Implementing - Implementing

Implementing - Service
(comments at end of section)

SERVICE

The possibilities are endless; the benefits everlasting.
Service to the congregation and larger world is a basic agreement between Small Group Ministry/Covenant Groups and the congregation noted in "Basic Elements of Small Group Ministry". The role of service in a specific congregation's program needs to be considered as the program is developed.
*Service differs from the traditional Social Action, although that may be a type of service.
*Groups and programs vary in incorporating service.

Service selection considerations
*How can involvement be inclusive? Consider members resources (time, money, transportation) in order to participate?
*Does the service activity engage the interests of the Small Group members?
*How does the service activity enhance the spiritual development of the group members and/or the development of the group itself?
*Is the service activity practical?

Service Part of Small Group Ministry. Service moves the group beyond discussion to action, and provides a different way or relating with each other and the congregation. The service varies from within the congregation to the broader community and world, and from ongoing smaller projects to a major focus. Service varies from greeting in a Sunday service to intensive projects, depending on the interest of the group. Group sessions on service and numerous suggestions are in the UU SGM Network publications and web. The service is determined by the group, rather than a presumed function, unless that is a clear part of the congregational structure, such as groups doing Greeting and Hospitality.	Service Not Part of Small Group Ministry. Groups meeting for short time frames, such as 8 weeks, may not feel that there is time to incorporate service into this time frame. Service is not part of the congregation's vision of small group ministry. *Service may be presumed as complex, beyond the structure and energy of a group, and may be interpreted as a Social Action project. Service is all levels of complexity.
Scope of Service: Within the Congregation * Service that benefits the congregation and its members is the tangible and relational aspect of 'doing church". Session plan topics include service topics. *Service activities range from ongoing functions (serving at Fellowship Hour, greeting at Sunday service) to specific requests (painting a room, providing meals for a family).	Scope of Service: Beyond the Congregation Local Community Service may be done by a congregation as a designated part of a larger project, such as serving a meal per week at a Food Pantry. Service may be done jointly with an interfaith group. Support social justice initiatives locally Broader community and World* Opportunities through the UU Service Committee Relief efforts for disasters. *Support social justice initiatives.
Who Benefits: Congregation as a whole The Small Group members themselves --bonding within the group Congregants as they benefit from the service provided. *New energy within the congregation as this commitment to the congregation becomes visible.	Who Benefits: Beyond the Congregation Congregants and others Anyone who uses the building Interfaith community Ever larger community, near and far *Unitarian Universalism and its place in the global community
Level of Involvement Indirect involvement, lower commitment, "Spectator" service. Writing checks Contribute to fundraisers, such as bake sales *Bring food for food pantry	Level of Involvement More active involvement, increased use of resources Organize a fundraiser Make phone calls Drive people to appointments Contribute blood Direct involvement, high commitment, hands-on Join a building project Witness for a cause - marches, stand in protest

RESOURCES FOR SERVICE
Online Resources: Topic
Service.
Service Opportunities/Reflections for Small Group Ministry

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Service Part of Small Group Ministry. Service moves the group beyond discussion to action, and provides a different way or relating with each other and the congregation. The service varies from within the congregation to the broader community and world, and from ongoing smaller projects to a major focus. Service varies from greeting in a Sunday service to intensive projects, depending on the interest of the group. Group sessions on service and numerous suggestions are in the UU SGM Network publications and web. The service is determined by the group, rather than a presumed function, unless that is a clear part of the congregational structure, such as groups doing Greeting and Hospitality.	Service Not Part of Small Group Ministry. Groups meeting for short time frames, such as 8 weeks, may not feel that there is time to incorporate service into this time frame. Service is not part of the congregation's vision of small group ministry. *Service may be presumed as complex, beyond the structure and energy of a group, and may be interpreted as a Social Action project. Service is all levels of complexity.
Scope of Service: Within the Congregation * Service that benefits the congregation and its members is the tangible and relational aspect of 'doing church". Session plan topics include service topics. *Service activities range from ongoing functions (serving at Fellowship Hour, greeting at Sunday service) to specific requests (painting a room, providing meals for a family).	Scope of Service: Beyond the Congregation Local Community Service may be done by a congregation as a designated part of a larger project, such as serving a meal per week at a Food Pantry. Service may be done jointly with an interfaith group. Support social justice initiatives locally Broader community and World* Opportunities through the UU Service Committee Relief efforts for disasters. *Support social justice initiatives.
Who Benefits: Congregation as a whole The Small Group members themselves --bonding within the group Congregants as they benefit from the service provided. *New energy within the congregation as this commitment to the congregation becomes visible.	Who Benefits: Beyond the Congregation Congregants and others Anyone who uses the building Interfaith community Ever larger community, near and far *Unitarian Universalism and its place in the global community
Level of Involvement Indirect involvement, lower commitment, "Spectator" service. Writing checks Contribute to fundraisers, such as bake sales *Bring food for food pantry	Level of Involvement More active involvement, increased use of resources Organize a fundraiser Make phone calls Drive people to appointments Contribute blood Direct involvement, high commitment, hands-on Join a building project Witness for a cause - marches, stand in protest