Chalice Circles

We use Soul Matters Monthly Themes to guide our small group deep listening and learning groups.

Small Group Ministry is a vital part of Tree of Life congregational life. Groups of 10-12 people meet regularly, usually monthly, to reflect on and discuss significant life topics.

Small groups are great places to get to know other people and to get to know yourself. Over time, our participants build deep connections with one another, with the congregation, and with the sacred.

Whether the topic is “resilience,” “play,” “liberation,” or “wisdom,” the conversation is respectful and caring and leads to greater understanding. In each session, facilitated by a member of the congregation, all participants have opportunity to share their perspectives, tell their stories, and listen deeply. The time together is structured: Groups begin and end with centering readings and often include times for quiet reflection as well as sharing.  We have several groups meeting at various times. To learn more and join a group, click here.

Faith Forward Inquirers

Sundays 12:00pm

Visitors, newcomers, and new members are invited to participate in the Inquirers Series – the first step on our Faith Forward Path. The Inquirers Series meets after the worship service on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. It is a series of 4 conversations that offer a general introduction to our congregation and Unitarian Universalism offered once a month. The series is ongoing, so you are welcome to participate in the sessions in any order, as you’re able.

Faith Forward Roots

Roots is a brief introduction to Unitarian Universalist ideas and history, and is recommended for inquirers on our Faith Forward Path. It is offered quarterly on weeknights.

Faith Forward Beyond Inquirers

Have you completed the Inquirers Series? Are you seeking a way to deepen your learning and engagement with the congregation? Beyond Inquirers is a five-session series on the Faith Forward Path focused on the congregation and you – offering a deeper understanding of how the congregation works and how you can be part of it.  The following are the Beyond Inquirers topics:  What do UUs believe?,  Is this a new religion?,  How do we ‘do church’?,  How do we live our lives?,  Does it matter if I join?

Mindfulness

In person most 1st and 3rd Mondays 7pm. Online Tuesdays 7:30pm and Thursdays 10am

At Tree of Life, our Mindfulness Practice uses a variety of ways to center our attention and develop increased awareness. Along with bringing attention to our senses, breath, and simple movements, we also explore different forms of contemplation. We practice in a meditative environment to enhance our focus, but the exercises are intended to be simple and useful enough to be incorporated into our daily living. There are many ways to make a journey, so the mixture of techniques is an opportunity to explore what works best for each individual’s preference for becoming centered, growing clarity, and uncovering inner resources. Contact M.E. Tanabe for more information m.e.tanabe@comcast.net

For online, we use the Meditation Chapel platform because it links us to people from around the world.  A simple one-time registration takes less than 2 minutes to sign-up (but may take a while to receive a reply since program is run by volunteers).  The web link is easily accessible in the newsletter and can also be found here   https://meditationchapel.org/register/      After registering, you will receive the URL’s (web addresses) for all 7 of the Zoom meditation rooms (chapels).  The name of our “Chapel room” will always be Mary of Magdala 

Poetry Group

1st Tuesday at 7pm

Poets unite! This group meets to encourage poetry by sharing originals or poetry that is inspiring us.