Covenant Groups
If you’d like to develop deeper relationships among fellow UUCSF members, Covenant Groups are the way to do it. We are small facilitated groups of people, usually eight to ten, who meet on a regular basis, once or twice a month, to have productive conversations about a variety of topics. The idea is to develop nourishing relationships to foster growth, learning and spirituality. We consider ourselves small group ministries.
Groups are organized according to shared interests and activities and range from women’s topics, writing, reading/movies, issues on aging, caregivers, and open topic – a variety of conversational ideas. We are eager to get a men’s group up and running again.
Covenant Groups provide a safe place to explore core values as well as meaningful topics. We welcome new members to groups and new ideas for additional groups. If you are interested in joining an existing group or starting and facilitating a new one, we’d love to have you. Group facilitators meet monthly to share ideas and help each other grow and strengthen their groups.
We’d be happy to talk with you about Covenant Groups, suggest a group that might be of interest to you, or help you start a new one. For more information, please contact Nancy Burgas This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Covenant Group Sunday
We recently held Covenant Group Sunday which provided everyone an opportunity to meet the people involved with our various groups and explore the possibility of joining an existing group or starting a new one.
Here are some quotes from people already in a Covenant Group:
"I have recently joined the Caregiver's Covenant Group. Because of a recent period of caring for my husband following his illness, I found the Covenant Group a very reassuring experience. I could sense that group members understood my feelings and my needs. Their ideas and comforting thoughts helped sustain me."
"I joined the Reading for Growth (now Reading/Movie group) Covenant Group about four years ago and have enjoyed it very much. I have friends that I love and have read many books that are meaningful. And I have seen more movies than I would have on my own and enjoyed them. Our discussions are always interesting and full of humor while having a serious side if pertinent."
"Our Issues on Aging Covenant Group consists of intelligent active Senior Citizens with a wide variety of interests and talents. We care for each other and give assistance and support when needed. We have our serious moments; however, we believe that laughter is the best therapy."
"The Open Topic Covenant Group never runs short of interesting subject matter. Each member has frequent opportunity to select the topic to be explored, and the explorations range from broad and philosophical to deeply personal and emotional. Among the many results is a more deeply-rooted friendship among members of the group."
"I believe in Covenant groups! Over the years, I've started one, been a member of several, and right now I'm co-facilitating the Write On Covenant Group. I think Covenant Groups are good for our church -- they're good for us -- small, caring and supportive groups who come together to grow in spirit, around a common interest or cause. They make church more personal, and provide a vehicle through which we can contribute to our congregation. Here's the covenant statement from the writing group: “This Writing Group builds spiritual growth and personal relationships through discussing our individual writings.” And - we do! Sharing personal writings is a great way to get to know each other on a deep level. And, we have a great time. Also, we did a Sunday service 2 years ago -- some of you may remember. So - Covenant Groups -- join one! Start one!"
"The Women Becoming Covenant Group is a place I feel safe to be honest and open about what is on my mind and heart."
"My Women in Connection Covenant Group is a respite from my busy world, a peaceful place where I can be nourished."
New Covenant Groups for Fall
Hiking for Health is looking for members to participate in a Covenant Group that will take easy hikes together. For more information contact Joan Farnum at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
We are happy to announce yet another new Covenant Group is forming. This group will focus on Dreams and will be led by Rev. Gary Kowalski. Gary has led similar groups on dreams in and is looking forward to getting this group up and running as soon as possible. You will be asked to record your dreams and then share them and see what insights can be gained. The group will meet every two weeks and the schedule will be determined by the members. Please contact him This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to express your interest or see Roberta Shaw in the office.
The new Covenant Group Meeting the Challenge of Chronic Illness meets for the first time on Tuesday, September 7 at 1:30 in the library, with openings available. Please contact Phyllis Arlow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or attend the first meeting.
On Sunday, September 12, Covenant Group facilitators and members will staff tables with sign-up sheets under the portal before and after both services. Stop by if you’re interested in any group or would like to start and lead a new group.
