Statement of Purpose:
Small covenant groups would help teach that the culture of our church is to listen to each other, respect each other and to be honest with each other. These groups are designed to help meet the spiritual, emotional and social needs of members. They also provide the time to better care for one another and connect on a deeper level.
Unitarian Universalist churches across the country have been growing spiritually and physically through the formation of small Covenant Groups. The groups are formed to provide a safe place to share feelings. It's a process – they are not meant to be problem solving groups or classes. There are many different ways to run these groups. In some larger churches, groups are called Small Group Ministries and in others they are called Fellowship, Affirmation, Covenant groups or Chalice circles. The recommended size for any of these is between 6 – 10 people. It is also recommended that groups have an element of 1 community service project for the church and 1 or 2 for the community as a whole. Food/snacks are not recommended because of the distraction.
As a spiritual practice, each small group ministry focuses on process, not problems. It aims to treat all content of a person's life in the same way: as a moment worthy of one's full, undivided attention. It does not aim to offer advice, guidance and direction or to resolve personal problems. It simply stops time so that the full presence of each person is acknowledged and appreciated in that moment. The idea is not to work on problems. The idea is to share feelings.
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the decision of the group. Preferably an evening between Tues.–Fri. every other week.
Length: Decided by the group. Many groups meet all year.
Everyone takes turns reading so no facilitator is needed except for initially starting the groups. No preparation is needed on the part of individuals. This is a place to come to share feelings and to develop friendships.
Adherence to the following structure is necessary for the stability of covenant groups.
Opening: UU reading or prayer
Reading of covenant and guidelines of the group. (Ex: no cross talk, no advice giving, unless asked.) This would be established ahead of time so everyone is aware of expectations.
Check in: Ex: What has your attention and energy now? Everyone would take a minute to reflect and then take turns going around the circle to share.
Theme or topic (Examples: Principles and Purposes, Living Tradition, Sunday service topics, meditation books, hymnal readings, reflective questions). Topics may be decided upon by the group.
Check out: Ex. What will you do this week to nurture your belief in the worth and dignity of every person?
Closing reading