Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles are a way of engaging our monthly worship themes through deep listening and open-hearted sharing. Chalice Circles are groups of 6-8 committed participants who gather (online while the church building is closed) once a month with a trained leader to nurture spiritual growth in community. We do this by listening in three distinct ways:

First, we listen to each other. Listening is a gift not often offered in our culture. Most of the time, we are “talked at” rather than listened to. Being listened to by trusted companions helps us hear our own voice again. And more than that: It gives our story back.
Second, we listen to our lives. This is not easy to do. Directly or indirectly, we are taught to see life as a challenge not a companion. The goal is to conquer it, not listen to it. Chalice Circles invite us to take another look and dance with life in a new way. Through spiritual practices and questions focused on our daily living, we engage the word not as an obstacle course to get through, but as a host of holy voices calling us to greater loving and living.
Finally, we listen to our deepest selves. Introspective questions guide us in this work, but ironically, it’s the people and space around us that helps us go inward. We hear that still, “small voice inside” best when voices of friends speak in a disciplined way. Quaker teacher Parker Palmer explains: So what do we do in a circle of trust? We speak our own truth; we listen receptively to the truth of others; we ask each other honest, open questions instead of giving counsel; and we offer each other the healing and empowering gifts of silence and laughter… Our purpose is not to teach anyone anything but to give the inner teacher a chance to teach us.”

Together, these sacred practices of listening — to each other, the world, and our deepest selves — adds up to a more intentional and authentic life. It’s a journey back to connection, and ultimately a journey back home.

Nuts and Bolts
At the beginning of each month, participants receive a packet of materials based upon the month's worship theme (such as "Hospitality," for September). From these materials, each participant chooses one spiritual exercise and a deep question to sit with for the course of the month. At the end of the month, participants gather with their small group to share their experiences of the spiritual exercise and of contemplating their question, reflecting on the theme.

If you are interested in joining a Chalice Circle, please email Rev. Karen Hering at karen@unityunitarian.org.

Chalice Circle Resources

Participant Manual

2020-21 Chalice Circle Theme Packets
September: Hospitality
October: Trust
November: Grace
December: Waiting
January: Authority
February: Curiosity
March: Suffering
April: Compassion
May: Transcendence
June: Awakening

2019-20 Chalice Circle Theme Packets
September: Belonging
October: Forgiveness
November: Gratitude
December: Reverence
January: Brokenness
February: Repair
March: Resilience
April: Integrity
May: Thresholds
June: Blessing
July: Journey

2018-19 Chalice Circle Theme Packets
September: Faith
October: Longing
November: Covenant
December: Wonder
January: Justice
February: Paradise
March: Surrender
April: Freedom
May: Peace
June: Wisdom

2017-18 Chalice Circle Theme Packets
September: Vocation
October: Sacrifice
November: Pilgrimage and Pilgrims
December: Incarnation
January: Courage
February: Love
March: Brokenness
April: Transformation/Resurrection
May: Hope
June: Belonging