Sacred Words Themes 
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Until now we've designed our resources around a single set of monthly themes made up of core UU values. This year, we're trying something new: We're offering a second set of themes and packets around more explicitly theological concepts. ​Our goal  is to re-engage all of us with traditional religious concepts and bring them to life in new ways.

Our Packets
During this pilot year, we're offering worship and small group packets to support these sacred word themes. The packets follow the same model and structure that we use for core theme worship and small group packets.

Our Approach
We engage these themes not so much as intellectual concepts but as wisdom paths. Sacred words tell us there is another way travel in this world. They aren't simply containers of information; they are invitations to new and richer ways of being. They don't simply ask "Do you believe in?" They beckon, "Come over here. Look. There is another way!"

Here's the entire list and the months they are paired with:

                                                                                           September: Faith
                                                                                           October: Mysticism
                                                                                           November: Prayer
                                                                                           December: Reverence
                                                                                           January: Soul
                                                                                           February: Grace
                                                                                           March: Awakening
                                                                                          April: Surrender
                                                                                          May: Blessing
​                                                                                          June: Myth

Two Distinct Uses: Stand-Alone or Complimentary
We're offering two different kinds of sacred word packets for two types of congregational use:
  • Our "stand-alone" sacred word packets are for congregations who want to use the sacred words as their primary monthly themes for the year, serving as an alternative to our "core themes."  
  • Our "complimentary" sacred word packets are for congregations structuring their year around our core themes but  who want to use the sacred word packets to compliment and theologically deepen their engagement with those core themes.
Here are more details about these to options:

Stand-Alone Packets

"Primary" or "stand-alone" sacred word packets are designed to support a broad engagement with each sacred word. The aim is to expand the meaning of the sacred word in a way that brings it to life and allows one to  reclaim a meaningful relationship with it.

The stand-alone worship packets contain resources that come at the sacred word from multiple angles, with plenty of material to design 4-5 distinct worship services each month. As with all of our worship packets, resources support all aspects of worship, from opening words to meditations to readings to sermons and sermon seeds. See a sample of our worship packet structure here.

Like the worship packets, the small group packets are broad in scope, allowing each member to find their own personal way of relating (or re-relating) to the theme. The goal is to expand the meaning of the sacred words and make them come alive in new ways. As with all of our small group packets, these guides engage members through spiritual exercises, discernment questions and "going deeper" resources. See a sample of our small group packet design here.

Complimentary Packets

​"Complimentary theme" sacred word packets are more narrow in scope. ​They are designed to bring the sacred word into conversation with our core themes. For instance, during September's focus on "A People of Expectation," the complimentary sacred word packets asks "What does faith have to say about being a people of expectation?" and "How does the idea of faith deepen our understanding of being a people of expectation?" Click here to see how we are pairing the sacred word and core themes.

The complimentary worship packets contain resources to theologically deepen your services generally and offer sermons on the sacred word itself.  

By focusing on the relationship between the sacred word and the core theme, the complimentary small group packets help you expand your small group program. Now your members will have two types of small groups to join: a traditional Soul Matters group that explores the monthly themes head on or a Sacred Paths small group that explores the monthly theme through the lens of a sacred concept.
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​So, it's your choice: use these themes as stand alone or complimentary themes!
Purchase & Pricing
Click on the below buttons to purchase the packets that fit your needs. Complimentary packets are reduced in price to make it easier for congregations to purchase them on top of the core packet subscriptions.

All of the purchase prices include:
  • Ten monthly packets, September -June
  • Orientation webinar (A general introduction to the Soul Matters model of theme-based ministry and small groups)
  • Small group facilitator and participant guides
  • Minister collaboration video calls (monthly gatherings with colleagues to share ideas about preaching on the themes)​​

Purchase by clicking on the buttons below...
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Primary Theme Packets

For those using the sacred words as their primary themes for the year:


Complimentary Theme Packets

For those using the sacred words themes as a compliment to the core themes. You need to purchase a subscription to one of the core packet lines to receive this reduced priced option.
  For more information contact Susan: [email protected].                           Soul Matters Sharing Circle LLC