Covenant Groups

All of the UUSC Covenant Group sessions follow the Small Group Ministry format, which includes a focused reading followed by three to five reflection questions. During the reflection period, we recommend that members share their personal reflections on each question without dialogue or discussion. The group is encouraged to approach each question separately, allowing every member to share before moving on to the next question listed. The practice of passing without sharing is an option. It is helpful if the facilitator reminds members in the group to engage in active listening and share the time fairly.

With any remaining time the group may choose to open the sharing to respectful dialogue that enhances understanding without challenging members’ ideas, feelings, thoughts, or reflections.

During both the reflections and dialogue it is important to engage in the practice of pausing between individual sharing. This practice of a silent pause of 3-5 second helps to ensure that members do not interrupt others' sharing and creates a space for individual integration between reflections.