Soul Matters is a theme-based ministry for the whole congregation. Each month, we join over 150 UU congregations across the country in exploring a monthly theme through resources from the Soul Matters program.

Soul Matters is throughout church life at UUCL – in worship services, in gatherings for children and youth, and in small groups that explore the theme together!

What are Soul Matters groups?

Unitarian Universalism entails seeking truth and meaning in covenant with others–and Soul Matters small-group ministry can extend your practice beyond Sunday mornings. Soul Matters groups offer an intimate community of trust who covenant to gather for a year (or more) to explore and deeply discuss a compilation of spiritual resources each month on a topic connected to UUCL’s monthly worship theme. These groups currently meet online.

Soul Matters participants help one another deepen personal spiritual practices and strengthen their bonds with each other as members of this faith community.

What is Soul Matters like?

Many at UUCL find Soul Matters groups a deeply meaningful part of our spiritual practice. They offer a sense of belonging and a circle of fellow UUs who support one another’s spiritual growth. Soul Matters groups consist of eight to ten people. Each month, members explore the packet of spiritual resources on their own, then gather with the group to share how the insights and wonderings from the packet have illuminated their lives.

Facilitators from the congregation, who meet regularly with the Director of Lifespan Faith Development, guide each group in a specific process designed to foster deep listening and trust.

You can learn more about the Soul Matters approach here.

UUCL offers three types of Soul Matters groups:

• Soul Matters groups: Most groups at UUCL follow the core Soul Matters format, delving into the monthly packet and then meeting to discuss it deeply.
• Starting Point: From the creators of Soul Matters, Starting Point brings new life to UU theology & history. After several sessions of exploring what Unitarian Universalism and spiritual connection mean to participants, the group continues with the “regular” Soul Matters experience of the monthly themed packet. Perfect for those newer to Unitarian Universalism or UUCL and long-time members who want to build community.
• “Moving and Making” Soul Matters group: Members of this group stretch their spiritual muscles to engage with the monthly theme and communicate with their Soul Matters group first and foremost through creative and embodied practices. This might include body movement, drawing, music, craftwork, poetry, movement meditation, and prioritizing the creative or multimedia resources in the packet.