What is a Chalice Group?

Imagine you belong to a small, close-knit community made up of perhaps five to ten people. Together, you…

• COMMIT to being together and to meeting regularly, once a month or so.
• CREATE a sacred space for conversation, a space that is safe, supportive, and confidential.
• DELVE into important topics of the spirit and of the human experience such as Belonging, Good and Evil, or Joy.
• PRACTICE listening deeply to each other and honoring differences.
• SHARE the role of facilitating your meetings among those who wish to do so.
• DEVELOP fellowship, deep connections, and intimacy.
• LEARN and GROW together.

You have imagined a Chalice Group. Come join us!

Benefits of Chalice Groups 

• BELONG to a supportive, nurturing group that facilitates spiritual growth and mutual caring
• EXPLORE your own values by articulating them in a supportive setting
• GROW at your own pace and in your own way through authentic speaking, deep listening, reflecting, and serving
• DEVELOP friendships with interesting people you might otherwise never get to know
• INVESTIGATE important topics that might get overlooked in day-to-day life
• ENRICH your life with greater depth of meaning
• If you wish, choose to LEAD by selecting topics and facilitating group discussions.

Voices of Chalice Group Members

“What Chalice Group means to me: A safe place to share significant personal events when needed. A place to practice listening and processing at a deeper level. A place to discuss topics of interest at a spiritual level. A place to practice what we preach – to honor and respect our fellow travelers.” – J.S.

“I enjoy being part of the Chalice group because I feel that we have good discussions and I feel safe contributing to the discussion. It is good to feel included in these discussions. –G.O.

“It has been great to get to know the people in my group, to hear their thoughts and opinions on various topics. Everyone respects each other’s opinion. It’s a secure place to share thoughts.”  –J. T. 

“Our Chalice Group is a very positive recurrent event in my life. I look forward to our monthly meetings as places where we share about our lives, talk about interesting and relevant topics, and get to know each other more deeply. I have been in this group for several years now and this deeply rooted connection is a valuable part of my life.” –B.G. 

How to Join a Chalice Group

As people’s lives unfold, the members of a Chalice Group naturally change over time. Groups must remain small to promote intimacy and have time for everyone to participate when they meet, so sometimes a group is full. Sometimes a group is open to new members because people have left the group for any number of life reasons.

Chalice Groups do not select their members. When not full, Chalice Groups are warm and welcoming to any new member who wants to join the group. To join a Chalice Group, you only need to be a member of First Parish and commit to the covenant that guides the Chalice Group you are joining. 

The process of joining a Chalice Group is an easygoing one. You’re welcome to visit different Chalice Groups and choose the one that’s best for you. Please use the links below to learn more.

What are the current Chalice Groups?

How do I join a Chalice Group?

How to Get More Information

For more information, to join a group, or to form a group, email chalice@firstparishportland.org.