Unitarian Universalist Congregation

[ Home ] [ Up ] [ UUC History ] [ Bylaws ] [ Covenant Groups ] [ Welcoming Congregation ] [ Seekers ] [ Staff ]

Small Groups / Covenant Groups @ UUC

What are Small Groups/Covenant Groups?

Small Groups/Covenant Groups are small monthly gatherings that meet for the purpose of getting to know each other on a deeper level, developing a richer spirituality, and reaching out to others. (For the remainder of the page only the term Covenant Group will be used).

How Do They Work?

Groups open with an inspirational reading followed by a personal check-in. Then there is a discussion on the topic of the month. A sermon at a Sunday Morning Worship Service is also based on the 'topic'. Participants are urged to speak from the heart and to share their own personal experiences. A final brief check-out and reading ends each session.

Why Covenant Groups?

Most churches have group meetings, but a Covenant Group has five characteristics in common: a shared format, a trained leader, a small size, regular meetings, and a covenant. Groups meet at least monthly in homes or at UUC. Covenant Groups also make a covenant -- or a promise -- how the members intend to relate to each other and how they, as a group, will serve the church.

Why Should I Join a Covenant Group?

Covenant Groups help people to get to know each other on a deeper level, encourage the development of a richer spirituality, and give participants the opportunity to work together to help others.

Sign up time for Covenant Groups! Article from Sept 09 Newsletter.

We are entering our fifth covenant group cycle. Covenant group participation is open to UUC members, visitors and friends. Covenant Groups are groups of up to 10 people who meet once each month for two hours. The purpose is to join with others and share our experience, our questions, our wisdom, and ourselves.

Those who have participated in the past report that the groups:

•           deepen us individually

•           connect us to one another in love

•           strengthen our larger church community

•           help us live out the values of our liberal religious heritage

•           further equip us for service in the world

Covenant Groups are NOT:

•           therapeutic support groups

•           study groups

•           action groups (though a service project to UUC is conducted)

•           traditional prayer groups (though prayer is welcomed)

•           primarily social groups (though social ties will result)

Covenant Groups create community through the acts of gathering, focusing, reflecting, speaking and listening. These simple acts can strengthen and deepen us, both individually and collectively. The term “covenant group” refers to the covenant we make with one another to be faithful in our participation over a 9 month period from September through June and to be respectful in attending to all voices in the group.

Currently there are three groups which meet during the second week of each month, one on Sunday, one on Tuesday and one on Wednesday.  Sign up at or receive more information from the office. Please indicate which is your preferred day - Sunday, Tuesday or Wednesday. Also, indicate if any days are not possible for you.