Programs > Covenant Groups

COVENANT GROUPS

We, the members of the First Unitarian, agree to . . .

promote the spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth
of each member

Our mission covenant calls us to foster relationships within community, offer a spiritual setting for personal growth, interact on a meaningful level, and let everyone's voice be heard. We seek to provide many ways for the people in our community to engage one another, in both large and small group settings. First Unitarian recognizes that small, committed groups of people can create a nurturing and supportive space in which to grow and interact.

Covenant Groups

Covenant groups may be the spiritual development path you have been hoping to find for a long time. A covenant group is a small group of people who agree to focus on nurturing relationships among members and exploring their spiritual journeys. During a committed period of about 6 months, people share their life stories and strengthen ties to each other over time, offering expanding opportunities for growth, caring and connection within the congregation.

What is it like to be in a covenant group? At a typical gathering, 6-10 people briefly check in with each other. They get to know one another on a deeper level and catch up with each others' lives. People then share their reflections and ideas on a given topic.

For many people, covenant groups, which provide a safe place for exploring and sharing thoughts and feelings, go significantly beyond the coffee-hour level of connecting with people. As one member describes it, "Covenant groups can provide a place of spiritual intimacy for many of our members in this large church. They have a huge potential for enriching, even transforming our church lives."

• If you seek a community where you are known and not judged, then perhaps covenant groups are for you.

• If you seek a place to explore and ponder some deeper issues of life, you might try a covenant group.

• If you seek a place where you can say how it really is for you, then perhaps covenant groups are for you.

• If you seek a place where you have deep and meaningful connections with other adults, then covenant groups may be what you are looking for.

Mini-Session Groups

Curious about what happens in a covenant group? Try a mini-session group! These three-session covenant groups give you a taste of what the covenant experience is all about, including sharing histories, building community, and engaging in church activities and life. Newcomers in particular are encouraged to join a mini-session group, which start about every four months.

 E-mail the coordinator for more information!