Approximate Agenda for
Covenant Group Meeting
DINNER (6:30-7:00 PM)
LIGHTING OF THE CHALICE (7:00):
“Amid
all the noise in our lives, we take this moment to sit in silence –
to give thanks for another day,
to give thanks for all those in our lives who have brought us warmth
and love,
to give thanks for the gift of life.
Let us open ourselves, here, now, to the process of becoming more whole –
of living more fully,
of giving and forgiving more freely,
of understanding more completely the meaning of our lives here on this
earth.”
( - Timothy D. Haley, UU author)
CHECK-IN (<2 minutes each à 7:00-7:20)
MAIN TOPIC (7:20 – 8:10)
What thoughts and feelings do I experience around this time of year (Christmas-Kwanza-Solstice-Yule-etc), and why? How have these changed over the years? What mindsets or rituals associated with this season would I like to reinforce, which would I like to change, and how can I do so? What made the best or worst such seasons I’ve experienced? What do I experience when receiving a gift? When giving? Are giving and receiving balanced in my life? Why do we give material things?
CHECK-OUT (<1 minute each à 8:10-8:20)
CLOSING WORDS (8:20)
“Let
us not wish away the winter. It is a
season in itself, not simply the way to Spring.
When
trees rest, growing no leaves, gathering no light, they let in sky and trace
themselves delicately against dawns and sunsets.
The
clarity and brilliance of the winter sky delight. The loom of fog softens edges, lulls the eyes
and ears of the quiet, awakens by risk the unquiet. A low dark sky can snow, emblem of
individuality, liberality, and aggregate power.
Snow invites to contemplation and to sport.
Winter
is a table set with ice and starlight.
Winter
tends to warm light, fire, and candle;
winter cold to hugs and huddles;
winter wants to gifts and sharing;
winter dangers to visions, plans, and common endeavoring – and the zest
of narrow escapes; winter tedium to merrymaking.
Let
us therefore praise winter, rich in beauty, challenge, and pregnant negatives.”
(- Greta W. Crosby)