The mission of covenant groups at UUFVB is: to establish small, intimate discussion groups in which members not only share their own views and experiences, but also learn how others frame their lives in terms of important ideas and issues. Through intentional listening, respectful confidentiality, and faithful attendance, participants will discover ways to minister to each other and to the Fellowship as a whole.

Covenant groups are a vital part of our Unitarian Universalist congregation. The groups are not for those who seek therapy, intellectual debate, or a social gathering .

Through a year-long commitment or longer, guided by trained facilitators, groups of around 10 participants build deep connections with one another. They are great places to get to know other people, and to get to know yourself. Group members set their own ground rules and learn new ways of being together without making judgements or corrections. Groups are coordinated by trained facilitators, and each group covers the same topic each month.

In addition to connecting during monthly discussions, members are encouraged to participate in a service project with their group during the year.

Groups remain connected via Zoom when meeting in person is not possible. Staying connected is the soil that keeps the covenant process thriving.

Open enrollment for covenant groups occurs each year in November. There are groups that meet year-round and others that meet seasonally. Enrollment in a covenant group is also available throughout the year by contacting the chair of the Covenant Group Steering Committee (see contact info below). Both daytime and evening groups are available. Enrollment is open to UU Members and friends and is free to join. If you are new to UUFVB or for any reason think that you would like to become a participant, the next section will help you discover ways of connecting to get you started.

The following members of the Covenant Groups Steering Committee would enjoy connecting with you to learn more about covenant groups or how to join a group:

Ginger Heller at  ggheller@gmail.com (772-205-0045)

or Lisa Turano at  LisaTurano@gmail.com

Addressing individual preferences for meeting times and days is important. For this reason, if you are interested in joining a Covenant Group, see below to download an enrollment form. Please deliver the completed form to the Covenant Group mailbox in the UUFVB office. You will be contacted.  

Brochures on the Covenant Groups program are available on the racks outside the main office at UUFVB. These include topics that will be discussed between January and December.