I want to share with Covenant Group News readers, a type of "show and tell" sharing sessions we've been using in Milwaukee and some special activities we've been having in the summer.

Light Chalice, Sound Bell
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Reading: HYMN 346 Come Sing A song With Me
Introduction: This song talks of sharing from our core, "that I might know your mind." Please bring in an object of art (e.g. pottery, painting, photograph, fiber art) that you have created, seen, purchased, that moves you deeply. Share the story of your first encounter with this work. Tell us why it moves you deeply. May we ask you questions about the work?
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Closing thought: "I'll show you mine, if you show me yours..."

Other possibilities:
Share a favorite poem.
Share your most beloved music.
Share stories of your favorite vacation.
Bring in pictures of you from your earliest years to present, in chronological order. Share some stories of these pictures/times.

During the church year, most of our topics are "serious," and during the summer, the meetings tend to be more "for fun." We have had movie nights, where we share a favorite movie, some popcorn, and discuss the movie. We've seen: King Of Hearts; Danny Darko; Gran Torino; Star Trek episodes, others. These meetings tend to be less cerebral, more showing our hearts, and help our group "gel."

Editor's Note: Claude is describing some "add on" sessions that his group uses in the summertime. In our Baton Rouge program, I've coached leaders to avoid doing films instead of meetings. However, as extra sessions or for use over the summer if your group normally takes the summer off, they can be within your model and enhance the group. Recently some of our leaders reported "add on's" that they've done in addition to the monthly meetings. What is your experience with "add on's?" Send me your stories Diana_dorroh@hotmail.com.

The Small Group Ministry Network is presenting a workshop at the Unitarian Universalist History and Heritage Convocation in Waltham, MA, October 7-10. The title is "Capturing an Historic Trend: Decade of Small Group Ministry/Covenant Groups." The writings of the visionaries and the exchange of questions, comments, and experiences of people as they use Small Group Ministry makes this a highly documented transformation within Unitarian Universalism.

Unitarian Universalist Small Group Ministry is changing the way congregations interact since the late 1990's. Individuals and congregations have developed materials and shared widely, a cultural result of technology that the UU Small Group Ministry Network has fostered. The workshop explores
1) the importance of capturing history in the living,
2) technological and cultural changes that influence history, and
3) using current trends and technology to keep UU history alive, including Small Group Ministry experience within the workshop.

For more information on the UU History Convocation, see the Partners in Unitarian Universalist History and Heritage site at http://partnersinuuhistoryandheritage.org

Small Group Ministry (AKA Covenant Groups)
Starting, Restarting, or Enhancing Your Program

This training track will cover the basics of how to plan, implement and sustain a successful program. Workshop leaders are Rev. Helen Zidowecki, from Augusta, Maine, Rev. Steve Crump, and Diana Dorroh, both from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Churches are encouraged to send a team of 2-4 people, including a youth leader or advisor and a minister if possible. Bring your own successes and challenges to share. Topics will include:
* Benefits of small group ministry to your congregation, your members, and the world
* Structure to support your church's program
* Roles and Resources of: Program Director, Minister and other religious professionals, and lay leadership
* Developing and Deepening Group Experience: Things to consider, options and guidelines, cycles of groups
* Facilitator Identification, Selection, Training and Support
* Multi-and Intergenerational covenant groups, including groups for youth
* Selecting and Critiquing Sessions
* Small Group Ministry and Growth
* Assessment and ongoing development of Small Group Ministry in your congregation

NETWORK ONLINE      www.smallgroupministry.net
The source for session plans, networking opportunities, Small Group Ministry resources, news of events and workshops, membership renewal forms, and back issues of Covenant Group News and the SGM Quarterly. The Spring 2010 Quarterly is now posted on the site.

For complete information on a wide variety of training opportunities see the Event Announcements

Small Groups, Deep Connections