Covenant Groups

AT UUCS, we affirm right relationship as a part of our spiritual work together. In Covenant Groups, members discover new joy and fulfillment in their spiritual lives, find power in diversity, form and deepen friendships, and find avenues for service.

Who is eligible to participate?

Adults who are Members or Friends of UUCS may participate.

When do Covenant Groups meet?

Covenant Groups agree to meet at least once a month. Each group decides the time and location of its meetings.

How are Covenant Groups formed?

People who wish to join a covenant group are usually assigned  on the basis of available space within a group and on which meeting time will be most convenient for them.  We also try to balance groups by age and gender.

What is a Covenant Group?

A Covenant Group is a group of up to ten people who meet regularly for a common purpose. Covenant Group structure offers a context in which we may speak of our lives and concerns with the expectation that we will be heard and respected, where there is safety, where we can consider many views without rancor.  Members of a group come to know and trust each other, and the groups are meant to be oases of community friendship within the larger congregation.

What is a typical Covenant
Group meeting like?

Covenant Group meetings are
carefully structured, and typically l
ast for about an hour and a half.
Each group is led by a trained
facilitator. Meetings open with a
chalice lighting and check-in by
participants, followed by readings
related to the topic of the session.
Prepared questions guide conversation
about the topic. The meeting ends with
a check-out, and a closing reading.

How are topics chosen?

Usually, all the groups use the same prepared lesson each month. Leaders
meet at the beginning of the month to discuss and practice the lesson, and
we believe that using the same lesson for all increases the sense of connection between groups. The lessons come from various sources, and some are written by group leaders or members themselves.

What is expected of a Covenant Group member?

Group members make a commitment for at least a year, and agree to attend  meetings except when prevented by necessity. Everyone is encouraged to engage in discussions, listen actively, and abide by the group’s covenant. Covenant Group members agree to participate in at least one group service project each year. 

How do I enroll in a Covenant Group?

Covenant groups may add new members at any time. New groups are formed once each year, typically in the fall.


Anyone interested in joining a Covenant Group may contact covenantgroups@uucs.org

Covenant Groups

Covenant Groups

LIFESPAN FAITH DEVELOPMENT

Goals of the Covenant Group Ministry

To deepen spiritual life and understanding.
To create and deepen friendships and personal ties within the larger  
      congregation.
To provide a context for the understanding and practice of UU principles and
      values.
To encourage connections to the larger congregation and the community
      through service.