Covenant Groups & Chalice Circles
Looking for deeper fellowship with ERUUFians? Join a Covenant Group or Covenant Circle! These meet once or twice per month. Most groups meet in-person post pandemic but some groups may offer a hybrid opportunity. In the videos below, ERUUF members share their experience with Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles at ERUUF.
Questions
What are Covenant Groups & Chalice Circles?
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 16 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
- 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 practice the values we hold. Most 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 the program year, once or twice a month for up to 2 hours per meeting—unless they are sick, traveling, or have a family conflict. Most people find the meetings and community connection deeply nourishing and fulfilling.
Who are the CG/CC Steering Team members?
Members of the Covenant Group/Chalice Circle Steering Team for 2024-25 are:
Soul Matters
Resources
Soul Matters for November
Soul_Matters-The_Practice_of_Repair_-_November_2024.docx
Soul Matters for October 2024
Soul_Matters_-Deep_Listening_-October_2024.docx
Soul Matters for September 2024
Soul_Matters_-_the_Practice_of_Invitation-_Sept_2024.docx
Soul Matters for June 2024
Soul Matters for May 2024
Soul_Matters_-Personal_Pluralism.docx
Soul Matters for April 2024
Soul_Matters_-_Interdependence_-_April_2024.docx
Soul Matters for March 2024
Soul_Matters_-_Transformation_-March_2024.docx
Soul Matters for February 2024
Soul_Matters_-_Justice_and_Equity_-_Feb_2024.docx
Soul Matters for January 2024
Soul_Matters_-_Liberating_Love_-Jan_2024.docx
Soul Matters for December 2023
Soul_Matters_-_The_Gift_of_Mystery_-_Dec_2023.docx
Soul Matters for November 2023
Soul_Matters_-_Generosity_Nov_2023.docx
Soul Matters for October 2023
Soul_Matters_-_The_Gift_of_Heritage_-Oct_2023.docx
Soul Matters for September 2023
Soul_Matters_-_The_Gift_of_Welcome_Sept_2023.docx
Soul Matters for May 2023
Soul_Matters_-_Creativity_-May_23.docx
Soul Matters for April 2023
Soul_Matters_-_Resistance_April_2023docx.docx
Soul Matters for March 2023
Soul_Matters_-_Vulnerability_-_March_2023.docx
Soul Matters for February 2023
Soul_Matters_-The_Path_of_Love_-_Feb._2023.docx
Soul Matters for January 2023
Soul_Matters_-_Finding_Our_Center_Jan_2023.docx
Soul Matters for December 2022
Soul_Matters_-_The_Path_of_Wonder-Dec_2022.docx
Soul Matters for November 2022
SoulMatters-The_Path_of_Change-Nov_2022.docx
Soul Matters for September 2022
Soul_Matters_-_Belonging_Sept_2022.docx
Soul Matters for June 2022
Soul_Matters_-_Celebrating_Blessings_June_2022.docx
Soul Matters for May 2022
Soul_Matters_-_Nurturing_Beauty_May_2022.docx
Soul Matters for April 2022
Soul_Matters_-_Awakening._April_2022.docx
Soul Matters for March 2022
Topics
You may adapt these topics to your needs. Please give the original author credit in whatever adapted materials you develop and share.
Schadenfreude - Feb. 2024
Schadenfreude_Topic_2-26-24.docx
Outer Space
Outer_Space_-_Session_Guide_Feb._2024.docx
Best Holiday Ever
Prejudice
Excerpts from the book "Centering"
Teachers and Mentors
Session_Plan_TEACHERS_AND_MENTORS.docx
The Life of Women and Women's Rights
Women_and_mens_issues_TTS.docx
Compassion
Apologizing
Wrath
Those Who Touched Our Lives
Those_who_touched_our_lives.docx