Covenant Groups
at First Church Unitarian

Contents

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 Adm. 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 UU's 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 call or e-mail Jordanna Shaw (jshaw@nbsc.org), the Adminstration Committee for Covenant Groups. They will assign you to an existing group or get you on a waiting list for a new group. If you would like to become a facilitator, please add you name to the roster and the Administration Committee will provide information on training and responsibilities.

Click below for the:

FCU Covenant Group
RESOURCE BOOK