Chalice Circles

 

"To associate with other like-minded people in small, purposeful groups is for the great majority of men and women a source of profound psychological satisfaction."

- Aldous Huxley

 

Covenant Groups are groups of people that come together and share their thoughts and feelings on a common topic, or simply to support each other on life's path.  Members agree to a covenant (or set of relational ground rules).

What is a Chalice Circle?
Covenant Groups at Horizon are called Chalice Circles.  A Chalice Circle is a small group of typically six to ten people who commit to meet regularly on an ongoing basis for mutual support and to encourage each other’s growth and development.  Chalice Circles often do one or more service projects during the year.

What is the purpose of a Chalice Circle?

  • To be a safe, confidential place to discuss feelings and values.
  • To provide an opportunity to explore and develop thoughts and beliefs on a variety of focus topics.
  • To provide an opportunity to get to know people at Horizon in a deeper way.

     

    What will happen during a Chalice Circle meeting?
    Chalice Circle meetings typically begin with a reading and/or song and/or meditation, a chalice lighting, and a check-in that allows people to say briefly what is going on in their lives. Chalice Circle meetings usually close with a brief check-out and another reading. The group may determine its own format for what happens between these two “bookends.”

    How do I join an existing group or submit an idea for a new group?
    You can submit your request using our Interest Form.

    CHALICE CIRCLES THAT WOULD LOVE TO WELCOME YOU!

    Before attending a session, please contact the group facilitator at the email address listed below for specifics.

    Buddhist Sangha
    Buddhist Sangha is a weekly gathering that studies the Teaching of Buddhism. This is an ongoing exploration of the Four Noble Truths and the Eight Fold Path. It is participatory and although consistent attendance is encouraged, sessions can be attended as a drop in. We welcome anyone interested in meditation practice. We meet Wednesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. For an orientation, please arrive by 6:30 p.m. If you wish to view materials, email Dennis Hamilton, Senior Minister and leader of the group at srminister@horizonuu.org or call 972-529-8187. You may also send an email to (Buddhists@horizonuu.org).

    CineMat Chalice Circle
    Named in memory of Horizon member Mat Matlock, the CineMat Chalice Circle meets on the 4th Saturday every month and gets together to see a movie. They then go to a coffee shop or restaurant to discuss and comment on it in a friendly circle over a cup of coffee. (cinemat@horizonuu.org)

    Craft N Chat Chalice Circle
    This circle of crafty chatters will give you the chance to learn something new or resume a favorite activity, while enjoying a circle of friends. Bring your knitting, crocheting, quilting, jewelry, or any other kind of craft project. 2nd and 4th Sunday afternoons (craftandchat@horizonuu.org)

    Earth Centered Spirituality Chalice Circle
    A social/support group for people who are interested in or already know they are following an Earth-centered spiritual path. (earth_centereduu@horizonuu.org)

    Healthy Women Chalice Circle
    A woman’s support group to help achieve their goals of health and fitness. Members share ideas and experiences in Nutrition, Weight Loss, Exercise and Stress Management.  1st and 3rd Thursday evenings (healthywomen@horizonuu.org)

    Journey Groups

    Based on availability of group members to meet at a certain time, and lasting for 3-6 months (chalicecircles@horizonuu.org)

    What do Journey Groups Do?

    • Encourage spiritual growth and help us develop deeper and more meaningful relationships 
    • Listen to one another without attempting to solve each other’s problems. 
    • Consider topics such as Listening, Gratitude, Balance, Forgiveness, God, Loss and Grief, Money, Nature, Success and Failure, Friendship, Doubt, Making Peace with Parents, Sustainable Living, Endings, Unitarian Universalist Principles, Our Spiritual Journeys, Attitude Adjustment, Personal Beliefs and Values, Spiritual Challenges, Being Human, Spiritual Practices, and Service.  
     Current Journey Groups:

    Every other Thursday 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
    1st and 3rd Sunday 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    2nd and 4th Sunday morning 8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.      

       

    Men’s Saturday Support Group
    Includes a check-in and informal discussion of men’s issues regarding family, health, workplace, and relationships. Saturday mornings (mensgroup@horizonuu.org)

    Monday Wings Parenting Chalice Circle
    Tailored especially for parents. Our children need our strong wings to protect and guide them, and we, as parents, need one another’s support and wisdom on the journey of parenting. We meet every other Monday morning. (mondaywings@horizonuu.org)

    Second Tuesday Potluck Chalice Circle
    Meets for food fellowship and deepening friendships. We meet in the Library on the 2nd Tuesday most months at noon. Occasionally we take field trips instead of having a potluck. (secondtuesday@horizonuu.org)

    Tuesday Wisdom Circle
    Includes a check-in and discussion of a weekly life issue topic selected by a group member. Tuesday evenings (tuesdaywisdom@horizonuu.org)

    UU Christian Chalice Circle
    Provides a forum for enriching our spiritual lives through personal discovery of the heart, meaning and tradition of Christianity. We gather in fellowship on the 1st Sunday morning of each month to encourage and support one another in our personal pursuit of a deeper Christian experience. Sunday mornings (uuchristians@horizonuu.org)

    Women Alive 55+
    Designed for women 55+ to share viewpoints and personal experiences on topics of mutual interest. 2nd and 4th Saturday afternoons.  This group is on break until after summer 2012.  (womenalive@horizonuu.org)

    Women’s Friendship in Growth (WFIG)
    A nurturing group in which to grow meaningful friendships. We meet at Horizon on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. If there is a 5th Wednesday we join together for a fun outing (restaurant, movie, etc.) (wfig@horizonuu.org)

    Young Adult Chalice Circle
    An opportunity for people aged 18-25 to deepen their connections with one another and to have fun. (youngadults@horizonuu.org)

Additional information