The 7-week 2026 SMALL GROUP Book Study
We’ve been told all our lives that fear is something to overcome, push through, or leave behind. But what if fear isn’t the enemy?
In this 7-week book study, we’ll explore what fear may be trying to tell us, and how listening with curiosity to ANGER, WORRY, JUDGEMENT, SELFISHNESS, SHAME, LONELINESS, and UNCERTAINTY can help us make choices that are more aligned with the life we want.
New to Unity Palo Alto? This is a great way to get to know what we’re like!
Each Week Has Two Parts – Join one or both!
LISTEN TO WEEKLY TALKS
about FEAR and the 7 Messengers
Sunday at 10am (livestream or in person)
9/20: Welcome
9/27: Part 1: The Energy of Fear
10/4: Part 2: Anger & Worry
10/11: Judgement & Selfishness
10/18: Shame & Loneliness
10/25: Uncertainty
11/01: Part 3
JOIN A SMALL GROUP
to explore the ideas with a warm supportive community.
Online Small Groups
Women’s Group on Mondays @ 5:15 – 6:45 on ZOOM with Casey Wicker, Licensed Unity Teacher
Wednesdays @ 7:00 – 8:30 pm on Zoom with Rev. John Riley (and in the UPA Learning Center)
Thursdays @ 6:30 – 7:45pm on Zoom with Jho Angeles, Licensed Unity Teacher
In-person Small Groups
Mondays @ 3pm at the home of Patricia Gill-Thielan in San Mateo
Tuesdays @ 6:30pm – 7:45pm in the UPA Learning Center with Paul Wcislo & Christine Oliver
Wednesdays @ 7:00 – 8:30 pm in the UPA Learning Center with Rev. John Riley (and on Zoom)
Parents Group on Sundays @10am – 11am in the Fireside Room.
UNITY KIDS!
Over the course of the 7 week fall program, kids are following along with books, fun activities, and mindfulness exercises to help them better understand their own experiences with the 7 messengers. It’s a full family experience! Learn more here!
When Fear Speaks...listen WEEKLY RESOURCES
Click on the weekly guide to download or click to watch a talk!
How Our Small Groups Work
How does the Small Group Study Program work?
The Small Group Study Program is a multi-week experience that brings us together to connect and support each other as we try new things, learn, and grow. This is a wonderful way to get to know Unity Palo Alto or deepen your existing friendships.
The groups follow the chapters as discussed in the Sunday Talk. A Study Guide is provided to facilitate discussion and interaction in the small groups.
Where are small groups held? Group gatherings are held online, at Unity Palo Alto, or a hosts’ home.
How long are the small groups? Gatherings last about 1-½ hours to 2 hours.
What happens in a group gathering?
- Centering Meditation
- Check-In
- Discussion of the talk and study guide questions
- Weekly practice to apply the ideas in the book in our lives
- Wrap-up
- Refreshments and social time
Participants are encouraged to take an active role in the group by sharing the above responsibilities.
