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Covenant Groups
Small Group Ministries

"We call upon our own emotions to empathize with the emotions of others, and welcome them into our wider circle of care, so that we can extend that caring out into the world and, ultimately, change the world itself. Religion should call us to our highest selves, our best selves, and help us serve humanity, all of humanity, and all of life."
-Rev. Kathryn A. Bert, June 5, 2005

"Dealing with others is a very complex issue. There is no way that you can come up with one formula that could solve all problems. It’s a bit like cooking…”
-His Holiness the Dalai Lama

Sign up, and lets start “cooking” together!

Introduction

Six to twelve people will gather to get to know each other more deeply and practice "right relations." By coming to agreements (covenants) about how we will engage with each together, we create a sacred space. In that sacred space we renew, reinvigorate and restore our spirits and our connections with each other. We find reminders of the mystery, power and healing of that interconnected web in which we exist.

We will undertake service projects to extend our right relationship into the community as a part of our work together. We will talk and listen mindfully. We will share successes and struggles, ideas, feelings, techniques and anything else of relevance. No particular background is required; no specific philosophy, theology or technique will be espoused.

What are the covenants?

     Within each group we make a commitment to each other to participate within a specific format and to attend regular meetings. We establish additional covenants specific to each group and commit to these agreements about how will we work together.
     We make a covenant with the larger congregation. Our covenant with the larger congregation is that we have an open and inviting stance. Some groups will grow or split; others will convene for an agreed time period, then dissolve to start new groups. We agree to create new groups as our groups grow.
We make a covenant with the larger community. Each group participates in service projects, guided by basic UU values and the focus on right relationship.

How do the groups work?

     Meetings… Groups meet at the church regularly for one-and-a-half hours at a time. The facilitator will reserve a room and create a comfortable and quite place for the meeting.        Format… consists of a statement of group purpose, an opening reading or ritual and a review of the group's covenants.
     Sharing… This opening is followed by an opportunity for each group member to briefly share his/her current state, feelings, frame of mind, etc. with the group.
     Content… The content area of the group is then a focus of discussion, activity, planning, etc. Before closing, there is an additional opportunity for group members to share current feelings etc.
     Closing… The meeting closes with a reading and or ritual which ties the group to its larger organization and transcendent experience.

What is the content area for the groups?

Each group will draw its content from the Augusta, Maine Small Group Ministry Session Book or any topics the group decides to discuss. We have moved away from groups with content themes in order to emphasize that the relationships are the content.

What is my commitment?

     Each member is expected to be present, to adhere to the group's covenants, to be genuine, and to give to the group the concern and energy that might be given to a valued friend. Beyond these basics, no special skills, background, or exceptional wisdom is required.

How do I get involved?