FAQ about Covenant Groups at UUSIC

 

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What will you gain from participating in a Covenant Group?
Small Group Ministry is a unique experience that will give you the opportunity to:

1. Discover what you really value, and express those values in your actions. Participate in an open, supportive, nurturing environment that promotes and facilitates spiritual growth and mutual, interactive care for one another. Search and grow at your own pace and in your own way through telling your story, learning, loving others, and contributing yourself and your resources. Feel affirmed and accepted. Experience a high level of caring and intimacy.
   
2. Identify and use your spiritual gifts.

In what way is the small group ministry to be ministry?
It enables us to discover what we really value, and encourages us to express those values in our actions.  It creates a supportive environment which facilitates spiritual growth and mutual, interactive care of one another. Covenant Groups offer opportunities to search and grow at our own pace and in our own way through telling our stories, learning, loving one another, and contributing ourselves and our resources. We hope it will soon become an important part of your life.  

What should you expect in a Small Group Ministry session?
A session consists of an opening ritual, brief check in, readings, and evocative questions which begin the discussion of the evening.  Concluding with an individual closing reflection and a closing ritual.

1. Opening ritual:  lighting a candle or singing a song.

2. Check-in: Each member has 1-2 minutes to share the high or low point of his or her life that week. There’s no discussion or crosstalk during this time.

3. Reading:   A short evocative reading.

4. Discussion: Facilitators will share the questions to encourage thoughtful discussion.  This is not debate, but it gives you a chance to bring up ideas that might have occurred to you as others shared. Members are asked to be brief and supportive in their remarks.

5. Personal reflection: An opportunity for individual to give a closing reflection of “where they are at” or how they feel.

6. Closing ritual:  Groups may choose to sing a song or develop their own unique closing.

Do you have to participate in every element of the session?
No, the opening ritual, check-in, readings, discussion, and reflection are optional.

But our reason for being in SGM is to grow—in our personal lives, our spirituality, our commitment to the church, and our ability to minister to each other. The more you do and say, the better your experience, and the better the group’s understanding of you and your needs. Sometimes, you may not feel like participating, but if that happens on a regular basis, please talk to the leader(s) about what can be done to create a more satisfying experience.  

Is the sharing confidential?

Yes, we keep what individual members say confidential.

How long are the sessions? 
Usually, we plan for around 90 minutes. The leaders have a schedule in their notes. It’s really important to be respectful of time to make sure everyone has the chance to share equally. Some groups even use timers or watches to help them stay on track.  

What are the responsibilities of the leaders?

The leaders are providing a service to the members, not leading groups in a traditional sense. Their responsibilities are to organize the group, facilitate the sessions and keep them on track, handle any problems, facilitate group transitions (such as adding new members or members leaving), and minister to the group members in a variety of ways. If you’re ever interested in leading a group, please talk to the minister for more information.

Who is responsible for the content?
Each group has two trained member-facilitators who lead the group and work with the Small Group Ministry Council of facilitators and the minister.  Trained member-facilitators share materials and give structure to the discussion.

What should you do if you have to miss a session?

Try to contact the leader or co-leader ahead of time, if you can. Please make a commitment to attend as many sessions as possible.  

What should you do if you have a concern about your group?

It’s always best to talk to the leader and/or the co-leader first. You may also contact Small Group Ministries Council member Jan Locher.

How long will your group stay together?

We have a policy called the “open chair,” which symbolizes our readiness to share this wonderful experience with new people. Usually new members will be added to a group once or twice a year. Members generally stay in a group for a year or so, then they may choose to move to another group or perhaps lead a new group. Sometimes groups of 10-12 members will split, or “birth,” into two separate groups. Your group will have a chance to discuss and decide on any major changes together.

 

How do people join a group?
There are multiple avenues for entry into a group: 

1. Continuous open enrollment
2. By invitation from members of the group
3. By recommendation of the SGM Council and agreement of the group
4. During the periods of  “reforming/reshuffling”

Where can I learn more about joining a Covenant Group?
Contact Jan Locher by phone at 354-6260, or email lochers at mchsi.com.