Covenant Groups
What is a Covenant Group?
A Covenant Group is a small relational group of 6-8 people who meet
regularly in their own beloved community. Covenant Groups encourage
people to talk, learn, work and play together over time. Covenant
Groups
offer opportunities for growth, caring and connection. As FCU grows,
Covenant Groups can offer people caring affirmative networks. The group
structure promotes mutual responsibility, leadership and a way for
people to build and strengthen their communities.
Covenant Group or Social Gathering?
Social connections are an integral part of church life. People have
common interests and needs, they have fun together and they support
each
other in church and outside. Because people make the choice to
socialize
with some and not others at certain events, social activities may not
always be inclusive or diverse. Covenant Groups are intentional
groupings of diverse people who commit to meet with each other on a
regular basis. Within a Covenant Group each person is treated
equitably:
each has a voice and is heard. A person is respected for his/her
intrinsic humanity. Small size and purposeful intent promote deeper
connection. The defining purpose of a covenant group is to bring people
into right relationship with one another and the larger world.
Who's in Charge?
As people sign up to be participants in Covenant Groups, an
Administration Committee of two will match group members with a
facilitator. The Administration Committee will keep a revolving list of
people interested in joining a group as well as a roster of volunteer
facilitators.
Each group will have a trained volunteer to lead sessions. The role is
one of facilitator, neither minister nor teacher. The facilitator shall
be part of the group, but will be responsible for moderating
discussions
and coordinating the structure of a particular group. Facilitators are
required to have prior experience with group leadership (i.e.: Chair of
a committee) and have strong relationship skills. Prospective
facilitators will also be required to attend a training session to be
led by the Minister and professional trainers. Facilitators will meet
with the Minister at least once a month.
Let's Talk About It
Initially, topics will be chosen from resource guides developed by
other
UU communities. As Covenant Groups develop, other topics can be
introduced from the Minister's sermons and suggestions of group
members.
Although the selected topic will be the focus of a group's discussion,
time will be spent on opening and closing rituals and words as well as
personal check-ins and session feedback.
What's In It For Me?
A lot! Joining a Covenant Group can ease a new member from the "I'm
new"
to "I belong"; long term members can really get to know the "new
faces".
Small groups like the Covenant Group provide a safe haven for
expressing
one's views, pursuing spiritual growth and becoming more deeply
connected to an ever widening church community.
Fellow UUs from Augusta, Maine, refer to the covenant group concept as
Small Group Ministry or SGM. Here is what some have to say about their
small group experience:
Through SGM [or Covenant Groups] we can get
to know
people whom we otherwise may not have
SGM helps me build personal relationships
SGM goes beyond coffee hour. It's Fun!
How Do I Get Started?
If you have questions about Covenant Groups or would like to sign up,
please e-mail the Administration Committee for Covenant Groups at
covenant@fculittle.org.
The committee will assign you to an existing group or add you
to a waiting list
for a new group. If you would like to become a facilitator, please
contact the Administration Committee who will provide
information on training and responsibilities.