Covenant Groups & Chalice Circles
Looking for deeper fellowship with fellow ERUUFians? Join a Covenant Group or Covenant Circle! These meet once or twice per month, generally on the ERUUF campus.
Questions
What are Covenant Groups & Chalice Circles?
Ongoing small groups of 8 to 10 people who typically gather for spiritual exploration, reflection, mutual support, and service. Some members choose to move on at the end of the program year in spring, allowing spaces for new members to join that group in the fall.
Group members select a topic for each meeting. 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?
Groups meet at ERUUF and sometimes in members' homes. The 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. Topics are chosen by the group and may focus on ethical or spiritual issues as well as topics for personal sharing. 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.
What is the commitment that's involved?
Members commit to meeting once or twice a month for 2 hours per meeting—unless 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 2019-2020 are:
Program Guidelines for Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles
Program Guidelines for Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles
New Member Policy
Interested in joining a covenant group or chalice circle? Here's what to do:
Program Policies
for Covenant Groups and Chalice Circles
Updated in 2019: CGCCPrgrmPolicies2019.pdf