What Does a CUUPS Chapter Do?
Each chapter decides what activities to offer in their congregations.From worship services, discussion groups, book studies, workshops, film series, field trips, and other activities with a Pagan focus. Some publish a newsletter to keep members informed.
To start a chapter, pick one activity and advertise it to members of your congregation. If people show up, you may have the start of a CUUPS chapter!
How Do CUUPS Chapters Worship?
CUUPS draws from the large depth of heritage when it comes to worship styles in Paganism and Unitarian Universalism, often creating new styles of worship. Worship services, often in the form of rituals or ceremonies, can be traditional, modern, or a blend of both.
Chapters may celebrate traditional Pagan holidays in modern ways and with modern understandings, or they may celebrate in a manner handed down through generations. Some chapters hold services eight times a year in honor of the agricultural seasons of the year such as the Solstices, Equinoxes, and points half way between. Other chapters hold worship services for only some of these, or for different holidays, or not at all.
How do Chapters Support Worship in Their Congregations?
Chapters may also lead worship services for their congregations. These services may follow the standard format in the congregation or may be non-traditional in format. CUUPS encourages chapters to use practices familiar to members who attend for worship services but not to follow only one tradition of Paganism. Chapters are ideal for exploring diverse Pagan practices and traditions.
How Does Having a Chapter Impact a Congregation?
Many churches with chapters find that these groups are small group ministries in the congregation that provide outreach to their communities. Some churches have experienced growth from this. Chapters encourage and bring their trust in the Purposes and Principles to the larger earth-centered community. A Chapter brings an opportunity for members to learn how to create interfaith kinship.
How Often to Chapters Meet?
Chapters determine their own schedules. Meeting times can vary from getting together occasionally to meeting weekly, based on the interest of those attending. Meeting times and frequency can vary throughout the year and throughout the lifetime of the chapter.