Covenant Groups
Updated 8/8/2003
"The entire experience has been wonderful. I've made new
friends and had the opportunity to explore deep issues in a safe and stimulating
experience."
--Participant in 2001-02 Group
TJMC launched its covenant groups in Fall 2001. Here are what some of
the participants in the previous two years had to say about what they liked
about their covenant group experience:
"I had been attending church for about a year and was seeking a way
to make a deeper connection to the church community. This has provided that
connection."
"I treasure the opportunity to get to know other TJMC members in a
more meaningful way. I enjoyed visiting everyone's homes, sharing food, laughing
and crying."
"I learned so much about myself and others. It helped me explore a
variety of issues that I wouldn't have delved into in such depth."
"I appreciated the level of trust and sharing in the group."
What is A Covenant Group?
A covenant group is a small group of 8-12 people within a congregation
who meet regularly for the express purpose of:
- Forming deeper, more intimate relationships
- Sharing spiritual struggles and growth
- Deepening religious commitment
- Ministering to each other
- Supporting each other
- Learning from each other
How Is A Covenant Group Different From Other Small Group Activities?
Covenant groups work for some and do not work for others. Key to
the covenant group experience is having a clear expectation of what a
covenant group is and is not. A covenant group is:
- Supportive and yet not a support group;
- Not a formal class and yet an opportunity to learn from peers;
- Reverent and yet not a formal worship experience; and
- Not a social club and still an opportunity to make and deepen friendships.
What Happens During A Covenant Group Meeting?
Every Covenant Group agrees on its own format and rituals. Generally,
meetings include:
- Shared meal
- Opening words/ ritual, such as a chalice or candle lighting
- "Check-In" time for each person to share, uninterrupted, how/where
they are at this time
- Discussion, sharing of UU-themed materials and short readings
- "Check-Out" time for each person to share parting thoughts
- Closing words or ritual
Where Can I Learn More About Covenant Groups?
Augusta Maine UU church: http://home.gwi.net/~uuccaug/sgm.htm
(articles by Glenn Turner, NE District minister and Calvin Dame, minister
of Augusta church)
UUA Interconnections: Small Groups Help Build a Stronger Congregation:
http://www.uua.org/interconnections/membership/vol4-1-membership.html
Covenant Group News, a periodic online newsletter by Rev. Bob
Hill of the SW District: Read past newsletters and subscribe at
http://www.swuuc.org/Bob%20Hill/Bob%20Hill's%20Page.htm
Thandeka's Center for Community Values, "A Covenant Group Sourcebook":
http://www.the-ccv.org/ Click on "projects"
What Is The History of Covenant Groups At TJMC?
Covenant Groups were first formed in Fall 2001 at TJMC. We will be forming
new groups this fall and a number of groups from the 2002-03 year will be continuing
and adding new members in the fall of 2003.
The Covenant Group Coordinating Committee helps coordinate, evaluate
and promote the activities of covenant groups within TJMC. To learn more
about covenant groups, please feel free to contact us.
Sally Taylor, chair
434-295-8083
David Takahashi Morris, Minister
434-973-3484
Signing Up for a Covenant Group
To sign up for a Covenant Group, please complete the Covenant
Group Registration Form.
Covenant Group Feedback
To provide feedback after participating in a Covenant Group, please complete
the Covenant Group Feedback Form.
Materials for Facilitators
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