Covenant Groups at First Parish Church of Weston

In 2000, we introduced Covenant Groups as a way to help strengthen the connections between members of the First Parish community. Covenant Groups are small groups of people who meet regularly to explore spiritual issues together. Covenant Groups nurture community by providing an opportunity for First Parish members to get to know each other better in an informal setting. We received a very enthusiastic response from last year’s participants and are expanding the number of Covenant Groups offered this year.

What are Covenant Groups?

Covenant Groups are small gathering of 8-10 members who agree to meet regularly (at least monthly) throughout a one year period to share their spiritual exploration and growth, and develop deeper personal relationships with each other. Groups usually choose to meet on a set day each month. Members often take turns hosting the meetings.

Each Covenant Group is convened by a facilitator appointed by the Senior Church Committee to serve in that role. It is important to note; however, that the group as a whole decides its own program, as well as choosing their own discussion topics. Some read books or parts of books. Often an article, short story, sermon, or a topic for reflection is the theme for the meeting.

For more information on Covenant Groups in general, there is a link to the Southwest UU Conference website where you can find newsletters edited by Rev. Bob Hill on the topic of Covenant Groups (aka Small Group Ministry or Meta-church Groups).
The address is www.swuuc.org; click on "Rev. Bob Hill’s Page."

Who typically participates in a Covenant Group?

A diverse group of First Parish members have joined covenant groups. There is a range of ages; there are those who are working and not currently working, or retired; there are long term FPC members as well as those new to the church.
Why do people join covenant groups?

Membership in a Covenant Group provides an excellent opportunity for building fellowship and for getting to know members of the First Parish community at a deeper level. In our fast-paced lives, many of us do not have or take the time to reach out and make connections. Covenant Groups provide an opportunity for growth through both spiritual exploration and through building relationships, in an informal setting, with other First Parish members.

What happens at a typical covenant group meeting?

The format of a typical covenant group meeting includes:

What have people who have participated in Covenant Groups said about their experiences?

"It’s a very good way to get to know other parish members on a more personal basis–to really connect with them and begin an ongoing relationship. Everyone is a valued member with opportunities to speak and share views and receive mutual, caring responses."

"One gets to know the others in the group in a very special way. When we meet one another at church or just in passing there is a different look and feeling–a closer feeling of friendship."

"The meeting structure, format and time constraints allowed for everyone to interact and be heard."

"A very positive experience. An excellent way to meet people in the church. A great cross-section of ideas and opinions."

How can I get more information about covenant groups?

If you have any further questions about Covenant Groups at First Parish Church, please direct them to "covenant@firstparishweston.org."