»Small Groups give us a way to connect with each other

Have you been attending services at University Congregational United Church of Christ, but thinking you’d like to find a way to get to know people better? Joining one of our small groups might be just the way.  A small group is simply a gathering of four to 15 people who meet together regularly for fellowship, mutual support, and spiritual growth.

Making close friendships can be hard to do on Sunday mornings. In order to build friendships, we need opportunities to gather with smaller groups of people. Small groups offer the opportunity to form meaningful, warm relationships with other Christians. They offer ways for us to support each other, pray for each other, deepen our faith, and hear how God is calling us to serve the larger world we belong to.

Small groups help to transform our church into a place where each of us can know that we truly belong, where we can meet God face to face.

Fellowship Groups

UCUCC Young Adults
If you are looking for other young adults in the congregation to connect, believe, seek and doubt with, there is a place for you! Send a message to UCCYoungAdults@googlegroups.com to find out more.

Crafts and Conversation
Have you been wanting some focused time to work on that project, but just can't seem to find the time? Well, bring it to the church lounge on the third Friday of each month and work on it while enjoying the company of other creative individuals. We'll talk, laugh, learn about each other's creative passions — and perhaps get closer to finishing that necklace/baby blanket/photo album! Any and all arts/crafts are encouraged: needlework, beading, scrapbooking, paper cutting, whatever! (Except perhaps chainsaw sculpture....) 

Come for a couple of hours (anytime after 5:30 p.m.) or the entire evening! We'll provide comfy couches, worktables, and decent light. You bring your crafting supplies and  something to eat if you like. Babysitting is available by reservation. Call or email Vicki Farmer with questions at 206-325-8283 or vickifarmer@hotmail.com.

“All Women Extraordinary” (AWE)
The women of our church do so much. As a thank you, women are invited to a light dinner of soup, salad and dessert on the fourth Monday of every month at 6 p.m. These once-a-month gatherings, with dinner provided, are an opportunity for women of our church to connect with other each in a purely social setting. Come to be with other women to listen, share and care. Contact Mary Paananen at mspaananen@earthlink.net or 206-522-2156 for questions or to arrange childcare (available by reservation).

Bible Study and Christian Education Groups

Discovery Bible

Meets every Sunday before worship, Room 339, NW corner of the top floor.

The Discovery Bible Group brings our varied points of view to a discussion of the biblical readings of week from the interchurch National Council of Churches Uniform Series.  Touching each book of scripture over a six-year cycle, the class includes intensive examination of each of the Gospels. 
Contact Bruce Danielson: (206) 282-7498 

Tuesday Morning Bible Study

Meets Tuesdays at 10 a.m. in the lounge

This Bible exploration and community building group meets with great regularity to grapple with a scriptural book, changing with the seasons, and to “check in” with each other. You are always welcome. 

The Theology Book Group

Meets on the first Wednesday of month at 7:30-9:00pm in the  lounge

The Jesus Study Group                                        

Meets second Sunday of the month, 7:02 p.m. in the  lounge

You are welcome to join in, as are all believers, seekers or doubters.  

Contact Bob Fitzgerald for information: (206) 784-4634 or jsg@universityucc.org.  

Boards
These groups constitute the lay leadership of the church, and do much of our administrative, planning, education and spiritual work. Each board specializes in a particular area such as building maintenance, Christian education or social action. Boards make decisions about where to spend the church’s funds and what kinds of programs to develop.

One of the things that sets these small groups apart from similar groups or clubs outside the church is their spiritual component. Even groups whose main focus may be a business or maintenance function still include aspects of mutual support, faith deepening, and some service outside the group.

University Congregational United Church of Christ is a very active church, so if you are interested in doing something with others, there is most likely a group for you. And if there isn’t already a group, you can start one!

Home-Based groups
These groups meet regularly in the homes of group members and usually involve shared food, fellowship, and often a guided discussion about faith and life. Some groups have been meeting for more than 30 years!

Other groups, such as Lenten Study Groups, meet for shorter periods. Sometimes groups that start off meeting for a short period find the experience so rewarding that they continue to meet.