This year, we are offering the opportunity to try participating in a Covenant Group! Covenant groups, chalice circles, or small group ministry are all names for this unique experience that many UUs have found to be a core way to practice Unitarian Universalism. This is also something that was a part of congregational life in past years at UU Erie, so it really isn’t brand-new, but a revival of something that many of you have been asking for!
What happens in a covenant group?
Each is different, but during about 1.5-2 hours there’s usually:
- a chalice lighting, followed by a time for brief check-ins by participants
- readings and open-ended questions to introduce the theme (we’ll follow Soul Matters themes)
- an opportunity to reflect the theme, such as presence, justice, or joy
- a check-out ritual; you might be invited to how you’re feeling or how you might apply what you’re taking away from the circle reflections in your daily life.
- a chalice extinguishing to close the circle
Who might benefit from being part of a covenant group?
- People who want to go deeper with the monthly themes: Liberating Love, Transformation, etc.
- Longtime members who seek stronger connections with folks beyond their coffee hour circle
- Newer friends & members who wish to connect and get to know people in a meaningful way
- Anyone who seeks a monthly opportunity to slow down, reflect and make meaning of their life
When can I attend?
We’ll be holding open-ended covenant group experiences through the spring and summer, so you can “try on” this practice for yourself without committing to a monthly meeting. You can attend as many or as few as you like. Here are the times and dates, both in person and on Zoom:
In-person meetings (at the congregation): Theme:
Wednesday, March 13th at 6:30 pm Transformation
Wednesday, April 10th at 6:30 pm Interdependence
Wednesday, May 8th at 6:30 pm Pluralism
Wednesday, June 12th at 6:30 pm Renewal
Wednesday, July 3rd at 6:30 pm Justice & Equity
Wednesday, August 7th at 6:30 pm Generosity
Zoom meetings: Theme:
Wednesday, March 20th at 6:30 pm Welcome
Wednesday, April 17th at 6:30 pm Mystery
Wednesday, May 15th at 6:30 pm Liberating Love
Meeting ID: 983 7259 0777
Passcode: 844407