Chalice Circles

We warmly invite you to participate in Chalice Circles at Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Fairbanks. The thoughtful intimacy of these spiritual groups has enriched participants' lives throughout the UU movement over the past few years.

The format of the meetings helps participants set aside daily distractions, reflect on their lives and beliefs, and make meaningful connections with one another.

Through sharing their wisdom, members leave each meeting with a more profound understanding of themselves and of each other as they explore depths of meaning, personal stories and true friendship.

Each Chalice Circle becomes an energized but manageable community of listening and caring in the midst of our growing Fellowship. It's easy to see how Chalice Circles complement our Sunday services and other programs at UUFF.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Makes Chalice Circles Unique?

The social conventions of modern life rarely leave room for adults to talk seriously about the most important issues in their lives. Chalice Circles provide a space for reflecting and sharing thoughts on some of life’s big questions, addressing topics such as: setting priorities, learning courage, living out values, accepting forgiveness, relearning play, learning from adversity or failure, exploring and examining personal beliefs.

A Chalice Circle is unlike any other group experience. It's not group therapy, nor a discussion group, nor a support group, nor a brainstorming session. It is a spiritual practice whose main elements are authentic sharing and deep listening. While one member speaks, other members listen attentively in silence -- a group meditation based on shared life experiences.

What's the Format of a Chalice Circle Session?

SIZE: Chalice Circles, consisting of 8 to 12 people, are large enough to encompass a diversity of perspectives and small enough to allow intimacy and equal participation.

FOCUS: The focus of each meeting is a topic or activity that serves as a springboard into reflection on deeper issues of who we are and what gives our lives meaning. At the end of each week's session, the group receives a worksheet exploring the topic of the coming week. Some people go very deep on their own, others have less time to explore, but all benefit from their outside reflections prior to the weekly meeting.

FORMAT: Each Chalice Circle gathering is structured to help us set aside daily distractions and make connections with one another. The simple format includes:

• Opening Words & Lighting of the Chalice
• Check-in
• Silent reflection
• Sharing thoughts and feelings on the week's topic
• "Cross-talk" and check-out
• Closing Words & Extinguishing the Chalice

Why Join a Chalice Circle?

The Chalice Circle experience will give you the opportunity to:

• Discover what you really value, and express those values in your actions
• Explore topics that don't often get discussed in daily conversation
• Participate in a supportive group that facilitates spiritual growth, mutual caring and personal healing.
• Grow at your own pace and in your own way through authentic sharing, deep listening, quiet reflecting, and giving and receiving.
• Develop friendships with interesting people you might otherwise never get to know.

How Do I Join a Chalice Circle?

UUFF has two Chalice Circles each year, one beginning in January, one in October.

Participants' Comments

I really enjoyed the topics that we discussed during Chalice Circles. Having everyone's input/experience on a topic gave the group more depth and bonded us more. - Marilyn

I am a shy person. Small groups are a way for me to more easily reach into the bigger congregation & Chalice Circles really helps me do that. - Linda

I loved going to this group! It felt warm and welcoming from the moment I first walked in. This was despite missing the first session. I am energized by sharing about topics that don't often get touched on in our casual daily conversations. One time I prepared quite a bit and another time I thought about the topic in the car on my way there. Either way I was drawn in and hated to leave when it was time. It really fed my spirit! - Peg

More Information

Jeff Merkel (907-479-8717, Email)

Rebecca Clack (907-479-4798, Email)