Fellowship Circles
In today’s world, people are looking for community and meaning, and in their searching they often turn to churches. How can we respond to the needs of both long-term members and newcomers in our congregations? The development of covenant groups is one response. A covenant group is a type of small relational group. It is a voluntary gathering of people who come together for a common purpose. What unites the members is a desire for connection with others and a deeper spiritual connection in their lives. They are committed to a shared responsibility to make the group work. Many people in congregations are discovering the power and joy of covenant groups. In a covenant group, people talk, learn, work, play, laugh and cry together. The central concern in a covenant group is the depth and quality of human contacts among members. Members of the covenant groups minister to each other through their relationships in their groups. They support each other through the ups and downs, life transitions, challenges, and joys which life brings. In fact, what transpires in a covenant group is lay ministry. -- Rev. M’ellen Kennedy (adapted) What follows is a twelve-session series for covenant groups (known at UUFR as Fellowship Circles) which has been developed by Rev. Tom Rhodes. This series is based on a concept introduced in the UUA’s curriculum created by Rev. Barbara Hamilton-Holway. Each session consists of a chalice lighting and other readings, optional music, and a series of quotes around a particular topic which are designed to stimulate both laughter and serious conversation. It is recommended that new groups begin with the first three sessions, but following with the third session the topics may be approached in any order. Established groups are encouraged to start with the third session, on Friendship. Each of the sessions has a similar format:
Set-up should be fairly simple. Put 10 to 12 chairs in a circle, so all can see each other. Put a small table with candle or chalice in the center and have a CD player or boom-box with a 2 to 3 minute selection of quiet music for the opening. Name tags should be available for the first two or three sessions. Facilitators are encouraged to share leadership throughout each session. Following the opening, each session begins with a check-in. Each session has a question which should be answered in no more than two or three minutes. One of the facilitators should model check-in by going first. A good way to keep track of time is for a person next to the speaker to hold a watch with a second hand. At 2 minutes, they quietly hand the watch to the speaker, who then has 30 seconds to finish his/her thoughts. Following a moment of silence for the group to process what has just been said, the next person may begin speaking for 2 minutes, at which time they will be handed the watch. Following check-in, the session should proceed as outlined in each individual lesson plan below. Please note that sessions 3-10 include specific suggestions for recorded music and that the lyrics are included in the session plan. The music itself is available online via iTunes, Rhapsody or other service, and the lyrics may be shared so that participants can follow along. If you don’t have access to the specific songs, others may be substituted.
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