Small group ministry, first introduced through the Unitarian Universalist tradition, is a gathering of intentional, small groups that deepen and expand the ministry of a congregation. Two key focuses are intimacy, or building community and deepening relationships, and ultimacy, or the opportunity for deeper spiritual exploration and search for meaning.   

At the First Parish of Bolton, our Small Group Ministry is led by our Associate Minister, Rev. Bea Manning, Ph.D. and averages 8-10 members. Discussions are held monthly.  Our goal is to sharpen our understanding of timely issues, theology, and personal challenges as well as deepening our connections to one another through discussion and turning our understanding into actions.  

Each meeting uses a reading to highlight a specific topic. Examples of topics include belonging, generosity, acceptance, adventure. Each discussion is guided by a series of questions on which members are invited to share their reflections, feelings and thoughts. There is no cross talk or offering of advice. Confidentiality is observed.  

Our groups also perform service projects for the church and wider community, reflecting awareness developed from the topics discussed. Recent projects have included supplying diapers for a refugee family, setting up a book exchange, writing notes to individuals for whom leaving home has become difficult, and planting and tending a garden providing fresh produce to area food banks.