Groups began meeting in October 2007

Our new small discussion groups are open to church members and friends of TUC, so please invite your friends, relatives, neighbors. For more info about signing up call Estelle at 708-386-7197. Download Signup form.

TUC’s new Covenant Circles began meeting in October, 2007. Most groups meet once a month from October to June, 2007. Groups will accept new members through December. In fall 2008 group members can switch to a new group if they wish. So far about 30 TUC members and friends joined 4 groups and there is room for more people to join.

The focus of each meeting is any topic, reading or activity that serves as a springboard into reflection on deeper issues of who we are and what gives our lives meaning. The content of a Covenant Circle is always secondary to opportunities for deepening relationships among group members and will be decided by the group members collectively. Although some groups choose specific themes for their focus, others prefer to focus on whatever is currently significant in their lives. Group members may take turns bringing in questions, sharing an essay/poem or guiding a spiritual practice.

You may attend a meeting of more than one group to help you decide which one is right for you. Latecomers may join existing groups to a maximum of 12 people, or start new groups. A study group, using short readings as a focus, was offered but didn’t get the required minimum of 6 people. The currently running group are:

General group: discussion is open to any topic the members choose (Two groups: Sunday afternoon and Sunday evening)

Spirituality group: discussion focused around spirituality topics (Sunday)

Yoga group: yoga practice followed by discussion (Saturday morning twice a month)

Small groups are for deeper sharing

People with a passion for a just and peaceful world are living in stressful times. We need a safe and supportive place to discuss our visions of hope, our anxieties about the future, as well as our families, our church and our relationships. It’s through our relationships that our vision is widened and our strength renewed.

Many other UU churches have used small discussion groups to successfully grow and strengthen their congregations. Unity Temple in Oak Park has a very successful program called “Chalice Circles” that has been running for several years. Other UU churches in Chicagoland have "Covenant Groups".

Inner Peace World Peace (IPWP) is an interfaith discussion group that has been meeting weekly at First United Church of Oak Park since 2001. Each small group has its own focus and character as defined by its members. IPWP has studied nonviolent communication extensively as a solution to global problems and as a guide to personal relationships.

Discussion groups are pen to long-time TUC members, new members and friends who are seeking deeper sharing and connection. When there is at least 6 people a group can start meeting at a time and location mutually convenient to its members. Others may join until the group reaches 12 members. Those interested in being in a small discussion group should contact Estelle Carol (708-386-7197) or the church office.

Guidelines for running TUC Covenant Circles

The format of successful small groups share a few basics like a commitment to attend and a chance for everyone in the group to share opinions in a safe environment of trusted friends. The character and expectations for each discussion group are decided by its members in a “covenant” based on guidelines provided by the UU “Small Group Ministry.” The suggested format for TUC Covenant Circles is as follows:

• 2 hours in length

• Monthly meetings with a commitment to attend at least 6-9 months. Groups can choose to meet more often.

• Each member will take a turn to do an opening and closing inspirational reading from a poem, book, article, or of their own composition

• A minimum of 6 members and maximum of 12 members. The group will be open to new members until the maximum is reached.

• Topics of discussion are diverse and can include issues in the news, a problem at home or work, a favorite book or article, a life stage transition issue, a TUC issue, a spirituality or values issue, a parenting issue

• Some of the meeting time should be devoted to a “check-in” session where everyone in the circle has the opportunity to offer a comment, raise a topic of discussion or ask for advice on a problem.

• Individual meetings can either be led by a member on a theme, OR can be spontaneous and “free-wheeling” based on comments made during the check-in.

• The group should not serve as a “support group” for people with longstanding and serious emotional and addiction problems

• The group will decide on something to contribute to the life of TUC

• Each group should help find babysitting options for parents who want to attend the same group. Parents with similar childcare needs could work together.

• Location can be at the church or at a member’s home, whichever meets the needs of the group members

Additional resources

Here are some articles that providce more details on Small Group Ministry from various UU sources.

“We’re All in This Together,” a sermon at TUC on April 30, 2006 by Ms. Dori Davenport, Religious Education and Congregational Growth Consultant of the UUA’s Central Midwest District

"The Joys and Challenges of Small Groups," by Donald E. Skinner, UU magazine

"Unraveling Small Group Ministry and Covenant Groups," by Peter Bowden, UU magazine

Excerpts from "A Small Group Ministry Resource Book," by Rev. Calvin O. Dame

"Elements of Small Groups Ministry," an excerpt from the book "The Complete Guide to Small Group Ministry: Saving the World Ten at a Time" by Rev. Robert L. Hill.

"Belonging: The Meaning of Membership," an excerpt from the report from the UU Commission on Appraisal

"Small Group Ministry Network" is part of the national UU website.