Useful Links
To view the Fall Chalice Circle schedule click here
Chalice Circles are small groups of about five (5) to ten (10) people who meet once a month for about 90 minutes at UUFR, in a member’s home, or online using video conferencing technology. Participants choose the day and time they want to meet when they sign up. Childcare is available for some Chalice Circles (Parent Circle and those which meet during church services).
Fall Chalice Circles meet four or five times, September through December/January
Winter/Spring Chalice Circles meet five times, February through June.
Chalice Circles do not meet in July and August.
Chalice Circles are our most popular adult small groups at UUFR. More than 130 people participated in Chalice Circles during the spring of 2026.
Each meeting provides an opportunity for people to talk about what’s happening in their own lives, to practice deep listening with others, and to reflect on some of life’s big questions through a structured discussion.
Each session focuses on a specific theme. The materials for each session, which are used to explore the theme, are provided by Soul Matters (see link above), a network of Unitarian Universalist congregations.
Upcoming themes include the following:
September: Beginnings
October: Courage
November: Healing
December: Awe
January: Thresholds
February: Commitment
March: Balance
April: Emergence
May: Play
June: Horizons
No meetings are scheduled in July or August.
Participants are asked to allow at least 30 minutes for preparation before each session in order to meaningfully participate. The Parent Chalice Circle is an exception to this requirement.
Some of our programming for children and youth also uses these themes, so parents who participate in Chalice Circles may be better prepared to talk with their children about their Sunday morning programming. Chalice Circle themes can also be the basis of sermons each month.
The purpose of Chalice Circles is to help us as a religious community realize our mission of transforming lives and empowering people to serve the world.
Yes! All are welcome to sign up. Participating in a Chalice Circle is a good way to get to know people, to learn more about Unitarian Universalism, and to decide whether you would like to become a member of the congregation. Participants from other Unitarian Universalist congregations are also welcome.
Registration (see link at the top of this page) for Fall Chalice Circles opens June 1st and continues until all spots are filled or August 31st, whichever comes first. Registration for Winter/Spring Chalice Circles opens December 1st and continues until all spots are filled or January 31st, whichever comes first. Spots in some Chalice Circles fill very quickly.
If you would like to find out what a Chalice Circle is like before signing up, you are encouraged to attend a Drop In Chalice Circle. These are usually held once a month on the second Sunday of the month. Check The Chalice e-newsletter for details. Chalice Circles generally are not scheduled during the summer months.
If you would like to sign up for a Chalice Circle but miss the registration deadline, contact . You may be able to join one of our existing Chalice Circles if there is space available.
