Small Group Ministry
Information about Our Small Groups for Adults at Wildflower
News about our groups:
New Affinity Group - Women’s Sunday Study Circle - first meeting on 1/22/12
All women interested in participating in an ongoing life writing circle whose purpose is to foster community through writing and sharing are invited to join Betty McCreary, facilitator. The Circle will meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 1-3 in FPC's Multi-Purpose Room to write about our lives and share these writings within the circle. Contact Betty at , or 899-9445 for more information.
There are three main types of groups at Wildflower Church:
- Connection Circles are small groups of 5-10 people that meet at least monthly to build deeper community, nurture spiritual development, and explore topics using a set of materials designed by the Adult Programming Committee's Small Group Ministry Team and Rev. Eliza Galaher.
- Covenant Groups are small groups initiated by members of the congregation who meet at least monthly to build deeper community and explore spiritual, ethical, and other issues that are selected by the particular group.
- Affinity Groups are for those who wish to share common interests, areas of study, and hobbies. They are less structured than Connections Circles or Covenant Groups.
See the Weekly News announcements and the calendar for specific dates and locations.
We welcome the formation of new Covenant and Affinity groups. To accomplish this, please contact .
Connection Circles
New Connection Circles will form in October. Be sure to watch for further information.
Connection Circles are small groups of 5-10 people that meet at least monthly to build deeper community,and nurture spiritual development. We structure the groups to create opportunities for sharing around topics chosen to deepen our understanding of the foundations of our religious tradition. This year, each connection circle will follow the theme of Standing on the Side of Love. The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) affirms seven principles that capture the essence of our creedless faith. The covenant of the UUA also describes the "sources" of our living tradition:
- Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life.
- Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.
- Wisdom from the world's religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.
- Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God's love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.
- Humanist teachings which counsel us to heed the guidance of reason and the results of science, and warn us against idolatries of the mind and spirit.
- Spiritual teachings of earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.
Each connection circle is unique due to the diverse makeup of its members. However, each group has a facilitator and all groups follow a set curriculum. A typical meeting includes the following:
- Welcome and chalice lighting
- Check in-sharing what has been happening in each person’s life since last meeting
- Opening reading
- Topic discussion and activity
- Wrap up and closing reading
- Extinguish chalice and preview of the following month topic
In summary, each month we delve into the content, reflect on thought-provoking questions and share our personal stories and connection to the topics. And, we have fun activities and exercises that engage our heads, hearts and bodies.
Looking for a way to connect with other Wildflower members? Connection Circles just might be for you! Here is a sample of what current members say;
“I wish more people would take the opportunity to participate in these groups. I feel it can help to build a better sense of community in our congregation.”
“We have a nice group that is relaxed and comfortable together and it is fun to talk about UU stuff.”
“This is a rich and rewarding program. Thanks for organizing it.”
Currently, there are five active Connection Circles. New members are welcome at any time. If interested, contact Mary Ober or Sarita Rosen, team leaders for the Connection Circles Program within the Adult Programming Committee, at .
More information on the program goals and guidelines is available in the Connection Circles Overview.
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Two Connection Circles - enjoy the experience of beloved community and support each other's spiritual journey
Covenant Groups
Covenant groups are small groups initiated by members of the congregation who meet at least monthly to build deeper community and explore spiritual, ethical, and other issues that are selected by the particular group. For more information on an existing Covenant Group, contact the group’s facilitator. If you would like to start a new Covenant Group, please contact .
Elder Bluebonnets
This group offers a caring community for exploring a variety of issues and an opportunity to get to know others at a deeper level. Elders of all ages are welcome in this member facilitated group!
Meeting day/time/location: 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 2 pm, South Austin Senior Activity Center
Contact person: Mary Ragland at 280-8661
Elder Hibiscus
This group offers an opportunity for people to explore a variety of topics in a caring community. It is facilitated by Richard Pruitt.
