Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Phoenix

ENRICH your spiritual and emotional life.

ENJOY a close relationship with a group of loyal and supportive UU friends.

EXPLORE the world of UU principles, values, and cherished traditions.

COVENANT GROUPS are called that because the first thing a new group does is establish a list of guidelines which members "covenant" to follow. Typically these guidelines include a commitment to attend meetings regularly, be on time, treat others with respect, be a good listener, maintain confidentiality, and carry out at least one project a year in support of the UUCP larger community, but each group is free to establish their own list.

Groups are composed of five to ten people who meet regularly, usually twice a month, and are led by trained facilitators (although members themselves are also encouraged to lead an occasional meeting).  The facilitator chooses a topic of interest to the group, along with questions to stimulate discussion, and selects opening and closing readings.  Each session begins with the lighting of the chalice, some welcoming words, and “check-in” (things going on in your life that you wish to share with other members of the group). 

Then the group shares in a discussion, usually stimulated by the facilitator’s questions, around the chosen topic.  Topics may be anything the facilitator or the group believes will deepen and enrich their spiritual lives:  love, jealousy, fear, faith, anger, solitude – to name only a few of the hundred or more suggested themes in the facilitator’s handbook.  Each session ends with a “check-out”, during which members share what they liked about the meeting and what they wish for future meetings.

Covenant groups provide an opportunity to know a small group of UU friends in a deeper, more intimate way than the Sunday coffee hour allows.  They encourage the exploration of spiritual/emotional issues rather than solely intellectual.  They are not designed to provide therapy, although many times the understanding support of others in the group does promote healing.

Perhaps best of all, those who have joined a Covenant Group now have a group of close UU friends who share their values and will be there for them when life proves difficult.

Please contact Natalie Summit at covenantgroups@phoenixuu.org for more information and current open groups.