Covenant Groups

Contact:  ap [at] uucf [dot] org (Adult Programs)

When we sit quietly in a Covenant Group meeting with a half a dozen or so people we have come to know and trust, when we can tell some of our own story and hear some of the stories of others, we can begin to know ourselves in a new way for the first time. It is not narcissistic or selfish for us to talk of our personal experience, for through revealing ourselves we can change our relationships. Through exploring our relationship with the world, we can choose how to participate more fully in the world. What occurs among us is not simply pleasant conversation, but truly creative interchange that can bring new levels of understanding.

How do you feel about yourself and your life?  How do you feel about others and your relationships?  What things bring you real joy?  What things are you afraid of?  These are the kinds of questions that might be discussed in a Covenant Group.  The discussion is often deep and meaningful, at times simply because it is about subjects we don’t often bring up.  The discussion is respectful and non-judgmental.

There are now more than 100 people taking part in 11 Covenant Groups at UUCF. The commitment is simple: agree to show up faithfully for the group’s monthly meetings, to remain in the group for a year, to respect the confidentiality of the conversation at meetings, and to follow the process guided by the facilitator.

Groups meet at various times throughout the week, most in the evening but a few in the daytime.  Some groups meet at UUCF, others in members’ homes.  Some of our groups started just last year; others have been meeting faithfully for a number of years.  Though their primary function is to meet together for deep conversation, groups sometimes undertake a service project at UUCF or in the community.  One group recently visited a Laotian Buddhist center to experience their worship and hospitality. 

If you would like to investigate joining a group, or would simply like to know more, contact cjensen [at] uucf [dot] org (Carol Jensen, )Member Services Coordinator.