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Milestone sessions (M)
Milestone sessions mark the major milestones of a group.
The 4 sessions to start a group are used to build a common foundation of story. The sessions introduce
SGM and members willl share some common stories. The intimacy and deepness of sharing increases as the sessions progress.
Ideally, the group should meet weekly for 4 weeks then assume its normal schedule. These 4 sessions are:
- M01 - Getting to know you
- M02 - Sharing Our History
- M03 - Those Who have Touched Our Lives
- M04 - Ministry, the Expression of Our Values
If a group adds a member, use these 2 sessions to integrate the member into the group. These 2 sessions are a condensed
version of the first 4 sessions. If possible add an extra meeting the month the group adds new members.
- M21 - New member introduction
- M22 - New Member values
When a member leaves a group, one of two situations arise. Either the group will have a chance to say goodbye in
person or they won't. In either case the group has changed. M19 and M25 are short rituals that can be used in
addition to the regular session for the day. Choose one of the following rituals as appropriate
- M19 Member has left (no longer present)
- M25 Goodbye to member
After a period of time, the group should reflect upon itself and its processes. The following session (full 2 hours)
is part guided meditation, part sharing that will allow the group to look at itself in a constructive manner.
- M11 Circle as Container
- M145 Creating a Small Group Ministry Covenant
When there is a change in leadership, this ritual is an add-on to the normal content of the day. It provides members
of the group a way to honor the service of the leader who has stepped down.
This birthing ritual is to be used as the last session of a group before it grows to become two groups (births).
When a member of a group dies the group changes profoundly. The following ritual is a full two hour session to explore
that change. This session is not a memorial service, that need will be fulfilled in the congregation as a whole.
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Life Event Sessions (L)
These sessions allow members of a group to acknowlege the happenings in each other's lifes. These are all short
rituals, meant to be used in addition to the content of the day. By allowing an "all for one" time, each member is able
to minister to the needy member yet move on to the content of the day.
Take a look at the leader notes for each session to determine if it is the session you need. Many require the leader
to prepare something, none require any preparation on the part of the members. Be sure to talk to the member involved
before using one of these sessions.
- L14 Serious Illness
- L23 Pet Loss
- L26 Major Problem with Child
- L27 Child Leaving Home
- L37 Birthdays
- L51 Sad Occurrence
- L52 Happy Occurrence
- L80 Member is Overwhelmed
- L84 When the Shooting Starts (used at the time war breaks out)
- L94 Lindi Said Goodbye (used after the last service of a beloved senior minister)
Big Question Sessions (B)
These sessions are a series of sessions on "Big Questions". We were inspired by the theme used by the Arlington church.
This is our take on that theme.
- B119 What Does Religion Mean to Me?
- B120 Who or What is in Charge
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Seasonal Sessions (S)
Seasonal sessions are timed with particular calendar events of the year.
- S6 Gift of Change (Christmas)
- S30 Resurrection (Easter)
- S69 Return of the Light (Winter Solstice)
- S70 Our Work, Our Selves (Labor Day)
- S71 Day of the Dead (October 31)
- S79 April Fools
- S82 Passover: A Tale of Liberation
- S95 Path of Forgiveness (Rosh Hashanah to Yom Kippur)
- S101 What if God Was One of Us? (Advent)
- S106 Our Fathers (Father's Day)
- S134 Freedom and Independence (Independence Day)
- S138 Holiday Moments (December Holidays)
- S139 At the Year's End (end of December. Could also work for Thanksgiving)
- S142 After the Election. (2004 post election)
General Sessions (G)
Most sessions are general sessions. As of November 2004 there are over 50 general sessions so thay are not
all listed here. They sessions vary in focus. They may be introspective, focussed on our own congretations,
or the world around us. Some are meditations, discussions, or but mostly just deep listening within a worship service.
This is a rapidly growing list. The following is not comprehensive Some notes on a few of the sessions:
- G5 - Gratitude makes a good Thanksgiving session
- G34 & G35 are meant to be used as a pair on two consecutive meetings.
- G81 Failure should be followed by G77 Accomplishments
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