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 Sarah Milsaps Towles and Susanna Murrie 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 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.
Who are the CG/CC Steering Team members?
Members of the Covenant Group/Chalice Circle Steering Team for 2022-23 are:
Soul Matters
Resources
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
Soul_Matters_-_Renewing_our_Faith_March_2022.docx
Soul Matters for February 2022
Soul_Matters_-_Widening_the_Circle_Feb_2022.docx
Soul Matters for January 2022
Soul_Matters_-_Living_With_Intention_-_January_2022.docx
Soul Matters for December 2021
Soul_Matters_-_Opening_to_Joy_-_Dec.2021.docx
Soul Matters for November 2021
Soul_Matters_-_Holding_History_Nov_21.docx
Soul Matters for October 2021
Soul_Matters_-_Cultivating_Relationship_-_October_2021.docx
Soul Matters for September 2021
Soul_Matters_Session_Guide_Sept_2021_Embracing_Possibility.docx
Soul Matters for June 2021
Soul_Matters_-_People_of_Play_-_June_2021.docx
Soul_Matters_-_People_of_Play_resources_-_complete.docx
Game_Options_for_People_of_Play.docx
Soul Matters for May 2021
Soul_Matters_Stories_May_2021.docx
Soul Matters for April 2021
Soul_Matters_-_Becoming_-_April_2021.docx
Soul Matters for March 2021
Soul_Matters_-_Commitment_-March_2021.docx
Soul Matters for February 2021
Soul_Matters_-_Beloved_Community_Feb_2021.docx
Soul Matters for Jan 2021
Soul_Matters_Imagination_Jan_2021.docx
Soul Matters for December 2020
Soul_Matters_Stillness_Dec_2020.docx
Soul Matters for November 2020
Soul_Matters_Healing_Nov_2020.docx
Soul Matters for October 2020
Soul_Matters_Deep_Listening_October2020.docx
Soul Matters for September 2020
Topics
You may adapt these topics to your needs. Please give the original author credit in whatever adapted materials you develop and share.
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