If you are still thinking of joining a group at some point this year, perhaps some comments from those who have joined a group could sway your decision. One new member and three returning members to the program provided these reasons for joining:
“I'm hoping to explore my spirituality at a deeper level and to connect with a community on a deeper level as well. This past year (moving across the world and back) has been a confusing time and I'm seeking clarity and balance.”
-- Tamra Sami
"It's a small group and we get to know each other quite well. It provides a little more in-depth exposure to other people's ideas and opinions, which is interesting and can shape my views."
-- Phil Runge
"There are times in life when you want to feel unique and times when you don't -- when it's quite painful. As you go through this process with all the different topics and you listen to everybody else's perspective, you realize that they deal with the same issues, but their solutions may be different. It leaves you with a very good and a very whole feeling."
-- Herb Bartlett
"I've participated in four different [covenant] groups and probably gotten to know 25 people in a way you don't get a chance to do on Sundays when everything is goal directed."
Those who were facilitators bring their own perspectives as to why they agreed to take on that role:
“I wanted to contribute to the Covenant Group program because it has been so worthwhile to me personally in the past.”
-- Hannah Truitt
“I am looking forward to the opportunity to meet new people and deepen relationships with others, while exploring our differences and similarities as we travel our spiritual journeys together.”
-- Theresa Ramsay-Clark
“I enjoyed being a facilitator last year and knew that I would definitely want to be a member of a covenant group again this year. Since being a facilitator is such an easy step to take, I readily agreed to do it again. ”
-- Sandra Mumford