Covenant Groups-Chalice Circles

Looking for deeper fellowship with ERUUFians? Join a Covenant Group or Covenant Circle! These meet once or twice per month, primarily online during this pandemic period. In the videos below, ERUUF members Steve Hall, Julia Ward, Linda Farley, and Peter Burch share their experience with Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles at ERUUF.

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What are Covenant Groups & Chalice Circles?

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Ongoing small groups of 8 to 10 people typically gather throughout the program year for exploration of spirituality, values, reflections from personal experience, mutual support, and service. Most new members join a group during September registration and commit to participating through the spring. As some members choose to re- register for a different group or move on to other ERUUF activities, spaces for new members become available. Additional groups are formed as demand requires. There are currently 18 groups meeting at different times.

Group members select a topic for each meeting, and follow a protocol that encourages deep listening and sharing. Each group develops a covenant about how they will relate to one another and function as a group. Groups are led by trained facilitators who are ERUUF members.

Covenant Groups:

meet 2 times per month
complete 2 service projects per year

Chalice Circles:

meet 1 time per month (many are meeting more often during the pandemic)
complete 1 service project

How Do Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles Work?

Group meetings follow an established pattern. They start with a short reading. Next comes a "check in" period when members share what is on their minds or what has happened recently in their lives. Then comes a time for individual sharing and deep listening on a chosen topic. Groups choose a different topic for each meeting. Examples include: facing a challenge, spiritual journeys, family relationships, perseverance, etc. The group ends at the agreed-upon time, usually with closing words. Some groups include light refreshments as part of their meeting.

Why consider Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles?

The small size, regular meetings, and personal sharing help members develop a "home base" for their involvement in ERUUF. Because groups also perform at least one service project each year, it is an opportunity to put into the practice the values we hold. During this pandemic, many members consider their group an important way to stay connected with the ERUUF community.

What is the commitment that's involved?

Members commit to meeting through theprogram year, once or twice a month for up to 2 hours per meeting—unless sick, traveling, or have a family conflict. Most people find the meetings and community connection deeply nourishing and fulfilling.