Sharing Circles offer members and friends a means for getting to know one another in a supportive, accepting atmosphere. These groups provide opportunities for participants to reach out to one another while exploring themes central to our UU principles
These are frequently asked questions about Sharing Circles. Look for the answers below.
Who can join a Sharing Circle?
Sharing Circles is the UUFSB version of a Small Group Ministry program. This program is open to all Friends and Members who might wish to participate.
Where and how often do Sharing Circles gather?
What goes on during a typical Sharing Circle gathering?
What are the expectations and agreements for participants?
Where can I find resources regarding UU Small Groups?
How can I join a Share Circle Group?
Who can join Sharing Circles?
Sharing Circles is open to anyone who can commit to attending the gatherings and who is willing to abide by the group's covenant. We try to create groups of 6 to10 people that connect members across age, gender, ethnic, and other differences at a range of days of week and times of the day. People can join a Sharing Circle group at any time. If there is enough demand, we may add a Sharing Circle group during the year.
Where and how often do Sharing Circles gather?
Sharing Circles meet in comfortable, informal settings where we gather in a circle. We find it is easiest to create this atmosphere in a member's home or in the UUFSB building. Each group meets for two hours once a month.
What goes on during a typical Sharing Circle gathering?
Although each group develops its own customs, our Sharing Circles follow a general format that consists of an opening chalice lighting and
reading, check-in (a chance to share joys, sorrows and challenges with each other), topic reflection, check out (to see how each member is feeling about the session), and a closing ritual. The group facilitator guides the amount of time participants spend on each item to ensure that each member has a chance to participate, share, and listen.
Every circle reflects on the same new topic each month. Examples of recent session topics include: Bucket List, Bodies, Letting Go, Listening, and Who Am I.
Learning to listen to each other is a very important part of the Sharing Circle experience.
Empty Chair Policy
Within each gathering circle we leave an empty chair to welcome new members. This is a metaphor to stay open in mind and heart while staying open as a group.
Who leads the groups?
Trained facilitators, who are UUFSB members, lead each group. All facilitators received initial training on leading groups, and meet regularly to check in with each other and provide support as needed.
What are the expectations and agreements for participants?
Participants agree to respect each other's privacy, attend gatherings consistently through June of the year in which they join, follow the covenant for Sharing Circles and remain open to new members. Participants will have the opportunity each June to re-up for the following year in that group or join another group.
Having a structured process for the participants in group meetings results in everyone getting a chance to participate and for new comers to be on an equal footing with and to get to know members and friends of the Fellowship.
Because the focus is on the intimate discussion of personally relevant topics such as loss, wonder, commitment, forgiveness, worship, living simply, and our own religious journeys the result is not education but personal transformation.
Where can I find resources regarding UU Small Groups?
Please visit the UU Small Group Ministry web site for a comprehensive set of resources.
How do I join a Sharing Circle Group?
Send an e-mail to the Fellowship office at with your name, address, phone number, e-mail address, and the possible days of the week and times of day that you could meet.