, and reflect the focus of the evening.      Check-in/Sharing: Each group develops its own customs. Share something you put aside in order to be fully present here, a significant joy or sorrow, or an ending or new beginning in your life recently. Groups expand this from time to time when circumstances call for it.      Discussion: A paragraph or two lays out a topic and presents questions which will elicit thoughtful participation and significant reflection. A group may stay with a topic for several weeks, or be done with it in an evening.      Likes and Wishes: This is a positive format for feedback using a brief go-around the room. For example, ìI like how we approached the topic this evening, but I wish we had moved through the sharing a little more quickly. Not every group does this at every meeting.      Closing Words: These bring the formal session to an end. Those who wish to can leave while others may stay to chat.       There may be significant variation in structure, but this gives a good general idea of how a Small Group Ministry gathering might look. Each group can also decide how often to meet, when, and where. But the most important question now is: who wants to try this wonderful way of connecting to others in the fellowship? A few of us from the Valley group are willing to help anyone to start or join a Small Ministry Group. To begin with, we'll just see how many folks are interested. Please call or email Rachel.

JUUF Circle Suppers       Circle dinners are scheduled for Jan. 16 (Jan. 23rd for the Haywood dinner), Feb. 21, Mar. 20, and Apr. 17. They are a wonderful way to get to know each other in an informal setting without any agenda. A Circle Supper is a circle of people - 8 or 10 - who, by assignment of The Coordinator, gather for a potluck at one of the people's homes to become better acquainted and have a chance to talk about things that may or may not involve the Fellowship. The time and topics are looser than our "congregational conversations" and irregular meetings. They are lots of fun!       We have two Coordinators: Ruth Fulwiler and Dixie Hood.       There will be two types of suppers: those with children and those without. You may want to host a supper with children and then be a guest at a dinner without children - it's entirely up to you. Friends of members are welcome and you are free to sign up for as many suppers as you want. Just let us know.       DUTIES OF GUESTS:       Bring the dish you volunteered or were assigned.       Enjoy the new people you will get to know.       Have a great evening!       DUTIES OF HOSTS:       Provide part of the meal or just the setting and       the tableware - your choice.       Enjoy the new people you will get to know.       Have a great evening!    Register Now For GA 2010        Join thousands of fellow Unitarian Universalists from across the country as we gather this June 23-27 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.       Experience wonderful and uplifting worship services - morning and night - led by some of our best worship leaders, with glorious music and inspiring messages.       Participate in our democratic process. General Assembly is the way that our faith does business, bringing together the distinctive character of our individual congregations.       Choose from hundreds of dynamic, entertaining, spiritually nourishing programs and informative workshops featuring terrific speakers.       Connect with craftspeople and artisans, social action groups, professional and educational resources, theological schools, UUA organizations and staff, Beacon Press, and the UUA Bookstore in the GA Exhibit Hall.       Network with other congregation leaders, share best practices, and learn from one another. Return to your congregation reinvigorated and inspired to put your values to work.       Witness for our faith in moving and exciting ways. GA in Minneapolis coincides with the Twin Cities' Pride Festival & Parade and our Public Witness this year will be part of that event.       To learn more go to www.uua.org/ga.