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Covenant Groups are a small group ministry designed to help UUS members and Friends maintain a sense of intimacy as the congregation grows. In a Covenant Group you develop a close bond with a small group of people over time, sharing experiences from your personal lives as well as reflecting on ethical, spiritual and religious questions together. The Covenant Group model is based on the assumption that our mission as a congregation can best be realized by providing programming and resources that enhance our experiences of worship, community, and growth and learning. Worship is central to the life of our congregation. Covenant Groups do not take the place of Sunday morning worship, but do augment and strengthen that shared experience. People come to church seeking to know themselves better, to grow into their understanding of the world and to ponder the age old questions of faith. Covenant groups help meet these needs while providing connection and intimacy.
Not Another Meeting?
Well, yes! Covenant Groups meet monthly. Many Unitarian Universalist congregations have found that when they introduce Covenant Groups, attendance at worship increases, as does participation in other congregational programs, including committee meetings and service projects! Why? Because when people are getting more out of their church, they are moved to put more into it.
What are the Covenant Sessions Like?
The format is simple:
Opening Words
The opening words gather people in, help settle folks down, serve to remind members of the special opportunity of the gathering, and often reflect the topic of the evening. Some groups light a Chalice or candle as well.
Check-in
Participants share news of what has been happening in their lives. Each group develops its own customs as to the length of sharing or how to respond. This portion of the meeting may expand from time to time when circumstances call for it.
Topic/Discussion
A paragraph or two lays out a topic and presents questions that elicit thoughtful discussion and significant reflection.
Likes and Wishes
This is included at the end of each session as a positive format for feedback. Participants share what they liked about the session and what they wish to see in future sessions. Not every group includes this every time.
Closing Words
This brings the formal session to an end. Groups are encouraged to start and end on time. Because all the groups discuss the same topic in the same time frame, we sometimes see a cross-pollination of ideas and insights at coffee hour, in the worship service polylog, and at other gatherings.
Where Do The Groups Meet?
Each group facilitator decides whether to convene the group primarily in members homes or at the church. Some groups may alternate.
How Long Do Meetings Last?
Sessions are designed to be 90 minutes long and by common consent most groups are respectful of the time.
What Is The Role Of The Minister?
The minister is the coordinator and coach for the Covenant Groups. She helps to recruit and train facilitators, and meets with them each month to counsel and guide. She works with the facilitators in inviting new members to existing groups, recruiting and training new facilitators and in developing new groups.
What Will Be Expected Of Me If I Join A Covenant Group?
Participants are expected to bring a positive and respectful attitude and a willingness to share and to learn. The most important expectation that participants have for one another is to give the agreed upon meetings a high priority. While no one can make every meeting, members are expected to make every effort to attend.
What Does The Facilitator Do?
They facilitate the life of the group. They make sure the group begins and ends on time. They remind people of the next meeting and contact group members who miss a meeting, or delegate someone to do so. During the meeting, they read from the session plans and guide the discussion. They meet each month with the minister and other facilitators and help to maintain the connection between individual groups and the larger church.
Who Will Know What I Say?
There is an expectation of confidentiality within groups. When there are significant pastoral concerns, a Facilitator may ask if they can share that concern with the minister.
How Do Covenant Groups Grow?
We hope to always be in the process of forming new groups as people become interested in joining a group or as new people arrive. As new groups are formed, experienced group members step forward to become facilitators for new groups. As the circumstances of people's lives change, the membership of a group may change. While it is sad to say goodbye, it is exciting to welcome new members and expand the circle of connection.
Are Covenant Groups Therapy Groups?
No!! While participants may feel better connected and thus happier in their lives, the Covenant Groups do not take the place of therapy. Professional therapy is readily available in our communities; we offer connection, reflection, community and spiritual growth.
Why Are They Called Covenant Groups?
At UUS, we have always understood that our Covenant, the promises we make to each other about the ways we will be together, has been the basis for our vital and healthy community. The Covenant Groups are another way of living out that promise.
How Often Do The Groups Meet?
Once per month. See How Do I Join A Covenant Group? for the latest schedule.
How Long Will I Be In A Group?
Covenant groups do not meet over the summer. When they reconvene in the fall, everyone has a chance to recommit to the group they are in, or ask to join another group.
How Do I Join A Covenant Group?
There are four groups that you can join right now. Just click on the facilitator's name and send them an e-mail to join:
Monday Evenings, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Facilitator: Bonnie Lepoff - at Clarice & Gus Douoguih's home in Reston
Tuesday Noon, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Facilitator: EB Kirkbride - at the church in Sterling
Tuesday Evenings, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Facilitator: Michael D. Berger - at the church in Sterling
Thursday Evenings, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Facilitator: Linda Reeder - at Terry & Steve Dick's home in Ashburn
If you need more information, call the church office at 703-406-3068.
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