Covenant Groups
Are you looking for a place where you can...
Grow spiritually while sharing with others, be truly known by others, give and receive support... in an intimate and safe environment?
There is such a place: A Covenant Group at EUUC
“The only way to have a friend is to be one.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
What is a Covenant Group?
It is a group of up to ten people who agree to meet twice a month for two hours each time, either at a host's home or at the Church. It is a group of people who wish to explore their ideas of spirituality in an intimate setting, and who wish to make a difference together through service to the church and the larger community. Please read the mission statement for EUUC Covenant Groups.
The format is simple:
A chalice is lit; opening words are spoken; folks check in; a topic is discussed; folks check out, mentioning likes and dislikes; and closing words are spoken.
Why are Covenant Groups meaningful?
Covenant groups provide visitors and church members an opportunity to meet others in a relaxed setting encouraging conversations, listening, discussion, and sharing of personal stories. This spiritual and social connection by which we measure our sense of belonging, is the core of EUUC's covenant groups. See what group members had to say when they shared their thoughts with the congregation.
Covenant Groups provide
- a place to listen, share and explore spiritual questions in an environment of trust and intimacy
- a place to continue to develop and articulate personal beliefs
- a place to feel a sense of belonging to EUUC
- a place to meet new people, develop deep and lasting connections
- a place to speak one's truth and to listen to other's truths and deepen connections
What is not part of a covenant group?
- It is not a study group, a committee, a therapy group, or an affinity group based on a specific area of interest.
- It is not a place to solve specific problems, be they personal or congregational
What is the structure of a covenant group?
- Covenant groups are bound by a covenant of interaction and confidentiality to which each member agrees
- Covenant groups follow a specific model
- Size of groups is limited and when the group gets too large it gives birth to another group
- A facilitator leads and participates in each group
- Session plans provide the platform for each member of the group to get to know oneself and other members better
- View sample session plans in the covenant groups online publication index.
As a newcomer to the Church may I join a group?
Absolutely. Covenant Groups are open to EUUC members and non-members alike. They help us more effectively welcome individuals who might be going through personal crisis or who may just need a bit of help getting through the day. Some may need friends with whom to recharge their souls; others might be seeking connection to larger meaning and deeper feelings and a sense of greater significance.
How do I join?
First, think about when you are available to meet. Groups meet on weekdays and weekends, some meet during the day and others in the evening. Then, take a moment to contact our Covenant Group Coordinator, Ellin Snow Groups are being formed continuously. When a group reaches ten people, it gives rise to another group.