First Unitarian Church of Pittsburgh

  605 Morewood Avenue
  Pittsburgh, PA 15213-2999
  412-621-8008

COVENANT GROUPS

What is a covenant group?

A covenant group is a year-long experience that provides opportunities for members and friends of First Unitarian Church to grow spiritually and to develop caring relationships with others. A covenant group offers opportunities for friendship, spiritual growth, mutual responsibility, leadership, and service. One source states:

"In a covenant group, people experience a relational individuality which affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person. People experience themselves and each other as part of the interdependent web of existence of which we are all a part. Together, people establish communities which embody the values of justice, democracy, and human dignity. Each person is treated equitably. Each has a voice and is heard. And each person is respected for his or her own intrinsic humanity. The defining purpose of a covenant group is to bring people into right relationship with each other and with the larger world."

Why the name "covenant groups"?

Members of each covenant group interact with one another in ways that reflect the principles-or covenant-of the Unitarian Universalist Association: honoring the inherent worth and dignity of one another, promoting justice, equity and compassion in human relations, encouraging one another to spiritual growth, and so on. In addition, members of each covenant group make a commitment to attend meetings regularly, to maintain a measure of confidentiality, and to respect the experiences, conclusions, and growth of all members of the group.

What happens during a covenant group meeting?

First, the group takes a few moments to make a transition from the cares of the day. Next, the group takes time for checking in with one another, reviewing personal joys and sorrows. Then a leader introduces a topic for discussion; this may be in the form of a question, a poem, or a passage from an article or book. Finally, at the end of the meeting, the group takes a few moments for closure.

Where and when will covenant groups meet?

Covenant groups, of six to twelve people, will meet either at the church or in members homes at a regular time once or twice each month; meetings might run for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Some covenant groups will meet in the evening; others will meet during the day, or sometime over the weekend.

How do I become part of a covenant group?

Contact our Membership Coordinator, Devon Wood, at 412.621.8008 ext.104 or via e-mail at uuchurchpgh@yahoo.com. If possible, please register online for our next Covenant Group Orientation Retreat. Retreats typically occur twice yearly in the fall and spring.

May I invite a friend to try out the group, or are groups closed?

Covenant groups are closed, although the entire group may discuss inviting others to join. Ideally, a group would not exceed 12 adults. We ask that a new group spend three months getting to know each other before inviting new members.

Who leads covenant groups?

After the initial start-up, covenant groups are self led. Each covenant group is responsible for choosing a facilitator and a pastoral care contact. A short training session is held for all facilitators. Pastoral care contacts coordinate with the ministers, as needed.

Where did the idea of having covenant groups originate?

Lay members of First Unitarian Church heard about covenant groups in other Unitarian Universalist congregations and brought the idea to church leaders, who responded with enthusiasm. The structure outlined here follows similar structures that have proven to be successful at other congregations.