Covenant Groups
Small Group Ministry at HUU

HUU has an active covenant group program currently involving 25-30 participants.  Covenant groups, usually made up of 6-10 HUU members or friends, meet once a month to discuss a single, broad topic.  Discussion is based on personal experience (as opposed to assigned readings or books) and is facilitated by trained leaders.  Learning to listen and to know others on a deeper level are two primary goals of the groups.

Most groups will welcome new members at any time of year, group size permitting.  Those interested in joining a group for the first time or switching groups should contact one of the facilitators listed below: 

Please know that groups determine their own meeting locations.  If you would like to attend any CG session, please contact the group’s facilitator for current meeting information.

What is a typical Covenant Group meeting like?

Typical Covenant Group meetings last two hours and are led by trained cofacilitators. Meetings begin with a chalice-lighting, a check-in by participants, and a reading that introduces the session topic. Group members are then invited to share topicrelated life stories that help members understand each other. The meeting ends with a checkout, a closing reading and extinguishing of the chalice.

How does a Covenant Group differ from Religious Education?

Traditionally, Religious Education involves discussing viewpoints and ideas. Covenant Groups build relationships by sharing experiences. In Religious Education, debate and argument can dominate, often at the expense of building relationships. In Covenant Groups, each person’s life story is valued as a unique source of truth and meaning.

What responsibilities do members have?

Group members are expected to attend all Covenant Group meetings except when out-of-town or in cases of personal emergency. They are encouraged to participate openly in discussions, listen actively when others speak, and abide by the group’s covenant.

Goals of the Covenant Group Program 

• Deepen and broaden connections 
• Build empathy and trust 
• Share life stories

How do I enroll in a Covenant Group?

Contact one of the Covenant Group Facilitators:

• Linda Dove
• Les Grady
• Joni Grady
• David Lane 
• Grayson Sless
• Merle Wenger

Additional Information

• Young, Small, Lay-Led, and Covenant Groups Too?  Background and History