Give Us This Day ...

Group Covenant

As a learning community of Christian people, we pledge to…

*Faithfully prepare for each seminar by reading the assigned textbook chapters, researching unanswered questions as much as possible, and doing advance work for the common lessons as needed.

*Share with each other what we learn about the Bible, church history, theology, spirituality, liturgy and ministry.

*Attend the seminar regularly (You must attend 90% of classes to receive credit for the course).

*Inform the mentors in advance of unavoidable, planned absences or any last minute, unplanned absences.

*Arrive on time (7 p.m. sharp) and participate through the end of the seminar (unless there is a personal emergency or one becomes sick).  We will end promptly at 9:30 p.m.

*Keep in confidence what we learn about one another during the seminar.

*Approach scripture and tradition with an attitude of both respect and critical inquiry.

*Ask questions whenever necessary.

*Respect the diversity of one another’s experiences and positions without condemnation.

*Participate in group discussions with courtesy toward all members.  We will avoid jumping to off-topic subjects (frogging), dominating the discussion (hogging), or staying on a topic too long (dogging).  Those of us who are naturally talkative will restrain ourselves while those of us who are not naturally talkative will contribute more.  We will listen attentively to one another. 

*Work through any conflicts openly and lovingly, with the goal of forgiveness and reconciliation.