COVENANT GROUPS
Convenant Groups are open to both men and women who are members, friends or currently attending UUCV activities or services. If you are interested in articulating your thoughts, being heard, deeply listening to others and engaging in quality conversation, consider signing up for a Covenant Group. There is a maximum of 8 participants plus 2 trained facilitators in each group so it is important that participants make attendance a priority.
New groups usually start in October and conclude in May. Groups meet 2 hours, twice a month.
Group 1: 1st and 3rd Monday’s, 1:30-3:30 PM. Meets in Ventura
Group 2: 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s, 1:00-3:00PM in the Green Room
Group 3: 2nd and 4th Wednesday’s, 3:00-5:00 in the Green Room
NOTE: This year we are planning to meet in person, however, as needed we may also meet on Zoom for a portion of the year.
What is a Covenant Group?
“A covenant group is a small relational group… who meet regularly to establish and nurture themselves in their own beloved community. Covenant groups provide an opportunity for group members to build strong relationships with each other and with the larger organization of which the small group is a part.
Covenant groups encourage people to talk, learn, work and play together over time. Members may tell their life stories, offer support, and engage in work to serve the larger community. Covenant groups offer expanding opportunities for growth, caring and connection within a congregation. Covenant groups offer caring affiliative networks, mutual responsibility, leadership opportunities, and a way for people to build and strengthen their communities.
In a covenant group, people experience a relational individuality that affirms the inherent worth and dignity of every person. People experience themselves and each other as part of the interdependent web of existence of which we are all a part. Together, people establish communities that embody the values of justice, democracy and human dignity. Each person is treated equitably. Each has a voice and is heard. And each person is respected for his or her own intrinsic humanity. The defining purpose of a covenant group is to bring people into right relationship with each other and with the larger world.”
CONTACT: Pam Waldron Please indicate which group you are interested in and include your 2nd choice in case your 1st choice is full.
Program or Activity Information Request
“The first time I heard about UUCV Covenant Group meetings, I couldn’t imagine myself ever being a participant in one: A small group, meeting off-site, a couple of times a month, several months in a row, to share, in a facilitated manner, more deeply with one another. I figured it was something people who knew each other well and knew the answers to life’s questions did. Now I’m becoming a seasoned member of Covenant Group practice and find it life-affirming. With no “crosstalk” or “fixing” we are able, as we are moved to do so, to speak into our small gathering, knowing we are perfectly safe doing so. Sometimes just observing and listening to the experiences of others is enough. It’s good to be together (and there are generally snacks). At the end of each session I have new points of connection, insight into living more fully, and by our sharing, the awesome reminder that we are not alone. When Covenant Groups begin again this fall, I encourage you to find one on a day of the week and time of day that works for you.” Carolyn Briggs
“One of the things that so impressed me with this church was the many small groups offered. From men’s and women’s groups, book clubs, adult religious education, exercise and even hobby groups. So how do Covenant Groups differ from all the other small groups? Covenant Groups are led by trained co-facilitators. Working from a monthly theme and within a structured format, they will bring in related readings and offer thought provoking questions. By allowing space for contemplation, participants are able to articulate their thoughts as well as listen clearly to others. Being deeply heard is something that rarely happens, but is beautiful when it does.” Gina Norstedt