UUCSF COVENANT GROUPS 2010-2011
Building Your Own Theology, Facilitator: Angela Merkert
Within a community context, the participants will create their own personal “credo statement” which reflects their own religious beliefs and values. They will also explore and develop beliefs concerning some of the key issues in religious inquiry: human nature, ultimate reality and ethics as well as look at one’s own religious history and the history of Unitarian Universalism. Meeting Time/Frequency: Mondays, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Library. Status: OPEN
Meeting the Challenges fo Chronic Illness, Facilitator: Phyllis Arlow
Exploring the challenges of long term illness for all who are dealing with these conditions. Meeting Time/Fequency: 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, from 1:30 to 3 at UUCSF. Status: OPEN
Poetry Group, Facilitator: Linda Whittenberg
Reading and writing (?) poetry, and exploring the value of poetry in our lives. Meeting Time/Frequency: 1st and 3rd Mondays at 2:00 to 4:00 at UUCSF (Beginning Sept. 20). Status: OPEN
Women In Connection, Facilitator: Sally Sabo
Women are masters of keeping the world in connection, particularly in their families and communities—sometimes to our own detriment. Our group will focus on the important tasks of our own growth and becoming, as we relate to our families, our world, and those issues important to us personally and as members of the larger community. Members will strive to be empathic and supportive of each other’s concerns. The more we connect the more we become–it's a life-long journey. Come join us. Meeting Time/Frequency: Monthly, 4th Tuesday, 7:00 p.m. at UUCSF Library. Status: OPEN
Issues On Aging, Faciitator: Yvonne Hayes
A mixed gender group begun after an adult education class by the same title. We meet bi-weekly for support and fellowship.
Meeting Time/Frequency: Bi-Monthly, at UUCSF Library10 to noon. Status: OPEN
Open Topic, Facilitator: Nancy Burgas; Co-Facilitator: Meeting Host/Hostess
A mixed gender open-topic covenant group that allows for a wide diversity of conversations without being limited to a single line of thought. Focusing on one topic at each meeting provides a rich environment in which topics arise from what is currently foremost in people’s minds and lives, rather than focusing on a prescribed topic for the entire duration of the group’s existence.
Meeting Time/Frequency: Second Wednesday each month, 7-9 p.m. Status: OPEN
Men's Odyssey, Facilitator: Doug Stewart and George Simon
Odyssey: A long wandering or voyage usually marked by many changes of fortune; an intellectual or spiritual wander or quest…one, two, or three day retreats are held twice each year for men willing to share aspects of their personal odysseys. Men who have attended a retreat are invited to attend additional informal monthly meetings at which specific life questions are addressed.
Meeting Time/Frequency: Once or twice annually, as scheduled. Status: OPEN
Women Becoming, Facilitator: Joan Farnum
Change is a life long reality. As we age, changes of monumental proportions are sometimes thrust upon us. Our group seeks to become a safe haven where our members can process these changes and find the courage to build and rebuild our lives. We stive to be empathic listeners and to treat each other with sensitivity and respect. Beyond our regular meetings, we offer support to our members during trying times.
Meeting Time/Frequency: Twice Monthly. Status: WAIT LIST
Write On! Facilitator: Maurice Webster; Co-facilitator: Jill Cowley,
This writing group builds spiritual growth and personal relationships through discussing our individual writings. We choose an optional topic to write on for the following meeting; however, members may write on any topic they wish. Occasionally, we ‘free write’ at the meeting.
Meeting Time/Frequency: 2nd and 4th Saturdays from 1:30 to 3:30 at a member’s home. Status: OPEN
Reading For Growth, Facilitator: Evelyn Cole
A mixed gender group which (usually) meets in the UUCSF library. We support each other by sharing thoughts and feelings, and through exploration of books and films chosen by the group. We seek a greater understanding of people, places and times. Meeting Time/Frequency: 2nd and last Tuesdays at 4 p.m. Status: OPEN
Caregiver/Grief Support Group, Facilitator: Nancy Malmuth
Provides support and information to those who are caretaking. The Caregiver Covenant Group now includes support for those with grief and loss issues. Nancy Malmuth, the group’s coordi- nator, considers the inclusion of grief and loss issues a natural outgrowth of the work that is taking place with caregivers. Meeting Time/Frequency: Bi-monthly first and third Thursdays at 4pm in UUCSF Library. Status: OPEN
