Chalice Circles
Chalice Circles Signups for 2026-27
- Small Group Ministries
- Nuts and Bolts
- Chalice Circles Leadership Team
- Service Projects
- Meeting Format
- Order of Service for Circle Meetings
A Letter from your Chalice circle leaders
Building community might just be the most important thing we can do in these times for ourselves and for each other. As a small-group ministry of our church, Chalice Circles are designed to build that community, foster connections between members, and provide opportunities to share your heart in a safe, brave space.
These groups of no more than 10 members are led by fellow UU volunteers and topics are planned to complement the monthly themes of the church year. A Chalice Circle commitment is for one cycle of eight or nine sessions, though some chalice groups may elect to continue in some form over the summer. Groups will meet once or twice a month for one and one-half hours, from September or October 2026 to May 2027.
You can learn more at our website. Stay tuned: Sign-ups will open soon with a church-wide announcement!
If you have questions, you are welcome to email the Chalice Circles Leadership Team that consists of the Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon, Gretchen Maune and Crystal Paddock Buffaloe, or call or text Crystal at 573-289-9705 (please leave a message).
We look forward to a fun, connected, meaningful year ahead!
With Gratitude,
Crystal, Gretchen, and Rev. Molly
Small Group Ministries
Chalice Circles are small group ministries that were formed and began meeting at UUCC in Fall 2013. The circles form a network of small groups which meet regularly to deepen and strengthen interpersonal connections, encourage spiritual growth, and provide open, supportive and nurturing spaces.
As participants share deeply with one another, they strengthen their caring for each other, and they are drawn into mutual ministry. As they improve their understanding of Unitarian Universalist principles and values, they are further moved to action both in our congregation and in the community.
Each Chalice Circle has seven to 10 members and meets at least once per month (twice is encouraged). Participants commit to meet from October through May and have the option to continue through the summer. Circle members will reconsider their group’s composition annually.
Nuts and Bolts
Each Chalice Circle has one or two trained and supported facilitators who encourage leadership within the group. Circles are always open up to the 10-person limit. Once a circle reaches 10 members, it is encouraged to evolve and generate new groups. Circle members are welcome to invite others regardless of membership or friend status at our church.
Each Chalice Circle creates and adhere to its own behavioral covenant which guides its process and relationships.
Chalice Circles Leadership Team
The Chalice Circles Leadership Team that guides the overall program consists of the Rev. Dr. Molly Housh Gordon, Crystal Buffaloe and Gretchen Maune. You can contact the team by email.
Service Projects
Each Chalice Circle will take up one service project to the church and two service projects to the community each year.
Chalice Circle Meeting Format
Circles use a standard meeting format laid out by the leadership team and reflect upon the month’s worship theme. Each member of a circle will be deeply listened to during each meeting. The circles are not meant to be therapy, support groups, or discussion groups. While the circle meetings will not be confidential, they will be sensitive to the depth and vulnerability that Chalice Circles seek to create. Circles may decide that they would like to share food and drink either before the chalice is lit or after it is extinguished because eating and drinking during the meeting would distract from deep listening and sharing.
Order of Service for Circle Meetings
- Singing easy, well-known songs.
- Chalice lighting.
- Brief check-in without cross talk. The facilitator may choose a question for reflection.
- Topical reading, song, film clip, poem, etc.
- Time for silence.
- Deep reflection – a time for each person to respond and reflect without cross-talk or feedback.
- Optional open discussion.
- Check-out – What are you taking with you? What touched you?
- Extinguishing the chalice.
- Closing Words.