Take aways may include: remembering the essence of our reasons for covenanting

Parameters: works best for groups that have some experience in faith formation to identify values.

Materials: scratch paper and a writing surface, newsprint, writing utensils. Art supplies for the variation.

Our covenants are sacred promises. By “sacred,'' we mean that which we hold aside as special, elevated, venerated; sacrosanct. A sacred promise is one dedicated to a divine purpose--a purpose of ultimate concern for you.

Participants will consider and share about their values as a basis for creating a covenant of how they wish to be together. Using the reflection questions, offer options about how to get into the questions - individual time to think or choosing a partner to explore first thoughts with. Participants can then share to the whole group, identifying their first thoughts for each of the questions. Consider working with one question at a time so that participants can explore each aspect that will inform the covenant they create.

Reflection Questions:

1. What values do you hold dear? What shared values do we want to affirm?
2. What promises can we make about how we will be together? How can we, as a group, be about the journey and not just the destination? Sometimes, the destination is important, but it matters how we get there. Can we be flexible? Can we embrace a spirit of adventure and experimentation? Can we be gentle with each other?
3. Finally, let’s talk about purpose. We know what we believe, and how we want to be with each other. But to what ends? Why are we here in this community together? What commitments, grounded in our values, do we make to each other and to the world?

Variation: Could include collage or art materials to help guide exploration of values for those who find better expression through visual imagery.