Meeting day/time/location: 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month, 2 pm, members' homes
Contact person(s): Margaret or Richard Pruitt at 440-1098
Spiritual Pilgrims
This group supports members on their spiritual journeys through the discussion of sllected books, sharing and a period of meditation.
Meeting date/time/location: 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, 7-9 pm, members’ homes.
Contact person: Barbara Dickens at 448-4120.
Wildflower Minds Connect
People who have been diagnosed at any time in their lives with a mental illness are invited to join Wildflower's newest group, Wildflower Minds Connect. We meet to encourage deep connections with one another as well as foster an environment of sharing, support, and encouragement.
Meeting date/time/location: 1st Tuesday of each month, 7-8:30 pm, Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 East Oltorf, austin 78704 - Parlor
Contact person: Danna Luther at or 567-6997.
Affinity Groups
Affinity groups invite members and friends of Wildflower Church who share common interests and hobbies. If you wish to start an affinity group, please contact . For information about specific affinity groups, a contact person is listed below for each of the existing groups.
7/12 Recovery Ministry
The 7/12 Recovery Ministry offers friendship and support to all Wildflower congregants who have personally experienced substance or behavioral addiction or connect to this experience as a loved one. We follow a meeting format similar to 12-Step meetings, adapted for Unitarian Universalists, which emphasizes welcome, confidentiality, and supportive fellowship. The co-leaders are Helen Burnette and Bobbie Erb.
Meeting date/time/location: 1st and 3rd Monday of each month, 7-8:30 pm, Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 East Oltorf, Austin 78704, Classroom 1
Contact persons: Helen Burnette at or 454-0809 or Bobbie Erb at 825-1373.
Buddhist Meditation and Study Group
If you are interested in Buddhism and in developing a meditation practice, this group was established to be a resource and support for you. We study books by Buddhist teachers, discuss the books, and sit for 25 minutes at each meeting.
Meeting date/time/location: 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month, 11:30 am-1 pm, Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 East Oltorf, Austin 78704 - classroom 1
Contact person: Helen Burnette at or 454-0809.
Circle of Friends
This group for singles of all ages invites single folks from all the UU churches in the area to participate. The intention of this group is to provide social activities for singles and encourage the sense of being part of a circle of friends.
Meeting date/time/location: Special events publicized to e-mail list
Contact person: Marilyn Stone at 276-5220.
Conversation Café
Wildflowers and the general public are invited to join another conversation cafe for meaningful conversation around compelling questions. Everyone is welcome. Come just once or many times. There are no books to read, no assignments, and no dues.
Meeting Date/time/location: 3rd Saturday of the month, 10:30-11:30 am, Hampton Branch at Oak Hill Austin Public Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd.
Contact person: Call Joan at 454-3160 or email for more information.
Earthseeds - Wildflower Unitarian Universalist Pagans
We are an earth based spirituality group that studies, nurtures, embraces, and expands the Religion of Earth Itself. We are nature lovers, ritualists, environmentalists, and in touch with the Divine Earth. Members determine specific topics and areas of interest.. We are an open group that welcomes anyone interested in earth based spirituality. Join us for ritual, potluck and discussion. For more information about Earthseeds, please visit the Earthseeds website: http://austinpagan.com/earthseed/index.html
Meeting date/time/location: 4th Sunday of each month, 4:30-8:00 pm, Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 East Oltorf, Austin 78704 - Fellowship Hall
Contact person: Frances Osborne at or 347-1705.
For 2011, Earthseeds has scheduled open rituals at Wildflower in the Game Room at SASAC on specific dates. These 30 minute rituals will start at approximately 12 noon. Children are welcome and anyone may attend; no sign up is necessary. Dates were chosen to celebrate the pagan Sabbats.
