Covenant Group Program

Come, come, whoever you are, wanderer, worshiper, lover of leaving. Ours is no caravan of despair. Come, yet again come.

—Hymn #188 Singing the Living Tradition Unitarian Universalist Association

This year’s program (October 2007 to June 2008) is underway. Covenant groups will be re-formed in the Fall of 2008. Information about joining a covenant group will be available late summer. Hope you’ll consider joining us!

Is Becoming a Member of a Covenant Group Right for You?

Are you ready for exploring your spiritual depths with a group of persons who are also seeking? Are you willing to listen responsively to others without interrupting them? Are you ready to share your journey through life with a group of persons who are also willing to share their journeys? Are you willing to be stretched in your understanding of what it means to try to live life fully and responsibly? Would you like to help other people grow in their spiritual journeys? If you answered “yes” to even one of these questions, becoming a member of a Covenant Group may be just what you have been searching for.

—Jeanne Parsley, adapted

What are Covenant Groups?

Intentionally formed, relational groups of 6-10 people Members explore issues of spirituality, reflect on their theology, grow personally and deepen in faith Serve as a caring network; members care for and receive care from other group members Build and strengthen All Souls Church as members deepen their relationships with each other and become more connected to the larger church community Led by a trained facilitator who is also a member of the group and who meets regularly with the minister and other facilitators Most meet twice/month for two hours after an initial period of meeting weekly for 3-4 weeks as the group is first forming

What Responsibilities Do Covenant Group Members Have?

Commit to attend all meetings from October through June Let your facilitator know when you cannot attend Arrive on time and help the group to end meetings on time Be present in mind, body and spirit Work with other group members to create a living covenant for your group Be open to knowing others; open to knowing yourself Maintain confidentiality as defined in your group’s covenant Care for and minister to each other Welcome new members to the group Continue to discover the meaning of the Unitarian Universalist principles and live them in your life

Sample Covenant Group Topics

Those Who Have Touched Our Lives Ministry, the Expression of Our Values What Does Religion Mean to Me? Who or What is in Charge? Gratitude Hotel Earth Path of Forgiveness Freedom and Independence Hope in Difficult Times Simplicity

We are called forth to join our energies, talents, skills and strength, to join our spirits and souls in the life work of building beloved community, right here, right now, every day. We are called to be chalices, flaming chalices burning with passion and compassion, chalices wide enough and deep enough to receive the pain and joy of all who hear and feel and respond to this call. We are called to meet one another face to face, to tell the truth of our lives and to listen as we build beloved community, right here, right now, every day.

—Lee Reid, adapted