Covenant Groups
TJMC-UU launched its covenant groups in Fall 2001. Here are what some of the participants had to say about what they liked about their covenant group experience:
“I had been attending church for about a year and was seeking a way to make a deeper connection to the church community. This has provided that connection.”
“I treasure the opportunity to get to know other TJMC-UU members in a more meaningful way. I enjoyed visiting everyone’s homes, sharing food, laughing and crying.”
“I learned so much about myself and others. It helped me explore a variety of issues that I wouldn’t have delved into in such depth.”
“I appreciated the level of trust and sharing in the group.”
What is A Covenant Group?
A CovenantGroup is a small group of 8-12 people from our congregation who agree to meet two times each month during the program year for the express purpose of:
Forming deeper, more intimate relationships
Sharing spiritual struggles and growth
Deepening religious commitment
Ministering to each other
Supporting each other
Learning from each other
How Is A Covenant Group Different From Other Small Group Activities?
Covenant groups work for some and do not work for others. Key to the covenant group experience is having a clear expectation of what a covenant group is and is not. A covenant group is:
Supportive and yet not a support group;
Not a formal class and yet an opportunity to learn from peers;
Reverent and yet not a formal worship experience; and
Not a social club and still an opportunity to make and deepen friendships.
What Happens During A Covenant Group Meeting?
Every Covenant Group agrees on its own format and rituals. Generally, meetings include:
Shared meal
Opening words/ ritual, such as a chalice or candle lighting
“Check-In” time for each person to share, uninterrupted, how/where they are at this time
Discussion, sharing of UU-themed materials and short readings
“Check-Out” time for each person to share parting thoughts
Closing words or ritual
What Is The History of Covenant Groups At TJMC-UU ?
Covenant Groups were first formed in Fall 2001 at TJMC-UU with 5 groups, the program has grown. This year we hope to have 15 different covenant groups, some of which are designed for either a specific focus (Simplicity Circles, Spiritual Mamas) or a specific population within the congregation (women only, Lake Monticello residents, young-minded adults).
We will be forming new groups this fall and a number of groups from last year will be continuing and adding new members.
The Covenant Group Coordinating Committee helps coordinate, evaluate and promote the activities of covenant groups within TJMC-UU . To learn more about covenant groups, please feel free to contact us.
Sally Taylor, chair
434-295-8083
CovenantGroups@uucharlottesville.org
Rev. Dr. Janet Newman, Interim Minister
(434) 293-8179
minister@uucharlottesville.org
Signing Up for a Covenant Group
To sign up for a Covenant Group, please complete the Covenant Group Registration Form.