The Earthseeds will celebrate the pagan Sabbats on the following dates:
January 30, 2011 -- Imbolc Celebration
March 20, 2011 -- Ostara Celebration
May 1, 2011 -- Beltane Celebration
June 19, 2011 -- Litha Celebration
July 31, 2011 -- Lammas Celebration
September 18, 2011 -- Mabon Celebration
October 30, 2011 -- Samhain Celebration
December 18, 2011 -- Yule Celebration
Samhain Sabbat Celebration - October 30, 2011
Samhain (pronounced: sow-en) is a pagan holiday that is celebrated on October 31. It marks the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter.In the past, Samhain was a festival for the time between the old year and the new year. It was a time for having bonfires and playing tricks. It was also thought a time when people could make contact with departed loved ones and foretell the future. A typical Samhain celebration will focus on the ancestors and the cycle of death and rebirth.
Grow Your Inner Wildflower
The Women's Spirituality Group has joined Grow Your Inner Wildflower. The result is a self-development and support group that shares emotional support, practical coping skills and strategies with the goal of empowering members toward personal growth, positive change, and healing. Topics discussed include assertiveness, relationships, loneliness, stress, co-dependency, and emotional issues. Members conduct exercises and activities that allow them to practice the concepts discussed.
Meeting date/time/location: 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm, members' homes
Contact person: Marilyn Stone at or 512-644-1814.
Mystical & Theosophical Study Group
Meetings of this group Include a brief meditation and discussion of relevant texts, both modern and ancient. Topics focus on mystical experience and theosophical teachings about the science of consciousness, the prior and ongoing growth or evolution of our mental or minds, and our relations to our earth and solar system. Meetings are open to the general public and drop-ins are welcome.
Meeting date/time/location: 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month, 2-4 pm, Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 East Oltorf, Austin 78704
Contact person: Faye Maxwell – 448-1830 or
SoulCollage® Group
Soul Collage® uses images to explore the inner landscape of one’s soul. This creative and intuitive process allows participants to access their inner wisdom, explore feelings and thoughts about life’s purpose and foster a deeper spiritual connection.
Through selecting visual imagery to form a collage, we create cards with personal meaning. We then use the cards in a variety of ways to help us journey inward, explore life’s questions and provide spiritual guidance. We welcome new members—men and women—to join us!
Meeting date/time/location: 4th Sunday of the month, 2-5 pm in members' homes
Contact person: Pat Laird at 282-2551 or
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Examples of SoulCollage® cards (actual size 5"x8")
Wildflower Choir
"Sing and Rejoice!" The Wildflower Choir welcomes all who enjoy singing with a community of others who wish to contribute to the worship service on Sundays. If interested, come to a rehearsal.
Meeting date/time/location: Wednesday nights, 7:30 pm, Faith Presbyterian Church, 1314 East Oltorf, Austin 78704 - multi-purpose room
Contact person: Elke Baitis, Choir Director at 228-7699.
Women’s Sunday Study Circle - first meeting on 1/22/12
All women interested in participating in an ongoing life writing circle whose purpose is to foster community through writing and sharing are invited to join Betty McCreary, facilitator. The Circle will meet on the fourth Sunday of each month from 1-3 in FPC's Multi-Purpose Room to write about our lives and share these writings within the circle. Contact Betty at , or 899-9445 for more information.
Unitarian Universalist Affinity Groups (draw membership from area UU churches/ fellowship)
Heritage Book Club
This book discussion club, started by First UU Church, includes Wildflower members. It meets monthly to discuss books of interest to UU’s and the group. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm with a potluck and the book discussion begins at 8:00 pm
Meeting date/time/place: 2nd Friday of every month, 7:00 pm potluck - 8:00 pm book discussion; meets in members' homes.
Contact person: Tom Moran, 233-6488.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Austin Philosophical Discussion group
This group meets on a Tuesday evening at 7:30 pm in the latter part of each month to informally examine the philosophical ideas and assumptions that influence our contemporary worldviews. The exact topic and date for the meeting is set at the previous meeting of the group.
Meeting date/time/place: Tuesday evening in latter part of each month, 5930 Republic of Texas Blvd., Austin TX 78735.
Contact person: Mike Pore at 892-4790.