Accessing the Soul Matters Curriculum

You can see the edited (short version) of the each curriculum linked to the themes above. The Soul Matters Packets page has the full resources. It is under the Members tab (you need to be signed into this website.) We encourage everyone to engage a spiritual exercise and a question each month, even if you are not in a group. You may also request a full packet by email to sgm@usguu.org.

SGM groups generally have 8-12 people and meet once a month for an hour to hour-and-a-half. The meeting begins with a chalice lighting and opening words. There is a check in when people can spend a few minutes sharing highs and lows of the previous month or other details about their lives. This is followed by quotes for inspiration and a minute or so of meditation and contemplation. And then each member has an opportunity to share about that month’s topic and spiritual exercise, while the others listen “deeply.” This deep listening is what makes SGM special. Some on Zoom only, some are Zoom or in person depending on the needs of the group.

SGM is not a discussion group; it is more like a spiritual practice where we take time out of our busy lives to think deeply about a topic, share our thoughts with a trusted group and then listen deeply as others share. Together we find practical ways to live out spiritual principles in our lives.

Group members are asked to commit to the group for a year and each group is asked to do some sort of service together either for the church or the larger community (for example, a church work day, MLK Day, etc.) Everyone is welcome; you do not need to be a USG member to join a small group.

Sample Small Group Ministry Covenant

Join a Group Now!
Available groups are listed below. People are welcome to join any group that fits their demographic. If you would like to join a group, but there isn’t one that works for you, please contact Treva Burger at sgm@usguu.org for more information, to sign up or when you are available.

Small Groups with Openings:

First Sunday 12:15pm at USG Eric Foster facilitates. 7 openings.

3rd Thursday at USG, 7pm. Nick Semon facilitates. 1 opening.  

Parents on Zoom, third Thursdays at 8pm. Jilana Jaxson facilitates. 4 openings.

4th Wednesday (Women) 7pm in member’s homes. They gather at 6:30pm. Clare Pisoni and Metilde Scoccia facilitate. 1 opening. 

Parents (Moms), 3rd Sundays 7:30pm in member’s homes. Adrianne Wolkenburg facilitates. 2 openings.

Please email Treva Burger at sgm@usguu.org if you are interested in joining any of these groups or would like more information. If there is not a group that will work for you, please tell us what you are looking for and we will attempt to accommodate you in the near future.

What Some USG Members Say About Small Group Ministries

• “Small Group Ministry is, in my opinion, the heart of the church. There is no other place where I can have the opportunity to hear and be heard in such an intimate setting. The web of trust and support that has developed in the groups I have been a part of over the years have strengthened my heart and affirmed my faith in my fellow human beings. It is unlike anything else out there in our hustle and bustle world today. An island of peace in a storm of life.”
• “I love SGM because it helps me to connect more deeply with other USG members and to explore my own faith, beliefs, joys and sorrows in a safe, supported environment.”
• “I participate in SGM to connect with people with whom I may not get to know in my journey at USG, to strengthen my connection with others and to learn about what makes them tick which to me is both fascinating and enriching. I participate to feel connected and invested in the community at USG and to expand my spirit.”
• “I find it a wonderful opportunity to get to know a small group of people on a more intimate level. The subject matter is a starting point and the structure keeps everyone on task and keeps it from turning into a social gathering. It also gives voice to matters that are not necessarily discussed in other places or groups.”
• “I have been a member of two groups and have led two groups in two different churches and I continue to be amazed at the power of this simple format to bring all different combinations of people into a very special shared experience.”
• “The topics are meaningful, some of the readings are helpful, but what keeps me coming back every month is being in the safe, sacred community we have formed together, a place where I can go deeper, share my truth without fear of judgment or comment, and hold others in that same way…..”