It is clear in the New Testament that small groups were critical to the fellowship, communal life, and discipling of followers of Jesus. Even Jesus chose a small group of twelve to teach and experience life together in pursuit of creating a more loving, compassionate, and welcoming, inclusive world. The early church met in houses, not cathedrals and church buildings, that is until Christianity became a legal religion and gained power, prestige, and money.
Even evolutionary theory celebrates the importance of small groups. David Sloan Wilson, in his book, This View of Life, writes:
Evolutionary theory distinctively identifies the small group as the fundamental unit of human social organization, required for both individual well-being and effective action on a larger scale….We must consciously seek to create small groups that benefit individuals as well as society as a whole.
With these things in mind, Union Church, Berea, KY, offers several opportunities for visitors, new members, friends, and members to get involved in a small group of interest to them. Some of these groups are based on reading books, some on studying scripture through the Lectionary, some on social justice, life issues, new member groups, in-the-news discussion groups, or groups built around hiking, walking, lunches, music, dinners, etc. which often also include discussions of recent sermons and/or worship experiences. If there is a group you would like to offer up to host/facilitate, you may contact our Program Coordinator, Rev. David A. Jones, by email.
Current Small Groups You Can Join
Thursday Bible Study

Thursdays, 10:30am

Thursday Bible Study Group follows the Revised Common Lectionary, and may be one of the longest-lasting programs of Union Church. We gather to take a look at the suggested passages for that week, for two main purposes: to dig into the scripture and some commentary and share and turn over what is learned, and to help the pastor gain some new insights for the sermon that week. No need to register.
Currently Meeting
Coffee w/ the Pastor

Wednesdays, 10:30am

Leader: Pastor Kent Gilbert
Coffee with the Pastor is a zoom group that includes members and friends of Union Church from a variety of states and close to home who want to fellowship and catch up with one another. No need to register.
Currently Meeting
Jones Book Group

Wholehearted Faith by Rachel Held Evans
Tuesdays, 6:00pm (Starts, March 7th)

Leader: Rev. David Jones
Hybrid Meeting: In-Person in Union Church Conference Room and by:
REGISTER NOW FOR THIS GROUP SO WE CAN ORDER BOOKS IF NEEDED!
Currently Meeting
Old Time Music Jam
Leader: Deborah Thompson

2nd & 4th Saturdays
10:00am – 12:30pm
Berea Old Time Music Circle Jam 2nd & 4th Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m, Union Church Parlor – enter at the handicap ramp. This Parlor has excellent acoustics and is a comfortable room.
All musical skill levels are welcome! Why not brush the frost off all of your acoustic instruments and come on out this Saturday morning to listen, learn a new tune, just play along, dance or sing.
NO NEED TO REGISTER!
Currently Meeting
Women’s Spirituality Group
Leader: Rev. Carla Gilbert
2nd & 4th Mondays 3:30pm
Hiking Group
Leader: Joan Moore
Thursdays, 8:30am
First Hike
March 30, 2023
Meet at The Pinnacles (Indian Creek Parking Lot)
Register by clicking the image below so we can know who is coming. Leader’s contact information will send in confirmation email.

Choir

Leader: Bernardo Scarambone

Wednesdays
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Choir Room – 3rd Floor
Currently Meeting
Handbells

Leader: Pearl Marshall

Thursdays
6:30pm – 7:30pm
Choir Room – 3rd Floor
Currently Meeting
Orchestra
Leader: Bernardo Scarambone
Wednesdays
5:30pm – 6:30pm
Choir Room – 3rd Floor
Currently Meeting
Meditative Creations
Leader: Betsy Whaley
Dates/Times/Location TBA
The Psalms Group
Leader: Donna Eder
1st & 3rd Wednesdays 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Meets in Main Classroom at Union Church
Bridge Club

Fridays
12:30pm – 4:30pm
Office Level Classroom
@Union Church