Covenant Groups

Small Group Ministry at HUU

HUU has an active covenant group program currently involving 35-45 participants. Covenant groups, usually made up of 6-10 HUU members or friends, meet once a month to discuss a single, broad topic. Discussion is based on personal experience (as opposed to assigned readings or books) and is facilitated by trained leaders. Learning to listen, knowing others on a deeper level, and building empathy and trust are primary goals of the groups.

Most groups will welcome new members at any time of year, group size permitting. Those interested in joining a group for the first time or switching groups should contact us, and our administrator will connect you with one of our current group facilitators. Please know that groups determine their own meeting locations.  If you would like to attend any session, please contact the group’s facilitator for current meeting information.

What is a typical Covenant Group meeting like?

Typical Covenant Group meetings last two hours and are led by trained cofacilitators. Meetings begin with a chalice-lighting, a check-in by participants, and a reading that introduces the session topic. Group members are then invited to share topicrelated life stories that help members understand each other. The meeting ends with a checkout, a closing reading and extinguishing of the chalice.

How does a Covenant Group differ from Religious Education?

Traditionally, Religious Education involves discussing viewpoints and ideas. Covenant Groups build relationships by sharing experiences. In Religious Education, debate and argument can dominate, often at the expense of building relationships. In Covenant Groups, each person’s life story is valued as a unique source of truth and meaning.

What responsibilities do members have?

Group members are expected to attend all Covenant Group meetings except when out-of-town or in cases of personal emergency. They are encouraged to participate openly in discussions, listen actively when others speak, and abide by the group’s covenant.