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Click on any of these frequently asked questions about Small Group Ministries at UUSF to jump to the answer below.

Who can join a Small Group?

Our Small Groups are open to anyone who can commit to attending the gatherings and who is willing to abide by the group's ground rules. Every September, the Small Group Ministries Steering Committee forms the initial groups based participants’ time preferences and group size. As is possible, we try to create groups of about 10 people that connect members across age, gender, ethnic, and other differences.

We make additions to Small Groups, if they have openings, in January and at a few other points during the year. If there is enough demand, we may also add groups later in the year.

What is the Bridging Group?

The Bridging Group allows visitors, friends, and new members who were not here during the late summer and early fall sign-up period to join Small Group Ministries. Like the other Small Groups, the Bridging Group will help you connect to old and new members of the UUSF community and to explore and act on our common values.

Like our other Small Groups, the Bridging Group meets twice monthly on a specified day of the week. Before you are placed in the Bridging Group, you will talk with the facilitator and make a commitment to attend the first four gatherings. After you've completed that commitment, you can decide whether or not to commit to continue with the group until space becomes available in a regular Small Group.

Where and how often do Small Groups gather?

Small Groups try to meet in comfortable, informal settings where we can gather in a circle. We find it is easiest to create this atmosphere in a member’s home (provided there is adequate parking, transportation and accessibility, of course.) In addition, some Small Groups meet at our church center on the corner of Franklin and Geary Streets in San Francisco.

Throughout the church year, each Small Group meets for two hours twice per month on a specified day of the week. Many groups also choose to continue meeting during the summer. Dates and times vary by group.

What goes on during a typical Small Group gathering?

Although each group will develop its own customs, our Small Groups follow a general format that consists of an opening chalice lighting and reading, check-in (a chance to share joys, sorrows and challenges with each other), topic discussion, check out (to see how each member is feeling), and a closing ritual. The group facilitator guides the amount of time participants spend on each item to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate, share, and listen.

Who leads the groups?

Trained facilitators, who are UUSF members, lead each Small Group. All facilitators receive initial training on leading groups, have periodic retreats to explore group dynamics and other such topics in more depth, and meet regularly to check in with each other and provide support as needed.

Who chooses the topics and content?

The Small Group Steering Committee creates the first five topics to help each Small Group get started. After those initial sessions, the members of each Small Group decide together which topics we would like to discuss, and take turns leading the sessions with the facilitator’s assistance. Group members may choose existing Small Group Sessions or create their own.

What are the expectations and ground rules for Small Group participants?

Participants agree to try out their Small Groups for four sessions, respect each other's privacy, attend gatherings consistently, follow their group's ground rules, and remain open to new members. For more detail on these expectations, see the Participant's Handbook and the Ground Rules pages.

Why do most small groups perform service projects?

Service projects help keep the Small Groups connected to larger church community, and provide an opportunity to put our UU values into action. In addition, we find that working together toward a common purpose strengthens connections among group members.

Why do Small Groups encourage members to attend Sunday Services on a regular basis?

While it is not required, group members find that attending regularly Sunday services gives us a chance to build on the connections we make within the group, and to remain connected to the larger UUSF community.

In addition, we often find that listening to the sermons enriches our experience in Small Group Ministries. The Small Group setting is an ideal place to examine topics raised in the sermons in more depth. Indeed, a number of group topics are inspired by or even include audio excerpts from Sunday sermons.

Where can I find information on Small Group sessions?

We have a collection of existing sessions available for your Small Group to use as is or to modify to better suit your needs. If you are interested in to creating a session of your own, see our dedicated page for templates and advice on setting up a session.

We have also collected a resource list of content sources, links to other UU churches and groups with ready-to-use Small Group sessions, and information on Small Group Ministries that you may find useful in creating or altering a session for your group.